Swing Dance Calgary is a community, and requires help from everyone in order to succeed. Here are some simple ways you can help out:

1. Come to the dance with a smile!

2. Volunteer at the door.

We are looking to fill 4 shifts every dance:
8:45 - 9:15, 9:15 - 9:45, 9:45 - 10:15, 10:15 - 10:45
If you are able to fill one of these shifts, let us know via message board, facebook, or email. Volunteers get into the dance for $5.

3. Help clean up after the dance.

Tasks are easy, and it goes by quickly if everyone pitches in. Tasks include helping Dave tear down the music equipment and putting it into his car, sweeping the floor, mopping the floor, putting away the chairs and tables, throwing out empty cups, and emptying the garbage.

4. Invite all your friends.

Share the greatness of Swing with those around you. New faces help the community grow and thrive.

5. Add your photos to our Flickr group.

We have set up a Flickr group so that everyone can see your great swing dance photos, not just your facebook friends. You can create an account for free, and upload your photos for our enjoyment!

CHECK OUT THE BRAND NEW CLASSES!
2009 is bringing all kinds of exciting changes, and a new class structure is one of them.  Please don’t hesitate to ask us how you and your dancing level fits into this new (and not set-in-stone) structure.
The new lessons are also now posted on our calendar, in case you find that format easier to comprehend. If you have any thoughts, feedback, questions about the new classes, please email us!

• 1.0 Lindy Hop - 6 Count
  This class will cover the basics of the 6 count Lindy footwork, how to lead and follow, social dance etiquette and also some 1920’s Charleston. If you have no partner dance experience, this is the class for you. It will get you spinning and swinging in to time.

• 1.0 Lindy Hop - 8 Count
  This class will cover the basics of the 8 count lindy footwork, principles of connection, social dance etiquette and also some 1930’s (Lindy hop) Charleston. Lindy Hop is the original swing dance; it’s energetic, social and a lot of fun!

Lindy Hop Essentials 1.5
You will learn plenty of new moves and tricks as well as how to solidify the basics. Prerequisites: Both of the 1.0 level classes. If you have some social dance experience but have not done Lindy Hop before, this might be a good place to start, just ask us. These classes can be taken in any order, each will be different from one another.
Note: The class titles are abstract and may not represent class content.

• 1.5 (Version 1) “Moves to show your Mom”
  An opportunity to review and improve upon what you learned at level 1.0 and then soar into some great moves that would impress anybody’s mom. You’ll also learn how to execute safe turns and dips that will get you a second dance!

• 1.5 (Version 2) “The W Factor”
  ‘W’ for WOW! Mix things up with more moves to add to your skill set. We’ll work on the concept of lead and follow and how to inspire the person you’re dancing with.

• 1.5 (Version 3) “Lindy Hop like Grandma used to make”
  This class will look at the classic lindy hop moves that have made people hungry for more since the 1930’s. Not to be confused with ‘boring basics’, there is a darn good reason these techniques are here to stay.

Intermediate 2.0
These classes will really push your dancing to the next level. Prerequisites: All 3 versions of 1.5. You will get the most out of 2.0 if you have been social dancing as well as taking classes.

• 2.0 Lindy Hop
  In this class you will learn to make your dancing look like as much fun as it already is. Swivels, big swing outs, subtle lead and follow and much more. This class includes some rhythm variations and styling options.

• 2.0 Charleston
  By the end of this class series you will be able to dance an entire song of Charleston! There will be some review of 20’s and 30’s basics like kick throughs, new variations and turns but the focus of the class will be tandem Charleston, Charleston swing outs and combinations.

Intermediate/Advanced 3.0
These classes are for the experienced dancers in the scene. You’ve had lots of social dance practice, taken some workshops and you’re looking to be (re )inspired and challenged. Prerequisites: Lots of social dance experience and all of the above classes.

• 3.0 Killer Lindy Hop
  Moves to make your follow scream, subtlety and inspiration that will knock him dead. This is the lindy hop that you have dreamed about (or seen on youtube) that you’ve been dying to do but had no idea how.

• 3.0 Badass Partner Charleston
  Let us know if you’re interested!

• 3.0 Performance with Style
  Let us know if you’re interested!

OPEN LEVEL
These classes are designed to inspire dancers of all ages, shapes, sizes and ability. Recommended: 1.0 or some other social dance basics (west coast swing, ballroom, latin, etc)

• Balboa
  This dance form came about on the crowded floors of the California Swing era ballrooms. It’s small, it’s fast, it slides and it’s danced very close. Instructors will do their best to cater to all levels of dancers. Get ready!

• Blues
  Learn how to slow dance in style. This dance plays off of connection and has a very basic step. Excellent for the beginner/intermediate level dancer who wants to dance at slower tempos and experiment with musicality. The music is soulful and the dance is simply wonderful.

• Also look out for more Solo classes in Vintage Jazz and Solo Charleston

Do I need to register with a partner?

No, you do not need to have a partner. However, we do have to keep our lead and follow ratio balanced in the class to ensure everyone is participating as much as possible. If you register individually, you will be put on a wait list and admitted to the class as balance allows.
You are much more likely to get into the class if you register with a partner.

What is a lead and what is a follow?

These are the two roles in all social dance. Leads generally direct the dance and the follows respond to the direction. Typically leads are males and follows are females but we’re welcoming of either choice. Often you are considered a stronger dancer if you can do both.

Do I have to dance with people other than my partner in class?

Yes, in swing dancing we rotate partners throughout the class. We believe that swing is a social dance and that classes should have a fun, friendly learning environment. In this atmosphere people learn as much from each other as they do from the instructors. Rotating partners is important in learning to lead and follow and we strongly encourage you to participate. If you are not willing to rotate partners in class you may wish to consider private lessons.

What should I know before I step on the dance floor?

See our Dance Etiquette post.

What is the dress code / what type of shoes should I wear?

For the regular Friday night dances, casual clothing is most common. You will see everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a fun twirly skirt, so dress in what you feel comfortable. For shoes we strongly recommend starting out with a well-loved pair of flat shoes. Often times, starting out with worn down runners or old dress shoes are best. You want to be able to slide a bit on the floor, but as you’re dancing you also don’t want blisters! High heels, unless dance specific high heels, are not recommended.

Do you have a repeat rate?

Yes. Once you have completed all the class variations within a level, you will receive 40% off repeat classes in that same level for the following year. For example, once you have completed 1.0 Lindy 6-count and 1.0 Lindy 8-count, you can retake these classes for 40% off. This will be refunded to you after your full-price registration is completed.

All of Swing Dance Calgary’s classes and the 10th Street Stomp happen here:

The Carpenters’ Hall
301 10 St. NW
Kensington, Calgary

This welcoming old hall in the middle of Kensington has become our home. With its hardwood floors and large stage it’s a great location for weekly dances and also live bands. It is block away from Sunnyside C-train station and close to many lovable pubs and restaurants. Parking is available on the north side of the hall, and can be reached from the back alley behind.

View Larger Map

Swing Dance Calgary will be hosting a Cabaret night on February 6th from 8:00 - 9:30pm

We are looking for quality acts of any variety. Can you play the guitar? Maybe you’ve been practicing your spoken word poetry? Of course, dance talents are always welcome! We’d love to see some tap, maybe some burlesque or how about a latin dance performance. It doesn’t have to be swing related, just entertaining!

Acts should be be no more than 2 minutes, but we expect the average to be about 1 minute.

This is a chance to get to know what hidden talents your fellow dancers have. Don’t be shy, this is a just for fun community building event.  We’d like to see a significant number of performances (you can even perform twice!), but if that’s not your thing come out and support your fellow SDC members!

Start planning your performance now, February will sneak up quickly!
If you already have it planned, email info@swingdancecalgary.com with the performer name/s and the act name and we’ll put you on our performance list!

There will be a 10th Street Stomp after, as always.  Dress-code: semi-formal.

Swing Dance Calgary brings you more live swing!

Saturday, Nov 8

The Big Beat Band

• Gerry Hebert on Sax (a force for the jazz scene in Calgary),
• Al Muirhead on trumpet (mentor for many other accomplished trumpet players),
• Greg Baker (outstanding trad-jazz drummer and vocalist, played Cannery Row 8+ years),
• John Hyde on Bass (former director of Jazz at MRC and long time performer educator),
• Brian Walley (lead trombone player for the the Prime Time Big Band for 10 years),
• Sheldon Zandboeron on keys (one of Calgary’s best kept secrets - read for yourself http://www.sheldonzandboer.com/).

Don’t miss this!

Mount Pleasant Community Hall
22 Ave & 5 St NW, Calgary, AB
$20

Doors at 8:30
Dance starts at 9:00
Band at 9:30