Swing It Seattle

For anyone in the Washington region looking to infuse their life with rhythm, joy, and a vibrant community, Swing It Seattle is the definitive destination for learning Lindy Hop and other swing dances right here in Seattle. Located at 1253 S Cloverdale St, this dynamic organization is more than just a dance school; it's a thriving hub where passion for swing dance is infectious, and every step is an opportunity for fun and connection. Led by the highly acclaimed teaching duo Mark and Katie Kihara, Swing It Seattle offers an unparalleled experience for dancers of all levels, from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

Swing It Seattle specializes in teaching the Lindy Hop, the original swing dance that embodies the joyful spirit of the jazz era. Mark and Katie Kihara, the heart and soul of Swing It Seattle, are renowned for their high-energy, fun, and incredibly welcoming approach to instruction. They are not just exceptional dancers but also gifted teachers who possess a genuine passion for sharing the art form. This passion translates into lessons that are not only effective in building skills but also truly enjoyable, often leaving students smiling and eagerly anticipating their next class.

What truly sets Swing It Seattle apart is the vibrant and inclusive community they have meticulously cultivated. As many glowing reviews attest, the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home and integrate into the social dance scene. This focus on community means that learning to dance becomes a shared journey, fostering friendships and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether you're coming alone or with a partner, you'll quickly find yourself part of Seattle's thriving swing dance family.

Beyond structured classes, Swing It Seattle is deeply committed to ensuring that students can immediately apply their newfound skills. They actively manage and participate in weekly and monthly social dance events across Seattle, often featuring live music from local jazz musicians. These events provide the perfect opportunity to practice, socialize, and immerse yourself in the authentic swing dance culture. For locals in Washington, this means a continuous pathway from learning in the classroom to enjoying lively social dances in a supportive and fun environment, truly bringing the spirit of swing to life.

Swing It Seattle operates from its administrative address at 1253 S Cloverdale St, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. This location places them in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle, a diverse and evolving area that offers accessibility from various parts of the city and the broader Washington region.

However, it's important for prospective students to note that while 1253 S Cloverdale St is their registered address, Swing It Seattle frequently holds its popular Lindy Hop classes and social dance events at various dedicated venues across Seattle to cater to its wide community. These venues are typically chosen for their suitable dance floors and accessibility.

• Polish Home Association: A frequent venue for their weekly Lindy Hop classes (Levels 1, 2, and 3) and their popular "Swing It Wednesdays" social dance, which often features live music. Located at 1714 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (Capitol Hill neighborhood).
• Russian Community Center of Seattle: Also a venue for classes, providing another accessible option for students. Located at 704 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 (Capitol Hill neighborhood).

Both the Polish Home Association and the Russian Community Center are generally well-served by public transportation, with King County Metro bus routes offering connections from various parts of Seattle. If driving, street parking can be found in the Capitol Hill area, though it's always advisable to arrive a bit early to secure a spot. The use of multiple venues demonstrates Swing It Seattle's commitment to making their classes and events accessible to the diverse population of Washington, ensuring that distance is less of a barrier to experiencing the joy of swing dance.

Swing It Seattle offers a comprehensive range of services dedicated to teaching and promoting the original swing dance, Lindy Hop, and fostering a vibrant social dance community. Their offerings cater to all levels of dancers, ensuring a welcoming entry point and opportunities for continued growth.

• Intro to Swing Dance (Lindy 1 Series): This is their flagship beginner series, designed for absolute newcomers to swing dance. It covers fundamental steps and concepts of Lindy Hop, making it accessible even with no prior dance experience or partner. These are typically multi-week series (e.g., 5-week sessions).
• Progressive Lindy Hop Classes (Lindy 2, Lindy 3, etc.): Structured courses that build upon foundational skills, introducing more complex patterns, techniques, and musicality. These series help dancers progress confidently through different levels of Lindy Hop.
• Weekly Social Dance Events: Regular opportunities, such as "Swing It Wednesdays" and "Swing It Saturdays," where students and the wider community can practice their skills, socialize, and dance to live music from local jazz bands. These events are often held at venues like the Polish Home Association.
• Drop-in Classes: Some social dance events may include a beginner-friendly drop-in lesson before the main social dancing begins, perfect for those wanting a taste of swing.
• Private Dance Lessons: Personalized instruction available for individuals, couples, or small groups, ideal for accelerating learning, refining specific techniques, or choreographing special dances (e.g., wedding first dances).
• Workshops and Special Events: Occasional workshops featuring guest instructors or focusing on specific aspects of Lindy Hop or related swing styles, providing opportunities for advanced learning and skill development.
• Community Building: Through classes and social events, Swing It Seattle actively fosters a supportive and welcoming community where dancers can connect, make friends, and share their passion for swing.
• Performance Opportunities (Informal/Jam): While not explicitly a "performance team," social dances naturally include opportunities for individual expression and friendly jams, allowing dancers to showcase their skills in a relaxed setting.
• Emphasis on Cultural Context: Mark and Katie Kihara integrate the history and cultural origins of Lindy Hop into their lessons, connecting students with the Black experience and dance culture from which it emerged.

