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 several styles. Whether a first dance at your wedding is needed 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.
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.
Are the dances a safe space?
We strive to create a safe, kind, and nothing but encouraging atmosphere. If you experience anything other than that, please let us know ASAP.
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. Snacks are encouraged, but we ask that you leave the alcohol at home.
Are children allowed?
We recommend that only children 13 years or older attend our events as it is difficult for guardians to keep track of and keep children safe in a group setting.
Absolutely not, just bring yourself!
Are there private lessons?
Yes, we have several instructors in our community that specialize in several styles. Whether a first dance at your wedding is needed 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.
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.
Are the dances a safe space?
We strive to create a safe, kind, and nothing but encouraging atmosphere. If you experience anything other than that, please let us know ASAP.
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. Snacks are encouraged, but we ask that you leave the alcohol at home.
Are children allowed?
We recommend that only children 13 years or older attend our events as it is difficult for guardians to keep track of and keep children safe in a group setting.
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!
TIP #1 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.
TIP #2 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. Please avoid wearing sandals.
TIP #3 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.
TIP #4 THINGS MAY GET SWEATY SO COME PREPARED
Swing dancing can get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Be prepared to break a sweat!
TIP #5 ROTATION HAPPENS
During lessons, teachers pair up dancers and then have the partners rotate and dance 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.
TIP #6 BE SOCIAL
At its heart, swing dancing is a social dance. We strive to create a welcoming environment so that anyone can join in and have fun. Dancing with a wide variety of people is also a great way to grow as a dancer since everyone has their own unique style they bring to their movements. A great rule of thumb that most dancers follow is to try and dance with at least 3 new people at every dance.
TIP #7 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.
TIP #1 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.
TIP #2 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. Please avoid wearing sandals.
TIP #3 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.
TIP #4 THINGS MAY GET SWEATY SO COME PREPARED
Swing dancing can get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Be prepared to break a sweat!
TIP #5 ROTATION HAPPENS
During lessons, teachers pair up dancers and then have the partners rotate and dance 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.
TIP #6 BE SOCIAL
At its heart, swing dancing is a social dance. We strive to create a welcoming environment so that anyone can join in and have fun. Dancing with a wide variety of people is also a great way to grow as a dancer since everyone has their own unique style they bring to their movements. A great rule of thumb that most dancers follow is to try and dance with at least 3 new people at every dance.
TIP #7 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