Discover Irish dancing in London

Jig and a Swig started as a get together of Jessie’s friends back in 2019. She was keen to create a place in London to share Irish dancing with people who wanted to dance for fun after work, and where people could take their very first steps in adulthood. What started with 16 friends has grown into a community over 400 adults joining weekly, of all backgrounds, abilities and ages. Literally everyone is welcome!

“I haven’t made new friends in a few years out of nerves, and i never thought i would fit right into a new and diverse group of people so easily. It’s like i’ve known some of these people for years!”

Yes! Almost everyone comes on their own. We’ll welcome you introduce you to other dancers, add you to our Whatsapp community, and bring you along for a swig after class, if you want!

No! We specialise in teaching adults from absolute scratch. Most people who join have never danced before.

If you do have some experience, we have specific classes from Progressing Beginners-Advanced so you can ease back in or pick up where you left off!

“It's so refreshing to try something new where the emphasis is having fun and making friends! The beginners classes progress at an easy pace to allow everyone to get on the same page, and there is a pub booking every week after class (and nobody cares if you are drinking or not).”

No! Trainers are perfect for as long as you want, or jazz/tap/ballet shoes. When you’re ready you can get your own Irish dance shoes and we can help! There is no expectation at all, come as you are.

Not at all. We have had people join from 30 different countries so far!

“Experiences like dancing in the St Patrick's Day parade, performing at the London Irish Centre, going to a Beoga gig or watching an Ireland rugby match with other jiggers have allowed me to feel I am welcome and I belong to the Irish community in London, even if I am an outsider, being Italian with no Irish connections.”

We have a talented, friendly and diverse teaching team, some of whom who former world champion dancers and Riverdance cast members, and most started as jiggers in our Advanced classes. Jessie (Jig and a Swig Founder), selects teachers from within the community who are warm, inclusive and share Jig and a Swig’s values, and who have an in-depth knowledge of Irish dancing and inclusive teaching approaches. We host regular teacher training throughout the year so you can expect the same format and warm welcome in every/any class you join!