LINDY HOP

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SEP

LENI

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ANN-SOFIE

What is Lindy Hop?

Lindy Hop is an energetic couple dance style born out of African-American jazz culture. Its popularity peaked in the 1930s, when big bands played swing music for dancers. To this day, the playful and expressive nature of the Lindy Hop appeals to many dancers.

Upside Down and its teachers spotlight the connection with each other and the music, improvisation with room for personal style and respect for the roots of this social dance. As guests in the culture, we celebrate Black American values such as creativity, freedom and a sense of community. Everything comes together in a rhythmic game in which your whole body swings along. 

In the beginner series, you will discover your first moves. We practice communicating with your dance partner, developing musicality and a sense of rhythm. In this series you will learn both roles, which means you will lead and follow in class, and be able to dance with everyone. Our instructors create a warm learning environment where the joy of dancing shines through. A social dance, that's guaranteed!

*Lindy Hop classes at Shoonya Dance Centre are organized in collaboration with Upside Down.

What to Bring to Class?

  • Comfortable clothing

  • A bottle of water

  • A napkin to wipe off sweat

UPCOMING EVENTS
Dance & Yoga Summer Retreat in the South of France
Jul 5
Dance & Yoga Summer Retreat in the South of France
Gentse Feesten 2025: Dans met Shoonya!
Jul 18
Gentse Feesten 2025: Dans met Shoonya!
🪩 Shoonya Dance Centre – Free Trial Classes
Sep 14
🪩 Shoonya Dance Centre – Free Trial Classes

SEMESTER 1: SEP 2025 - FEB 2026

A purple infographic calendar for the Lindy Hop class schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year. It shows class dates for September to February, with specific session counts and holiday breaks noted.

LINDY HOP

Level 1
WEDNESDAY 19:45 - 20:55
Studio Ananta 1 (Ground Floor)
€192/ €169 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
16 sessions

Language: EN/NL

Age group: 12+

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UPSIDE DOWN

Upside Down is a Ghent-based organization that, in addition to organizing many swing, jazz and blues events and festivals, is now happy to spread its passion for these dance cultures at Shoonya.

Our classes are accessible and playful, aimed at developing social connection, sense of community, improvisation, personal expression and sense of rhythm.  Technique and fun go hand in hand. 

Thanks to a customizable approach and the Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows principle in our partnered dance classes, anyone can participate. No experience is required - the only requirement is respect for the dance culture and a hearty dose of enthusiasm! Together we set the mood to discover, move and connect. 

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Black and white photo of a man in a pinstripe suit holding a fedora hat, standing outdoors near a column, with a serious expression and slicked-back hair.

SEP VERMEERSCH

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.

Photo Credits: Juls Sobron

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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.

Photo Credits: Robyn Coggans

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A woman with curly hair in a blue blouse and patterned skirt dancing outdoors in front of a concrete wall.

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. 

Photo credits: Leyla Hesna

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