Welcome to The Swing Dance Company / Weekend Dances

Weekend Dances

Most people are keen to practice what they have learnt, so beginners and advanced dancers alike head along our fun and friendly social dances. Read on to find out what to expect and how to book..

Weekend Dances 

We run Saturday evening social dances for 60 to 150 people. Each Saturday night event starts with a fun class at 7.45pm to get the evening warmed-up. A DJ then takes over and plays the best mix of swing, rock'n'roll and rhythm & blues to make sure that the joint is really jumpin' by the end of the night! We aim to organise one Saturday night dance per term in the areas that we teach our 10 week courses. The venues are hand-picked and all feature convenient parking, a great dance floor, a licenced bar and social seating areas.

Each term builds up to a highlight at the end of term ball, which is the ultimate dancing experience! This event often has a theme and features a high quality live band, top class cabaret and dancing until late. The Swing Dance crew always puts together plenty of treats and surprises to keep you entertained even when you're not dancing.

There is always a discount for purchasing tickets in advance, this can be done online via the Event Calendar at  http://www.theswingdancecompany.co.uk/calendar/ and then click on your chosen event, or in your local Swing Dance Company class. For further ticket info please visit the calendar or call us on 02392 699088.

Dance Hall Etiquette   
If you've never been to one of our social dances before, you're probably wondering what to expect, and may be nervous about trying out your new found dancing skills! Well don't be: Dancing is very social, and everyone has been a "beginner" at some point, so we're a very friendly bunch really!!

Come prepared…
Our dances are well subscribed, so whatever the weather is doing outside, it soon warms up! It's definitely worth bringing a change of top (or several!!) and a hand towel to keep you fresh throughout the evening!
You may want to consider buying some specific dance shoes - we always have a selection on offer at our dances. You need a shoe that supports your foot but also allows your feet to slide along the floor: many normal shoes have grip on the soles, which doesn't allow this, putting strain on ankles & knees. And ladies, whilst stilletos may look good, you won't find them stable when you spin, and your fellow dancers won't thank you if you accidentally tread on their toes!
All of our dance venues have a bar, so no need to bring your own drinks, but feel free to bring a snack to keep you going throughout the evening! And on the subject of drinks, we don't want any spillages on the dance floor, so please walk round the edge of the dance floor on your way to & from the bar.

Would you like to dance...?
So you've made it to your first dance, but everyone looks like professional dancers and you just can't pluck up the courage to dance yourself! If you've come with a partner, then that makes things easier - the two of you can get up and dance the steps you've learnt on your beginners course. If any of your class mates are there, then dance with them too, and of course any of our teachers, demonstrators and coaches (wearing their SDC t-shirts) will be more than happy to dance with you.
And after that, ASK ANYONE! No one should refuse you a dance - just let them know you're a beginner and they will be kind, and will gladly offer tips if you want them!

This is my dance space and that is yours…..
One last tip: The dance floors are often packed, so you need to be aware of the space around you. Leaders in particular, think about where you are sending your follower - is there space?! And (for the more advanced dancer) if you like fancy moves with dips or drops, be doubly sure there is plenty of space (and that your follower is happy to do the move!)
 
Happy Dancing! We hope to see you at one of our dances soon….