Your Questions...Answered!

Locations
Down South Swing classes are held at various locations, inclucing Several Dancers Core, Congregation Shearith Israel and Firefly Studio. Classes will have a location code next to them. SDC = Several Dancers Core, CSI = Congregation Shearith Israel, FFS=Firefly Studio. If class is at a different location, details will be listed on the classes page as well as on the directions page. Click here for directions.

Drop In Policy
No Drop-ins for Swing 101, Lindy Hop 101, Blues 101 and Balboa 101.
We welcome you to drop-in on most of our classes, but we must ask you not to do so for intro-level classes (Beginning Swing, Lindy and Bal.) These series are designed to progress each week, taking you from complete novice to budding Lindy Hopper in 4 short weeks. Because the classes are progressive, it is only recommended to take these as a series. If you have questions or concerns about dropping in on any class, please contact us.

Do I need a partner?
NO PARTNER REQUIRED for any regular class*! We will rotate partners regularly throughout class. If you would prefer to dance only with your partner, please notify the instructor(s) at the beginning of class, but we recommend you join in the fun and rotate partners, too! We've been teaching these classes a long time and know that it helps you get better faster. You also will walk out of your class with a whole group of friends to go out dancing with. And that's what the dance community is all about!

*Exceptions: Some Lifts and Drops/Tricks/Choreography classes will require partners. This will be noted in the class listing.

What Do I Wear?
We suggest that you wear comfortable lace-up shoes with leather, suede, or other smooth soles. We do not recommend wearing cross-trainer type athletic shoes or other shoes that grip the floor. Most swing dancers (including our instructors) buy their shoes at DanceStore.com.
*Please note that high heel shoes are NOT recommended. We want to protect both the floor and our partners' feet!* Tango dance shoes, wedges and shoes with soft leather/suede soles are fine to wear.

Wear comfortable clothes that don't restrict your movement. In cold weather, we suggest dressing in layers. Even though it may be cold outside, you will get warm in class! It is, after all, exercise in disguise.

Prerequisites & Instructor Approval
Our classes are designed to help you develop from a beginning-level dancer to someone who can walk onto a dance floor and have a fun, comfortable dance with anyone there! Some of our classes are designed to be taken in a particular order--they build on knowledge you have gained in previous classes. If you have taken swing lessons before with another studio or instructor, please consult with our instructors to determine which class would be appropriate for your level.

Because students learn and develop their skills at different rates, it may be suggested that you repeat a class before moving on to the next one. Our instructors are very knowledgable and are here to help you be the best dancer you can be. If you are asked to repeat a class, this is not an insult to your skills or enthusiasm. We strive to ensure that our students are placed in the class that can most help them to improve, and sometimes this means repeating a class before moving on. Our instructors are also available for private lessons if you decide you'd like some one-on-one attention.