Best Swing Dance Clubs In Orange County
Across the country, swing dancing - a style that, according to many experts, originated in Harlem, New York — is extremely popular. West Coast Swing (WCS), a variation performed to pop and blues, is recognized as the official state dance of California. In Orange County, it's easy to find dance studios and clubs that offer swing dance lessons before opening up their dance floor to everyone. If you live in and around the OC, put on your dancing shoes and check out the action at these popular spots. The Orange County West Coast Swing Dance Club, which promotes swing dancing, also is a great resource for those who enjoy this dance style.
The Clubhouse Dance Studio
733 Dunn Way
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 528-8331
www.theclubhousedancestudio.com
Weekends really swing at the Clubhouse Dance Studio, courtesy of the Orange County WCS Dance Club. On Sundays, world champion dancer Michele Adams teaches intermediate WCS (West Coast Swing) lessons at 3:30 p.m., followed by a second level beginner's class at 4:15 p.m. For those who have never tried this dance style, there is a free 5 p.m. class. Everyone is welcome, though, for open dancing at 7 p.m. (there's another free intermediate dance lesson at 6:15 p.m.). On every second Saturday, you can show your Lindy skills when the doors open at 8 p.m. for Clubhouse Swing. The Clubhouse also hosts the Strutters' Ball, a popular event for all swing dancers, on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m.
Atomic Ballroom
17961 Sky Park Circle Suite C
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 250-3332
www.atomicballroom.com
The Atomic Ballroom's weekly calendar is filled with many opportunities to learn, practice or simply enjoy swing dancing. This Irvine destination offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes throughout the week, so make sure to check out their online calendar for class schedules. As for struttin' your stuff, the "Swingin' Sock Hop" kicks off on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. and, on Thursday nights, it's time for "Swingin' the Blues." To start the weekend right, head to the Atomic Ballroom for "Big Bang Friday Nights" at 8:30 p.m.
The Press Box
6471 Westminster Blvd.
Westminster, CA 92683
(562) 824-8393
www.thepressboxdance.com
Located inside Westminster Lanes, the Press Box has it's own private entrance, as well as access to the food and drink available for purchase inside the bowling alley. On the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m., this venue hosts free East Coast Swing lessons before open dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays start with beginner's dance classes at 6:15 p.m., followed by intermediate lessons at 7:15 p.m. When Friday comes, the Press Box offers West Coast Swing instruction before open dancing begins at 8:30 p.m.
DanScene Dance Studio
2980 McClintock Way Suite A&B
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 641-8688
www.danscene.com
The DanScene Dance Studio's website refers to West Coast Swing as the "best kept secret taught worldwide." Owned and operated by champion swing dancer Martin Parker, this studio has been in business since 1988. "WC Swing Tuesdays" take place each week, with classes beginning at 6:30 p.m. At 8:45 p.m., though, dancers of all skill levels take over the floor for a social dance. DanScene also hosts other weekly and weekend dance parties, which are posted on their website.
Avant Garde Ballroom
4220 Scott Place
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 442-7600
www.avantgardeballroom.com
When it comes to swing dancing in Orange County, the Avant Garde Ballroom is a great place to bring your dancing shoes. This Newport Beach location offers classes for children, as well as those adults preparing for an upcoming wedding. The Avant Garde also hosts dance parties, including West Coast Swing events on the first, second and third Saturdays on the month beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Related: Best Dance Studios In Orange County