Swing It Seattle distinguishes itself as a premier destination for swing dance in Washington through several key features and highlights that consistently earn rave reviews from its community members.

• Passionate and Encouraging Instructors (Mark and Katie Kihara): The heart of Swing It Seattle lies with its co-founders, Mark and Katie Kihara. They are consistently lauded by students for their infectious enthusiasm, incredible patience, and ability to make learning fun and accessible. Their dedication to teaching and their love for dance shine through in every lesson, creating an incredibly positive and motivating learning environment.
• Incredibly Welcoming Community: One of the most frequently highlighted aspects is the inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Newcomers often feel at ease from their very first class, quickly integrating into a supportive network of fellow dancers. This strong sense of community fosters friendships and makes the learning journey much more enjoyable and sustainable.
• Focus on the Original Lindy Hop: Swing It Seattle specializes in Lindy Hop, providing authentic instruction in this foundational swing dance. They emphasize not just the steps but also the rhythm, musicality, and cultural context, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding and appreciation of the dance.
• High-Energy and Fun Learning Experience: Classes are designed to be dynamic and engaging, making learning a new dance style an exciting adventure rather than a chore. Students consistently report having a great time, often finding themselves smiling throughout their lessons.
• Seamless Transition from Classes to Social Dancing: Swing It Seattle actively manages weekly and monthly social dance events, often with live music. This crucial feature allows students to immediately apply what they learn in class in a real-world social setting, reinforcing skills and building confidence on the dance floor.
• Accessibility for All Levels: Whether you're a complete beginner who has never danced before or you have some experience and want to refine your skills, Swing It Seattle offers appropriate classes. Their "Intro to Swing Dance" series is perfectly structured for absolute novices, ensuring a smooth entry into the world of swing.
• Emphasis on Cultural Context: Mark and Katie believe in teaching the dance within its historical and cultural context, connecting students to the Black experience and the rich origins of Lindy Hop. This adds a deeper layer of appreciation and understanding to the dance.
• No Partner Required: Classes are designed so that individuals can sign up without a partner, and partners are typically rotated throughout the class, promoting social interaction and allowing everyone to learn effectively.

For those in the Washington region ready to experience the joyous world of swing dance with Swing It Seattle, here is their essential contact information:

Address: 1253 S Cloverdale St, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Phone: (206) 909-3365

Mobile Phone: +1 206-909-3365

For the most current schedule of classes (including locations for various levels like Lindy 1, 2, and 3), social dance events, special workshops, and registration details, it is highly recommended to visit the official Swing It Seattle website. They maintain an up-to-date calendar of all their offerings. You can also reach out to them directly via phone for personalized inquiries about private lessons, corporate events, or specific class recommendations. Connecting with them is the first step towards joining Seattle's vibrant swing dance community.

Swing It Seattle is an exceptionally suitable and appealing point of interest for locals throughout the Washington region, offering a unique blend of engaging instruction, vibrant community, and joyful social interaction. Its distinctive approach makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of individuals looking to enrich their lives through dance.

Firstly, for anyone in Seattle curious about partner dancing but perhaps intimidated by the idea, Swing It Seattle provides an incredibly welcoming and accessible entry point. The emphasis on a "fun and stress-free" learning environment, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews, means that even absolute beginners can feel comfortable and confident from their very first class. The highly praised instructors, Mark and Katie Kihara, excel at creating an atmosphere where learning is an enjoyable journey, not a daunting task. This inviting nature is crucial for fostering new dancers within the local community.

Secondly, the focus on Lindy Hop, the original swing dance, offers locals a chance to connect with a rich historical and cultural art form. Beyond just learning steps, students gain an appreciation for the context and evolution of the dance, adding a deeper layer of meaning to their movements. This makes Swing It Seattle more than just a place for exercise; it's a place for cultural immersion and artistic expression, which appeals to a broad demographic of Washington residents.

Furthermore, the strong emphasis on building a welcoming community is a significant advantage for locals. In a bustling city like Seattle, finding authentic social connections can sometimes be a challenge. Swing It Seattle actively fosters a friendly and encouraging environment where new friendships flourish on and off the dance floor. The frequent social dance events provide regular opportunities for locals to practice, socialize, and truly become part of a supportive network, making it an excellent antidote to social isolation.

Finally, the convenient multi-venue approach for classes and events (such as the Polish Home Association and Russian Community Center) ensures that Swing It Seattle's offerings are accessible to various neighborhoods across Seattle and beyond. This flexibility, coupled with the consistent positive experiences reported by students who "look forward to dance days every single week," solidifies Swing It Seattle as an invaluable local resource. For any Washington resident seeking a high-energy, fun, and community-driven way to learn swing dance, Swing It Seattle is undeniably the place to be.

Swing It Seattle

1253 S Cloverdale St, Seattle, WA 98108, USA