How do I get started?

First, take a beginner class. Lindy hop is the most popular swing dance in Ithaca (and across the country) so we recommend you learn Lindy! A class in "East Coast Swing" is also a good start; follow that with a Lindy class and you can mix the two on the dance floor.

You can also just show up to almost any social dance; usually there's a lesson beforehand that will teach you enough to start dancing and having fun!

Visit the Classes page to see what the club is offering. You could also learn from other excellent teachers like Cindy Overstreet.

What are the different swing dances done in Ithaca?

Many of the dancers here are in love with Lindy Hop. This is a dance that started in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s, most famously danced at the Savoy ballroom. It's energetic and super fun. Dancers from all over the world do Lindy hop, so if you go to a workshop or an out-of-town dance, Lindy is what you'll see everybody doing.

East Coast Swing (also called Jitterbug or 6-count swing) is a selection of Lindy Hop moves that are often taught to beginners. These moves are easy to learn, but as you become more experienced, you'll learn to mix your ECS moves with more Lindy hop, like charleston and swingouts.

Balboa is another vintage dance, this one from California. It started in crowded ballrooms, so partners dance very close together. Bal is a great dance for fast music, and you'll usually see some Balboa, and its relative Bal-swing, at most swing dances.

West Coast Swing began when Lindy Hop hit California. It's evolved into a smooth, sultry style and is often done to modern R&B music. The ISDN Record Hop has a "West Coast Extra" usually once a month.

What are the benefits of swing dancing?

Swing dancing is a great way to get fit, enjoy music, and meet people. Being a part of the swing community also gets you access to an close-knit international network of dancers and events. Big swing events are held throughout the year in all parts of the world (see some links). If you happen to visit a city with a dance scene, whether for an event or just on a regular trip, you can almost always find someone host you at their home.

Being part of this community also helps you make friends in new places. Many of the club officers got to bootstrap their social network at Cornell by just going to a swing dance and getting to know other dancers. This also works wonders for summer internships!

What shoes should I wear?

For swing dancing, you'll want shoes that are comfortable, will stay on your feet, and have a slippery bottom.

If you want to dance tonight and don't have any dance shoes, just dance in your socks. If you have a little more time, find a comfortable pair of shoes - sneakers work great - and cover the bottom with duct tape so it's smooth.

Once you're ready to commit to a pair of dance shoes, find some that are made for dancing, and have a leather or suede sole. (Suede is just a little bit grippier than leather. Either type will work on most floors.) We recommend suede soles for beginners.

DanceStore.com sells shoes that are made for Lindy hop! (Price range: $30-$80.) You'll see lots of local dancers wearing their women's canvas shoe or the men's black captoe. Another popular option is to take your favorite pair of shoes to Cobbler's Cottage and get them sueded. (Cost: around $35)

If you have jazz shoes, tango shoes, character shoes, or other dance footwear, bring your pair to a dance or practice and try them out; You're your own best judge of what's comfortable to dance in. (Jazz shoes don't usually have enough cushioning for a long night on your feet, so we recommend something a little cushier.)

Help, I'm too shy to dance with strangers!

That's normal. Here's the secret: you can ask anyone to dance, whether they're an amazing dancer or a total beginner. Everyone at a swing dance is friendly!

If you're worried that your dancing skills aren't good enough, just mention that you're a beginner. Your new partner will make sure to use easier moves. They won't give you advice on your dancing (it's considered rude) unless you ask.

I've taken a beginner class. What next?

Get out on the dance floor! We know it's hard for beginners - you might not feel confident, or maybe you get confused as you're dancing - but no matter what happens, every time you dance, you're becoming a better dancer. When you take a break from dancing, sit and watch the other dancers. Figure out what you like about their style, and try to incorporate it into your own dancing. Even without taking many lessons, you can learn a lot from dancing and watching.

Take another class. Don't be afraid to take beginner classes more than once; it's good practice. Be on the lookout for more advanced classes that might be offered by our club or by other teachers.

Come to practices. We hold practices every week for dancers of all levels. You can practice what you know, or ask questions and get free friendly coaching from experienced dancers. It's a great way to become a better dancer.

Once you're comfortable with the basics of Lindy (like the swingout), start attending workshops if you can. World-renowned teachers often give workshops in Rochester, which is only a 2-hour drive away (carpools available!), and sometimes we hold workshops here in Ithaca. There are more workshops and dance weekends in other places, like Albany, Boston, New Hampshire, and more. Watch for announcements at dances or on our mailing list for more info. You can often catch a ride with local dancers or even get a place to stay for free - ask one of the club regulars for more info.