Discover where to learn the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug in your local community
Ready to travel back in time to the golden age of jazz and swing? Bentleyville might be a small town, but it's got a big heart for vintage dance. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to polish your triple steps, our community has fantastic options to get you swinging.
Why Swing Dance?
Before we jump into our list of studios, let's talk about why swing dancing has seen such a massive resurgence. It's not just about the incredible exercise (though you'll definitely feel it the next day!). Swing dance is social, joyful, and creatively freeing. The Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Balboa, and Charleston are all dances born from jazz music, emphasizing improvisation, connection, and pure fun.
In Bentleyville, the swing scene is tight-knit and incredibly welcoming. You'll find people of all ages and backgrounds on the dance floor, from high school students to retirees, all connected by a love of classic rhythms and good times.
The Best Swing Dance Studios & Communities in Bentleyville
Here are our top picks for where to get your swing on in and around Bentleyville.
1. The Bentleyville Hop
Location: Downtown Bentleyville Arts District
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Vintage Jazz Steps
The Bentleyville Hop is the cornerstone of our local swing scene. Founded by national Lindy Hop champions Michael & Sarah Chen, this studio focuses on authentic, historically-informed technique while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. Their beginner "Swing 1" series is the perfect entry point, breaking down the fundamentals of connection and rhythm in a way that's easy to grasp.
Pros
- Top-tier, nationally-recognized instructors
- Strong focus on musicality
- Vibrant social dance held on the last Friday of every month
- Live band nights twice a season
Cons
- Classes can fill up quickly—register early!
- Slightly higher price point than other options
2. Starlight Ballroom
Location: Just off Main Street, next to the old cinema
Specialties: Jitterbug, East Coast Swing, Ballroom Integration
If you're looking for a more traditional ballroom experience that also embraces swing, Starlight is your place. Owner Arthur "Art" Daniels has been teaching dance in Bentleyville for over 40 years. While they teach everything from Waltz to Tango, their East Coast Swing and Jitterbug classes are phenomenal for beginners who want clear, structured lessons and a polished technique.
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly and patient instruction
- Beautiful, spacious vintage ballroom floor
- Offers package deals for multiple dance styles
- No partner required for group classes
Cons
- Less focus on the aerials and high-energy Lindy Hop
- The style is more "ballroom swing" than "vintage vernacular"
3. The Community Center Swing Collective
Location: Bentleyville Community Center
Specialties: Social Dancing, Affordable Lessons, Community Building
This isn't a traditional studio, but rather a grassroots collective of swing enthusiasts who organize low-cost lessons and social dances. It's the heart of the scene for college students and anyone on a budget. The teachers are dedicated volunteers who just love to dance. The vibe here is less about perfect technique and more about the joy of movement and making friends.
Pros
- Extremely affordable (often just $5 for a lesson and dance)
- Super inclusive and non-intimidating environment
- Great way to meet a diverse group of people
- No commitment—drop in whenever you can
Cons
- Inconsistent schedule (check their Facebook group)
- Instruction varies as it's volunteer-run
First-Timer Tips
Nervous about your first class? Don't be! Here's what you need to know:
- What to Wear: Comfortable clothes you can move in. Avoid restrictive jeans. For shoes, closed-toe shoes with a smooth sole (like sneakers or flats) are perfect. Please avoid sticky rubber soles—they can be hard to pivot in!
- Do I need a partner? Not at all! These studios all practice "rotation," where you'll dance with everyone in class. It's the best way to learn.
- It's okay to mess up! Everyone was a beginner once. The swing community is famously supportive. Laugh it off and keep going.
Beyond the Classroom: Swing Events in Bentleyville
Learning in class is one thing, but the real magic happens at social dances! Keep an eye out for these annual events:
- Summer Swing Out at the Park: Every July, dancers gather at Riverside Park for an evening of outdoor dancing under the stars with a live band.
- The Bentleyville Birthday Bash: A weekend workshop and dance every fall celebrating the birthday of Frankie Manning, a legendary Lindy Hop dancer.
- New Year's Eve Swing Ball: Ring in the new year the vintage way at the Starlight Ballroom's annual gala.
Your Next Step
The best way to see if you love swing dancing is to just try it. Check out the websites or social media pages of the studios above, find a beginner class that fits your schedule, and just show up. You have nothing to lose and a whole new world of music, friendship, and joy to gain.
See you on the dance floor!
