Michelle's Swing Dance

Welcome to Michelle's Swing Dance, a long-standing presence in the Bay Area's vibrant dance scene, offering opportunities for individuals and couples in San Francisco and surrounding communities to learn and enjoy the popular art of West Coast Swing. For those in California looking to engage in a lively and social activity that combines music, movement, and connection, swing dancing offers an exciting avenue. Michelle's Swing Dance provides structured classes and social dance events designed to introduce newcomers to the fundamentals and help experienced dancers refine their skills.

In the dynamic landscape of California's diverse recreational offerings, partner dancing remains a beloved pastime. West Coast Swing, known for its smooth, fluid movements and adaptability to various music genres, has garnered a strong following. Michelle's Swing Dance aims to be a resource for those looking to learn this versatile dance form. While the goal is to provide a comprehensive learning experience, it's important for prospective students to consider all aspects of the learning environment. Past feedback from customers has indicated that while Michelle possesses a strong understanding of dance, her instructional approach has, at times, been perceived as punitive or publicly embarrassing by some students. This overview aims to provide factual information about the services and features of Michelle's Swing Dance, allowing local users in California to make an informed decision about their dance education.

Michelle's Swing Dance has its primary listed address at 671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA. However, it's important for prospective students to note that Michelle's Swing Dance frequently holds classes and events at various locations across the Bay Area to accommodate a wider audience. These locations have included:

• PIASC (Peninsula Italian American Social Club) at 100 North B Street, San Mateo, CA
• Russian Center of San Francisco at 2460 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
• Polish Club at 3040 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110
• Monte Cristo Social Club at 136 Missouri St, San Francisco, CA 94107
• The Pick School of Ballroom Dancing at 1532 Taraval, San Francisco, CA
• New Century Dance Studio in Mountain View, CA
• Lindy in the Park in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA (free weekly event)

This multi-location approach enhances accessibility for a broad range of California residents, making it convenient for individuals from different parts of the Bay Area to attend classes or social dances. Students should always verify the specific location for the class or event they wish to attend, as it can vary. These locations are generally well-served by local roads and, depending on the specific venue, may offer parking or be accessible via public transportation, ensuring that dancers can easily reach their desired sessions.

Services Offered:

• West Coast Swing Group Classes: Offered in progressive series at various locations (e.g., San Francisco, Palo Alto), with different levels such as "Basics-plus," "Fundamentals plus," and "Intermediate."
• Drop-in Classes: Available for certain classes, allowing flexibility for those who cannot commit to a full series.
• Monthly Social Dances: Regularly scheduled social dance parties (e.g., 2nd & 4th Wednesdays in San Mateo, 2nd Sundays), often including a bonus lesson before the open dancing.
• Beginner Swing Dance Lessons: Free half-hour beginner lessons offered at "Lindy in the Park" on Sundays in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
• Private Dance Lessons: Personalized one-on-one or couple instruction to accelerate learning and focus on specific areas of improvement.
• Other Dance Styles Occasionally Taught: Includes Nightclub Two-Step and Country Two-Step, expanding the repertoire of social dancing.
• Dance Cruises and Events: Organizes "Sea Magic Dance Cruises" and annual events like "Swing Joins Country Event" with workshops and open dancing.
• Technique and Styling Tips: Each class series aims to include new material, as well as focus on technique, lead/follow dynamics, and styling tips.
• Gift Certificates: Offers the option to purchase gift certificates for dance lessons, providing a unique gift idea.

Features / Highlights:

• Extensive Experience: Michelle Richter has been dancing for over 20 years and seriously studying dance for about 15 years, with a background in ballet, modern dance, and various other styles. Her main focus for the past 8 years has been Lindy-Hop and Blues dancing.
• Focus on West Coast Swing: Specializes in West Coast Swing, a versatile partner dance adaptable to many music types, including rock, disco, country, and contemporary/funk.
• Multi-Location Convenience: Offers classes and events across various locations in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Mountain View, increasing accessibility for different communities in California.
• Structured Class Format: Group classes often follow a series format, with new material presented each week along with a review of previous material, ensuring progressive learning.
• Warm-up and Practice Time: Classes typically allocate time for warm-up exercises and practice, reinforcing learned material.
• Social Dance Opportunities: Provides ample opportunities for students to practice their skills in a social setting through regular DJ dance parties and live band nights.
• Free Beginner Options: Offers free beginner lessons at Lindy in the Park, providing an accessible entry point for new dancers.
• Instructor's Dance Knowledge: Michelle's deep understanding of dance mechanics and a wide array of dance forms is evident in her instruction.
• Variety of Class Levels: Offers classes from "Basics Plus" to "Intermediate," catering to different skill levels within West Coast Swing.

Contact Information:

Address: 671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA (Note: Check specific event/class locations)

Phone: (415) 585-6282

For locals in California, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area seeking to learn West Coast Swing or engage in social dancing, Michelle's Swing Dance offers a variety of class formats and event opportunities. The multi-location approach provides flexibility for individuals across different parts of the region to find classes convenient to them. The availability of free beginner lessons, such as those at Lindy in the Park, also presents a low-barrier entry point for Californians curious about swing dance.

However, it is important for prospective students to be aware of the feedback regarding the teaching style. While Michelle's deep knowledge of dance is clear, some past students have expressed discomfort with her instructional methods, describing them as punitive or publicly embarrassing. For those who prioritize an encouraging and respectful learning environment above all else, it may be beneficial to consider these aspects. Ultimately, for California residents looking to learn various swing styles and participate in social dance events, Michelle's Swing Dance provides the technical instruction and opportunities, but it is advised to consider whether the reported teaching approach aligns with individual learning preferences and expectations for a dance class atmosphere.

Michelle's Swing Dance

671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA