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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Lindy Hop?

A. Lindy Hop is the main dance of the Swing Era, and is the most popular swing dance in Toronto and around the world today. It is a fun, joyful, playful dance with a rich history. See our History page for more information.

Q. Do I need a partner?

A. No, there is no need to bring your own dance partner. The custom at social dances is to change partners for each song. In lessons dance partners rotate; this helps you to learn better by exposing you to many dance partners and gives you a chance to briefly meet other people.

Q. What is the average age of people at the dances?

A. We enjoy a varied group of attendees at our dance events. Though most of those who come are in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the age of our participants ranges from those in their late teens to retirement.

Q. Do we need to reserve tickets in advance?

A. There is no need to reserve or pay in advance for Saturday Night Swing nor any other Swing Toronto event, nor for any Mostly Waltz event in Toronto. Simply show up and pay at the door.

The only events for which advance registration is suggested are special event weekend workshops with internationally known teachers coming to teach in Toronto and teaching a full set of day-time workshops on Saturday and Sunday.

Q. What is the average age of people at the dances?

A. We enjoy a varied group of attendees at our dance events. Though most of those who come are in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the age of our participants ranges from those in their late teens to retirement.

Q. What can I expect at dances?

A. Dances may feature an outstanding line up of live swing bands, DJs, teachers and classes! The evening begins with dance classes open to everyone including absolute beginners, with a Charleston beginner class followed by a Lindy Hop beginner class. A Swing Dance Party follows. Everyone is welcome. Usually there is a team of Toronto Lindy Hop Dance Ambassadors there specifically to dance with beginners and new people during the second class and the first hour of the Dance Party. See the Calendar for details.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Wear comfortable clothes that you can dance in. Casual to dressy attire is all fine. If the dance is described as a Ball most people will be dressed up.

Q. What kind of shoes should I wear?

A. Anything comfortable, whether dressy or casual, ideally with some glide under the sole under the balls of your feet. Wear shoes that are smooth enough under the front part of your foot to allow swiveling on a wooden floor – this can be a leather sole, or it could be a smooth or somewhat slidey rubber or plastic sole, or can even be tape put on the soles of otherwise very grippy shoes. Rubber heels are fine – the heel can be more grippy than the rest of the sole.

Q. Is there a code of behaviour or etiquette?

A. Yes. See Dance Etiquette for details. In particular, please treat everyone with courtesy and respect, be mindful of good floorcraft when dancing (avoid collisions, don’t “drive dangerously”), and do not wear perfume or cologne (as it bothers some people and makes a small minority of people unwell). Any kind of harassment of those who attend our events is not acceptable.

Q. Where can I take Lindy Hop classes and workshops in Toronto?

A. At Swing Toronto’s various courses and workshops! Also, once regular swing dances commence again, there will be beginner classes before each party! No prior experience is needed and there’s no need to bring your own dance partners. Quality instruction and a welcoming vibe. Please visit our website regularly for updates, or sign-up for our newsletter!

Q. Can we do aerials?

A. No, not on a social dance floor. Fun and athletic and one of the great things in Lindy Hop, air steps (or aerials) are advanced and considered too dangerous to be danced on a social dance floor. Please refer to our Dance Etiquette page for more details.
From time to time Swing Toronto presents workshops in air step (aerials) and tricks. We love this stuff. Once you have learned how to Lindy Hop (at least to do the basics), then, as long as you are athletic, you are very welcome to take our air steps workshops.

Q. Does Swing Toronto provide dance performances, lessons and dance animators for special events?

A. Yes we do this all the time and have been doing so for many years. Ask us about your special event, we are happy to help. See Our Services for an outline of what we offer.

Q. What is Peabody?

A. Peabody is a fun hugely popular Swing Era and 1920s partner dance suited for tempos from medium speed to blazing fast. It travels and can be mixed with Lindy Hop and Charleston.

Q. When did the Lindy Hop Revival reach Toronto?

A. In October 1995 it was brought here by Simon & Margaret who organized Canada’s first Lindy Hop Workshop and Dance Weekends. Please refer to our History page for more details.