There's a big difference between Performance dancing and Social dancing. What most people have seen of swing dancing is the Performance style, with fast music and lots of jumping around and girls flying through the air. While we DO like doing this (we perform and compete all over the world), what we do most commonly is Social dance.

Like the name sounds, Social dance implies dancing with lots of different people during the night. Of course you can still be social dancing and dance with the same partner all night long, if both of you are so inclined. But, the beauty is that no partner is required! It feels very strange to go to a bar alone and start talking to people. It's very natural, comfortable, and even expected, in the modern swing dance community.

Technically speaking, Social dance means non-choreographed "lead-follow" dancing, where the goal is not to look good on stage, but rather to feel good to your partner and to listen to and interpret the music as it's happening. No preplanning or practicing or acrobatics or tricks or flashy moves are needed for Social dancing, just a good connection and knowledge of the basics. Once you learn it, this connection and interaction is not only amazing but addictive.

Videos of some social dancing in the area:
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"I love the music. I love how the music makes me feel. I love being close to all the adorable guys who like the music and dance as much as I do. Dancing makes me feel sexy and alive." Susan

"Feeling the music, all that. Having a partner that I have a good connection with, dancing to an amazing song, feeling the dance pour out of you with incredible energy.." Diane

"I love that as I get better, I appreciate the music more and that pushes me. I hear more varied and interesting things in the music and I want to be able to express those things in my dancing with different partners." Tom

"The best is when I'm with a lead and we play off each other but we're in synch." Sarah

"Some nights I go to socialize with my friends. Some nights I go for the good music. Some nights I go because I need the exercise. But mostly I go for pure love of the dance, for the simple joy of moving to the music. Without fail, however I feel when I go in, I always feel better when I come out." Angela

"I enjoy the music and connecting with new people and the natural level of flirtation involved in it." Magda

"The social dance scene is a great group to be involved with. You can get into it as much or as little as you want and there are others who share your goals." Ben

"It's one of my only opportunities to simultaneously explore music and my imagination. I love music from the 30s and 40s. The music is what really gets me on the dance floor." Nikki

"The social dance scene.. Love it! The people you meet are friendly, welcoming to newcomers, and interesting real people." Andi

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