New Dancer FAQs

Most of the swing dancing events on our calendar include Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. To differentiate the styles in this explanation, we can call it “vintage swing.” Vintage swing dancing is a style of swing dance that originated in the 1920s and 1930s, along with the jazz music of that era. It is characterized by its energetic, upbeat style and its focus on the connection and interaction between partners. Vintage swing is typically danced to swing music and can include a variety of steps, turns, and footwork patterns.

One way to differentiate vintage swing dancing from other styles of swing dance is to note that it is not the same as country swing dancing, which is typically danced to country music and has a more laid-back, casual style. Vintage swing is also distinct from ballroom swing, which is a formal style of dance that follows a set of standardized steps and techniques, and is often danced to classical or pop music. While ballroom swing is more structured and often performed in a competitive setting, vintage swing is more focused on improvisation and creativity. Finally, vintage swing is not the same as West Coast Swing, which is a smooth, slotted dance style that is typically danced to blues or contemporary music and is characterized by its fluid, circular movements.

Check out our YouTube channel to see what vintage swing dancing looks like

Are you ready to move and groove to some sweet swing music? At all the swing dance events, there are live DJ’s spinning tunes mostly from the early 1900s to the 1950’s. You’ll hear everything from big band to blues, and the music ranges from slow and smooth to super fast and energetic. The DJ’s work hard to bring you the best variety of swing tunes, and they’re always happy to take requests.

Listen to these Spotify swing dancing playlists from Patricio or Debsue

Vintage clothing is always a hit at swing dance events, so feel free to break out those vintage looks from the 1930s and 40s. Remember, swing dancing is a form of exercise, so dress in light clothing to keep cool. Just make sure to steer clear of moisture-wicking materials, as they can make it harder for your dance partner to grip your hands or arms. If you’re a sweaty dancer, it’s a good idea to bring a few extra shirts to change into if you need to (thank you Carlos!). Consider wearing bike shorts under dresses or skirts to avoid any awkward peek-a-boo moments. And as much as we love bell sleeves and kimono styles, they might not be the best choice for swing dancing – the extra fabric can make it harder for your partner to grab onto your arms. Feel free to rock a hat, but keep in mind that it might make it harder for everyones hands to go up and over the follow’s head.

Check our guide to help you decide what to wear swing dancing

Before you hit the dance floor, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right shoes for the job. Sneakers might seem like a good choice, but their rubber soles can stick to the floor and put unnecessary strain on your knees. Instead, try looking for hard, leather-soled shoes or shoes with smooth, slippery bottoms. Keds, Toms, and Vans are all great options that work well with dresses too. Just make sure to test them out on a slick surface to see if they’re good for gliding. And don’t even think about wearing those high heels, sandals, or flip flops – they’re not gonna cut it on the dance floor.

Check out some ideas for swing dance shoes for women and swing dance shoes for men

No need to stress – you can bring a friend if it makes you feel more comfortable, but it’s not necessary. During the lesson, you’ll rotate partners frequently, so even if there are an uneven number of leads and follows, everyone will still get to dance. This is a great opportunity to improve your skills by dancing with a variety of people at different skill levels. Plus, the lesson is a great way to meet new people and figure out who you want to dance with during the social dancing portion of the event. So don’t worry about bringing a partner – just come ready to have a blast and learn some new moves.

Most swing dance classes are set up in a giant circle, with the instructor standing in the middle. Each person gets to choose whether they want to lead or follow, and then couples form around the dance floor.

The instructor will show you the basic steps and how to do a simple move, breaking it down step by step. You’ll practice with your partner for a few minutes, and then it’s time to rotate! All of the leads or follows (depending on the instructor’s choice) will move on to the next person in the circle. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have danced with a variety of people, which is a great way to improve your skills and make new friends. Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dance with a variety of people. And don’t be surprised if you dance with someone of the same sex – many advanced dancers like to learn both leading and following to become more versatile dancers.

What a swing dance lesson looks like

If you’re a brand new dancer feeling a little nervous about your first swing dance lesson and social dance, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, everyone had to start somewhere. In class, you’ll be surrounded by others who are also learning and improving, just like you. Skilled dancers are always happy to help out and offer tips, so you’re in good hands. Once the social dancing starts, you may notice a mix of intermediate and advanced dancers joining in. It can feel intimidating, but take this opportunity to observe their footwork and dance with fellow beginners to practice, practice, practice. Experienced dancers often introduce themselves, offer words of encouragement, and happily partner with you for a dance. And remember, even experienced dancers make mistakes and struggle with steps – it’s all part of the learning process. The swing dance community thrives on supporting and encouraging each other, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or dance with someone new. We all want to improve and enjoy more dance partners together!