These are partnered dances (except solo jazz), so you will be dancing with a partner! We'll encourage people to partner up in the lesson, and rotate partners* so you don't need to worry about finding someone to dance with.

Swing dances were traditionally improvised styles, which means they use a physical connection to allow the dancers to communicate moves to each other.

As they are partnered dance styles, they will usually involve some form of physical connection. This usually looks like a hand hold, and a hand on the centre of your partners back or shoulder. Our teachers will talk about consent and appropriate contact, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any inappropriate behaviour, as we want to create a safe and comfortable space for all our dancers.

Some dance styles (for example, Balboa and Blues), use a connection called 'close hold/close embrace'. This looks like a hug, and helps communicate moves to the other dancer in your pair. If we run lessons that involve this type of connection we will make sure to add details on the weekly post.

This connection is nothing more than a friendly hug, and there is nothing intrinsically 'romantic' or otherwise about it, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable with hugs or this type of physical contact, so we don't run these lessons often and you can also sit out for part or all of any lesson.

We do also offer solo jazz lessons which are danced alone - these will often involve learning a short routine, which includes some moves and occasionally trying some improvised parts. Keep an eye out on our social media for these if these lessons are more your style!

As these are improvised dances, one person will 'lead', or suggest moves, and the other person will 'follow', or interpret the signals from the lead. They both have scope for creativity and both roles have agency over how the dance looks, but in different ways.

These are not gendered roles, and anyone can dance either role. You can also learn both roles, and even swap roles mid-dance - this is called switching - (although for ease of learning it is recommended to try one at a time). Swing dance etiquette is to ask someone if they lead or follow, and not to assume based on appearance or otherwise. We are an inclusive and welcoming space for people of any gender and background.

Every single lesson is beginner-friendly so you can come as and when you’re free. Our lessons are not consecutive, and you can attend as many or as few as you wish. 

Our classes are split into two 45-minute lessons, and you can just join for the one at 7, or at 8, if that’s what works for you. 

A rough timetable is as follows:

• 7pm - start arriving, and pay at the desk.

• 7:15pm - start with a warm up. This usually involves the teachers in the centre of a circle doing some moves, and everyone trying to copy

• Footwork! Each week we go through the basic footwork needed for the lesson (don’t worry, there’s not much!), as an introduction for new dancers or as a refresher and good practice for those more experienced.

• Moves! Our teachers will show you a couple of moves, or will focus on some techniques, depending on the aim of the lesson, and take everyone through the content.

• 8pm - 8:15pm -  break. Our classes are split into two 45-minute lessons, so it’s not too intense. Break for a chat or short dance.

• 8:15pm- 9pm - second lesson. You do not need to pay again, £2/3 covers the whole evening

• 9pm - 10pm - Relaxed social dancing

Informal social - often we will head to V-bar after a lesson to chat. This is by no means compulsory, and there is also no pressure to drink alcohol if you do join. 

We hope everyone can enjoy our lessons safely and comfortably. If something doesn't feel right, the best way to let us know is to contact us.

Email: swingdance@yorksu.org

Confidential email: swingdance-welfare@yorksu.org

This email address is only monitored by our Welfare Officer, but due to safeguarding rules we cannot promise confidentiality. We will only share information when deemed necessary.

DM on instagram: @uoyswingstagram

Our specific events page: @uoyswingdance_events

DM us on Facebook Messenger: UoY Swing Dance Society

Use our Lesson Feedback Form if you want to tell use what you thought about a specific lesson!

Use our Welfare Report Form for another way to confidentially report a welfare concern.