Welcome to the World of Swing Dancing!

What is swing dancing?

Swing dancing is an umbrella term. There are lots of different styles which fit underneath it; Lindy Hop, Balboa, Vernacular Jazz, Tap, Charleston (20’s, 40’s*) and Collegiate Shag. You can learn more about the different styles here.

All of these styles were innovated by African Americans. These styles came about in the 1920s onwards and they evolved right alongside the swinging big band music of the era, which was equally pioneered by African Americans.

If you’ve watched videos online, or seen it socially danced somewhere - a film even! - it’s very likely Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop is groovy, fun, relaxed and really, at its very core, a bunch of steps and triple steps. We’ll show you just what we mean when you get to class!

What class should I take?

Our beginner classes start with the foundations of swing. So, whether you’re completely new to dancing with no experience what-so ever-and are incredibly certain you have two left feet or have dabbled in other styles, this is the place to start. If you are concerned please contact us and we’ll find a solution for you.

Our classes run in cycles of 6-week blocks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mondays we teach Balboa and Lindy Hop - 3 weeks Balboa, 2 weeks Lindy Hop and one week of revision.

Tuesdays we offer either Solo Jazz ( appropriate for beginners and more experienced dancers) or advanced Lindy Hop (which requires an audition to join).

Thursdays we offer Lindy Hop, Charleston and Collegiate Shag classes. - 3 weeks of one style, 2 weeks of another and a final week of revision. All of these Thursday blocks include Lindy Hop.

We do offer private lessons as well. Maybe you’re uncomfortable in large groups, or have lots of experience and know you’ll be able to learn more quickly, only want to learn with a partner - whatever it is, we’ve got you covered.

Do I need a partner?

No. Long answer…. no! If you have someone you’d like to learn with, that’s great, but if you don’t it absolutely does not matter.

We rotate partners in class, this way you get a chance to dance with everyone. We find dancers who rotate partners learn much faster, plus it’s fun! However, if you’re coming with a partner that’s okay too! If you’d like to stay together, just let your teachers know at the beginning of class.

What should I wear?

Usually, that’s the first question on everyone’s mind. Most people dress pretty casually and ideally, you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We are moving around a bit and sometimes can get sweaty, so do bear that in mind.

We recommend:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes (a peep-toe is ok but no thongs, sandals or mules) that will stay on your feet when moving about. No stilettos. Heels are ok, but make sure they are low and not slippery, so you can easily maintain your balance moving about.

• Tops with sleeves and backs. So this means no sleeveless or backless attire. This makes it more comfortable for yourself and your dance partner (so someone’s hand is not on your bare skin and in turn, they don’t have to touch your sweaty bare skin).

• Pants and top you can move freely in. We flail, wiggle, move and shake - wildly and frequently. You will want to be able to move as much as possible!

Should I bring anything?

Yes. Obviously yourself and personal possessions, but we also highly recommend:

• A water bottle

• Sweat towel

• Spare shirt

• Mints/Gum

• Deodorant

Please don’t chew gum whilst dancing and/or in class, but if you’re worried you have funky breath please chew some before class begins.

These are just suggestions, but please bring along anything else that will make life more comfortable for yourself when exercising.

What are the two roles? Follow? Lead? Which should I choose?

There are two roles in swing dancing: follow and lead. Both are equally important, challenging and fun.

We like to describe the roles as the follower is driving the car, and the leader is holding the map. The lead can tell the follow “there’s a left turn ahead” and the follower can choose how to execute that turn, or whether to turn the car at all.

You can choose whichever role you like! Gender does not define dance roles. If you still aren’t sure, that’s not a problem. You only have to decide when you get to class. Ultimately we do recommend learning both roles, But! For your first course, stick to your chosen role, for the entire 6 weeks.

Do I have to rotate partners?

No. You absolutely do not. If you have come with someone you absolutely can stay together.

Even if you have chosen to rotate, that does not mean you need to dance with everybody.

For whatever reason you don’t want to dance with someone - don’t.

We completely understand that this can be incredibly difficult during class. We are here for you. Speak to us before class, as it’s your turn to rotate, after class - whenever you feel like it.

What do I do if something happens where I feel unsafe?

Speak to us. We are here for you. We have a Code of Conduct that outlines what kind of behaviour will and will not be tolerated. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, we do have an anonymous form as well.

There are different things we can do. We completely understand that this can be incredibly difficult talking around classes. We are here for you. Speak to us before class, as it’s your turn to rotate, after class - whenever you feel like it.

What if I have a question?

Stick your hand wildly up in the air and ask! We love questions! You can bet if you’re thinking it, someone else is. If jumping straight in and asking seems a bit much, just gesture to us as we’re going around the circle and we’ll come right over.

Continuer classes - how can I join them?

On both Monday and Thursday, we have continuer classes, which follow on from our Beginner blocks.

These classes rely on prerequisite skills and knowledge to join. After you have done a few beginner classes and are familiar with the material in the rubrics, chat to your teacher about moving up. The rubric of assumed knowledge for Balboa here and for the Swing classes here.

Where can I social dance?

We have opportunities on Mondays and Thursdays. Thursday nights after classes we have a weekly social 9-10:30 pm and Mondays we have an open studio session 8-9 pm.

On Thursdays, we have Dj’s and do community dances such as the Shim Sham, Tranky Doo, Big Apple etc.

Whereas on Mondays this is meant as more of a practice session where music will be playing but you can dance and practice as much as you like. This is the perfect opportunity to dance and practice!

Social dancing is the best way to practice the material you learn in class and a great way to learn new stuff too! The best thing about social dancing after class is that you have an opportunity to practice things you have just learnt, with others who are focusing on the same thing.

You can also social dance at other dance events and music events. The more the better!

How do I ask someone to dance?

“Would you like to dance?”

They might say yes and they might say no. If they say no, that’s okay. Don’t take it personally.

Ask if they would like to lead or follow, and what style. It may sound something like, “Hey, would you like to dance? Would you like to lead or follow? I can lead lindy hop if you would like?”

You can also dance by yourself! If you’ve been taking our solo classes (or just like to boogie on your own) you can dance by yourself, or join a solo jam circle already on the floor.

You can also not dance! At our Thursday night social, after classes, we have a small bar so you can grab a drink and relax if that is more your style. 

Should I stretch afterwards?

Yes. A thousand times yes. While we are going to class to learn something new, have fun, get some exercise etc we need to pay extra attention to our bodies as they’ll be moving in new ways.

Shoes. I want shoes.

Yes. Oh, we hear you. We feel the same way. We are compiling a super list of beautiful shoes, near and far, for you to peruse! Stay tuned!