Swing Time

Welcome to Swing Time, Tampa Bay’s vibrant hub for all things swing dance! If you’re a local Floridian looking to unleash your inner dancer, find a unique and exciting way to socialize, or simply discover a new passion, Swing Time is your ultimate destination. With a rich history of fostering a thriving swing dance community, Swing Time, led by the incredibly knowledgeable and charismatic instructor Sam, offers an experience that is both deeply enriching and incredibly fun. This isn't just about learning steps; it's about connecting with music, building confidence, and becoming part of a welcoming group of individuals who share a love for the energetic and joyful art of swing dancing. Whether you've never stepped on a dance floor before or you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your technique and learn new moves, Swing Time provides the perfect environment for every level of dancer. Get ready to tap your feet, meet fantastic people, and light up your Friday nights with rhythm and laughter.

The philosophy at Swing Time is rooted in making swing dancing accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their prior experience or whether they come with a partner. Their approach, championed by instructor Sam, focuses on clear, digestible instruction that builds confidence from the very first lesson. They believe that dance should be a source of joy and a way to connect with others. This is evident in their popular group lessons, where the emphasis is on creating a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where participants rotate partners, ensuring everyone gets to practice and meet new people. Beyond the steps, Swing Time aims to instill a genuine passion for swing dancing, encouraging musicality, improvisation, and the sheer fun of moving to the beat. Their longevity in the Tampa Bay dance scene, spanning over 20 years, speaks volumes about their effective teaching methods and their success in building a loyal and enthusiastic community. They understand that dance is not just a physical activity but also a powerful social and emotional outlet, and they strive to make every class and event a truly positive and memorable experience.

Swing Time is headquartered at 4532 W Kennedy Blvd #304, Tampa, FL 33609, USA. This central Tampa location makes it highly accessible for residents across the city and surrounding areas, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, where many of their events are hosted. West Kennedy Boulevard is a well-known thoroughfare, simplifying navigation for those driving to the studio for private lessons or classes. While the physical address serves as a base, it’s important for locals to note that Swing Time is renowned for hosting vibrant dance events at various popular venues across the Tampa Bay area, such as the Gulfport Casino Ballroom (though currently relocated due to flood damage) and the German American Society. These diverse locations enhance accessibility for different parts of the community, ensuring that a Swing Time event is never too far away for eager dancers. Ample parking is usually available at these event venues, adding to the convenience for attendees. This strategic blend of a dedicated studio space and widely distributed event locations ensures that Swing Time is deeply integrated into the local Florida dance scene, providing multiple opportunities for engagement and learning.

The venues utilized by Swing Time, such as the historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom and the German American Society, offer spacious dance floors and a welcoming atmosphere conducive to both learning and social dancing. These locations are chosen to provide an authentic and enjoyable experience, often featuring full bars and smoke-free environments to ensure comfort for all attendees. The emphasis on a large, inviting space is crucial for swing dancing, allowing for dynamic movements and comfortable social interaction, making every event feel like a true dance party.

Swing Time offers a diverse range of dance instruction and social events, specializing in various styles of swing dance and more.

• Group Swing Dance Lessons: Regular weekly classes (e.g., Wednesday nights before the main dance party) that cover fundamental steps and techniques for various swing dances, designed to be digestible for beginners. These lessons are included in the event admission fee.
• Private Dance Lessons: One-on-one instruction with experienced instructors like Sam, focusing on personalized technique, form correction, and learning advanced or specific moves tailored to individual goals.
• Social Dance Parties: Lively events held after group lessons (e.g., Wednesday nights at the Gulfport Casino, currently at alternate venues) where attendees can practice their skills, socialize, and dance to a variety of music.
• Variety of Swing Styles Taught: Comprehensive instruction in East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, Shim Sham, Collegiate Shag, Single-Time Swing, Triple-Time Swing, Rock'n'Roll, and Boogie Woogie.
• Beyond Swing: Incorporates other dance styles suitable for the varied music played at social dances, such as Foxtrot, Jazz, and Cha-Cha, expanding dancers' repertoire.
• Wedding Dances / Custom Choreography: Services for couples looking to create a special first dance or custom choreography for their events.
• No Partner Needed Policy: Encourages individuals to attend alone, as partners are rotated during group lessons and readily available during social dances, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Free Introductory Event Lessons: Newcomers can drop into any Swing Time event and take the complimentary one-hour lesson before the dance, providing a low-commitment entry point.
• Email Newsletter: Provides regular updates on class schedules, special events, and dance news for the Tampa Bay area.
• Event Hosting Services: Offers options to hire dancers, DJs, instructors, or MCs for special events.

