Portland Swing Project

Hello, Mainers! If you've been searching for a vibrant, welcoming, and incredibly fun way to get active, meet new people, and immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience, look no further than the Portland Swing Project. Located right here in Portland, ME, this organization has been instrumental in building a thriving swing dance scene that has captivated locals for years. Whether you're a complete beginner who's never danced a step in your life, or an experienced dancer looking to try something new, Portland Swing Project offers an inclusive and inspiring environment to discover the joy of swing dancing, particularly the energetic Lindy Hop style. As many enthusiastic participants attest, you might just find a new "dance scene I didn't know existed!"

At the heart of the Portland Swing Project's success are its exceptional instructors, notably Gillian and Jen, who are consistently praised as "great teachers." Their ability to provide clear, step-by-step instruction makes learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from "true dance beginners to folks who have been dancing for years but never tried swing." This supportive approach fosters an atmosphere where "everyone is happy to learn and help each other," creating a strong sense of community that makes the classes feel like a gathering of friends rather than a rigid lesson. The infectious enthusiasm of the instructors and the participants makes the learning process a truly "fun experience."

One of the most appealing aspects for locals is the sheer abundance of opportunities to dance. As one long-time participant excitedly shared, after just their first six weeks of lessons, "all you want to do is dance!" With the potential to dance almost "5 nights a week" through classes and social events, Portland Swing Project, in partnership with Lindy Maine, offers unparalleled access to the swing dance community across multiple locations including Portland, Biddeford, and Kittery. This extensive network means that wherever you are in Southern Maine, a lively swing dance floor is likely within reach. For Mainers looking to embrace a new hobby, build confidence, and connect with an active and friendly community, Portland Swing Project is the definitive destination.

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The Portland Swing Project holds classes and events at various locations to best serve the community, though its main presence and contact information are associated with 616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA. Congress Street is one of Portland's most iconic and central thoroughfares, placing the heart of the swing dance scene in a highly accessible and vibrant part of the city.

Specific class locations may vary (for example, A and B1-Level classes are often held at East End Community School at 195 North Street, Portland, ME, and some C and D-Level classes at Woodfords Club at 179 Woodford Street, Portland, ME, or Maine Ballroom Dance), but the central Portland address ensures general ease of access. For those traveling by car, being in downtown Portland means access to street parking and various public parking garages in the vicinity. While parking may require a bit of searching, the central location makes it convenient for residents within Portland and those commuting from surrounding areas of Southern Maine.

Portland's public transportation system, the Greater Portland Metro, offers extensive bus routes that service Congress Street and other key areas where classes are held. This provides excellent accessibility for students who prefer not to drive or rely on public transit. The Portland Swing Project's flexibility with locations, combined with its strong community partnerships (like Lindy Maine, which offers classes in Biddeford and Kittery), further enhances its accessibility for a broader audience across the Maine region. This commitment to being reachable by many makes swing dancing an inclusive and inviting activity for locals.

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• Weekly Group Swing Dance Classes: Portland Swing Project offers structured, weekly classes for various levels, providing clear step-by-step instruction and ample practice time. These classes cover different forms of swing dance, including 8-Count Lindy Hop, 6-Count Lindy Hop, and Charleston.

• Progressive Learning Levels (A, B1, C, D): The curriculum is structured to guide dancers from absolute beginners (A-Level) through intermediate (B1-Level, B+ Level) and advanced levels (C-Level, D-Level), ensuring continuous growth and challenge.

• Beginner-Friendly Approach: The A-level classes are specifically designed for true beginners, with no partner or prior dance experience necessary. Partners are rotated in class, ensuring everyone gets to dance and meet new people.

• Repeat Beginner Classes for Free: A significant benefit for new dancers is the ability to repeat A-level beginner classes as many times as desired, either as a refresher or to fine-tune techniques, after paying for them once.

• Social Dance Events (e.g., Thursday Night Stomp): Regular social dances are organized to provide opportunities for students to practice what they've learned in a fun, real-world setting. These events often include a short beginner lesson beforehand.

• Crash Courses and Workshops: For those unable to commit to weekly classes, introductory crash courses or special workshops are offered to provide a quick introduction to swing dancing.

• Partnerships with Other Dance Organizations: Portland Swing Project collaborates with other local dance communities, such as Lindy Maine, to provide more opportunities for dancing and learning across multiple locations in Southern Maine (Portland, Biddeford, Kittery).

