SWING DANCING IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTY
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SWING VENUES IN LA AND ORANGE COUNTY
Los Angeles East (Pasadena/Whittier)
For some reason, Pasadena is the hotbed of swing dancing in Southern California, with the venerable PBDA, the hip Third Saturday Swing, and the biggest weekly swing event in the LA area, Lindy Groove. If you are into swing dancing, you'll be coming to Pasadena often.
Do Something Blue (Pasadena) | ||
| This is not really a Lindy event strictly speaking, but so many swing dancers go here, it deserves a place on this site. I was skeptical about this since I tend to like fast music, but the DJ's here play some great blues music, and blues dancing is easy to learn compared to Lindy Hop. Get out of your comfort zone and give this a try (take the beginner lesson first). Crowd is friendly. A NOTE ON PARKING FROM DO SOMETHING BLUE: As many of you have noticed, many of the lots available around the Dance Center of Pasadena are no longer available. The Cafe closed as did the Post Office and with them access to their lots. In their absence, the lot located behind the stores at the Southeast corner of Lake Ave and Washington Blvd. was listed as additional parking. However, there have been growing safety concerns with this lot so please begin to use the parking spots designated for the One United Bank at the Southwest side of Lake Ave and Washington Blvd. as well as the plentiful amount of street parking surrounded the studio. If you would like company to your car don't be afraid to ask someone at the front desk! | ||
| When: | Usually the last Friday of the month unless there is a holiday conflict, lesson at 9PM | |
| Where: | Pasadena City Dance Center, 1368 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 | |
| Cost: | $8 | |
| Crowd: | Beginner to very advanced blues dancers, plenty of partners available | |
| Website: | dosomethingblue.com | |
Hip Kitty Jazz (CLAREMONT) | ||
| This is a "bring-your-own-partner" night club that serves fondue and has a funky 60"s style in the old Claremont packing house with wood floor. It's not primarily a dance venue. There is a smallish dance floor in front of the stage, enough for 5-6 couples. If there are no dancers they will put tables in that space. There are usually a few dancers for bands like Phat Cat, Barrel House Boys, Tim Gill All Stars, Flattop Tom, etc. who have a bit of a following. Only suggested if you bring your own partner or live close by and are willing to go out of your way to ask a regular to dance. | ||
| When: | 8PM to midnight certain days of the week | |
| Where: | 502 W. First St., Claremont, CA 91711 | |
| Cost: | $5 | |
| Crowd: | Bring your own partner | |
| Website: | www.hipkittyjazz.com Website has annoying music so lower your speaker volume before clicking! | |
Lindy Groove (Pasadena) la lindy hop pick! | ||
| This is the most popular weekly swing event in Southern California. It is the place to go swing dancing on Thursday nights. There are plenty of people to dance with of all skill levels. The vibe is very informal. DJ's are flown in from around the country. Floor is big. Note, this is a hard core swing dancing venue; there is no bar and no band to watch (except for special occasions). If you want some good partners, this is the place to be. Music is often slow Lindy and sometimes bluesy (groovy) - but they've been bringing in a wider variety of DJs lately and playing some faster stuff, which is great. | ||
| When: | Thursdays, Beginner and intermediate lessons 7:30-8:15, general dancing 8:15-12 midnight | |
| Where: | Pasadena Masonic Temple, 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena, cross street is Cordova, just south of Paseo Colorado. Park in the parking garage across the street. | |
| Cost: | $7 | |
| Crowd: | Intermediate to advanced, intimidating for beginners, plenty of partners available. Check out photos of the amazing 2008 and 2009 Halloween Parties! | |
| Website: | www.lindygroove.com | |
Lindy Groove's 2009 Haunted Halloween Ball
Memories (Whittier) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This venue in the heart of downtown Whittier has a huge dance floor upstairs and smaller one downstairs (usually only one has swing dancing though). They have swing dancing on Monday nights. There are usually some good swing dancers, along with some beginners from Biola, and it can be a little clique-ish, but I usually have a good time. Music is good DJ'd music or live bands. There are occasional dances on Friday nights with a live band. | ||
| When: | Mondays, 8PM-12 midnight | |
| Where: | 12901 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA | |
| Cost: | $3 on Mondays, more on Fridays | |
| Crowd: | Lots of beginners (Biola students) with some very very advanced dancers, especially on Mondays, somewhat clique-ish at times | |
| Website: | www.memoriesdancing.com | |
Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association (PASADENA) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This is a large, friendly, non-intimidating, family-run weekly event that has been going on for years. There are plenty of partners of varying skill levels. The people here are novice to intermediate dancers with a few advanced if the band is good. There is a wide variation of ages, from high school to retired folks. Happens most Saturday nights. Unless Third Saturday Swing is going on (see below), this is the default place to go swing dancing on a Saturday night. Or better yet, go to this first, then Third Saturday Swing! | ||
| When: | Most Saturdays, free lesson at 7:30-8PM, dancing at 8:00-11:30PM. | |
| Where: | Grace Hall (behind the church), 73 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA | |
| Cost: | $15-$20 | |
| Crowd: | Mostly beginner through intermediate with some advanced if the band is good, lots of partners. Check out photos from the 2008 Halloween Dance! | |
| Website: | pasadenaballroomdance.com/swing-dances/ | |
PBDA on New Year's Day, January 1st 2011 with Stompy Jones
The Swing Session (PASADENA) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This is a brand new swing venue put on by some of the best dancers in L.A. (No relation to Stompy Jones, which used to be called The Swing Session). Located at the Rose City Ballroom at Paseo Colorado, it boasts a 3,600 square foot dance floor and features authentic DJ'd Swing and Big Band music. Unfortunately, this event has recently converted from being a weekly event to being a "special" event. Check the calendar to see when it happens next. | ||
