FAQ

Where are the monthly Sunday dances located?

NOTE: No dances scheduled, so far, at this location in 2018,

Sunday evening dances—once a month, at a new location: the Italian American Club in Groton. We’ll dance to DJ’d music (mostly swing, with some ballroom, lindy, etc.) on the second Sunday of the month starting in October. Dances will be held from 7:30p to 9:30p on Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8. If enough people come out to support the dances, we plan to continue second-Sunday dances through the spring. They’re a great opportunity to practice your moves in a more intimate setting and to develop friendships in our dance community.

What are the Third Saturday dances like?

Our Third Saturday Dances feature a live band every month! They also draw more dancers from the Connecticut & Rhode Island (sometimes further!) area. Therefore, some of our dancers also choose to dress up more than they would for a regular dance. Every Saturday dance is preceded by a beginner lesson (from 7:00p to 8:00p), so bring a non-dancing friend with you!

How do I register for workshops?

There are currently no workshops scheduled for 2018. Go to our workshops page and you can sign up online and then pay using PayPal or by printing a registration form and mailing us a check. You can also arrive 15 minutes before the first class session and we’ll sign you up at the door!

What kind of clothing should I wear?

You should wear non-restrictive comfortable clothing. Once a month Sunday Dances are fairly casual (think jeans and T-shirts), but many people dress up a little bit more for our Saturday dances (but its not required) Dancing will warm you up quickly regardless of the weather outside, so plan accordingly!

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Your shoes, most importantly, should be comfortable. If you are not sure how comfortable a pair of shoes will be to dance in, a back-up pair is always helpful! Especially in inclement weather, please bring a clean pair of shoes so that we don’t track in any mud/rain/snow/etc. Rubber soles will make it more difficult to spin and slide, you should consider shoes with hard leather or suede soles (non-gripping shoes). Backless shoes should be avoided, and high heels can be tricky if you don't have previous experience dancing in them.

I'm a beginner- can I come to a dance?

All of our Saturday dances are preceded by a Beginner Swing lesson designed to get you up and dancing the same night, so absolutely! Our once a month Sunday Dances are preceded by a half hour class, so check the schedule and location - usually the 2nd Sunday of the month. That being said, we’re a very welcoming and laid-back group, so feel free to come dance with us and we'll have someone ready to help you either way!

I'm a beginner- which class should I take first?

The easiest way to get started with swing dancing is to learn East Coast Swing, which is what we teach at our beginner lesson on Saturday nights. Once you master East Coast, you might want to learn other swing variations, such as Lindy, Charleston, and West Coast Swing

Do I need a partner?

Absolutely not! Most of our students come without a partner, and we rotate partners frequently in all of our classes, and you will have the opportunity to dance with a variety of people each night.

What can I do to improve?

Check out the Instructors page for some recommended dance instructors. Practice, Practice, Practice! Besides Shoreline Swing, there is dancing in and around Connecticut almost any night of the week, so please check our Calendar for other places to dance. Another way to "get in the rhythm" is to listen to swing music during your everyday routine. It is a great way to become familiar with the great phrasing and rhythm swing music has to offer! Also, taking a workshop/class is a great way to solidify your basics, and it's amazing how much more you pick up the second, fourth, etc. time around.

Do you offer private lessons?

Many of our instructors offer private lessons, but those are arranged individually with the instructors, not through Shoreline Swing. However, if you do not have a particular instructor in mind and would like assistance in choosing the right one, just contact us and we'll be happy to do so!

How do I become a member?

Just ask at the front desk. Your yearly fee is $10.