Frequently Asked Questions
• Do I need a partner?
No. There will be many friendly leaders and followers present with whom you may dance.
• What kind of shoes should I wear?
Many experienced dancers bring shoes that they wear only on the dance floor. The new standard in shoes for Lindy Hoppers are the Aris Allens, sold at Dancestore.com. (See the links page on the left-hand side of the page.)
But you can dance in any shoes that will let you spin and turn on the floor somewhat. Regular street shoes can scuff up a nicer wooden dance floor, but still can be used if you brush them off on the boot brush prior to stepping onto the dance floor.
• What kind of clothing should I wear?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes that doesn't restrict your body movement too much. Some people dress up, but some folks wear t-shirts and jeans. Occasionally we'll get some folks dressing in vintage-style clothing. Wear whatever you like.
• What kind of music is swing?
Here's a definition from Wikipedia.
• What is swing dancing?
This is a complicated question that will get different answers from different dancers. But basically, it is dancing done to swing music. Here's a definition from Wikipedia.
• Is there any type of dance etiquette that I need to follow?
Traditionally the leader asks the follower to dance - but that goes out the window here. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. We encourage followers to ask leaders to dance - we even host an annual Sadie Hawkins Dance each November where that is the rule.
You will frequently see two women dancing together or two men dancing together. Every now and then you will see one leader dancing with two followers. No holds barred.
• What do I do if someone asks me to dance and I don't want to dance?
You don't have to do anything that you don't want to do. However, we suggest that people dance if asked. It's intimidating enough for some beginners to ask someone to dance. They're not asking for your phone number and it's not a date.
• What if I've never danced before?
We'll teach you! At our dances we have a beginners' lesson prior to the dance. This is a basic lesson in the East Coast style of swing dancing.
After this lesson you will know enough to have fun right away at the dance.
Admission to this lesson is free with paid dance admission.
• How do I get there?
Directions are listed on the 'Directions' link in the column on the left side of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions