LINDY HOP

WEDNESDAY · ART DECO 1 · UPSIDE DOWN

The original swing dance — joyful, improvised, and built on real musical connection.

REGISTER FOR SEP 2026 ↓

What is Lindy Hop?

Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, born in Harlem in the 1920s and 30s alongside jazz music. It's a partner dance built on improvisation, playfulness, and a deep relationship with the music. Upside Down's approach is accessible and grounded in the historical roots — classes build social dancing skills alongside technique, with the "Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows" principle keeping everything open to everyone.

Free trial week · 14–19 September
Drop in to any class, no registration needed — subject to availability
Upside Down
Upside Down is a Ghent-based organisation that, in addition to organising many swing, jazz and blues events and festivals, spreads its passion for these dance cultures at Shoonya. Classes are accessible and playful, aimed at developing social connection, sense of community, improvisation, personal expression and sense of rhythm. Thanks to the Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows principle, anyone can participate.
Sep Vermeersch
Ghent, Belgium
Sep is a Ghent-based dancer, active as a teacher, versatile artist, MC, DJ and artistic director at Upside Down. His excellent reputation reaches far beyond the borders. Thanks to his great passion for the historical background of dance cultures, and an inexhaustible creativity, he knows how to move young and old.
📷 Juls Sobron
Leni Denorme
Leni is an experienced and passionate teacher of swing dance, known for her commitment to the swing community in Ghent. She knows how to inspire dancers from diverse backgrounds in a playful and accessible way. Besides teaching, Leni never tires from organizing and performing within the scene as part of Upside Down.
📷 Robyn Coggans
Ann-Sofie Van Enis
An eternal student, Ann-Sofie likes to delve into the history of jazz music and dance, sharing her learning in each class. She introduces everyone to musicality and personal expression in an approachable way. In addition to teaching, she organizes events and projects for Upside Down.
📷 Leyla Hesna

Levels & registration

Sep 14 – Jan 30Semester
16 sessionsClasses
Wed eveningsSchedule
2 levelsLevels
Level 1
No experience needed. Start here.
Beginners welcome
Foundation is the entry point to Lindy Hop at Shoonya. No experience needed — the class builds from scratch: the pulse, the basic footwork patterns, and the connection between lead and follow. Following Upside Down's Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows principle, both roles are taught from day one.
WhenWednesday 18:45–19:45
WhereArt Deco 1
TeacherAnn-Sofie Van Enis & Sep Vermeersch · Leni Denorme
Duration60 min
16 sessions · Sep–Jan · see all dates
Wed 16 SepWed 23 SepWed 30 SepWed 7 OctWed 14 OctWed 21 OctWed 28 OctWed 11 NovWed 18 NovWed 25 NovWed 2 DecWed 9 DecWed 16 DecWed 13 JanWed 20 JanWed 27 Jan
€198
Full
€175
Student / 2+
€39.6
UiTPAS −80%
Register →
Level 2
Prior experience needed
Open is for dancers who have completed Foundation or have equivalent social dance experience. The focus moves to developing personal style, musicality, and the improvisational vocabulary that makes every dance feel unique. Both roles are always welcome.
WhenWednesday 19:45–21:00
WhereArt Deco 1
TeacherAnn-Sofie Van Enis & Sep Vermeersch · Leni Denorme
Duration75 min
16 sessions · Sep–Jan · see all dates
Wed 16 SepWed 23 SepWed 30 SepWed 7 OctWed 14 OctWed 21 OctWed 28 OctWed 11 NovWed 18 NovWed 25 NovWed 2 DecWed 9 DecWed 16 DecWed 13 JanWed 20 JanWed 27 Jan
€231
Full
€204
Student / 2+
€46.2
UiTPAS −80%
Register →

Spring 2026 classes still running — view the spring schedule →

UPCOMING EVENTS
Shoonya Opendeurdag | Gratis Dans Proeflessen
Jun 14
Shoonya Opendeurdag | Gratis Dans Proeflessen
Dance & Yoga Summer Retreat in the South of France
Jul 4
Dance & Yoga Summer Retreat in the South of France

Practical

What to wear

Comfortable, form-fitting dancewear. Appropriate dance shoes or socks.

What to bring

Comfortable clothing • Dance shoes or shoes with a smooth sole • A bottle of water • A towel to wipe off sweat

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