• Youth and Student Discounts: Full-time High School and College students often receive a 50% discount on classes, making dance more accessible to younger generations in Maine.

• Emphasis on Community Building: Beyond instruction, the project actively fosters a welcoming and supportive dance community where people are happy to learn, help each other, and build lasting friendships.

• Private Lessons: While group classes are a primary focus, private lessons are typically available for those seeking individualized attention and accelerated progress.

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• Incredibly Welcoming Community: A top highlight is the exceptionally friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Students consistently describe the Portland Swing Dance community as "very welcoming" and a place where you quickly "know them all" by the end of a course, fostering strong connections.

• Excellent and Supportive Instructors: Gillian and Jen, along with other teachers, are praised as "great teachers" and "all wonderful," providing clear instruction and making the learning process enjoyable for all skill levels.

• Beginner-Friendly Philosophy: The studio actively encourages true dance beginners, offering "A-level" classes that start from scratch and assuring that "you never need to bring a partner" as rotations are common and encouraged.

• "Repeat Beginner Classes for Free" Policy: The unique benefit of being able to repeat A-level beginner classes as many times as desired after the initial payment is a significant draw, allowing students to truly solidify their fundamentals.

• Abundance of Dancing Opportunities: With the potential for dancing "5 nights a week" through classes and social events, students have ample opportunity to practice and immerse themselves in the swing dance scene.

• Focus on Fun and Enjoyment: The overarching theme is that swing dancing is incredibly fun. The instruction and environment are designed to ensure students "have super fun and Dance!"

• Partnerships for Wider Reach: Collaboration with Lindy Maine expands the reach to multiple locations (Portland, Biddeford, Kittery), providing more options and a larger community network for dancers across Southern Maine.

• Diverse Participant Base: Classes attract a wide range of people, from complete novices to seasoned dancers, fostering a rich learning environment where everyone can contribute and grow.

• Emphasis on Lindy Hop: While covering various swing styles, the project puts a strong focus on Lindy Hop, allowing students to delve deeply into this iconic and energetic dance.

• Accessibility to Live Music and DJs: The project often integrates live swing music or DJs playing "some of the best music ever made," enhancing the authentic swing dance experience.

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Ready to discover the fun of swing dancing with the Portland Swing Project? You can connect with them using the following details:

• Address: 616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA (Note: Specific class locations may vary, check their website for current schedules)

• Phone: (207) 899-5254

• Mobile Phone: +1 207-899-5254

For the most up-to-date class schedules, locations, and details on social events, it is highly recommended to visit the official Portland Swing Project website. The team is eager to welcome new dancers and help you get started on your swing dance journey!

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For residents of Maine, particularly those in the dynamic city of Portland and its surrounding areas, the Portland Swing Project is an outstanding and highly suitable local resource for discovering the joy of swing dancing. Its presence in central Portland, with classes often held in easily accessible locations like the East End Community School and partnerships extending to Biddeford and Kittery, ensures that a vibrant swing dance community is within reach for a wide range of Mainers. This local accessibility is a significant benefit for anyone looking to incorporate a fun and engaging activity into their routine.

What truly makes Portland Swing Project shine for locals is its incredibly welcoming and supportive environment. As enthusiastic participants repeatedly affirm, the community is "very welcoming," and instructors like Gillian and Jen are "great teachers" who make learning enjoyable for everyone, even those with "four left feet." The unique policy of allowing beginners to repeat A-level classes for free after initial payment is a testament to their commitment to ensuring every student gains confidence and truly masters the fundamentals, a rare and valuable offering. This emphasis on learning, fun, and community building, rather than competition, creates a truly inclusive space where friendships flourish alongside dance skills.

Furthermore, the sheer abundance of dancing opportunities, with the potential to dance almost "5 nights a week" through classes and social events, means that once you discover the joy of swing, you'll have ample opportunities to practice and immerse yourself in this lively scene. For Mainers seeking a new hobby that offers physical activity, mental stimulation, social connection, and a genuine sense of belonging, the Portland Swing Project provides an unparalleled experience, enriching the local arts landscape and adding vibrant rhythm to the lives of its participants. It’s truly a local treasure that everyone should experience.

Portland Swing Project

616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA