Swing Riot Dunedin runs a range of different events.
We run some of the top national Swing and Blues dance events in New Zealand. We also run regular workshop weekends and events plus a bunch of great social dancing opportunities that pop up through the year. As well as the events listed below, one-off gigs are posted on our facebook page. All are welcome – join us for a chat and have a dance!
Saturday Workshops with Jethro Hardinge
Saturday 18 October 1:30 - 4:15pm
We’re very fortunate to be visited by Jethro Hardinge as he travels around the country bringing lindy hop to many communities, big and small. Jethro, who as an Otago student taught with Swing Riot, is now a regular feature in Australian and New Zealand swing dance communities, and has taught previously at the Dunedin Swing Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn!
Jethro will be sharing two workshops on Saturday October 18th. The workshops will take place at North East Valley Bowls Club.
Workshop 1 - 1:30-2:30pm Bringing creativity into your Lindy Hop
Workshop 2 - 2:45-4:15pm Social Big Apple
A social big apple is a ‘called’ circle dance that was popular in the 30s and 40s: a sequence of jazz steps led by a ‘caller’. If you are comfortable with the 8 count and 6 count basic rhythms, then these classes are for you!
Normal class passes apply - $10/$12 unwaged/waged, or a clip on a class pass, for each class.
Register Here
Spooktacular Beginners Lindy Hop Social Dance
Friday 31 October, North East Valley Bowls Club 7-9PM
Get ready for a frightfully fun night of swing dancing at our Halloween-themed Lindy Hop Social! Whether you’re brand new to Lindy Hop or already love to social dance, this evening is for you.
What to expect:
- Beginner-friendly dances – no experience or partner needed!
- Spooky games & social fun to keep the energy flowing.
- Prizes for best costumes – so come dressed to impress (the scarier or sillier the better!).
- A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere perfect for first-timers.
- Bring your friends, dress up in your Halloween best, and join us for a night of laughter, dancing, and community.
No tricks, just treats — see you on the dance floor!
Facebook event
Summer Sundays Social Dancing
Sunday dance socials outside at St. Clair Beach are back on!
When? Every second Sunday of the month. Follow our Facebook event for the most up-to-date details.
Where? Right by the sea front, in the semi-circular section in front of the Surf Life Saving Club. Just listen out for the music.Dance with us 3–5pm! 
If it rains, we’ll head indoors.
Dancing on beachfronts actually plays an important part in swing dancing history, and a film clip of dancing at Venice Beach in Los Angeles can be found on Youtube. In this video, dancers are seen dancing on a sandy car park right on the beach front - not completely dissimilar to the part of the Esplanade where we will be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uEbgpvxjfY
Facebook event
