Do you offer a student discount?
YES! Students receive $20 OFF our regularly scheduled class series*. To receive your discount, please use the code students when registering for classes online, and remember to bring your student ID to the first day of class when you check-in!
*sorry, but this discount does not apply to weekend workshops or special events.
Do I have to rotate partners in class? I just want to dance with my husband/wife…
Swing dancing is an extremely social dance form. In a dance setting, you will be asked to dance by multiple different leads/follows. We strongly encourage our students to rotate in class, because not only does it allow you to meet new people and socialize, but it also allows you to become comfortable dancing with multiple other individuals, therefore making you that much more awesome of a dancer!
What kind of music do you dance to? What encompasses “swing music”?
Swing dancing is typically danced to jazz & big band music of the 1920s-1950s or later. The music has a syncopated "swing" rhythm, which has origins in West African musical rhythms. For more examples of musicians and bands that we dance to, please check out our infographic!
First of all, we stress to all of our students that air steps (or aerials, such as flips, throws, lifts, etc), are REALLY for advanced dancers. Heck, we know swing dancers from all over the world, and EVERYONE has a dance aerial injury story, whether it was 5 years ago or just last week!
While air steps are fun and flashy, they are really only reserved for performances, such as movies, on stage, or perhaps, in a jam circle (this is a "spotlight" dance that sometimes spontaneously occurs at dances, where one couple at a time goes in to "show off their moves").
We do occasionally offer workshops on air steps, however, a partner is required ahead of time. We also teach (in-depth) safety techniques before attempting aerials in class, and expect our students to be in proper physical shape to perform such air tricks.
What’s the difference between Swing Dancing and Lindy Hop?
When people use the term "Swing Dancing," this actually is referring to a group of dances that were performed and popular from roughly the 1920s - 1950s. For more info on what dances are included, you can visit our infographic here.
Lindy Hop is one of many forms of Swing Dancing, but is definitely the most popular of the group. It is an 8-count based basic in the dance, verses the traditional 6-count basic you might learn in your introductory swing (or east coast jitterbug) class. Many folks prefer to dance the Lindy Hop because frankly, it's just more awesome. It's more energetic and definitely more challenging. But if you're patient with yourself and give it a try, we know you'll fall in love with it as much as we did!
Do I need a dance partner to sign up for classes?
Absolutely not! We constantly have folks signing up for classes solo, because it's a great way to meet new people and get out in the community! Because you are learning a social partner dance, we will rotate partners regularly throughout each class, so you will get a chance to meet and dance with numerous partners.
Whatever you feel MOST COMFORTABLE dancing in! We usually recommend a comfortable pair of flats or keds (canvas tennis shoes or loafers). For men, a comfortable pair of leather sole loafers should be fine. For ladies, if you would like to wear a heel, we recommend something short and simple.
Our recommendations:
- No stiletto heels - you can easily twist an ankle!
- No shoes that have an uber sticky sole on hardwood
- Wear comfortable clothes - something you can move in easily
