Seattle Swing Dance Club

For dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike in the Washington region, the Seattle Swing Dance Club (SSDC) offers a vibrant and welcoming haven for the dynamic and improvisational art of West Coast Swing. Established in 1965, this long-standing non-profit organization has been a cornerstone of the Seattle dance community, dedicated to preserving, perfecting, progressing, and promoting the enjoyment of this unique dance style. SSDC is more than just a dance club; it's a thriving community where individuals can connect, learn, and express themselves through movement in a safe, inclusive, and incredibly fun environment.

West Coast Swing (WCS) is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop, characterized by its "elastic" look and the freedom for both lead and follow to improvise steps. Unlike traditional swing forms often danced to big band jazz, WCS is incredibly versatile, adaptable to a wide range of contemporary music including R&B, Hip Hop, lyrical, blues, and Top 40 hits. This adaptability makes it a popular and ever-evolving social dance. The Seattle Swing Dance Club embraces this modern flair, providing a space where dancers of all levels—from absolute beginners to seasoned all-stars—can engage with this engaging dance form. Their commitment to fostering a comfortable and supportive atmosphere is a hallmark of their operation.

The Seattle Swing Dance Club actively works to build a strong and cohesive community. Their mission emphasizes creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable, accepted, and supported, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, ability, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or other personal circumstances. This dedication to diversity and respect is fundamental to their values, ensuring that the joy of dance is accessible to all. The club president's efforts to cultivate a comprehensive calendar of events are clearly appreciated by members, fostering strong connections within the dancing community.

A delighted member shared, "Loving and welcoming West Coast Swing community! The club president has created a fantastic comprehensive calendar to help bring the community together. Friendly to beginners through all-star dancers." This review beautifully illustrates the club's success in building a supportive and engaging environment for all skill levels.

However, it's also important to acknowledge all feedback. One customer noted a specific experience: "They hosted a free swing dance event on Easter Saturday at Hyatt Regency Bellevue, but a 15-buck COVID test was required. The requirement was not available on the event webpage. Seems that they made a lot of money from a “free” event." This feedback highlights a concern regarding communication and unexpected costs at a specific event. While the club strives for transparency, it's a reminder for attendees to confirm all event details, especially for larger gatherings, to avoid surprises. Despite this isolated concern, the overarching sentiment from the community remains overwhelmingly positive regarding the club's dedication to dance and community.

The Seattle Swing Dance Club primarily hosts its events at the Alki Masonic Hall, located at 4736 40th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA. This West Seattle location provides a central and easily accessible venue for dancers throughout the greater Seattle area and beyond in Washington. West Seattle is well-connected, with various bus routes serving the area, making public transportation a viable option for attendees. For those driving, the Alki Masonic Hall often provides free parking, which is a significant convenience in Seattle. The choice of a dedicated hall for their regular events ensures a consistent and suitable dance floor, contributing to a positive dancing experience for all. In addition to their regular Sunday dances, SSDC also organizes larger annual events, such as Easter Swing, which typically takes place at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, expanding their reach across the Puget Sound region.

• West Coast Swing (WCS) Workshops: SSDC regularly hosts leveled WCS workshops with quality dance instructors, catering to dancers from beginner to advanced/all-star levels.
• FREE Beginner Lessons: For newcomers or those wanting to learn the opposite role, SSDC offers complimentary one-hour beginner lessons before their social dances, making it very accessible for first-timers.
• Social Dances: The club hosts social dance events, typically every first and third Sunday, providing ample opportunity for members and guests to practice their moves and connect with the community. These usually include several hours of social dancing.
• Annual Convention (Easter Swing): SSDC organizes Easter Swing, a major annual convention held at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, featuring workshops, competitions, and social dancing over a full weekend.
• Workshop Weekends: In addition to the annual convention, SSDC facilitates special workshop weekends throughout the year, bringing in guest instructors to deepen the learning experience.
• Membership Benefits: Membership with SSDC offers various perks, including savings on club-sponsored WCS workshops (over 200 hours annually), reduced dance entry fees (e.g., $10 per dance), free admission to specific annual dances (e.g., Summer Dance, Holiday Dance), reduced pricing for SSDC competitions, and discounts for volunteering at events. Members also receive an e-newsletter with event listings.
• Community Building: SSDC actively fosters a vibrant and inclusive West Coast Swing community through its events and its commitment to a comprehensive calendar designed to bring people together.

• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: SSDC is highly praised for its "loving and welcoming West Coast Swing community," actively striving to create a safe and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages, genders, orientations, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Beginner-Friendly Focus: The provision of free beginner lessons and a friendly atmosphere ensures that even those with no prior dance experience can easily join and start learning West Coast Swing. The club is explicitly "friendly to beginners through all-star dancers."
• Diverse Skill Level Accommodation: From free beginner classes to advanced and all-star workshops, SSDC caters to the entire spectrum of West Coast Swing dancers.
• Regular Social Dance Opportunities: Consistent bi-monthly social dances provide a reliable schedule for dancers to practice, improve, and socialize.
• Major Annual Events: The annual Easter Swing convention is a significant highlight, attracting dancers from across the region and beyond for an immersive dance experience.
• Non-Profit Dedication: As a non-profit organization established in 1965, SSDC's long history and mission to preserve, perfect, progress, and promote West Coast Swing underscores its dedication to the art form and its community.
• Community-Oriented Leadership: The efforts of the club president and board to foster community and create a comprehensive event calendar are key highlights for members.

Address: 4736 40th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA

Phone: The provided phone number is not available, but information suggests contacting them through their official website for event details.

For anyone in the Washington region looking to embrace the joy of partner dancing, connect with a vibrant community, and stay active, the Seattle Swing Dance Club is an exceptional destination. Its long-standing presence since 1965 speaks to its enduring appeal and commitment to the art of West Coast Swing. Located conveniently in West Seattle, with easy accessibility and parking, participating in their events is straightforward and enjoyable for locals.

The club's most compelling feature is its overwhelmingly positive and inclusive community. For beginners, the free lessons are an invaluable entry point, removing any apprehension about starting a new dance form. Experienced dancers will find ample opportunities to refine their skills through advanced workshops and engaging social dances. The diverse range of music played, from R&B to Hip Hop, ensures that the dancing always feels current and exciting.

While occasional administrative communication issues may arise, the core experience—the quality of instruction, the welcoming atmosphere, and the sheer joy of dancing—consistently receives high praise. Becoming a member also offers significant benefits, encouraging deeper engagement with this fantastic community. For locals in Washington seeking a fun, healthy, and highly social activity that fosters genuine connection through dance, the Seattle Swing Dance Club is a truly outstanding choice.

Seattle Swing Dance Club

4736 40th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA