BROOKLYN SWINGS
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Dance Styles Offered at Brooklyn Swings

All of these dances below were inspired, developed and brought to life
through the Black American & African American communities, homes, and the spaces
where this community were more welcomed to create, be themselves and create history.
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Blues Dancing

1905 to Today

​Blues Dancing is a series of dances such as the Shuffle, Slow Drag, Stroll, Struttin' and more that have roots older than all the Swing dances below. With origins in the South from people enslaved, then new dances from the 
Great Migration up the Delta, to dances in the North East with highlights in Chicago, NYC's Harlem Renaissance and all over the nation.
  Today this style is very welcoming to many with a wide range of tempos and moods. A social Blues dance today is often a mix of different Blues dances whether is Partnered or Solo. 

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Charleston
1920s/30s to Today

Charleston, with origins in Charleston, Virginia, got popular in the 1920's as both a Solo & Partnered dance. Coming out of a pandemic, entering the Roaring 20's, in NYC this dance had an Uptown (Harlem, originals) and Downtown (Midtown, inspired by Uptown) style variations. This dance craze was danced by Flappers, Chorus Lines, families and most everyone. Since 1940s to current day Charleston has been mixed with Lindy Hop and often singularly called Lindy Hop.

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Balboa & Bal-Swing

​​1930s/1940s to Today

Balboa, aka Bal, has origins from Balboa Island in Irvine California and got going in 1930's. Inspired by everything happening in Charleston & Lindy Hop on the East Coast, Balboa came about in Southern California due to VERY crowded dance floors and VERY fast music. This dance takes less space on the floor, so yes, NY today loves to have this style at our fingers tips for crowded nights and small dance floors.

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Lindy Hop

1930s/40s to TodayBig Band is a classic sound for Lindy Hop. Made popular in Harlem and caught on fast from dance floors to films. Wide range of tempos and the imfamous 'Swing Out' move. Dance with a friend, family member, lover or someone you just met, this shared rhythm language gets you both going.
We offer dance classes, education, and spaces for Black American Culture Dances such as Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Blues Dancing. Out of respect and appreciation to those who founded & developed these spaces, Brooklyn Swings supports the goals & vision of Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ+ communities.
CONTACT US: Dance@BrooklynSwings.com
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Communal Goal
    • Our Team
    • Our History
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
  • Learn/Events
    • Dance Style Info
    • Weekly Classes >
      • Mondays in Prospect Heights
      • Tuesdays in Gowanus
      • Thursdays in Williamsburg
    • Private Lessons
    • Wedding Lessons
    • Private Events
    • Where to Dance!
    • Swing Your Valentine!
  • Music
  • Gifts