Swing Dance Lessons in Raleigh

Looking for swing dance lessons in Raleigh? At Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Raleigh, we welcome every dancer of any skill level—the only thing you need is a desire to hit the dance floor; we’ll handle the rest. 

A man and woman are taking swing dance lessons in Raleigh.

Take advantage of our introductory special to get your first two individual classes (no partner required) for $60 or your first two couples lessons for $80. Whether you’re just looking to try something new, or you’re getting back into the swing of things after years of practice, our introductory special lets you get a feel for our swing dance lessons without breaking the bank.

Ready to Swing Dance? Join a Class Today!

Fill out our contact form or call us at (919) 872-0111 to schedule your first class!

Contact us to schedule your lesson

No Partner Necessary

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About Fred Astaire Dance Studios

For more than 70 years, Fred Astaire Dance Studios has been teaching people across the country, offering dance lessons in dozens of styles including:

Named for and co-founded by one of the greatest dancers to ever grace the stage and screen, Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers private dance classes and group dance classes for every skill level, taught by some of the most experienced dance teachers in the country. 

If you’re not quite sure which style of dance you’d like to explore, want to know more about dance classes at Fred Astaire Raleigh, or want to schedule your first class, call us today at (919) 872-0111

 

Want more information on our Swing Dance Lessons? Call Now!

(919) 872-0111

What is Swing Dancing? 

What is Swing? More than just the twirling in Grease, how would you spot it today? Look for couples hitting the dance floor with huge smiles and having a ton of fun! Famous for its quick spins and partner flips, ‘Swing’ is an assortment of dance moves invented in the 1920’s to 1940’s to accompany the vintage music styles of Big Band, Swing, Jazz, Hot Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, and Charleston. 

A man and a woman's feet are pictured as they take swing dance lessons.

Popular dance steps of Swing include the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, Black Bottom, and the Shim Sham. A well-known feature of Swing is its lively pace that combines aerials or ‘Air Steps’ where the leader tosses, hurls or flips the partner into the air, spotlighting a variety of performance moves that spin the partner and almost resemble acrobatics in speed and aerobics in ecstatic sweat and movement. Modern types of Swing dancing have evolved in the past 20 years, like East Coast and West Coast Swing, which adapted classic Swing dancing to the bass and feel of modern Club music, looking almost like a fusion of Ballroom and the Hustle.

Types of Swing Dancing

East Coast Swing

This dance is regularly referred to as a triple-step swing due to the rhythm of its basic 1-2-3 step. East Coast swing requires a rock step back by both the man and woman to begin and consists of six and eight-count patterns. This circular dance is moved with a bounce and is very grounded and not high in the legs. This bounce requires the dancer to stay very smooth and not jump around much. East Coast swing is the base for all swing dances.

West Coast Swing

Consisting of six and eight-count patterns, the West Coast swing is done in a slot. The rhythm is generally done to medium-tempo swing, which is most of the time slower than the East Coast swing. However, highly qualified west coast dancers perform this dance in a faster tempo music. The dance has a very smooth feel and no bounce. You will rarely see high kicks or moves which require the performer to leave the dance floor.

The Hustle

The hustle, also known as disco, and part of the swing family, is similar to the West Coast swing pattern. In the 1970s, its distinct flavor, using disco-style music and revived partner style was well appreciated by nightclub dancers. Hustle is also danced to the contemporary pop dance music of the last 20 years. The fast and smooth dance is appropriately named, as the lady spins almost constantly while the man draws her close and sends her away.

The Jive

Jive is a European version of East Coast swing and is composed of the same six and eight-count pattern. This dance makes its difference with its bouncy sharp kicks and flicks. Unlike East Coast swing, jive is danced to a faster tempo swing music and is meant for competitive style dancing.

Benefits of Swing Dance Lessons in Raleigh 

No matter how many hours you’ve spent searching ‘Dance Lessons Near Me”, or studios you’ve looked into, it can be hard to take the final step and set up a lesson. At Fred Astaire Raleigh, we understand: But we also know that once you take that first step, you’ll be over the moon. So if you’re still on the fence, here are some of our favorite reasons to stick to swing dance lessons in Raleigh. 

Swing Dance Lessons are a Great Work Out

Dance is an amazing workout that helps with everything from balance and flexibility, to strength and stamina. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than hours spent on a treadmill.

5 woman are pictured smiling as they take swing dance lessons in Raleigh.

Swing Dance Classes Help You Make New Friends 

Whether you’re in a group dance lesson or you’ve been practicing in individual lessons and are ready to hit the town, swing dancing is a great way to meet new people—and you all already have something in common!

Swing Dancing is Great for Your Mental Health

As a social activity that also involves movement, swing dancing—and dance lessons in general—has all the makings of a mental health boost. From calming anxiety to providing an outlet for expression, there’s almost nothing that dance can’t do!

Try Our Introductory Swing Dance Offer Today!

Fill out our contact form or call us at (919) 872-0111 to schedule your first class. 

 

Contact us to schedule your lesson

No Partner Necessary

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.