FAQ
Do I need a partner?
Absolutely not, just bring yourself!
Are there private lessons?
Yes, we have several instructors in our community that specialize in different styles. First dance at your wedding? Or you want to learn in a more private setting? We would love to help. Contact us through our Contact page, email, or social media.
What do you mean by “progressive classes”?
A progressive series class builds on material from previous weeks lessons for a whole month. We have a different series each month.
When/where do I sign up? Can I register online?
We have a front desk at all of our events, and you can register online; see our Schedule & Calendar page!
How do I know which class to take?
We typically have a beginner drop-in lesson at the start of our events that you can check out first. We have a different progressive series each month you can check out on our Schedule & Calendar page for more details. If you're ever in doubt, reach out to us or talk to us in person!
If I miss a week of a series, can I still take classes?
If life gets in the way and you miss a class, it will depend on your familiarity with the topic of the month and level of dance skill in general to be able to catch up.
If I arrive late to class, can I still attend?
We recommend if you miss half or more of the lesson, to quietly participate on the side to minimize disturbance. If an instructor has additional time, they can help you catch up, but that's not an expectation to have.
Can I get credit for missed classes?
Sorry. We cannot offer credit for missed classes at this time. If for some reason you know you will miss classes you've already signed up for, let us know and we can give you credit towards other classes/events.
Is there free parking?
Mill Kat Studio, which is where our weekly dance is, has a free parking lot in front of the venue.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes! Reach out to us on our Contact page, email, or social media.
Do you have a group discount?
We do special events on occasion, but if you'd like to bring a large group to our events, please contact us to see if we can work on a discount!
Do you serve food and beverages?
We always provide water at our events however, we do not sell food or alcohol. We ask that you leave the alcohol at home.
Are children allowed?
If you do bring smaller children, please ensure they are carefully looked after the entire time! It can be difficult for guardians to keep track of and keep children safe in a group setting with a lot of physical activity.
Absolutely not, just bring yourself!
Are there private lessons?
Yes, we have several instructors in our community that specialize in different styles. First dance at your wedding? Or you want to learn in a more private setting? We would love to help. Contact us through our Contact page, email, or social media.
What do you mean by “progressive classes”?
A progressive series class builds on material from previous weeks lessons for a whole month. We have a different series each month.
When/where do I sign up? Can I register online?
We have a front desk at all of our events, and you can register online; see our Schedule & Calendar page!
How do I know which class to take?
We typically have a beginner drop-in lesson at the start of our events that you can check out first. We have a different progressive series each month you can check out on our Schedule & Calendar page for more details. If you're ever in doubt, reach out to us or talk to us in person!
If I miss a week of a series, can I still take classes?
If life gets in the way and you miss a class, it will depend on your familiarity with the topic of the month and level of dance skill in general to be able to catch up.
If I arrive late to class, can I still attend?
We recommend if you miss half or more of the lesson, to quietly participate on the side to minimize disturbance. If an instructor has additional time, they can help you catch up, but that's not an expectation to have.
Can I get credit for missed classes?
Sorry. We cannot offer credit for missed classes at this time. If for some reason you know you will miss classes you've already signed up for, let us know and we can give you credit towards other classes/events.
Is there free parking?
Mill Kat Studio, which is where our weekly dance is, has a free parking lot in front of the venue.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes! Reach out to us on our Contact page, email, or social media.
Do you have a group discount?
We do special events on occasion, but if you'd like to bring a large group to our events, please contact us to see if we can work on a discount!
Do you serve food and beverages?
We always provide water at our events however, we do not sell food or alcohol. We ask that you leave the alcohol at home.
Are children allowed?
If you do bring smaller children, please ensure they are carefully looked after the entire time! It can be difficult for guardians to keep track of and keep children safe in a group setting with a lot of physical activity.
Tips for your first Swing Dance Lesson
No matter how you slice it, most people are pretty nervous before their first social dance or dance class, mostly because it's a new experience and they don't know what to expect. Hopefully these simple tips will help make your first class or social dance the best it can be!
Don't stress
The biggest thing to keep in mind when attending your first dance or lesson is to not stress it; This is a supposed to be a fun and joyful activity! Everyone has to start somewhere with two left feet, and no one was born a perfect dancer.
Wear closed-toe, low-heeled or flat shoes
Swing dancing is typically a quick-paced, fast-moving dance that is most easily danced in closed-toe shoes that have a low heel or are flat. Anything higher than a 2in heel will make it much more difficult to dance.
Avoid wearing shoes with grippy soles
Many of the moves in swing dancing require the dancer to spin or rotate on their feet, so we suggest wearing shoes that will easily allow you to slide or rotate without gripping the floor much.
Rotation happens in classes
During lessons, students are paired up and then rotate so that you're dancing with new people throughout the lesson. This ensures everyone gets a chance to practice a movement with a partner if the ratio of leads/follows is unbalanced as well as have varying experiences. If this is not for you and want to bring a partner to stay with for the duration of the class, simply express this to the instructors.
Show up
(The most IMPORTANT one!) The number one reason that people don't succeed at swing dancing is because a new experience can be intimidating. Every dancer knows exactly what you are going through because they have all been there before. Classes and social dances are a judgment free zone, and you won't know until you try it.
Don't stress
The biggest thing to keep in mind when attending your first dance or lesson is to not stress it; This is a supposed to be a fun and joyful activity! Everyone has to start somewhere with two left feet, and no one was born a perfect dancer.
Wear closed-toe, low-heeled or flat shoes
Swing dancing is typically a quick-paced, fast-moving dance that is most easily danced in closed-toe shoes that have a low heel or are flat. Anything higher than a 2in heel will make it much more difficult to dance.
Avoid wearing shoes with grippy soles
Many of the moves in swing dancing require the dancer to spin or rotate on their feet, so we suggest wearing shoes that will easily allow you to slide or rotate without gripping the floor much.
Rotation happens in classes
During lessons, students are paired up and then rotate so that you're dancing with new people throughout the lesson. This ensures everyone gets a chance to practice a movement with a partner if the ratio of leads/follows is unbalanced as well as have varying experiences. If this is not for you and want to bring a partner to stay with for the duration of the class, simply express this to the instructors.
Show up
(The most IMPORTANT one!) The number one reason that people don't succeed at swing dancing is because a new experience can be intimidating. Every dancer knows exactly what you are going through because they have all been there before. Classes and social dances are a judgment free zone, and you won't know until you try it.
Etiquette and Floor craft guide
Easy Listening Songs to Practice to
There are obviously decades worth of music, but here are some of our favorites below!
Lavender Coffin - Lionel Hampton
Swingin' On Nothin' - Tommy Dorsey
Between a Kiss and a Sigh - Artie Shaw
Coleslaw - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
I Beeped - Cab Calloway
On Revival Day - Lavern Baker
A Vipers Moan - Willie Bryant & Orchestra
Jump Session - Slim and Slam
All That Meat And No Potatoes - Fats Waller
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone
Lavender Coffin - Lionel Hampton
Swingin' On Nothin' - Tommy Dorsey
Between a Kiss and a Sigh - Artie Shaw
Coleslaw - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
I Beeped - Cab Calloway
On Revival Day - Lavern Baker
A Vipers Moan - Willie Bryant & Orchestra
Jump Session - Slim and Slam
All That Meat And No Potatoes - Fats Waller
My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone