About
Who we are and what we do.
What is swing dancing?
Swing dancing was created by African Americans in the early 20th century. Swing dancing is often referred to as an ‘umbrella’ term, encompassing a varied range of styles danced to Swing music, and these styles are often mixed on the dance floor. Swing music had its heyday from 1935 to 1946, when Big Band swing music was at its peak in the United States, but has been around since the late 1920s. Today, it is experiencing a huge revival with modern musicians bringing new interpretations to the genre.
Swing dancing is generally a partnered (though not always), social dance which means we learn and dance with lots of different people. It’s a great way to make new friends while learning a new skill and getting fit!
History
Search online for “Swing dancing” and you’ll get lots of different results. Most know it as a musical genre, which had its heyday from 1935 to 1946, when big band swing music was the most popular in the United States. But this jazzy, joyous music has been around since the late 1920s and, with musicians today giving it a modern twist, it’s truly back with a vengeance. Swing dancing encompasses a varied range of styles danced to that same music — they’re even often mixed on the dance floor.
The mother of Swing dances is the Lindy Hop. This is the core dance taught by Swing Patrol, but we also pay heed to other vintage dances from the Swing family such as Balboa, Charleston, Blues and Solo Jazz. At Swing Patrol we are passionate about the amazing history and evolution of this dance.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the core dances we teach, perform and share come from African American and Black culture, as does the jazz music we love. We acknowledge that we do so without lived experience of this culture and are deeply grateful to be able to experience this amazing art form. We endeavour to continue educating ourselves about the historical, political and social context from which jazz and lindy hop grew, and in which it exists today. Understanding this helps us to honour the roots of the dance and music.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the skies, seas and lands on which we teach, perform and share dance. Swing Patrol North Sydney operates on the unceded traditional lands of the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai Tribe of the Eora Nation. 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 paytherent.net.au.
Respect and Consent
We want to ensure everybody has a great and safe experience when they come swing dancing. Please have a read of our Safe Places Policy & Procedure and Code of Conduct here. Thanks in advanced for reading.
