Registration for autumn 2026 courses opens July 25 at 12:00 and closes August 30 at 21:00

Link to register will be added to this page.

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

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

Come and dance Lindy Hop and Balboa 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. The discount applies to full-season courses. NB! Lindy Hop beginners course for students at a price of 99 €!

• If participating in more than one course, the additional course costs 45 € (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 2026

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

• Beginners

• Intermediate Beginners

• Intermediate Advanced / Advanced

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.

beginners, LINDY HOP

Time: Wednesdays at 17:30–18:45 (11 classes in total, 75 min per class)
Place: Kaijonharju Youth Centre (Kalevalantie 5, 90570 Oulu)
Teachers: Anni Heikkinen & Milja Virtanen
Classes: September 9 – November 25, 2026 (No classes October 21, 2026)
Price: Early Bird price 135 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! NB! For students the price is 99 €! 140 € regular price / 130 € for unemployed and pensioners (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). The course fee can be paid in two installments upon request.

DESCRIPTION

The goal of the Beginners level is to learn the essential skills needed for social dancing. The main focus is on developing connection with a partner in both open and closed positions. During the course, we will learn the basic 6- and 8-count rhythms and patterns using groove steps and triple steps. We will also incorporate simple jazz steps into our dancing. In the autumn, we will begin learning the Shim Sham solo routine and continue working on it in the spring.

No previous experience in Lindy Hop or any other dance style is required, as the teaching starts from the very basics. The beginners course provides an excellent foundation for continuing with the hobby.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

INTERMEDIATE beginners, LINDY HOP

Time: Thursdays at 19:30–20:45 (11 classes in total, 75 min per class)
Place: Kisakentän päiväkoti (Kisakenttä daycare center) (Koskitie 9, 90500 Oulu)
Teachers: Ilpo Sjöman & Outi Atkin
Classes: September 9 – December 3, 2026 (No classes September 24 and October 22, 2026)
Price: Early Bird price 135 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! 140 € regular price / 130 € for students, unemployed and pensioners (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). The course fee can be paid in two installments upon request.

DESCRIPTION

Intermediate Beginners level is intended for dancers who already know the fundamentals of Lindy Hop. You have attended weekly classes at the Beginner/Improvers levels for at least one year in total. You are familiar with the basic footwork patterns (groove steps, triple steps, and kick steps) and key figures such as the swing out, lindy circle, and side-by-side Charleston. You are comfortable dancing with a partner and feel confident attending Lindy Hop socials and events.

At the Intermediate Beginners level, we focus on dancing the core Lindy Hop patterns with solid technique while developing personal style. We also practice listening to and expressing the structure, dynamics, and changes in swing music. In addition, we explore jazz movements characteristic of Lindy Hop and learn how to use them to bring more variety to our dancing. Throughout the course, dancers become familiar with the international English terminology used in Lindy Hop.

You are ready to move to the Intermediate beginners level once you have mastered the material covered in the Beginner/Improvers courses and feel prepared to take the next step in your dancing.

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

INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED/advanced, LINDY HOP

Time: Tuesdays at 18:00–19:30 (11 classes in total, 90 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 3 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teacher: Rosa Mört
Classes: September 8 – November 24, 2026 (No classes October 20, 2026)
Price: Early Bird price 150 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! 155 € regular price / 145 € for students, unemployed and pensioners (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). The course fee can be paid in two installments upon request.

DESCRIPTION

Theme: Interactive dancing to music

This course for Intermediate-Advanced/Advanced dancers focuses on improving the quality of dance. During the classes, we explore how the non-verbal conversation between partners can become deeper and more expressive. We practice how both roles can suggest ideas to one another and how to make the shared dance flow as naturally as possible. We also work on refining our individual technique to create smoother and more comfortable partner dancing.

In addition, we approach dance from a musical perspective and learn how to adapt our dancing to the music in the most natural way. We explore different tools for musical interpretation and enjoy dancing that fits seamlessly with the music. We also study the fundamentals of music to better understand its structure.

Participants at the Intermediate-Advanced/Advanced level are already experienced Lindy Hop dancers. You have attended Intermediate classes or danced Lindy Hop regularly for several years. You actively participate in socials and may have attended dance camps in Finland or abroad. You are able to vary your dancing rhythmically and have a broad vocabulary of moves and patterns.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

Big apple choreography course

Time: Tuesdays at 19:45–20:45 (6 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 3 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teacher: Rosa Mört
Classes: September 8 – October 13, 2026
Price: Early Bird price 65 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! Regular price 70 € (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). No further discounts on this course.

