What is swing dancing?

Swing dancing is an umbrella term for a group of dances that largely originate from Harlem, New York but also other parts of America. It was created and innovated by Black African-Americans in a time of significant racial segregation. These styles came about in the 1920s onwards and they evolved right alongside the swinging big band music of the era. There are lots of different styles which fit underneath it; Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo (Vernacular) Jazz, Tap, Charleston (20’s, 40’s*) and Collegiate Shag. You can learn more about the different styles here.

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 Thursdays, where we offer 2 styles; Lindy Hop and another of the above!

We also offer private lessons. Maybe you’re uncomfortable in large groups, want to learn the basics before starting a class, have lots of experience and know you’ll be able to learn more quickly, or 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, such as sneakers. Shoes without too much grip will help you to turn, but aren’t a requirement. No stilettos. Heels are ok, but make sure they are low and fit well 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).

• Clothes 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, so pick clothes that don’t limit your movement too much.

• Dancing is hard work, so expect to get warm! We can say from experience that even on cool nights, it gets very warm on the dancefloor. For this reason, we suggest wearing layers or bringing some cooler clothes, in case you get too hot.

Should I bring anything?

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

• A water bottle

• Sweat towel/spare shirt

• Hand fan (these are surprisingly popular among swing dancers, and for a good reason!)

• Deodorant

• Mints

• Hand sanitiser

These are just suggestions, but please bring along anything else that will help you feel comfortable. You are very welcome to wear a mask.

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.

Gender does not define dance roles, and we encourage you to choose whatever role you like. Ultimately we do recommend learning both roles, But! To make things easier for your first block, stick to your chosen role for the entire 6 weeks. Our teachers dance both roles, so if there’s ever an imbalance we can jump in to even it out.

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.

If 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 (the directors, your teachers or our volunteers). 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 have an anonymous form as well. You do not have to keep dancing if you don’t feel safe; whether that’s in class or on the social floor (although we know this can be incredibly hard to do). If you can, please reach out to us in whatever way is comfortable so we can support you.

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. We love answering questions!

Continuer classes - how can I join them?

We have a Continuers class each Thursday from 6:45 - 7:45pm.

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 all other swing styles here. If you’re not sure about your experience, please reach out to us.

Where can I social dance?

Every Thursday night after classes we have a weekly social from 9 - 10:15pm(ish).

DJs will be busting out the best swing-era jazz they have to offer, the bar will be open and everybody gets groovin’! Swing dancing is a social dance, meaning the best way to practice the material you learn in class is to dance it socially. It’s also a great way to get to know people you don’t dance with in class!

Wherever there’s swing-era jazz, there’s social dancing (usually!). Check out our local not-for-profit organisation, Swing Dance Adelaide, for information about upcoming jazz and swing events in Adelaide. There are also swing dance classes and events worldwide, so there’s always opportunities to dance!

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 before/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. Here’s a video to get you started (but any gentle stretching will do!).

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! In the meantime, there are heaps of videos about how to turn ‘regular’ shoes into dance shoes.