Posted on May 11, 2024
By Jane Doe
On a recent Monday evening at The Lindy Loft, twenty beginners attempted their first Charleston basic while a live jazz trio played in the corner. By the end of the hour, most had found the rhythm—and at least one person had switched partners with nearly everyone in the room.
Scenes like this are becoming common across Everett this spring. After years of limited in-person programming, local dance studios are reporting waitlists for beginner swing classes for the first time since 2019. The result is a loose but lively revival, with three established schools expanding their schedules and a new monthly event series drawing dancers from across Snohomish County.
Why Swing, Why Now
Swing dance never fully disappeared in Everett, but instructors say interest has spiked sharply in the past year. The reasons they cite are familiar: younger adults seeking screen-free social activities, a wave of retro aesthetics in film and fashion, and a post-pandemic appetite for physical, in-person connection.
"People show up nervous, worried they need a partner or the right shoes," says Marcus Chen, founder of Everett Jive Junction. "By week two, they're staying after class to practice. That's the thing about swing—it was built for social dancing, not performance."
Where to Take Classes
Each of the three main venues has a distinct focus. Here's what to expect.
The Lindy Loft: Beginner-Friendly Foundations
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 drop-in; $150 for a ten-class pass
Location: 2418 Hoyt Avenue, Suite 300
The Lindy Loft centers on East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop fundamentals. Classes are structured as ongoing series, but newcomers can join any Monday. No partner is required; rotation is standard. The studio also hosts a social dance on the first Friday of each month, with the next on May 3.
Everett Jive Junction: Performance and Advanced Technique
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per class; $180 for an eight-week choreography block
Location: 4823 Colby Avenue
Founded in 2019 by former competitive dancer Marcus Chen, Everett Jive Junction specializes in performance-ready routines. The current May block focuses on a West Coast Swing piece set to contemporary blues. Auditions for the studio's summer showcase will be held June 1; the Tuesday class is recommended preparation.
The Swing Syndicate: Immersive Weekend Intensives
Schedule: Select Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $85 per boot camp; pre-registration required
Location: Various community halls (see website for May locations)
The Swing Syndicate is a collective of four independent instructors who pool resources for weekend intensives. May's theme is "From Ballroom to Bar: Social Dancing for Real-World Floors." Sessions cover floorcraft, musicality, and etiquette. Class sizes are capped at twenty.
May Events at a Glance
- May 3: First Friday Social at The Lindy Loft (8:00 p.m.–midnight; $10 at the door; vintage dress encouraged)
- May 17: "Swing Style" fashion panel and dance at Café Zippy, featuring local vintage collectors (7:00 p.m.; free admission)
- May 31: Swing into Summer festival at Legion Memorial Park (6:00–10:00 p.m.; free admission). The evening includes a student showcase, open social dancing to the Everett Jazz Collective, and a beginner lesson at 6:30 p.m.
How to Get Started
Do you need a partner? No. All three venues rotate partners regularly in class.
What should you wear? Comfortable flat shoes with smooth soles are ideal. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers, which grip the floor too tightly.
How do you register? The Lindy Loft and Everett Jive Junction accept walk-ins. The Swing Syndicate requires advance sign-up through its website.
Classes begin this week. For updated schedules and registration links, contact the venues directly.
