Swing is not a single dance as most people thing. In fact, it is a group of different dances that were developed during the 20s and up to the 40s. The variety of styles made this period of time be known as the swing era. Only few styles survive today, but they are strong, and there are plenty dancefloors to keep up with swing. The most popular styles at the present time are Charleston, and Lindy Pop.
Nowadays, there is also a strong movement on competitions on swing dancing. They are very strict and evaluate the dancer's technique, enthusiasm, and how much the dancers showcased. The judges will seek for general swing rules for the competition to make them available to everyone.
As a consequence of competitions, there are also academies. They work with levels in increasingly difficult techniques. Most programs are related to develop the right technique and good timing for swing. There is a proven team spirit for teams that come from academies all around the world.
There are places to go swinging all around the world. To get to those places and to learn more about the swing dancing style, you can visit the following resources:
Types of Swing Dance Styles: This is a collection of the different types of swing dancing. On Pattie Wells' Dance Time webpage, you will find accurate descriptions, a brief story about the origins of each style, and explanatory videos embedded within the information. This is a very illustrative resource.
The Boston Swing Central News Section: The news section on this site is one of the best sources for news online. There is updated information about swing happenings within the area. Boston is one of the most traditional sites for swing in the United States.
Swing Out London: This site gives out information about swing dance classes and social dancing every day in London. Their calendar is updated, and you can check for the current week class schedule. If London swings, the Swing Out London site knows it. It will tell you how to get there!
The Piedmont Swing Dance Society Incorporated: When you are in the North Carolina area, visit this site to get to know the best place to swing. They have a list of locations along with workshops and lessons. You can address the swing dance society of Piedmont to get a great swinging time.
Swing Time: This is an informative site in which the swing dance events at Florida are published. If you feel like swing dancing while you are in the Florida area, check this site to choose where to go.
Resource list at the Swing Dance Luxembourg: Check the resources on this page. You will find an interesting compilation of all swing dance moves, along with videos to give you a full idea.
Strictly Come Dancing? We tried swing dancing for real: This article puts some perspective on swing dancing. You will learn some interesting facts about swing.
The following list has links to places where you can learn swing dancing. It includes the most recognized academies in some cities with the longest swing dancing tradition and in some unexpected places:
Swing Columbus: The Swing Columbus is an organization based in Columbus, Ohio. They are specialist in music from the 20s to the 40s, and teach it to people of all ages. Get to their website to know about their events, news, and even pro-tips to improve your swing dancing abilities.
Dallas Swing Dance Society: You can sign in for workshops and other dancing activities. There are plenty of dates to get your feet moving at the rhythm of swing.
Swing Patrol: Swing patrol is the academy you want to get if you are in the United Kingdome. They have dance classes to get you swinging on a single day. They even have a book with plenty of information.
Swing dancing classes at the MIT: This is a fine example on how universities engage with Swing classes. The MIT Lindy Hop Society promotes swing classes. It is an excellent extracurricular activity.
Ottawa Swing Dance Society: If you are from Ottawa in Canada, then the right place to go on a Friday night is to their swing dance event. They have a live band plus lessons for all levels.
The Georgia Tech Dance Association: This is the Dance Club of the Georgia Tech University. However, beyond the students and teachers' participation, they admit military members and AJDPS associates, along with the general public. This makes it stand out of the regular dancing club at school.
Empire Swing: Even Australia swings! At the empire swing you can fine all the information about the best swing school in Brisbane. They have swing classes and prepare events on a regular basis.