Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swing?
If you have watched "Swing Kids", "Swingers" or "Malcolm X" you will know what swing is. Swing is a sound AND a dance.
Swing music comes under the overall music umbrella of jazz and even though there is a lot of great modern swing played these days it all has that wonderful upbeat swinging dotted or "galloping" rhythm that you may remember from "In the Mood" or any other Glenn Miller golden oldie that your parents or grandparents played for you!
Swing dancing is a style of dance that suits swing music. Swing dancing can be upbeat and flashy or slow and sensual. Whatever the pace, the dancing is always an expression of the music that it relates to!
Chances are you are reading this page because a friend told you about swing dancing. They will be able to tell you more about the great steps and styling that is taught in your swing dancing and how it is hard to swing without grinning
What do we teach?
We mainly teach Lindy Hop, a dance done to big band sounds. Lindy Hop is an African American dance which developed at the Savoy Ballroom in New York in the 1920s.
While "Lindy Hop" is the flagship of most swing dancing, we will also expose you to a range of other great swing dances such as Balboa, Collegiate Shag, St Louis Shag and 1920s solo and partnered charleston.
Where do we teach?
Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong and London. The easiest way to find out is to visit our class timetable.
When can I start?
You can join in at anytime. There is no need to book or register - just turn up.
Level 1(Beginner) classes are like pieces of Lego and over time all the building blocks come together. Attend one of these classes until you've really got it under your belt (about 3-4 months). If you miss a few it won’t matter as you will be learning a new piece of "swing Lego" each week that no one else knows either. The only classes which cannot be attended on a casual basis are the specialised courses we run throughout the year.
Do I need a Partner?
Absolutely not! We rotate the class right through the lesson, so bringing a partner is not necessary. If you have done some ballroom or some other types of dancing you may have noticed that there is often a few more gals than fellas. We are delighted to find that we generally don’t have too much of a problem here. Possibly because of the relaxed posture required and a changing perception of dancing. We now are thrilled to say we have a great depth of intermediate swing fellas with more coming through the ranks all the time.
What if I miss a week?
Attendance is on a casual basis. If you miss a class it doesn't matter at all. If you miss a few weeks and you feel concerned, you may like to book yourself in for a one-on-one private lesson.
What is the average age group?
We have all ages of people learning and enjoying dancing. Basically high 20s / early 30s seems to be the average age, but swing dancing is for everyone. The age range across the classes is 18-78yrs!
What do I wear?
Anything comfortable that you can move around in. Some come straight from work, others make a night of it so do the "swing fashion" thing and have a flower in the hair or a pair of braces on. Others tend to come in whatever is comfortable. Lots of our students wear casual gear and runners but ideally shoes that you can pivot on the floor in would be preferred. As long as you are comfortable!
Where do you guys go swing dancing?
There are swing events all around town and each week groups of swing dancersc an be found at a variety of social dancing venues around town. There are many one off events like balls and raves too, so keep an eye on the front page for details.
Where can I buy swing music?
Finding the latest swing music can be frustrating but once you know where to go, it's easy! If you're in Melbourne, check out "Basement Discs" in the Block Arcade (CBD). They have a retro swing section and will happily order any CD you request. Also try Borders or any of the larger music stores in any city.
If you don't want to leave home, check out Amazon or www.dancestore.com, give them your credit card details and you will have a CD sent to you in about 10 days! We have done this many times and never had a problem. You can always email us first to see what we know about the CD you are thinking about buying!.
What CD should I first buy?
To start your swing CD collection go down to your local market to ensure you get a few of the golden oldies.
Original Swing Music
Count Basie
Chic Webb
Benny Goodman
Glen Miller
Ella Fitzgerald
Louis Armstrong
Make sure you have "Tuxedo Junction" and "Pennyslvania 6-5000" on the CD as they are both a cruisy pace to practice to!
Current "Neo" Swing Bands:
Royal Crown Revue (Mugsys Move is our favourite CD)
Johnny Favourite Swing Orchestra
Big Bad Voodoo Daddies (fast but great listening)
Indigo Swing
Brian Setzer Orchestra (again, fast but great)
Lavay Smith
Soundtracks:
Swingers
Swing Kids
Three to Tango
The Mask
A Little Bit of Soul
Swing
Otherwise, if you hear us play something in class you like, Ella Fitzgerlad, Barbara Morrison, Louis Armstrong, Ernastine Andersaon, Gene Harris, Frank Sinatra, Glen Gray...just come up and ask us what it is!