| When: | Tuesdays, 8:30PM Swing lesson, 9:00PM dancing | |
| Where: | The Rose City Ballroom at Paseo Colorado, 280 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA | |
| Cost: | $7 | |
| Crowd: | Probably some of the best dancers in LA/OC will be here | |
| Website: | Facebook page | |
Third Saturday Swing (Pasadena) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| Ben and Sheri and prominent local dancers/instructors/competitors run this popular event with very good dancers. They have a fun, creative style which permeates this place. There are plenty of partners, from intermediate to very advanced. This place is for serious dancing - no bar, no band, etc. This is the place to be if you want plenty of great partners to dance with on a Saturday night. NOTE: the venue has moved yet again! See below. | ||
| When: | Third Saturday of the month | |
| Where: | Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 1368 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104, corner of Lake and Washington, about 1.5 miles north of the 210 freeway | |
| Cost: | $8 (just mention you are on Ben and Sheri's list, otherwise $10, $3 after 11PM) | |
| Crowd: | Intermediate to very advanced, lots of partners | |
| Website: | thirdsaturdayswing.com Facebook Page | |
LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN / Central
Downtown L.A. doesn't come to mind when you think of areas with great swing dancing, however, it has some amazing Art Deco spaces like the Cicada Club, the Chit Chat Club and the Edison. These are more upscale venues where people dress up, unlike most swing venues. Downtown also has some cool events like outdoor swing dancing at the Music Center.
The CHIT CHAT CLUB (DOWNTOWN) | ||
| This is a classy venue with live bands and a good following on Facebook. Dancing in a gym or lodge is fine, but I really enjoy dancing in a venue that transports you back to the 30's and 40's, where people actually dress up a bit and don't wear sweats.. where you can bring your non-dancing friends to just have a drink and watch the band. As much as everyone like to disparage the Derby, no one was laughing on the last night of swing there before it closed. The swing scene needs a place like this! Check it out! | ||
| When: | Once a month, Fridays or Saturdays | |
| Where: | 607 S. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA | |
| Cost: | $15 Admission | |
| Crowd: | Some surprisingly good dancers, plus some civilians undoubtedly | |
| Website: | Facebook chitchatclub.net | |
THE Cicada Club LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| An incredible art deco interior makes this place special. You'll feel like you're back in 1930's. Attendance can range from almost empty to completely full (depending on the band). Music is authentic 1930's (i.e., brush up on Balboa and Charleston). You SHOULD try this at least once. This is a formal event with dress code (tie and jacket for men, coctail dress for women). You should also bring your own partner though. Front floor is somewhat small, but you can also dance on the marble floor upstairs which is usually empty. Note, this venue used to be free on most Sundays, but it is now $10 unless you have dinner there. It's still worth it!! | ||
| When: | Sundays. Doors open 6PM. Band starts at 8:30PM. The band ends relatively early, so arrive early. | |
| Where: | The Oviatt Building, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA | |
| Cost: | Free with dinner, $10 without on most nights except for special events. Valet parking is recommended and is around $7 if I remember correctly | |
| Crowd: | Art Deco fanatics and some intermediate/advanced dancers. Sometimes there are plenty of people to dance with.. Sometimes not. Bring a partner or go alone and be adventurous. | |
| Website: | www.cicadaclub.com | |
Maxwell de Mille announcing Christine Nelson's band 4/19/09 (photo by Brian Shim)
Christine Nelson at the Cicada Club 4/19/09 (photo by Brian Shim)
The Edison (DOWNTOWN) | ||
| This is one of the most incredible spaces in LA. Built in a renovated 1920's era power generator station, it has an art-deco feel that transports you back to a time before flourescent bulbs. They have DJ'd swing music sporadically and occasionally a band you can swing dance to. You will need to bring your own partner, as you won't find many other swing dancers here. But, you'll be able to show off in front of LA's trendy bar-goers who don't have a clue about dancing and will stare at your Balboa skills in amazement. Floor is smooth cement. Amazingly, there is usually no cover charge, but the drinks are expensive of course. Note: get there early to avoid the long line. | ||
| When: | Occasionally, some Thursdays and Saturdays (check their calendar) | |
| Where: | 102 W 2nd Street (Harlem alley), Los Angeles, CA. | |
| Cost: | No cover, but expensive drinks. Park in the parking structure off of Main and 2nd Street for $8. | |
| Crowd: | LA hipsters who don't know the first thing about swing dancing, so definitely bring your own partner and show off! 21 and over only. | |
| Website: | www.edisondowntown.com | |
The Grove/Fairfax Farmer's Market (Mid City) | ||
| This is one of my favorite places to see and dance to swing bands. The bands play either at the Grove near the big fountain, or somewhere in the Farmer's market dining area. There is no dance floor, so you'll be either dancing on grass or between tables, but it's still fun. The ambiance is great. Bring a partner, though, because these events are often poorly publicized. Unfortunately, the Grove website often doesn't list the bands playing. | ||
| When: | Occasional evenings, 7-10PM | |
| Where: | The Grove at Fairfax and 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA | |
| Cost: | FREE | |
| Crowd: | Bring your own, or grab a civillian who is there shopping | |
| Website: | www.thegrovela.com | |
LOS ANGELES WEST SIDE
The West Side has suffered a loss of some popular swing venues (remember Suzy Q's?) and can't seem to hold onto new ones to save its life. It's too bad considering how many swing dancers live on the West Side who have to drive to Pasadena to go swing dancing (like me). Rusty's Rhythm Club is the standout in Playa Del Rey.