Swing Time distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that consistently receive rave reviews and make it a beloved institution within the Tampa Bay dance community.

• Exceptional Instructor Sam: Sam is consistently praised as "absolutely fantastic," "knowledgeable in many styles of dance," and bringing "humor and fun" to lessons. His years of experience and ability to teach "correct form and technique" while making learning "digestible for a beginner" are major highlights.
• Beginner-Friendly Approach: The group lessons are designed to be "simple to get down and digestible for a beginner," and the "no partner needed" policy, combined with partner rotation, creates a comfortable and encouraging environment for newcomers.
• Vibrant Social Dance Atmosphere: The "dance party after every lesson" is a significant draw, described as lighting "up a new fire of passion" and being "so-much-fun." The variety of music played encourages diverse dancing.
• Comprehensive Dance Repertoire: Offers instruction in a wide array of swing styles (East Coast, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, etc.) and even incorporates other popular social dances, ensuring a broad and enriching learning experience.
• Community Building: The lessons are a "great chance to meet the other dancers and get comfortable on the floor," fostering a strong, welcoming community where attendees feel a sense of belonging. Even experienced dancers attend lessons to socialize.
• Proven Track Record: With over 20 years of offering popular dance classes, Swing Time has taught "tens of thousands of dancers" and is recognized for having "the best attended and most popular dance classes in the state of Florida."
• Affordable Access: The $10 admission fee (cash or card) includes a free one-hour lesson and hours of social dancing, providing excellent value for a night out.
• Consistent Schedule: The regular Wednesday night events (and other occasional events) provide a reliable and anticipated opportunity for locals to dance, making it a regular highlight in their week.

For more information about Swing Time's lessons, social dances, and upcoming events, please use the following contact information:

Address: 4532 W Kennedy Blvd #304, Tampa, FL 33609, USA

Phone: (813) 220-3911

Mobile Phone: +1 813-220-3911

Swing Time is an outstanding choice for locals in the Florida region, particularly those in the Tampa Bay area, looking for a truly engaging, fun, and social activity. Its prime location in Tampa and its consistent hosting of events at accessible venues like the Gulfport Casino (when available) and the German American Society ensure that high-quality swing dance instruction and lively social dancing are never far away. This ease of access is crucial for busy Floridians seeking to incorporate a new hobby into their lives.

What truly sets Swing Time apart and makes it so suitable for locals is its remarkably welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. As highlighted by numerous reviews, individuals can come alone ("No Partner Needed") and immediately feel comfortable and connected, rotating partners during lessons and easily meeting "so many cool people." This community-first approach is invaluable for residents looking to expand their social circle and find a sense of belonging through shared passion. Instructor Sam's ability to make lessons "simple to get down and digestible for a beginner" while still challenging experienced dancers ensures that everyone, from novices to seasoned movers, feels supported and excited to learn.

Furthermore, the value offered by Swing Time is exceptional. For just $10, locals get a full hour of expert instruction followed by hours of vibrant social dancing, making it a highly affordable and entertaining "date night" or weekly outing. The diverse range of swing styles taught, combined with music suitable for other dances, means there's always something new to learn and enjoy. For Floridians seeking an active, creative, and joyful outlet that consistently provides "the highlight of my weeks," boosts confidence, and fosters a strong sense of community, Swing Time is the perfect answer. Its long-standing reputation as having "the best attended and most popular dance classes in the state of Florida" is a testament to its enduring appeal and suitability for the local population.

Swing Time

4532 W Kennedy Blvd #304, Tampa, FL 33609, USA