FAQs
What is swing dance?
CU Swing is an umbrella term covering a number of social dances from the 1930s and 1940s, including Lindy Hop, Shag, West Coast Swing, Balboa and more. In CU Swing lessons we focus mostly on East coast swing and the Lindy Hop.
How do I become a member of CU Swing?
There are two easy steps to join:
1) Register with club sports and pay dues for SP2020
2) Sign our SP2020 Community Agreement
I registered with club sports last semester. Do I have to do it again?
If you have registered once, you can save your login information and simply update it. You still have to confirm that all information is still accurate, re-sign the waiver, etc.
I signed the community agreement and paid dues last semester. Do I have to do that again?
We require that all of our members sign our Community Agreement and pay dues every semester. We ask that everyone signs the Community Agreement before coming to any lessons.
How much do lessons cost?
The first two lessons of the semester are free for everyone. After that, dues are $35 for undergraduates and $45 for all other Columbia affiliates. This includes the remaining 8 lessons and any workshops we offer throughout the semester.
I missed the first two free weeks of lessons, do I still have to pay for my first week?
We offer everyone to try their first week free, even after the first two free lessons of the semester. However, after the first two lessons have passed, we do ask that anyone who comes sign our community agreement before coming.
How do I get added to the CU Swing email list?
You can email any of the EBoard members or cuswingdanceclub@gmail.com with your request.
I’ve never swing danced before – can I still participate in lessons?
Absolutely! Our Foundations lesson is designed for people with no dance experience, so people of all levels are welcome. We’ll take you from “I’ve got 7 left feet” to groovin’ and shakin’ in no time!
Is it ever too late in the semester to join the club?
It is never too late to join, however the longer you wait the harder it may be to catch up, especially if you are a beginner and have no other dance experience. To get the full experience we recommend you start at the beginning of the semester. Feel free to contact any of the EBoard members with questions!
How do I find out when and where lessons are?
Due to space constrictions we cannot have lessons at exactly the same time and place every week. However, every week this information will be included in the weekly email and can be found on the Lessons page.
How do I know what level lesson I should go to?
If you have never swing danced before, go to the Foundations lesson. In order to attend our advanced lesson you must be comfortable with both the six-count and eight-count basics and swingouts. If you feel the Foundations is too slow for you but you aren’t yet comfortable with the above steps, we recommend you spend a semester in the Foundations class while doing as much social dancing as you can to get up to speed! Feel free to speak to any of the EBoard members if you need a recommendation.
I have a friend/relative visiting. Can they come to lessons with me?
Yes! It is helpful to email a member of the EBoard ahead of time, but visitors are always welcome.
What does CU Swing offer other than weekly lessons?
In addition to our weekly lessons on Wednesdays, CU Swing leads a group to Fram, a swing dance club near Penn Station every Thursday and periodically lead groups to other swing events in the city throughout the semester - see our Events page. We also offer workshops throughout the semester, put on 1-2 social dances for the entire NYC swing community, and boast an audition-only performance troupe!
What should I wear to swing dance?
The most important thing is to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes that don’t have too much traction. Many people like keds or converse. Any shoes with a leather or suede sole are also great. Otherwise, anything comfortable works!
What is social dancing?
Social dancing is why we swing dance! It is improvised, spontaneous, fun, and based on partner connection. Rather than learning choreography in a certain order, we learn basic steps and variations that can be combined in infinite ways on the social dance floor so you could walk up to anyone at a swing event, ask them to dance, and have a wonderful time.
What’s the difference between leading and following?
In swing dance, one person leads while the other follows. At a very basic level, the leader typically makes suggestions and the follow accepts, tweaks, or declines those suggestions. Stylistically, the leader appears to move less on the floor than the follow. Neither is better than the other; it just depends what you’re looking for in your dance experience. In CU Swing, all of our members learn both roles to maximize social dancing possibilities and better comprehension of the dance!
How can I improve my dancing?
The best way to improve is to go social dancing! It’s one thing to learn a move in class as part of a combination when both partners know what’s coming, but it’s a whole different ball game when you’re dancing with someone new who doesn’t have the same experience as you. Come to Fram with us on Thursdays - see our Events page!
Where else can I swing dance outside of the club?
For other swing dance venues nearby, check out our Resources page and click on Swing in NYC.
Is there a way to learn swing choreography?
CU Swing has an audition-only performance troupe, that holds auditions every semester! You can contact the captain here. Check out some of their past performances on our Media page or Youtube channel, and check the weekly emails and the Events page for the next auditions.
How should I best take care of my body while swing dancing?
As with any sport, you should warm up, cool down, and stretch. It's also a great cardio workout! But that means doing some strength training is a great way to make sure you're protecting yourself and increasing your dancing capacity. For more information about swing dance health, check out our "Health Information" tab on our Resources page.
Where can I find swing music?
Check out our YouTube channel for some awesome swing playlists!