Swing Dance Classes in Portland, Maine
Join us for a group swing dance class!
We provide clear step-by-step instruction, and plenty of practice time to build confidence.
You never need to bring a partner - we rotate in class so you meet and dance with everyone.
And it's fun. We promise.
Current and Upcoming Class Schedules and Locations
A and B1-Level Classes: Tuesdays at East End Community School
195 North Street Portland
A and B2-Level Classes: Tuesdays at Bright Star World Dance
108 High Street Portland
C and D-Level Classes: Thursdays at Maine Ballroom Dance
616 Congress Street, Portland
Late Spring 2024 - Registration Closed
(Stay tuned for next class session dates starting September '24)
A-Level Beginning 8-Count Lindy Hop: Tuesdays 6-7pm, 4/23-6/4
(East End Community Center w/ Gillian and Jen)
A-Level Beginning 6-Count Lindy Hop: Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm, 4/16-5/28
(Bright Star World Dance w/ Becca and Kento)
B1-Level Spring Routine Class: Tuesdays 7:15-8:15pm, 4/23-6/4
(East End Community Center w/ Gillian and Jen)
B+ Level 'Swing Soup': Tuesdays 6-7pm, 4/16-5/28
(Bright Star World Dance w/ Becca and Kento)
(This class is "invitation only": we'll email you if you're invited to register)
C-Level Spring Routine Class: Thursdays 6-7pm, 4/25-6/6
(Maine Ballroom Dance, 616 Congress St Portland)
D-Level w/ Stefan and Bethany: Thursdays 7:15-8:30pm on the following dates:
1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 2/29, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25
Late Spring Classes FAQs
I see there are two different A-level classes offered. Which A-level class should I take?
If you're brand new to swing dance, you can take either 6-Count Beginning Lindy Hop or 8-Count Beginning Lindy Hop. Both are great first classes! The 6-Count Lindy Hop class will be at a smaller venue if a smaller class appeals to you. The 8-Count class runs 6-7pm, and 6-Count runs 7:15-8:15pm, so you could also pick the class that fits best with your schedule.
Can I take both A-level classes during the same session?
Yes! You'll just need to head across town in the 15 mins between classes but you're welcome to take both at once.
Why is the new "B+ Level Class" invitation only?
The venue (Bright Star World Dance) is smaller than our other venues, and we're trying to group students of similar ability levels. The minimum requirement for B+ is that you've taken all of the B1-level classes and understand the material well. Feel free to email Gillian (portlandswingproject@gmail.com) if you didn't receive an invite and think the class is a good fit for you.
Which class should I take?
Start with an A-level class
A Level Beginning
8-Count Lindy Hop
or
A Level Beginning
6-Count Lindy Hop
or
A Level Beginning
Charleston
The A-level classes are all forms of "swing dance". You can take the A-level classes in any order. We recommend taking them as many times as you need until you're confident with the material.
Once you've taken all three A-level classes, and you feel confident in the material, you can move on to the B1-level. In the B1-level classes, we'll show you how to seamlessly combine what you learned in the A-level, and teach you new movements and techniques to help you become a better partner dancer.
There are five B1-Level classes
B1-Level Mixing 6 and 8-Counts
B1-Level 'Lindy Stew'
B1-Level Swingout Funshop
B1-Level Beyond Basic Charleston
B1-Level Spring Routine Class
You can take the B1-level classes in any order. We recommend taking the B1-level classes until you feel confident in the material.
Once you've taken all five B1-level classes, you feel confident with the material, and you have instructor approval you can move on to the B+ level.
You can take the B-level classes in any order. We recommend taking the B-level classes until you feel confident in the material.
Once you've taken all five B-level classes you can move on to the C-level.
There are five B+ level classes: This is a new class for Portland Swing Project! We're collaborating on ideas and structure for this class, so we'll post details soon.
B+ Level TBD - Check back soon!
B+ Level TBD - Check back soon!
B+ Level TBD - Check back soon!
B+ Level TBD - Check back soon!
B+ Level TBD - Check back soon!
The B+ Level classes will build on your knowledge and skills from B1. You can take the B+ level classes in any order. We recommend taking the B+ level classes until you feel confident in the material.
Once you've taken all five B+ level classes and have instructor approval you can move on to the C-level.
There are five C-level classes
C-Level Breaking the Pattern
C-Level Solo Jazz in
Partner Dancing
C-Level Advanced Charleston
C-Level Slowing Down,
Speeding Up
C-Level Spring Routine Class
You can take the C-level classes in any order.
Once you've taken all five C-Level classes, we encourage you to keep taking them since class material changes each year.
We also have a D-Level class with guest instructors Stefan and Bethany. This is a special class for experienced dancers who'd like to dig a bit deeper.
D-Level Class
D-Level Various Topics w/ Stefan & Bethany
For more class information, please see our Class Descriptions Page
Can't commit to a weekly class? Try a Beginning Crash Course, or take a short lesson before our bi-weekly dance, Thursday Night Stomp.
Classes are 50% off for full-time High School and College students.
Use code STUDENT at checkout.