First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this. Your interest shows a commitment to creating a positive and welcoming dance community.
At Swing On In, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. Our community thrives on empathy, kindness, honesty, and goodwill. We have zero tolerance for any form of inappropriate behavior.
We want you to love every step you take, challenge yourself, learn new things, and connect with a community that will enrich your life. We believe in having fun and dancing with everyone.
We appreciate humor and the ability to not take ourselves too seriously. To ensure everyone has a great experience, we have a few expectations. By attending Swing On In classes or events, you agree to respect others, mind your manners, and conduct yourself with maturity and respect.
Our Expectations:
1️⃣ A Welcoming Environment for All
Swing On In is open to everyone, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, employment status, physical appearance, or ability.
🚫 We do not tolerate harassment of any kind—verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual. If you engage in harassment, you will be asked to leave at our discretion.
2️⃣ Respectful Language
Discriminatory language, including racist, ageist, misogynistic, misandrist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist remarks, will not be tolerated. It’s not just inappropriate—it’s offensive and unnecessary.
3️⃣ Spatial Awareness on the Dance Floor
Be mindful of your movements—your limbs are powerful, and unintended collisions can happen.
✅ If you accidentally bump into someone, check in with them and apologise.
✅ Be considerate of other dancers’ space to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
4️⃣ No Unsolicited Dance Advice
Unless you’re an instructor teaching a class, refrain from giving unsolicited dance advice. In our experience, the people who do this are usually incorrect (and always annoying).
5️⃣ Respect Personal Boundaries
Yes, it’s dance, but there are still rules:
🚫 No inappropriate touching, rubbing, squeezing, or groping—ever.
🚫 Hands, feet, knees, or any other body parts should remain where they belong.
Within these simple guidelines, express yourself, have fun, and dance your heart out!
If you have any concerns, please reach out to Swing On In staff. Your concerns will be handled with confidentiality and seriousness.
📞 Chrissy – 0409 727 888
📞 Ray – 0408 306 560
📧 Email: [email protected]
Honouring the Roots of Swing Dance
What is Swing Dancing?
At its core, swing dancing is about moving to swinging jazz music. The most iconic of these dances is the Lindy Hop, also known as the Jitterbug, which emerged in the 1930s. It was born from the creativity, rhythm, and cultural expression of African American communities and has since evolved into a global dance phenomenon.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Arakwal, Minjungbal, and Widjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we dance. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Respecting the Black History of Lindy Hop & Swing Dance
We also recognize and honour the African American origins of Lindy Hop and swing music. This incredible dance and its music were born from Black culture, and we deeply appreciate the privilege of learning, sharing, and celebrating it.
While we may not have lived experience of the cultural roots from which swing dancing emerged, we are committed to ongoing education about its historical, political, and social context. By understanding its origins, we can better honour its legacy and ensure that swing dance continues to be shared with the respect and authenticity it deserves.
The Legacy of Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop originated in Harlem, New York, during the late 1920s and flourished at the Savoy Ballroom, a vibrant cultural hub where some of the greatest jazz musicians and dancers of the era gathered. The dance evolved through friendly rivalries, pushing the boundaries of movement and expression in ways that still inspire dancers today.
Some of the most celebrated figures in Lindy Hop history include:
- Frankie Manning – Innovator of aerials and a leading ambassador of Lindy Hop’s revival.
- Norma Miller – The “Queen of Swing,” a dancer, choreographer, and historian.
- Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers – A legendary performance troupe that brought Lindy Hop to the world stage.
Lindy Hop’s influence spread worldwide, shaping the dance styles that followed. It saw a revival in the 1980s and 1990s, reigniting the joy and energy that makes it so special today.
A Living Tradition
Swing dancing is not just a historical artifact—it is a living, evolving tradition that continues to bring people together across generations and cultures. From Balboa and Collegiate Shag to Blues Dance and Solo Jazz, these dance forms remain a testament to the resilience, joy, and creativity of their origins.
As we step onto the dance floor, we do so with gratitude and respect—honouring the roots of this dance, its pioneers, and the communities that have kept it alive.