see Calendar for chronological listing of swing events
The Huntsville swing scene is growing. However, there still are not many venues with an emphasis on swing dance. Therefore, some of the events listed here may include swing as only one of the dance components.
Organizations
Huntsville Swing Dance Society
- Sponsors regular swing dances to provide an opportunity for dancing beyond that typically found in "ballroom dancing."
- More than 80% of music is swingable, with a few latins and belly-rubbers thown in.
- Dances cater mostly to East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. But there usually are slower West Coast Swing tempos as well, and there would probably be more if more WCS dancers came.
- Often has live bands from Nashville, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
- Periodically offers swing dance instruction with lessons and workshops.
- Publishes a newsletter and maintains a web site with information about local swing events.
- Performs exhibitions of choreographed and free-style swing dancing at charity and community events.
- Dance locations vary between the KC and Elks:
- Knights of Columbus Hall, 3053 Leeman Ferry Rd. The KC Hall has a large linoleum tile dance floor, is smoke free, has a cash bar in adjoining room, and welcomes all ages.
- Elks Hall, 725 Franklin St. It has a wooden floor and nice decor, is smoke free, has a cash bar in adjoining room, and welcomes all ages. Dance floor is smaller than the KC Hall.
Lindy Hop in Rocket City
- Informal group dedicated to promoting the spread of Lindy Hop in the Huntsville area.
- Offers Lindy Hop instruction thru the Huntsville Swing Dance Society.
The UAH Dance Club
- Student-run dance club at the University of Alabama in Huntsville with monthly dances at the University Center ballroom during the school year (September to April).
- CD music includes a variety of dance styles.
- Nice wooden dance floor is usually in good dancing condition. Smoke and alcohol free. Admission is free for members, and membership is only $10 per academic year.
Cajun-Zydeco Connection
- Cajun and Zydeco Dance group periodically has dances with live bands in Huntsville.
- The music may not swing, but it is lively and fast. Some of the music can fit East Coast Swing and Balboa. Or learn the Cajun jitterbug.
The (Ballroom) Dance Club
- Ballroom dancing every Tuesday at the Skate Odyssey on South Memorial Parkway from 8:00 to 10:15. Alcohol and smoke free.
- Traditionally swing has been less than 1/4 of the music, but they seem to play more swing than they used to, at least when there is a band. Also you can usually dance Lindy Hop of West Coast Swing to the slower Fox Trot music as well.
- Live band on the first Tuesday of each month plays some single and triple step swing, mostly ballroom tempo.
- Large wooden dance floor is a little slow, so no slides (it is a skating rink). Choose your shoes accordingly.
- Casual dress code. But if you wear shorts or a mini-skirt they won't let you in, no matter how pretty your legs are.
Alabama Hispanic Association
- Latin dances are held periodically with live bands and DJ. Usually has lots of merengue and salsa, with little of the ballroom latin styles (cha cha, rhumba, etc.).
- No swing here.
Huntsville Bars and Clubs
- The Jazz Factory (109 North Side Sq., downtown, 539-1919)
The lounge upstairs has a small carpeted dance area that can accommodate up to 6 couples. Wear leather soled shoes or you won't be able to dance. Warning: it can be smokey so don't wear your best clothes. The Crackerjacks play rockabilly music every otherThursday night. Occasionally there are swingable bands on weekends.
The restaurant downstairs often has a jazz band that plays during dinner. It is not uncommon for patrons to get up and dance on the carpeted area in front of the band stage. Food is upscale and usually very good.
- Humphrey's (109 Washington St., downtown, 704-5555)
Live band plays almost every night, with a wide variety of music ranging from blues to cajun to rock. Call to check their schedule. Band plays outside on patio, and it can be crowded on weekends. They often pull the tables back to make a small dancing area in front of the stage (4 couples max). If they don't move the tables then do it yourself; no one will mind. There is also some dance space to the side of the stage. Floor is stone tile and is uneven in places, so you'll be better off with leather street shoes or even tennis shoes. Band starts about 9:15.
Dance Studios and Instruction
- Dance Here Studio
- free beginner West Coast Swing lessons on Monday nights and intermediate lessons on Wednesdays.
- Dave Roberts and Connie Carnes
- West Coast Swing instruction.
- email ccarnes@knology.net for schedule and details.
- Rocket City Dance Club
- teaches swing as part of ballroom dancing.
- Others?
Nashville Swing Links
Nashville has a relatively well developed swing community. There are several swing clubs/ associations in Nashville, as well as a ballroom dance community. The regular Jump, Jive & Swing dances attract large crowds of young people jiving to big band swing.
- Swing Dancing in Nashville (web site with calendar of Nashville dances)
- Big Band Music Appreciation Swing Dance Society - has dances about once a month.
- Jump Jive and Swing Dance hold dances about twice a month.
- Nashville Dance Events (good listing of dances in Nashville)
- Music City Motion (a swing dance studio with an emphasis on Lindy Hop)
Atlanta Swing Links
- Atlanta Swing Era Dance Association
- Atlanta Swing Dancers
- Georgia Tech Swing Dance Association
- Atlanta Dance Directory
Birmingham Swing Links
- Just Gotta Swing (Lindy Hop)
- Birmingham Swing Dancers Association
- The Swing Kids at Samford University
Knoxville Swing Links
Chattanooga Swing
Other