1.  Do you have to be a UK Student to participate in UK Swing Dance Club activities? NO!  Participation in club activities is open to ALL
-- not just UK students.  Participants in the Club’s activities include a very diverse group of people: students and non students, ages from 18 to 80. The one thing we all have in common is we like
to listen and dance to great swing music!

2.  Where can I learn to Swing Dance?  The UK Swing Dance Club is the place for you!  The Club offers both basic/beginner and intermediate
swing dance lessons at very reasonable prices.  Check out the Club's Lessons page for more info.

3.  Where can I go Swing Dancing in Lexington/Central KY area?  Once again, the UK Swing Dance Club has got you covered!  There are at least monthly UK Swing Dance Club sponsored swing dances in the Lexington area.  Four or five times a year there are swing dances with LIVE music; those swing dances are not to be missed!  Check out this link on the UK Swing Dance Club home page or the Calendar page of this web site.  

4. How do people dress at UK Swing Dance Club Activities?

► For Lessons.  We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for the Club's Monday night lessons.  We don't recommend blue jeans because they're too restrictive.  We also do not recommend high heels or open, strappy shoes such as sandals or flip flops. 

► Swing Dances.  Everyone has their own personal preference, but "dressy casual" would probably best describe it:   not too dressed up, but not too dressed down.  For the Club's swing dances with live music, especially those at the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom, people tend to get a little more dressed up.

► Vintage Dress.  Some people prefer to dress vintage at swing dances:  i.e. wide legged pants, two tone shoes, "swishy" skirts or dresses, etc.....  While this is never required, it is fun and adds to the overall fun and atmosphere of the dance.

Click here for more information on shoes and clothes for swing dancing.
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5.  I'd Like to Learn How to Swing Dance, but ........ 
6.  But I'm a man, and everyone knows how hard it is to teach a man how to dance!
7.  Do I need a dance partner to take lessons?
8.  Do I need a dance partner to go to swing dances?
9.  Is it a safe environment?  What about for teens?
10. How acceptable is it for a woman to ask a man if he would like to dance?
11. I saw a few people wearing vintage/swing clothes.  Where did they get those?
12. What kind of shoes are best for swing dancing?
13. What is the age range of people at local swing dances?
14. What kind of swing dance styles does the UK Swing Dance Club teach?
15. How long does it take to become a "good" swing dancer? When will I feel comfortable dancing?
16. Should I learn from a video?
17. What kind of activities does the UK Swing Dance Club sponsor?
18.  How did the UK Swing Dance Club get its start?
19. How does the Club use the money it receives for lessons, dances, etc.?
20.  What kind of music will you hear at Club dances?
21. Does the UK Swing Dance Club teach Aerials or Air Steps?
22. Should I practice? If so, how much?
23. When can I begin to dance in public? 
24. How would the UK Swing Dance Club describe its overall philosophy about dancing?
25. What about out-of-town Swing Dance events?
26. May I contribute my talents to the Club?
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5.  I'd like to learn to Swing Dance, but .....    I've Never Danced Before;  I've Got Two Left Feet; I Could Never Learn to Dance; ..... ,  (okay, these are not questions, but these comments are sometimes expressed!)  Hey, everybody has to start somewhere!  If you can count to 8, you can learn to swing dance.  Lindy Hop and Balboa are great dances, swing music is great music, and it's fun!  Come on out and give it try!

6.  But I'm a man, and everyone knows how hard it is to teach a man how to dance!  (Okay, this is a not question, but this type comment is sometimes expressed!)
Hey guys, the hardest part is giving it a try!  In our experience, if you can count to 8 and you know your left from your right foot, you can easily become a competent dancer.  Think about it for a minute.  Even though women generally like to dance more than men, thousands and thousands of men have learned to dance; most of them just average Joe's like you and me.  You can learn too.  Click here for more info on misconceptions men have about dancing.

7.  Do I need a dance partner to take lessons?  No.  For UK Swing Dance Club lessons, dance partners are not required; single dancers are welcome!  Of course, it's always better if you have a dance partner, in case you want to practice.    

8.  Do I need a dance partner to go to swing dances?  No, absolutely not!  Swing dancing is a social activity.  There are always people to dance with.  Many people come to swing dances without a dance partner. Those who do come with a dance partner usually dance with other people as well.  So, don't be shy, ask people to dance!

