I’m interested in Lindy Hop. Where do I start?

That’s nice to hear, come to our courses! You can find all information about registering on the Dance courses page. If our courses have already started and you missed the chance to participate this season, you can come see our dances that are open for everyone. You can find our events on our Facebook page. By registering as a SwingO member you also get to join our ‘members only’ events.

Do I have to know Lindy Hop already if I participate in the beginners course?

No, you don’t have to know anything! The beginners course doesn’t require any knowledge of any dance since the classes start from the very beginning (level ‘0’). All you need is interest in Lindy Hop!

Can I come to a dance course without a partner?

Yes, you can! We use the partner rotation system, which means we will change dance partners during the classes. However, we try to have a good balance between followers and leaders on the courses. This means registering with a partner is an easier way to get in on the course. Followers without a partner usually need to be quick to register as there are often more followers than leaders on the courses.

Can I cancel my registration to the course?

You can cancel by contacting us at swingviini@gmail.com. Please make sure to read our terms and conditions before registering.

What kind of shoes do I need to dance Lindy Hop?

It would be good to have some level of slipperiness in your shoes so that it’s easier to move in a way that is typical for Lindy Hop. In the beginning you can get by with gym shoes/fitness shoes or flat soled tennis shoes since the floors in our practise spaces usually are somewhat slippery. When you continue dancing it would be a good idea to invest in actual dancing shoes. If you own a comfortable pair of shoes already, another option is to take them to a cobbler and have them put on a leather sole. This will help make the shoes more slippery, which in turns helps with your dancing. The choice of shoes naturally depends on the floor type, which is why seasoned Lindy Hop dancers often have a collection of shoes with different levels of slipperiness.

Can I join the social dances even as a beginner?

You sure can! SwingO’s dances are all about having fun, not completing a series of difficult moves. Lindy Hop dances don’t follow a traditional (Finnish) social dance etiquette, which means you can ask anyone to dance any time you want. If someone asks you to dance and you don’t feel like dancing at that moment or are in the middle of either a burger or a chat with a friend, you can always decline politely and maybe return the favour later by asking them for a dance yourself. In case you feel too shy to get on the dancefloor in the beginning, it is also nice to just look at others dancing and enjoy the atmosphere!

I’m interested in the association’s work. Can I get involved in some way?

SwingO is always pleased to have new people involved in the association! For example you could help in clearing out the space for dancing at the dance venues, playing music, transporting speakers, and taking pictures and/or videos at the events. If you want to become a board member and plan bigger things for the association, contact us at swingviini@gmail.com or talk to our board members!