What is the Queen's Swing Club?

We're dedicated to providing you with a low cost means to meet people through swing dancing and listening to swing era and modern jazz music. We hold weekly dances on campus and teach beginners how to get on the floor to dance. We also hold special events like road trips to cities with a swing scene and band nights to promote our own Kingston swing scene. We participate in charity events and perform in swing dancing demonstrations. Several times a year, we also have workshops where we bring the best dance instructors from all over North America to Kingston for those of you who want to bring your dancing up a notch.

General Inquiries

For questions about the Queen's Swing Club and membership, please email us at queensswingclub@gmail.com.

Membership

Although our events are open to the public, membership has its benefits! Members receive free admission to our weekly dances, including free instruction at the start of each dance, as well as discounts for special events such as band nights and road trips. Even if you don't want to be a member, you can join our mailing list. You'll be informed of weekly club news, the latest events, and how to get involved with the club.

Beginner lesson costs
Drop in: $3
Year long membership: $20

Joining the Club

Q: Do I have to have a partner to sign up for the club?

A: No. A "partner" is never necessary to sign up. Usually people will sign up alone or they'll bring friends for "emotional support". During our lessons, we call a partner rotation every 5 minutes or so; this is so you can maximize your learning and explore your creativity with different partners. It is an advantage for some people, sometimes, to have a few regular partners (for example, to practice outside of lesson and/or social dancing time), but we really encourage you to try dancing with everybody. There's so much you can learn from dancing with someone you've never danced with before, no matter your skill level or theirs! For many of us, swing is a chance to escape the everyday blahs, and it definitely provides an opportunity to make awesome new friends.

Q: Is previous (swing dancing) experience required to join?

A: No. If you want to learn how to dance, you've come to the right place. We'll teach you during a drop-in Lindy Hop lesson before each weekly dance! See the next section for details. Or, even if you just want to hang out with the DJ and listen to music, that's fine, too. We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome.

If you do have a bit more swing dancing experience, this year we've got something new and exciting for you eager beavers! See the next section for details.

Q: Where do I go to get a club membership?

A: Memberships are always available at the dance for $20. Ask the front desk for membership information.

Dance Lessons

Q: Are there any lessons I can take to get started?

A: Yes! We offer a drop-in beginner Lindy Hop lesson every Monday from 8-9 pm, before our weekly social dance. Each lesson is self-contained and not progressive, so if you have to miss a week, no big deal! And don't worry if you don't "get it" after just one lesson -- hey, we've all been there! These lessons are worth taking repeatedly so we encourage you to keep coming back. We will always review the basic steps each week, and then teach you a few fun moves you can try out on the social floor. The social dance that follows each lesson is a great time to practice what you've learned.

Dances and Meetings

Q: When and where does the club meet?

A: Starting on the first Monday of school (and throughout the school year), we will hold a drop-in lesson(s) and social dance every Monday evening in Wallace Hall located in the JDUC (room 141). For updated information, please refer to our lesson info page.

8-9 pm ~ Drop-in beginner lesson
9-11 pm ~ Social dancing for EVERYONE!

Dancing

Q: Do you guys do West Coast Swing, or East Coast Swing?

A: We do Lindy Hop, the dance that started it all. Although it is older than both "coasts" of the more modern swing dance styles, many of us believe that it is the coolest, most free-form and artistic swing dance style today. Lindy Hop is constantly evolving and no two people do it alike.

If you're still wondering, "Why Lindy Hop?", read a little bit about the history of this great dance:
What's the Deal With Lindy Hop

For our intermediate lessons, which will start up in October, we will also teach dances such as Charleston, '20s Charleston, Balboa, Shag, various "mob dances," and perhaps even simple choreographies.

You're always welcome to dance any way you like at the club, as long as you treat your partner and others around you with respect. Please do keep in mind that because we teach primarily Lindy Hop, that is what most people will be familiar with. Having said that, we can teach you Lindy Hop and you can teach us what you know. The most important thing is that we all have a great time, and help spread the joy of swing dancing!