Getting Into The Swing

Empire Swing is keeping the jive alive by offering swing dancing classes for beginners at Wavell Heights Community Hall this month.

You can relive the best moments of the big band days by learning how to do the jitterbug, charleston and lindy hop over an eight-week course.

Owner and instructor Kameron Davis said the dance classes were a great way of bringing the community together because they were fun, upbeat, and inclusive.

Swing dancing cuts through a lot of generations,� Kameron said. I've seen people from their early 20s through to their 60s having fun together on the dance floor.

All you have to do is dance to one song and you're instantly part of the group, sharing that community.��

Now in its tenth year of operation, Empire Swing is the longest running swing dancing school in Brisbane, teaching popular dances from the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

These dances came about during a time when things weren't the best,� Kameron said. They make people happy. What I love about dances like the lindy hop is you can put it together in any way. It's not regimented. It's a social dance.��

Kameron, who has been dancing for 15 years, said the beginner classes have been designed to teach people who had never danced before.

You don't need to be a natural dancer,� he said. The way we design our beginner block is to teach people the fundamentals and basic steps.

Those who aren't sure if they want to do the eight-week course can come along to one of our Summer of Swing taster classes and see if they like it.

The classes will be operating in accordance with an approved COVID-safe plan.�

With Valentine's Day coming up, it might be a good opportunity to meet someone special. I've seen lots of relationships develop from swing dancing,� Kameron said. I've seen people get married and have babies, who met through swing dancing.�

For more information about the classes visit empireswing.com.au

Learn To Swing Dance Beginner Block
Wednesday, 24 February, 6:45pm'7:45pm
Wavell Heights Community Hall
76 Cressey Street, Wavell Heights