Swing It Berlin! 2026

Berlin's Swing Weekend

Berlin has developed an amazing swing dance scene over the last decade: Lindy Hop sessions are regularly held, especially in Mitte, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg. Instructors like Steven Mitchell and the Swing Base collective have put Berlin on the international map. Swing It Berlin! has been the annual festival for this scene since 2018, simultaneously drawing the global swing community to the capital.

Four Styles in Two Dance Halls

The program covers the spectrum of American swing from the 1930s-1940s:

• Lindy Hop – the iconic partner dance from the Savoy Ballroom Harlem
• Balboa – close-contact, elegant style from Southern California
• Collegiate Shag – fast-paced, bouncy college dance
• Solo Jazz – choreographed solo dance (Charleston, Big Apple, Tranky Doo)

Over four days, multiple levels will be taught in parallel (Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced+), with a total of 12 international instructors leading the courses.

Live Bands – Swing Like in the Old Days

Unlike many modern swing festivals, Swing It! consistently relies on live bands instead of DJ sets during the main parties. In 2026, 6 bands with a total of 47 musicians will be on stage:

• Hot Swing Sextet
• The Big Five with Nicolle Rochelle
• Swing Dance Orchestra
• Three other bands playing for house parties and late-night sessions

Two Locations with Character

The main venue for workshops is the Peter Edel Ballroom at Weißenseer Weg 54 (district Weißensee, borough Pankow) – a classic dance palace with a parquet floor and a large hall. The Säälchen at Holzmarkt 25 in Mitte is the second venue, offering an industrial lounge atmosphere directly on the Spree riverbank. The respective daily schedules will be spread across both halls.