{"id":126,"date":"2021-12-30T01:47:07","date_gmt":"2021-12-30T01:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swingpatrol.com\/sydney\/?page_id=126"},"modified":"2025-02-27T23:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T23:19:06","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/swingpatrol.com\/sydney\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ’s"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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FAQ's<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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New to swing dancing? Got questions? Let’s see if we can answer them for you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What we get asked the most\u2026<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You’ll be surprised to know you might have more questions than you realise, so we’ve tried to answer as many as possible right here.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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General<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat do you teach?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

We specialise in ‘Swing’, a group of dances done specifically to swing music (and other swing-able music). Each month our classes will focus on one of the three popular styles – Lindy Hop (8-beat), 6-beat and Side-by-side Charleston.\u00a0<\/p>

But we don\u2019t stop there! Swing Patrol teaches a range of other great swing-era dances such as Balboa, Charleston, Shag, Blues, solo jazz\u2026 almost too many to name!<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat exactly is \"Swing dancing\"<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

‘Swing’ is a style of dancing AND music. Lindy hop, one of the most known styles, was born and mastered in African American communities in New York in the 1930s. Lindy Hop later spread to mainstream America, and even made it to Hollywood. In fact, all the Swing dance styles can trace their history back to their African American roots!<\/p>

Swing music commonly falls under the collective genre of jazz, and has a rhythm that you will have definitely encountered at some point. This style was made hugely famous by musicians and singers like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and many more.<\/p>

Swing dancing suits swing music. It can be upbeat and flashy or slow and cool. Whatever the pace, the dancing is always an expression of the music. Chances are you are reading this page because a friend told you about swing dancing. They can tell you more about what we teach, why they love it and how hard it is to swing without smiling.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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We teach the dances that fall under the umbrella term \u2018Swing\u2019, which includes, Balboa, Blues, Lindy Hop, 1920s Solo and Partnered Charleston, Collegiate Shag and Solo Jazz and more. We\u2019re really obsessed with Swing, so we don\u2019t teach Ballroom, Latin dances, Jive, West Coast Swing, Hip Hop or other dance styles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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We do! You can chat to your regular teachers in class about private lessons or email at info@swingpatrol.com.au<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Classes and socials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat do I wear for class?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Anything comfortable that you can move around in. Some dancers come straight from work, others make a night of it and dress up a little. Lots of our students just wear casual clothing.<\/p>

We do recommend shoes that you let you move comfortably and won’t be too sticky on the floor, and shoes that will stay on your feet (like street shoes, trainers, but not stilettos).<\/p>

As long as you are comfortable though, it\u2019s ok by us!<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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No bookings, registration or membership required for our regular weekly classes. They all run on a casual basis \u2013 just drop in anytime and pay at the door. On the rarest of occasions when a class is too full we will need to cap numbers (like the first class of the year) so we recommend getting there early.<\/p>

For workshops, it\u2019s a good idea to book in advance if you want to attend, as these have limited places and sometimes sell out. And the online prices are discounted. Online bookings are available until usually the Friday before the workshop\/event. After that, tickets are available at the door for cash payment only, unless otherwise indicated on the website (eg. \u201cSold Out\u201d or \u201cNo tix at the door for this event\u201d).<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Absolutely not! We change partners frequently throughout the lesson, so everyone gets the chance to dance with different people, for a taste of lead & follow social swing dancing. So bringing a partner is not necessary.<\/p>

We do ask people to join in the rotation and dance with everyone. It can be beneficial to the learning experience to feel what it\u2019s like to lead or follow a move with a variety of people, of different sizes, strengths, abilities etc. Not only is it lots of fun, dancing with lots of people accelerates your learning hugely. Of course, the key focus of any Swing Patrol class is having fun and enjoying yourself, so if you\u2019re really not keen to change partners, it\u2019s a good idea to mention it to the teachers so they can accommodate.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Swing dancing is a partner dance (except solo jazz), in which there\u2019s a Lead and a Follow. Whether you choose to lead or follow in class is entirely up to you, and is not in any way related to your gender or how you identify.<\/p>

In Swing, the lead instigates the moves and shape of the dance while the follow interprets and completes those moves, so if you are someone who likes to be in the driving seat you might enjoy leading, while if you prefer to go with the flow then you might like to follow. Many of our dancers love to do both roles which means you can dance with everyone! However, it is a little easier to focus on just one role while you\u2019re first learning to dance.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI've got two left feet and never danced before \u2014 Can I still attend?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Absolutely! Our level 1 classes always assume no prior knowledge so we always start at the beginning but learn something new every week. You\u2019ll be surprised how much you can learn in an hour. Ultimately though we just to make sure you’re having fun while learning.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Attendance is on a casual basis. If you miss a class it doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>

Simply ask your teachers about private classes or email info@swingpatol.com.au<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What level am i?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLevel 1 \u2022\u00a0Beginner<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

This class is for everyone from absolute beginners, to dancers who\u2019d like to work on improving their basics. Even if you have never danced Lindy Hop (or anything else for that matter) this class will equip you with what you need to know.<\/p>

We teach in 4 week blocks of focusing on 6 and 8 count Lindy Hop, 20s and 30s Charleston basics, with a few fun variations. You can drop in any time, as every week we teach the basics, and don\u2019t worry if you have \u201ctwo left feet\u201d – we really believe that anyone can learn to dance!<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLevel 2 \u2022 Intermediate<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

This class is for intermediate dancers who would like to take it up a notch and learn some more challenging steps and variations. You will also learn about musicality and rhythm and refine your lead\/ follow technique.<\/p>

To do the North Sydney level 2 class you\u2019ll need to be an intermediate level dancer with solid swing-out technique, and be comfortable with 8-beat, 6-beat and Charleston footwork. If you\u2019re going to this class for the first time we\u2019ll ask you to do a level check with Jo or Andy first to make sure that this is the right level for you.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLevel 3 \u2022\u00a0Advanced<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

This is a more advanced class for dancers who have been swing dancing for a minimum of about 2-3 years and are regularly on the social dance floor.<\/p>

You will be looking to hone your technique and improve the quality of your dancing, as well as learning some amazing new steps and variations. You will have a strong grasp of the basics and be prepared to spend a lot of time working on areas such as momentum, pulse, led\/follow connection, rhythm and musicality. If you are unsure if you are ready, please do approach our lovely teachers for guidance.<\/p>

We’ll run some advanced workshops throughout the year to really challenge our more experienced dancers. Make sure you sign up to the newsletter or follow us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0for all the updates.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Safety<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan anyone join a class or attend socials?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yes. We work hard to build a safe, inclusive and welcoming community for all people – regardless of gender, race, age or neurodivergence. We ask that all attendees observe our Code of Conduct<\/a> and respect each other.<\/p>\n

Swing Patrol Sydney classes and events are LGBTQI+ friendly and always welcoming.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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If you ever feel unsafe, unwelcome or just unsure about anything, or\u00a0have observed something and would like to talk to someone about it<\/span>, you can approach any of the Swing Patrol event or class organisers, volunteers and door staff – we’re here to listen and help!<\/span><\/p>

Alternatively you can contact us via\u00a0<\/span>info@swingpatrol.com.au<\/b><\/span> or read our\u00a0<\/span>Code of Conduct<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Safe Spaces Policy<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDance floor etiquette<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t

Everyone wants to have a good time, so we ask attendees to be observant and mindful of others around them. Here are some general rules and etiquette so everyone can have a fun, safe time:<\/p>