Why Should I Swing Dance?

Country Swing dance includes the 10-step

When it comes to swing dancing, it can be a hit or miss idea for many. I was not sure about it when I first started, in fact, there are some days when I wonder how I got into it in the first place. What I have noticed since then, is that most people either continue swing dancing for years, or they stop altogether.

For me, swing has become a lifelong hobby. It is my passion. My hope is that you will see that passion and gain an understanding of the freedom that swing dancing provides in this wild world.

So, why do I enjoy swing dancing and why would I recommend it to others?

1) Friends

Swing Dancing allows you to make lifelong friends

Before I went swing dancing, I felt like I had no one, now I have friends from all over the place and the majority I met while I was swing dancing.

Most people who come swing dancing are looking to make new friends. It gives people an outlet where they can find someone they have something in common with, whether that be line dancing, swing dancing or wanting to learn something new.

2) Freedom of Expression

Swing Dancing Embraces Differences

One of the BEST parts of going swing dancing is the opportunity to express yourself. There is no set routine, no specific rules you have to follow, it is just a way to showcase who you are.

I think one of the biggest reasons people like swing dancing is because it follows a more country, or relaxed feeling. With this more relaxed feeling, there is no pressure to be perfect and get every move right, instead, it gives you the creative freedom to try new moves and experience new things.

The freedom that comes with swing dancing allows many to teach others while also learning themselves. It can be fast paced, or slow depending on what you want and what you establish with your partner.

3) Family

Friends keep each other warm after swing dancing

Now, this does not refer to just marriage. While that is a great thing, swing dancing gives you a different type of family. Have you ever just bonded with someone because you had one specific thing in common? That is the type of family you get when you swing dance.

Country swing specifically is its own community. You can go to any two swing dancing places in Utah and you will be able to see those familiar faces. What I love the most though, is that from there, this family will go support people at concerts and performances.

The family that comes with swing is not space specific. No matter where you go, if you run into those people, you know that you can count on them. They will be there for you because that is what swing does. It bonds people together who may seem like they have absolutely nothing in common.

4) Opportunity to Grow

Students use swing as an escape during finals week

Swing dancing leaves room for growth! You do not have to be perfect in country swing. The focus of the dance is to have fun, to be yourself and to live your best life.

For beginners, swing dancing provides them with a simple dance that can be easily learned. For more advanced dancers, swing allows them to teach others, to try new moves and to show off what they have been working on.

If nothing else, one of the most important aspects of dance is the idea of growth. It is all about becoming better than you were before, which is pretty cool. The opportunity to teach others or learn from others provides most dancers with a sense of safety or security.

And Lastly.........

5) It Can be done Anywhere

Cold Weather never stops us from Swing Dancing

Whether it be inside of a dance studio, up the canyon, at a country concert, in your kitchen, or at a pool party, swing dancing is very versatile. There is not one specific occasion for swing moves or line dances. You can pull them out at a party, or even do it by yourself in the parking lot.

I have seen people swing dance on hikes, at the beach, in their front yard or even on a mountain. Wherever it may be, find the place you feel the most comfortable. Maybe it is by yourself, maybe it's with your best friends, maybe it is with your significant other ... wherever it is, take the time to swing dance where you feel the most confident.

It does not have to be some grand occasion with thousands of people. The most important part of any dance --- Swing dancing or line dancing --- Is to do it for you.