9.  Is it a safe environment? What about for teens?  It is a safe environment.  UK Swing Dance Club activities are all about the dancing; it is a fun and friendly atmosphere, not a "pick-up joint" type environment.  In the highly unlikely event that you experience a problem with someone, contact a UK Swing Dance Club representative and the problem will be dealt with.

10. How acceptable is it for a woman to ask a man if he would like to dance?  Quite acceptable.  Of course, one always has the option to decline a dance (either ladies or gentlemen).  But ladies, feel free to ask a guy to dance!

11. I saw a few people wearing vintage/swing style clothes.  Where did they get those?  Generally speaking, here, there, and everywhere.  Most people pick them up where they can find them.  Some may be real vintage found at thrift stores.  Others may be vintage styles found at ordinary clothing stores.  Some may be custom/home made. Some may be from specialty shops online. The best thing to do is ask people; they'll be more than happy to share info.  And check out the Links page of the Club's web site for retailers that sell clothing for swing dancers.

12. What kind of shoes are best to get for swing dancing?  There are lot of options when it comes to shoes.  The basic guideline is to wear shoes that are comfortable and that you can turn and spin in.  Much like getting information about clothing, the best thing to do is ask people.  You can also check out this web page which provides some good info on shoe (and clothes) options for swing dancers.
                                                                                             
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13. What is the age range at local swing dances?  In general, the local swing scene has a very diverse age range.  It is not uncommon to find people of all ages at UK Swing Dance Club events: students (college and some high school) and non students, ages 18 to 80!

14. What kind of swing dance styles does the UK Swing Dance Club teach?  The UK Swing Dance Club provides swing dance instruction primarily in the original 1930's styles of swing dancing:  Lindy Hop and Balboa.  (Click here for more information on Swing Dance Styles.)

15. How long does it take to become a "good" swing dancer?  When will I feel "comfortable" dancing?  There is no set answer.  It really depends on the person.  The best piece of advice is to stick with it!  It certainly helps to take classes and attend workshops.  And while classes and workshop are a necessity, there is no substitution for getting out on the dance floor!  Depending on the person, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get comfortable with dancing.  But one thing is for sure:  dancing is a "use it" or "lose it" skill.  So get out there and dance, enjoy the music, and above all have fun!

16. Should I learn from a video?  Videos are a good tool for learning, but normally not for a beginner or someone just learning to dance.  It's hard to learn (and pick up good habits) from watching an instructional video; there are many subtle points that do not come across in a video.  Plus you don't get feedback on your progress.  Videos are a good way to learn new moves and styling once you have an understanding of the basics.

17. What kind of activities does the Club sponsor?  In addition to lessons and dances, the Club sponsors a variety of other activities.  These include providing workshops and demonstrations as a part of the Club's community outreach program.                                                          

18. How did the UK Swing Dance Club get its start?  In the Fall Semester of 1999, a small group of UK students decided they wanted to learn the original styles of swing dancing.  Unable to find any organized instruction or dance venues in the original styles of swing dancing on the UK campus or in the Lexington area, they founded the UK HepKats Swing Dance Club.  (For more information on how the Club got started, click here.)                                                                                                

 
19. How does the Club use the money it receives for lessons, dances, etc.?  A big percentage of the money the Club brings in goes toward hiring the bands that play music for the Club's dances at the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom.  The Club also pays rent to use the Tates Creek Ballroom for it's Monday night lessons.  Other money goes toward buying and replacing old sound equipment, refreshments for dances, limited advertising, printing and copying costs, etc.   

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20. What kind of music will you hear at Club dances?  We can confidently say that no dance organization in Lexington/Central Kentucky enjoys as much great music at it's events as the UK Swing Dance Club!  Of course, sometimes there are events in Lexington (both dance and non dance events) that have "party" or "professional " DJs providing the music--don't be fooled; in Lexington you'll only hear that classic, great swing music at UK Swing Dance Club events!   

For live music venues, the Club books only high quality musical groups that know how to, and like to play for dancers.  Click here for more info on bands that have played for the UK Swing Dance Club. 

