Best Swing Dance Clubs
It's hip, it's fun, and all the cool cats are doing it. It's swing and we're dancing the night away at some of the hottest clubs in Southern California. Jump, jive and groove to live bands in swanky venues across the Southland every day of the week!
Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club
617 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(877) 463 7773
www.clubcicada.com
Located in one of the last original Art Deco buildings in downtown LA, the Cicada Club hosts a weekly Vintage Era Swing Night every Sunday. The Oviatt Building was built in 1928 and was once home to upscale men's department store Alexander and Oviatt, thus the decor is reminiscent of that time and Oviatt's love for French design and architecture. The club opens on Sunday nights at 6 pm for dinner and dancing. Each week a different live band appears from 8:30-11:00 pm with authentic 1930's music. Be sure to take note of the club's formal dress code which has men wearing a coat and tie and women wearing cocktail dresses, skirts, or pants suits. The cover charge is $10 unless you dine at the restaurant. Valet is $7 or you can opt to park in the nearby garage or on the street. A partner and prior dance experience are both optional.
LindyGroove
Pasadena Masonic Temple
200 S. Euclid Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
www.lindygroove.com
Deemed one of the most popular swing dancing venues in Southern California, LindyGroove is the place to groove on Thursday nights. It's all about the dancing here, where swing music s spun by THE best Swingin' Jazz DJs from around the world. The atmosphere is casual and features dancers in all skill sets. It should be noted that the venue does not typically host a bar.
Rusty's Rhythm Club
8025 W. Manchester Ave.
Playa Del Rey, CA 90213
(310) 606-5606
www.rustyfrank.com
One of the west side's only swing clubs features live bands and a 2300 square foot dance floor. The venue is suitable for all ages and dancing is preceded by a 30 minute lesson. The cover charge is $15, but you can get in for $10 after 10 pm and still dance until midnight. Be sure to check their monthly calendar as dancing occurs on most Wednesdays and select Fridays.
Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association
73 N. Hill Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 799-5689
www.pasadenaballroomdance.com
As someone who has spent much time swing dancing, I can attest to the family-friendly nature of the venue's Swing Out Saturday night events. Featuring a live band and a complimentary lesson, this is one of the only venues offering Saturday night swing dancing. Admission is $15 and includes snacks, refreshments, and door prizes.
Strutters' Ball Swing Dance at the Atomic Ballroom
The Clubhouse Dance Studio
733 Dunn Way
Placentia CA 92870
(714) 528-8331
www.atomicballroom.com
This popular Orange County dance venue offers some of the best vintage swing music, live by Jonathan Stout. Most Wednesday nights, you'll dance to a live band, preceded by a beginning and intermediate dance lesson.
Memories
12901 Philadelphia Street
Whittier, CA 90601
714 504 9232
www.memoriesdancing.com
Featuring two dance floors and live bands, Memories is the place to go if you want to see some of the best dancers in the country. Every Monday night until 12:30 am, dance the night away with just a $3 cover. The venue also offers weekly swing dancing lessons.
Avant Garde Ballroom
4220 Scott Place
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 442-7600
www.avantgardeballroom.com
A few times a month, the Avant Garde Ballroom opens its doors for a DJ-hosted party with an emphasis on West Coast Swing. Located just two blocks from John Wayne Airport, the venue features some of the largest floating dance floors in Orange County. Dance parties are held on the second Saturday of each month at 8 p.m. with a cover charge of $12 and every Sunday evening at 6 p.m. which includes a beginner lesson, with a cover charge of $10. By day, the venue hosts would-be dancers striving to perfect their steps in all genres of dance including Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, and Argentine Tango. Not a swinger? Check out their calendar for information on their Salsa and Ballroom parties.
