“Every dance is a 3 minute romance” -Frankie Manning

Swing dancing changed my life. Here’s why you should try it out.

1. Express yourself and create with others.

There are few activities in life where we can communicate, connect, and express creativity with someone at the same time. In swing dancing, every dance is an opportunity to create. The start of a dance is a blank slate. While there are a set of rules for footwork, counts, and connection, they form the foundation for a wide open space of rhythm, musicality, and play. There is beauty in the fact that two people who have just met can have an amazing dance, connecting together with the common language of swing.

2. A community around the world.

One of the first things I do whenever I visit a new city is Google the local swing dance scene. Today, almost every major city has one. Even if you don’t speak the same language, you can connect immediately through the shared physical connection and understanding of the dance. This shared language is a great way to dive into a new city and make new friends. There is a warm excitement knowing that, wherever you go, you can find a community.

3. It’s real.

In a time where our professional and personal lives are going digital, it becomes ever more important to seek out real and physical experiences. Social media has worked wonders to connect us online, but it is no substitute for physical connection. We crave human touch and contact. It’s in our DNA.

Swing dancing is real. It’s a conversation without a script. It’s a physical and mental connection that is rooted in the present. It’s a transcending of the world around you to create something fleeting yet beautiful. Few things in life are as therapeutic and rewarding.

P.S. If you are interested in swing dancing (lindy hop or west coast swing) but don’t know how to start, hit me up!