How to Swing Dance

Learn How to Swing Dance

While some begin dancing as children, many more discover the joys of dance and movement as teens and adults. Swing dancing is one such style that many pick up later in life, and it can quickly become a favorite hobby or form of exercise.

If you want to learn how to swing dance, it is fairly easy to do so. While competitive level swing dancing obviously takes a high level of commitment to rehearsal, social swing dancing is simple enough that anyone can do it in their spare time. Even better, there are various avenues you can take when it comes time to learn. Below are just a few of your options.

Going to a Studio

Many dance studios now offer swing dance instruction in addition to the traditional forms of ballet, tap and jazz. For a reasonable fee, you can usually take lessons with a partner, or be paired up with someone at the studio once you arrive. Lessons usually average about an hour, but they can be shorter or longer than this depending upon the instructor.

Learning in a studio is a great, non-intimidating way to discover how to swing dance, as you will more than likely be dancing with other beginners. Swing can be very challenging if you watch professionals do it, however in a slower-paced classroom environment, it can be a really rewarding experience.

Club Swing

Many night clubs now have special swing dancing nights featuring either West Coast or East Coast styles. You will find varying levels of skill at these clubs, however almost all offer some sort of quick instructional period before the evening really gets going. These classes are usually free or very inexpensive, and it is a great way to socialize and meet others who are just falling in love with swing dance themselves. Check the websites of your city’s favorite hot spots to see if a Swing night is offered, and if it isn’t, consider suggesting one.

Video and Book Instruction

Though definitely not one of the easiest ways to learn how to swing dance, videos are available for rent or purchase if you would prefer to learn from home. You and a partner can watch these instructional lessons and pick up some steps, however it may be tricky at first. Books and websites featuring various basic swing steps are also a good resource, and for those who are extremely visual learners, this may be the best method.

Swing dance, like any artistic disciplines, can take awhile to get the hang of. Do not get frustrated if you don’t become a star swinger right away. The steps you may have seen on television or in the movies are the result of years of training and even more takes and edits by a professional videographer. If you see a live competition, rest assured that these individuals practice for hours on end. If you keep your learning process low-stress, you will find you have more fun and actually learn more quickly.

Getting Competitive

So what if you want to learn how to swing dance competitively? If you are ready to put in the hours, inquire about swing dance teams via your local dance studio. Chances are, if there is one in the vicinity, they will know about it. You can also check Internet message boards and newspaper ads to find out about new teams forming, or those looking for partners to work with and/or train.

Learning how to swing dance can be one of the most rewarding pastimes you will ever take part in. Keep it fun, keep it fresh, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve.