In the swing: why you need to start swing dancing
***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***
As the sounds of Glenn Miller’s ‘In the Mood’ jump from the record player, vintage-inspired shoes tap rhythmically on a wooden floor, while swishy skirts skim past spectators. Swing dancers have all the fun, but they also get the other benefits that come from being part of this community.
We talked to the lively folk behind Swing Patrol about the advantages that come from swing dancing. Here’s what they listed:
Meet new people
Swing dancing is very much about connecting with fellow dancers. You don’t need to know anyone or even bring a partner, so you’ll enjoy meeting lots of new people at different levels of dancing abilities: from beginner to pro. And, they say dancing releases oxytocin too (a hormone that is linked to bonding).
C’mon get happy
Like other forms of exercise, dancing is a social activity that can encourage emotional expression and creativity. As you become a better dancer you can lift your self esteem and even lower stress levels. These benefits combined with meeting new people and listening to fun music can be a real happiness booster.
Train your brain
In the moment, swing dancing is all about making quick decisions. You’ll need to interpret signals from your dancing partner and those around you, and quickly respond with your hands and feet. With practice, you can help to sharpen your mind.
Get in shape
It may look like it’s just a bit of fun, but swing dancing is fantastic exercise too. Swinging about on the dancefloor can be a great way to keep in shape, and a glamorous way to gain more energy. We offer ‘Learn to Dance in a Day’ classes, which can be a good place to test things out and see if swing’s for you.
Check out Swing Patrol’s Facebook page, to see what they’re up to now.
You may also like
Win Simple Fare: Fall and Winter by Sunday Suppers
- Share:
-
-
-
-
-
Sonya Gellert is a contributing writer and associate editor for Khoollect. She lives in Sydney....
READ MORE BY Sonya GellertYou decide
Loading ...Looking for feel-good activities?
Try these fun exercises out next.
Photos by
Eric Bobrie and Tim Gee
- Share:
-
-
-
-
-
I like swing dance. I used to dance it at the student club. Even though I’m not a great dancer I really enjoyed.
But there is one absolutely annoying thing. When some guys decide to be follows. I don’t mind gays. Some of my best friends are gays. But I don’t like dancing with guys. Pure and simple. So please dudes don’t be ‘follows’ making other uncomfortable. I get it that you want to learn. Then ask some friend on the side who doesn’t mind. But not in the group classes. I stopped going because of thar.
I love Swing Patrol! Their classes make me happy, are fun and keep me fit! I just need to go more. It’s a shame though that the other comment here is put off by male being followers, why should that matter? Have fun, be open
I like that you pointed out that you don’t need to know the other dancers. I have just moved and want to meet new people. Swing dancing seems like a good way to do this. I’ll probably start looking for dance clubs around me, thanks for the advice!
Very good point, Scott. Thanks for sharing.