SwingBuffalo

I’ve always wanted to go to a swing dance class. When I was a teenager, I heard about places where you could take a lesson and then have open dance but at that time, I didn’t have anyone to drag along. Well, this fall I heard about Swing Buffalo and mentioned it to a friend who was also interested to we headed out to the Polish Cadets Hall on a Tuesday night. It was better than I expected!
It costs about $ 4 to go (more if there’s a live band that night) and there’s a half hour lesson from 8 to 8:30 and then open dance until about 10. You don’t need a partner because for the lesson everyone pairs up and then you rotate after learning/​practicing each step. It might seem intimidating at first but there’s usually a nice mix of beginners and more experienced people and everyone is friendly! It’s also a nice way to meet the other people who are there.
After the lesson, the open dance begins and you get to try the new steps you learned that night. Don’t be shy. Everyone is willing to dance. My first night, I danced with at least 8 different people. It was great! Even though I didn’t come with a partner, I was able to dance all night! Oh and I was pleasantly surprised that there was nearly an even mix of men to women. I was just sure there would be about 5 men and the rest women pairing up.
There’s no need to get dressed up all fancy, but you can wear cute swingy clothes if you want. There is a cooler of water to refresh you and usually a few snacks that it seems the members bring. The atmosphere is casual, fun and welcoming. You should definitely check out swing dancing with Swing Buffalo!

I bought my mom and I a set of classes for Mother’s Day — $ 28/​person for 4 classes to learn the Lindy Hop. It was Tuesday nights at the Polish Cadets on Grant and Amherst for 1 hour. We initially thought we would be dancing partners, but upon arrival we learned that with every new step we learned, we would change partners. We ended up dancing with about 10 other partners. Though awkward at first, I appreciated the chance to dance with people of all levels. Some were extreme beginners like me, while others were very good dancers and offered their advice. The two teachers are knowledgeable, friendly, and don’t put any pressure on you. I am sad to say I did not complete the course (having 9 month old twins and a hectic summer led us to miss the last 2 classes). But, the nice thing about Swing Buffalo — they allow you to retake the same class for free! So we might return when they offer it again.

I’ve been dancing at Swing Buffalo events since 2007 and I can’t say enough good things! I knew next to nothing about swing dancing before joining the group and learned pretty much everything I know about swing from this group. Everyone is so friendly and open that you’re sure to have a good time, even if you come on your own knowing nobody else in advance. Definitely check out their website (
) and come to Lindy Fix on Tuesday nights — there’s a beginner lesson from 8 – 8:30 and then dancing until 10:00 for only $ 4. Great deal, great way to meet people, great way to just have fun.