Swing Dance Club FAQ
What is Swing Dance Club?
Swing Dance Club is an organization at The Ohio State University
dedicated to the education and enjoyment of swing dancing. Founded
in the Summer of 2000, Swing Dance Club is designed to give dancers
a place to practice and meet with other dancers in the Columbus area.
Do I need prior swing dancing experience?
Swing Dance Club is open to all interested dancers! Meetings
include beginners and experts, those who have competed for years and
those who have never danced before. Whether you’re a pro or
you’ve got two left feet, Swing Dance Club is the place to learn more
and have fun doing it.
Do I need to be a student, staff,
or faculty member of The Ohio State University?
Though Swing Dance Club consists mainly of students from OSU, it
is open to any interested swing dancers in the area. Our regular
meetings include undergraduates, graduates, staff, faculty, and even
non-OSU-affiliated members of the local Columbus community.
Do I need to bring a partner?
The typical format of lessons and dances encourages meeting new
people and learning to dance with new partners. We often rotate
partners throughout the lesson. Accordingly, you are free to bring
a partner though it is by no means required.
Do I need specific shoes or other
equipment?
Swing Dance Club encourages all members to invest in some form of
dancing shoes (simply sticking from inexpensive moleskin to some tennis
shoes is a fantastic low-cost option). Others use real dancing
shoes or bowling shoes. Normal tennis shoes are ok too, but please
dry them off upon entering the building if it has been raining!
When does Swing Dance Club meet?
For an up-to-date list of all upcoming meetings, please reference
the front page calendar at osu.swingcolumbus.com
How much does it cost to join?
Membership dues for one quarter are $10, while joining for the entire
academic year is only $20. These funds go directly to paying for
special workshops, dances, music, lessons, roadtrips, etc.
What if I want to come, but I am
unsure about actually joining?
No problem! You are encouraged to come check out Swing Dance
Club free of charge for your first few meetings. As you become
a regular member, we ask that you remember to officially Join and please
pay your membership dues in order to keep the club up and running.
You can ask any officer at any time about joining and paying dues.
What styles of swing dancing does
the Club teach?
Swing Dance Club focuses primarily on Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing,
Charleston, Balboa, and Blues.
Are there any opportunities for
open dancing in addition to the lessons?
Yes! At the end of each weekly meeting there is open dancing
time to allow members to practice what they’ve learned. It’s
a great time to find other members of your approximate skill level and
just have some fun. Instructors generally stay through open dancing
time, so this is also a great opportunity to perfect your skills.
How can I get more involved with
swing dancing in the Columbus area?
Check out our friends at swingcolumbus.com to learn more about the
larger Columbus swing dancing scene. They’ll keep you up-to-date
on dances and workshops located locally, nationally, or even internationally!