Learn to Swing Dance
We organize swing dance classes, swing dance performance groups and social dances in Washington D.C. and beyond. Come join us!
Our Teaching Philosophy
Our classes reflect our belief that swing dancing should be about having fun and enjoying the music with a partner. We try to balance encouraging intuitive learning with offering concise technical advice, and our goal is to inspire students to love these dances as we do. We frequently solicit and adapt to feedback, and our classes are tailored to the goals of our students Our classes will help you feel more confident dancing with a partner, give you new dance patterns to try on the floor, and inspire you to keep finding new ways to express yourself.
“I’ve been loving learning Bal with you!” – Student in 2024
“I really appreciate the way you teach the level of difficulty and pacing.” – Student in 2024
Our Balboa Curriculum
Although we love many swing dance styles, we specialize in running Balboa classes. For more information about Balboa, see the frequently asked questions page here. We currently offer four levels of Balboa classes: beginner Balboa (Balboa 1), advanced beginner (Balboa 2), intermediate (Balboa 3) and advanced (Balboa 4).
Beginner (Balboa 1)
For all dancers who have never done balboa before, we recommend that you start with a beginner class. Even if you are familiar with other forms of swing dancing, the basic mechanics are different in Balboa, and it’s important to start with a solid foundation in the basics. In this class, we cover the following patterns in pure balboa in closed position: downhold basics, uphold basics, the come around and side scoots. We also cover the following patterns in bal swing: out and ins, lollie kicks, inside and outside turns off lollies, tossouts, and the back and through into promenade. The series lasts 8 weeks.
Here’s a recent advertisement of material from this class.
Advanced Beginner (Balboa 2)
For dancers who are already familiar and comfortable with those patterns, we offer an advanced beginner course that will continue honing these skills and adding new movements to vocabulary. In this class, we cover the following patterns in pure balboa: repeated slows and repeated quicks in downhold and uphold basics, paddles, serpentines and crab walks. We also cover the following patterns in bal swing: rotational out and ins, cross over out and ins, multiple inside turns, inside turns with right to right connection, lollies with right to right connection, arm slide tossouts, arm slide tossout with inside turn, swivels, and behind the back tossouts. The series lasts 6 weeks.
Here’s a recent advertisement of material from this class.
Intermediate and Advanced (Balboa 3 and 4)
If you are familiar with all of the content from the beginner and advanced beginner classes, we offer an ongoing set of intermediate classes and organize occasional intermediate and advanced workshops on weekends. These classes cover a much wider set of patterns and do not progress in the same order as the beginner and advanced beginner class. At this point, dancers are often more interested in finding their personal voice in the dance, and these classes are intended to spark creativity and offer directions for future development in dancing. The series typically lasts 4 weeks.
Join our community!
Anyone can learn to swing dance, whether you have years of experience in dance classes, or you’ve only been dancing by yourself, or you’ve never been dancing before. The hobby is for everyone.