We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the skies, seas and lands on which we teach, perform and share dance. Swing Patrol Brisbane operates on the unceded traditional lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging and recognises the strength, resilience and capacity of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Swing Patrol is committed to Paying The Rent https://paytherent.net.au/
FAQs
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR CLASS?
We recommend anything comfortable that you can move around in. Most people come swing dancing straight from work so you may want to bring a change of top. For your Swing Dancing feet, we recommend flat shoes or plimsolls as high heels can be harder to swing dance in. Also, don’t forget an extra spray of deodorant as we are blessed to live in the Brisbane climate!
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER?
Absolutely not! Lindy Hop classes all around the world rotate throughout the lesson as classes have a social element as well as a learning element. Many people turn up on their own even though this can be a little daunting at first.
WHEN CAN I START? DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?
You can join in at any time. There is no need to book or register — just turn up. Level 1 (Beginner Swing Dance) classes are like pieces of Lego and over time all the building blocks come together. We recommend attending Beginner classes until you’ve really got it under your belt. If you miss a few dance classes, it won’t matter as you will be learning a new piece of “swing Lego” each week that no one else knows either. The only dance classes which cannot be attended on a casual basis are the specialised workshops we run throughout the year which need to be pre-booked.
CAN I ONLY DANCE WITH THE PERSON I CAME TO CLASS WITH?
Our classes teach people how to dance socially and part of the learning process is dancing with the other students in class. We find people progress much quicker when they learn to dance with multiple people. If you are taking up dancing for a specific occasion, we can help put you in touch with teachers to arrange a private lesson.
Having said that, if you really want to dance only with the person you came with we can make that happen. Simply tell us at the start of the class so we can manage the rotation.
I’VE GOT TWO LEFT FEET AND HAVE NEVER DANCED BEFORE, CAN I STILL COME TO CLASS?
Absolutely! Our level 1 classes always assume no knowledge so we always start at the beginning but learn something new every week. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn in an hour. You might want to do one of our Dance in a Day workshops to complement your classes as that will help you with learning the basics.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
Our Brisbane classes are $18 per person per class or $27 if you do both classes.
Ask us about our University student discount.
WHAT IF I MISS A WEEK?
Attendance is on a casual basis. If you miss a class it doesn’t matter at all. If you miss a few weeks and you feel concerned, you may like to book yourself in for a one-on-one private lesson or join a Dance in a Day workshop. Simply ask your teachers about private classes or email [email protected]
WHAT DO YOU TEACH?
We mainly teach Lindy Hop – an African American dance which developed at the Savoy Ballroom in New York in the 1920s. While Lindy Hop is the flagship of most swing dancing, we also dedicate some classes to introducing you to other great swing dances such as Balboa and 1920s partnered and solo Charleston.
WHAT EXACTLY IS “SWING”?
If you have watched “Swing Kids”, “Swingers” or “Malcolm X” you will know what swing is. Swing is a sound AND a dance. Swing music comes under the overall music umbrella of jazz and even though there is a lot of great modern swing played these days it all has that wonderful upbeat swinging dotted or “galloping” rhythm that you may remember from “In the Mood” or any other Glenn Miller golden oldie that your parents or grandparents played for you! Swing dancing is a style of dance that suits swing music. Swing dancing can be upbeat and flashy or slow and groovy. Whatever the pace, the dancing is always an expression of the music that it relates to! Chances are you are reading this page because a friend told you about swing dancing. They will be able to tell you more about the great steps and styling that is taught in swing dancing and how it is hard to swing without grinning.
DO YOU TEACH OTHER DANCES?
We teach dances that fall under the umbrella term ‘swing’, which includes, Balboa, Blues, Lindy Hop, 1920s Solo and Partnered Charleston, Collegiate Shag and Solo Jazz. We’re really obsessed with swing and we don’t teach ballroom, Latin dances or Jive.
DO YOU DO PRIVATE LESSONS?
We do! You can chat to your regular teachers in class about it or email at [email protected]
DO YOU OFFER CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT?
Absolutely. We have plenty of experience of managing large crowds and offering fun and interactive dance lessons.From out door occasions such a Festivals and fetes to corporate dinners.. talk to us and we can work out what suits you.We can DJ, MC, offer taster classes and offer a floor show.