So you think you want to learn how to swing dance?

I have a bunch of friends who keep saying they're going to come learn how to swing dance, so now I'm going to make it really easy for you to find out when & where to learn how.

At the beginning on each month, virtually all venues that teach lessons start a 4 week "beginning lindy hop" class. THAT is where you want to start. The weekly half hour drop-in east coast swing classes can be fun too, but really, I'd suggest learning to lindy hop. I think it's much more fun dance, and it's what most of the leaders tend to lead on the dance floor. And once you know the lindy hop basics and a few moves, you can follow almost anything. Or, if you're a leader (generally guys), once you can lead a few lindy hop moves you can dance with just about anyone on the dance floor. Don't get me wrong, I still think it's important to learn East Coast Swing, but I'd focus on taking the full 4 week beginning Lindy Hop class.

What: Beginning Lindy Hop at the Verdi Club in San Francisco.
When: 8-9pm Tuesday Nights
Where: The Verdi Club located at 2424 Mariposa St. at Portrero St in Potrero Hill in San Francisco
How Much: $65 for the 4 week series or $20 to drop in.

You do not need to bring a partner, as in class you will rotate partners every few minutes. Then, later in the evening when the live music comes on, both leads and follows will be asking people to dance. So feel free to come alone, and feel free to ask anyone to dance.

Also, wear something comfortable to dance in, and ideally slick soled shoes. (ie. hard leather or suede, but ideally not rubber) Heels are ok, but not spike heels since they're both more difficult to dance in, and much more painful should you step on someone by mistake (it does happen). People dress in everything from jeans and a t-shirt on up to vintage outfits. I generally wear jeans (or baggy pants) and a nice shirt. Oh, and wear something that won't get too hot. Believe it or not, swing dancing can work up a sweat very quickly. So dress in light weight clothing, or bring a few shirts. You may not work up a sweat your first day out, but if you're dancing to fast music, you really can work up a sweat.

Also, between class and dancing, or if you sit out for a song, the Verdi club does have a bar/lounge where you can get a drink and just enjoy the music.

Other places to learn to lindy:
What: Fundamentals of Lindy Hop at Swing Central in Redwood City, taught by Carla Heiney
When: 7-8pm Tuesday nights.
Where: "Swing Central" located at Foresters Hall at 1204 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City, CA 94063 Swing Central has a great map on their site with directions.
How Much: $65 for the series, or $16 to drop in. $55 for the series if you register early (see details on their site)

What: Back 2 Basics at the 920 Special - They teach both 6 count East Coast Swing and 8 count Lindy Hop in this class.
When: 8:20 - 9:20pm on Thursday
Where: The 920 Special is at the Russian Center at 2460 Sutter St. at Divisidero in San Francisco
How Much: $50 for the series, $14 to drop in (drop-in only allowed for the first 2 classes)

After the lessons dancing begins at 9:20pm with a DJ and a huge dance floor and goes until 12:30am.

There are certainly other venues where you can learn to swing dance like the Metronome Dance Center on Monday Nights, Cat's Corner on Wednesday Nights, and even a free intro lesson on Sunday's at Lindy in the Park in Golden Gate Park.

Now that you have all of the details, I look forward to having you come join us on the dance floor soon!