DESCRIPTION

The Big Apple solo choreography course is designed for anyone who wants to deepen their skills and learn the legendary Big Apple routine, one of the most famous and iconic choreographies in Lindy Hop and swing dancing. The routine is often danced to the Solomon Douglas Quintet version of Big Apple Contest.

During the course, you will learn the fundamentals of the choreography, including its rhythms, movements, and unique style. Fun and community are at the heart of the class, with special emphasis on rhythmic interpretation and the importance of listening to the music while dancing. The Big Apple routine provides an excellent opportunity to develop both your dance skills and your sense of rhythm.

Participants are expected to have at least 2–3 years of intermediate-level dance experience. Familiarity with the Shim Sham and Tranky Doo routines is highly recommended, or alternatively previous solo jazz experience and the ability to learn jazz movements quickly.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

Switching

Time: Tuesdays at 19:45–20:45 (5 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Kulttuuritalo Valve, dance hall 3 (Hallituskatu 7, 90100 Oulu)
Teacher: Rosa Mört
Classes: October 27 – November 24, 2026
Price: Early Bird price 55 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! Regular price 60 € (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). No further discounts on this course.

DESCRIPTION

Smoothly switching between both roles

Have you always wanted to learn to dance Lindy Hop as both a leader and a follower? Now you can! In this class, you'll learn the fundamentals of both roles and practice switching roles smoothly during the dance. We will work on initiating role changes from either role and on communicating them clearly and naturally.

The goal is to make switching effortless and enjoyable. At the same time, we will develop skills in both dance roles and gain confidence and quality in the role that may be less familiar to us.

Participants are expected to have some previous experience dancing in both roles. Recommended level: Intermediate beginners.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

Partner Choreography course

Time: Sundays at 15:15–16:15 (5 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Kisakentän päiväkoti (Kisakenttä daycare center) (Koskitie 9, 90500 Oulu)
Teacher: Ilpo Sjöman & Heidi Granlund
Classes: October 4, 11 & 18 and November 1 & 8, 2026
Price: Early Bird price 55 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! Regular price 60 € (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). No further discounts on this course.

DESCRIPTION

In the Partner Choreography course, we will learn classic partner routines that are an essential part of Lindy Hop culture. These choreographies include, among others, California Routine, First Stops, Second Stops, and Lindy Chorus. The routines can be performed as complete pieces in showcases or their elements can be incorporated into improvised social dancing.

The Autumn 2026 partner choreography course will focus on learning the Lindy Chorus routine.

Participants are expected to have at least one year of dance experience at an Intermediate Beginners level.

The language of instruction is Finnish.

BALBOA DANCE COURSES IN OULU autumn 2026

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.

beginners LEVEL, BALBOA 

Time: Wednesdays at 19:15–20:15 (10 classes in total, 60 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: Vesa Ojala
Classes: September 9 – December 2, 2026 (No classes September 23, October 21 and November 11, 2026)
Price: Early Bird price 95 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! 100 € regular price / 90 € for students, unemployed and pensioners (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). The course fee can be paid in two installments upon request.

DESCRIPTION

This course starts from the very basics and progresses at a pace that suits the group. By the end of the course, participants will know the fundamental Balboa patterns needed to enjoy social dancing and dance comfortably to faster swing music.

No previous experience in Balboa or any other dance style is required, as the teaching begins from the ground up. The beginners course provides an excellent foundation for continuing with the hobby.

INTERMEDIATE /intermediate advanced LEVEL, BALBOA 

Time: Wednesdays at 17:45–19:00 (10 classes in total, 75 min per class)
Place: Koskelan päiväkoti (Koskela daycare center) (Tuulaakitie 3, 90560 Oulu)
Teacher: Vesa Ojala
Classes: September 9 – December 2, 2026 (No classes September 23, October 21 and November 11, 2026)
Price: Early Bird price 115 € when you register by August 16 at 18:00! 100 € regular price / 120 € for students, unemployed and pensioners (+ 18 € membership fee if you haven't paid it for the 2026–2027 season). The course fee can be paid in two installments upon request.

DESCRIPTION

This course is intended for dancers who already know the basics of Balboa. Participants will further develop their fundamental technique in both close embrace (Pure Bal) and open-position dancing (Bal-Swing). A major focus of the course is on building smooth, versatile leading and following skills that are characteristic of the style.

In addition, participants will learn new patterns and variations, as well as ways to interpret the music to add more variety to their dancing. By the end of the course, dancers will be able to enjoy smooth and versatile partner dancing with solid technique. After the course, you'll be able to handle even the fastest swing tunes with style—for example at Lindy Hop social dances.

PARTICIPATE IN SEVERAL COURSES

If you participate in more than one course, the additional course costs only 45 €. The discount is applied to the course with a lower price.

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