Swing Dancing

[hereisnewyork]

Has anyone ever tried it before? I just signed up for a class, it's only 3 sessions...and it says singles or couples welcome so hopefully I won't be the only single.

[Moon Gazing]

Never tried it but it looks like so much fun. I have decided that after I graduate in January I am taking dance classes for salsa and ballroom. My b/f agreed to go with me unless he wants me dancing with someone else. :p I love the dancing shows on tv I always watch them and wish it was me on the floor doing that.

[hereisnewyork]

I think part of me wants to learn how so I can meet someone like jon favreau in swingers, hehe

[sparky88]

I tried swing dancing in college. There was a swing dance group that met at 2am in a local campus parking lot...they busted out the music on their car systems...and danced the night away. I had SO much fun! (and much easier to learn than I'd anticipated).

[hereisnewyork]

that sounds sooooo awesome...I really hope I don't suck at it and this could be a good way to meet people and stuff...cuz I reaaaally need to meet people.

[meatwad]

My Dad's really good at Jitterbugging.

[hereisnewyork]

Yea the class is Swing, Jitterbug, and the Lindy...makes me wanna get a poodle skirt

[sparky88]

Trust me, I suck at dancing. I struggled for the first 20 minutes but once I got the basics down I was able to follow along and improvise. You'll be paying more attention to how much fun you're having, than on the actual steps. Good luck!

[meatwad]

Somebody needs to wheel out Dick Clark and start up American Bandstand again!

[hereisnewyork]

umm, but really, what does one wear to a swing dancing class?

[Moon Gazing]

I would say wear a pair of capris, somewhat tight shirt so when you are dancing its not shifting, and shoes that are comfortable yet slide easily across the dance floor.

[fuzmiq]

I have been Swing dancing. For me, what makes it exciting is the people. Maybe that is because I am a beginner. I know salsa much much better.

[hereisnewyork]

I would say wear a pair of capris, somewhat tight shirt so when you are dancing its not shifting, and shoes that are comfortable yet slide easily across the dance floor.

like sneakers or ballet flats?

[Martel]

like sneakers or ballet flats?

Probably not sneakers unless they are worn down and a little slippery.
Here is a review of how different shoes are swing dancing, from professional to sneakers.

http://people.cornell.edu/pages/kpl5/f_Link9_shoes.html

On another note, are you learning East Coast Swing (six count) along with Lindy Hop (8 count) and Jitterbug?

Lindy Hop can be hard to learn if you don't learn East Cost Swing first.

[hereisnewyork]

the title of the class is "swing, jitterbug and the lindy"...don't know any more specifics. hmm, I'm a little worried now about what shoes to wear now!

[cameralady]

hmm, I'm a little worried now about what shoes to wear now!
Not sneakers.

Do you have dress shoes with a heel? Maybe those.

You may want to look for a dance shoe like this (http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.php3?mf=/dancewear/page_SHOE_p1.html), especially if you want to keep up with it. Actual dance shoes represent a bit of an investment.

It should be okay to go to class without a partner (unless it is stated otherwise), but chances are that the male-to-female ratio may be skewed and the "extra" women may have to rotate in and out during class when it's time to practice a move.

[hereisnewyork]

just took my last of the 3 lessons...soooo much fun and i want to continue with it at a real dance studio...i highly recommend it!