Registration for autumn 2025 courses opens july 26th at 12.00 and closes august 31st at 21.00

link to register will be found on this website

Should you have a query on SwingO’s courses, please contact us: swingviini(at)gmail.com

NB! In addition to the weekly courses we organize theme courses.

Come and dance Lindy Hop, Balboa and solo jazz with us! See more information about the courses below.  Membership fee will be added to the course fee unless you have already paid it for the ongoing season. You can also register just as a member, which gives you access to our ‘members only’ events and practice hours.

There are following discounts available:

• 10 € discount for students, unemployed and seniors with an applicable certification

• If participating in more than one course, the additional course costs 40 € (instead of the full price). The discount is applied to the course with a lower price.

We aim to have even pairs on our weekly courses. You can register alone but by registering with a partner you will have a much better chance of getting in. The courses can fill up quickly so make sure to register early.

Please make sure to read our terms and conditions before registering.

LINDY HOP DANCE COURSES IN OULU autumn 2025

Lindy Hop is a partner dance that has its roots in 1930's New York, Harlem. Lindy Hop is often called “the mother of swing dances” as many other swing dances are based on Lindy Hop. Improvisation is a big part of this dance, and it is mostly danced to swing music. Lindy Hop is a fun and laid-back dance that is getting more and more popular all over the world. It is easy to get into Lindy Hop as you can get by with just the basic steps and a few basic moves on the dance floor.

Levels

• Basics / Beginner level

• Intermediate

• Intermediate advanced / Advanced level

• Partner choreography course

Please note that you can participate in the same level for several years in a row since it is important to know the contents required in your level before moving on to the next one. The curriculum of each course also varies every year.

basics / beginner LEVEL, LINDY HOP

Time: Tuesdays at 18.00–19.15 (11 classes in total, 75 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 3 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teacher: Ilpo Sjöman and Irene Räty
Classes: September 9th – December 9th, 2025 (No classes on October 21st, 2025)

DESCRIPTION

On the beginners course you don’t need to know any Lindy Hop or other dances as the course starts from the very basics. Participating in all classes gives you the best start to continue this hobby.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, LINDY HOP

Time: Thursdays at 19.00–20.30 (11 classes in total, 90 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 1 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teachers: Outi Atkin & Ilpo Sjöman
Classes: September 11th – December 11th, 2025 (No classes on October 23rd, 2025)

DESCRIPTION

Those participating in the Intermediate level already know the Lindy Hop basics. You have attended the weekly classes of the Intermediate level course in spring 2025 or danced Lindy Hop weekly for about 1.5 years. You know the basic steps of Lindy Hop (Groove, Triple and Kick steps) and basic moves such as Swing Out, Lindy Circle and Side-by-side Charleston. You know how to dance with a partner and have the courage to participate in Lindy Hop dances and events.

The language of instruction is Finnish, but Outi can help you out in English if needed.

INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED / advanced level, LINDY HOP

Time: Wednesdays at 17.15–18.45 (6 classes in total, 90 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: Anni Heikkinen
Classes: October 29th – December 3rd, 2025

DESCRIPTION

Dancers on intermediate advanced / advanced level are already pretty far in their Lindy Hop dancing. You have participated in classes on intermediate level or danced Lindy Hop weekly for several years. You go to Lindy Hop dances actively and have perhaps participated in workshops in Finland or abroad. You know how to play with rhythms and your dance vocabulary is quite extensive.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

parter choreography course, LINDY HOP

Time: Wednesdays at 17.45–18.45 (5 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: TBA
Classes: September 10th – October 8th, 2025

DESCRIPTION

In the course, we will learn the internationally known California routine. Participation in the course requires at least one year of dance experience at the Intermediate level. More information coming soon!

BALBOA DANCE COURSES IN OULU autumn 2025

Balboa is a swing dance originating from 1920s California, now widely danced around the world. Balboa can be danced in a close embrace (Pure Bal) or in a more open and visually expressive style (Bal-Swing). Its characteristics include a quick, precise rhythm, an upright posture, and a good connection between partners. Balboa is usually danced to fast swing music, making it perfect for the quicker songs of a dance evening and, as a dance that requires little space, particularly well-suited for crowded dance floors.

Levels

• Intermediate

• Intermediate advanced

  
  

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, BALBOA 

Time: Wednesdays at 19.00–20.00 (10 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: Vesa Ojala
Classes: September 10th – December 3rd, 2025 (No classes on October 22nd, 2025)

DESCRIPTION

The course is designed for those who already have a basic understanding of Balboa. It aims to improve fundamental Balboa techniques both in closed position (Pure Bal) and open position (Bal-Swing). Learning smooth and versatile leading and following skills, which are essential for this style, is a key focus of the course. Additionally, the course will cover new moves and variations as well as musical interpretation to enrich the dance experience. The course aims to progress at a reasonably brisk pace, taking into account the skill level of the group. By the end of the course, the goal is to be able to dance with good basic technique, enjoying smooth and varied dances with a partner. After completing the course, you will be able to dance Balboa stylishly even to the fastest swing songs, such as those played at Lindy Hop parties.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

INTERMEDIATE advanced LEVEL, BALBOA 

Time: Wednesdays at 19.00–20.30 (10 classes in total, 90 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: Vesa Ojala
Classes: September 10th – December 3rd, 2025 (No classes on October 22nd, 2025)

DESCRIPTION

In the Intermediate advanced class section, we will deepen the skills learned at the Intermediate level through more challenging variations, musical interpretation, and faster music. The aim is also to incorporate more style-specific quality and precision into the dancing.

(First 60 minutes of the class will be together with the intermediate level.)

solo jazz dance course in oulu autumn 2025

Time: Tuesdays at 19.30–20.45 (11 classes in total, 75 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 3 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teacher: Irene Räty
Classes: September 9th – December 9th, 2025 (No classes on October 21st, 2025)

DESCRIPTION

Solo jazz classes are solo dance lessons where you'll learn movements and choreographies typical of jazz and swing music. These movements are also beneficial for Lindy Hop partner dancing. Rhythm and rhythmic play are central elements of this class, and the dancing can range from free and improvised to set choreographies. Irene bases her teaching on the fundamentals of jazz dance, authentic jazz steps from the 1920s to 1940s, body control, and improvisation.

Solo jazz is an excellent choice for those looking to improve body awareness, choreography memory, personal expression, and improvisation—all of which are valuable skills for partner dancing as well. The course aims to prepare a dance performance or showcase piece, but participation in performances is not required.

PARTICIPATE IN SEVERAL COURSES

If you participate in more than one course, the additional course costs only 40 €. The discount is applied to the course with a lower price.

SwingO reserves the rights to make changes in the course schedule.