For DJ'd dances, we play that great swing music that's really fun for swing dancing, to include Big Band, Jump Blues, R&B, 50's, Rockabilly, etc, at a variety of tempos.  We also like to dance the Shim Sham, break out a jam circle, etc.  So come on out to any of the Club's dances with live or DJ music; we think you'll like the music!


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21. Does the UK Swing Dance Club teach Aerials or Air Steps?  It is the policy of the UK Swing Dance Club not to teach aerials/air steps.  UK Swing Dance Club members that want to learn aerials/air steps should be experienced dancers with a regular dance partner and attend workshops by qualified instructors with the proper equipment (i.e. mats and spotters) or obtain private lessons from qualified instructors.  The basic rule for aerials/air steps is that they should never be performed on the social dance floor.  Aerials/air steps should be saved for competitions and performances.

The Swing Dance Community as a whole, to include the UK Swing Dance Club, frowns upon aerials (except at competitions between experienced dancers & at the aforementioned "Swing Jam Sessions").  

At the UK Swing Dance Club, we want to have fun, but safety is our foremost consideration!  If at all in doubt, ask an instructor before attempting any pattern, step or move that could put you or your partner at risk for injury.

The concerns expressed  on this web page are not an attempt to limit dancers creativity or innovation, but instead provide a safe and courteous dancing environment for all dancers.  It is not the decision of those performing the aerials/air steps whether others are in danger.  Other dancers on the floor have the right to dance without worrying whether you or your partner is going to come down on their head or take out their knees.  In addition, no one wants to see another dancer get hurt because of an aerial/air step that has gone awry.             

What is an aerial/air step? An aerial/air step is a pattern, step or move in which one partner (typically the follower, the woman) relinquishes contact with the floor and their partner and becomes airborne. If not performed correctly, it is only a matter of when, and not if, an injury will occur when aerials are involved.

Some people may be initially attracted to swing dancing by aerials/air steps they may have seen on TV, in the movies, etc.  People have been hurt due to dancers attempting to execute aerials/air steps when they have not learned the proper technique, safety and etiquette.   

Aerials/air steps should never be performed on the social dance floor, to include all UK Swing Dance Club functions, except at a "Swing Jam Session".  A "Swing Jam Session" is a circle of spectators, surrounding dancers that normally enter the circle one or two couples at a time, showing the spectators their best "stuff".  In this environment, innocent people would not be able to wander into the path of dancers performing aerials/air step.

In addition and very importantly, aerials/air steps should only be attempted with a regular dance partner; in other words, don't try to attempt an aerial/air step with a partner that you've only danced with a few times (or less) socially.  

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22. Should I practice? If so, how much?  It all depends on how fast you want to progress. Dancing is a type of "use it or lose it" activity. It's been said that dancing is more analogous to learning a foreign language, than perhaps, riding a bike. For example, most people, once they learn to ride a bike, can do so even after prolonged periods of inactivity. But staying proficient at a foreign language requires some amount of consistent usage. We normally recommend that you try to practice 30-45 minutes a week to go over new material and/or material you may not be totally comfortable with. Of course, one of the best ways to increase your dancing proficiency is to go out dancing. 

23. When can I begin to dance in public?  As soon as you like.  There is no waiting period for going out to dance.  In dancing, we are all learning, all the time. When you stop learning, it becomes boring.  Lessons and practice will help you develop the basics and additional dance steps and patterns.  And you'll want to develop interpretation of music skills so you can develop your own unique style.  But the best way to learn to dance is to go out dancing in a social dance environment.  Check out the Club's Calendar page for dancing opportunities. 

24. How would the UK Swing Dance Club describe its overall philosophy about dancing?  That's easy:  Having Fun! 

25.  What about out-of-town Swing Dance events? There are often opportunities for swing dancing out of town.  For these events and venues, check out the UK Swing Dance Club web site
for all the latest news and info.

26. May I contribute my talents to the Club?  Absolutely!  The Club welcomes those that would like to contribute their talents to the swing dance community.  Please let us know if there is some way you can assist in the Club's activities!  We welcome your assistance and input!
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For questions or additional info, contact: Mike Richardson, 859-323-3633;  email: mrich2@email.uky.edu.