Camp Hollywood: (LAX Marriott) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This is the biggest and best annual swing event in Southern California!! Dancers and instructors come from around the world to attend this celebration of Hollywood Style swing dancing. There are classes during the day and dances at night, plus late night dancing till the wee hours of the morning. There are three huge dance floors in the main room and an additional floor for blues in a separate room. Don't miss this!!! If you don't live in Southern California, you SHOULD fly here to attend this. If you do live here, there's no excuse not to go. | ||
| When: | Once a year in August, Friday through Sunday, all day and night long | |
| Where: | Los Angeles Airport Marriott, 5855 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA | |
| Cost: | $15-$30 for the dances, weekend passes available | |
| Crowd: | Some intermediate and many advanced dancers; somewhat intimidating for beginners, plenty of partners, usually more follows than leads | |
| Website: | www.camphollywood.net Facebook Page | |
Rusty's Rhythm Club: (Playa Del Rey) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This is the only weekly swing event on the West side. Live Bands. Crowd is friendly with variety of age groups. 2,300 Square foot dance floor, bar and lounge, plenty of free parking, all ages welcome. | ||
| When: | Wednesdays (8:00-11:30PM) and the First Friday of every month (8:30-Midnight) (note: on the week of the "First Friday dance, there is no Wednesday dance) | |
| Where: | Playa Del Rey Elk's Lodge, 8025 W. Manchester Ave, Playa Del Rey, CA | |
| Cost: | $15 | |
| Crowd: | Friendly, all skill levels, lots of dance partners available | |
| Website: | rustyfrank.com YouTube video Facebook Page | |
Rusty's Rhythm Club (used with permission from Rusty Frank 2009)
THIRD STREET PROMENADE (SANTA MONICA) | ||
| This used to be a hugely popular event but has fallen off a little in recent years. However, I still suggest trying it out, because there's nothing like dancing outdoors in front of the crowds at Third Street Promenade. Bring a partner and try to outdo the Salsa and Tango dancers up the street. | ||
| When: | Occasional Sundays (check the calendar), hiatus during the winter. Darrell Hope has a Third Street blues dance potluck as well, also certain Sundays at 6PM. | |
| Where: | Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA | |
| Cost: | FREE! | |
| Crowd: | Small group of regulars | |
| Website: | Facebook Page Darrell's Third Street Potluck Blues Dance Facebook Page | |
UCLA (WESTWOOD) | ||
| UCLA has a ballroom dance club that holds swing dances about once per quarter. These usually have mediocre live bands and mostly students and staff of UCLA, with a few West Side locals. I go anyways because it's close and I usually meet new people. | ||
| When: | Occasionally, about once per school quarter | |
| Where: | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA | |
| Cost: | Varies | |
| Crowd: | Beginners, UCLA students and staff | |
| Website: | www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/ballroomdance | |
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY / BURBANK
"The Valley" used to have one of the most popular swing events, Paladino's Lounge. That is no more but it seems like Joe's Bar is taking up the slack, with Lorenzo's popular Monday Balboa nights and swing dancing on Tuesdays as well.
Joe's Great American Bar and Grill (Burbank) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| Neighborhood bar & grill with an emphasis on roots, blues, swing, country, Americana. On Monday nights, Lorenzo Rossi hosts some great Balboa bands and occasional contests. Not to be missed if you're into Bal. Tuesday is "Dance At Joe's", which is usually more of a Western Swing/Rockabilly night. DJ Torch and others in between band sets. Free parking, medium sized dance floor, food til 10pm, lots of table seating. Usually there are enough people to dance with. Admission is free but there is a two-drink minimum. | ||
| When: | Monday and Tuesday nights | |
| Where: | 4311 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Ample free parking on the street. | |
| Cost: | No Cover charge (2-drink min. + donations for band) | |
| Crowd: | Beginner through intermediate swing dancers and rockabilly folks | |
| Website: | Happy Feet Balboa Facebook Page (Mondays) www.danceatjoes.com (swing events) joesgreatbar.com (venue) | |
LONG BEACH / SOUTH BAY
Long Beach has a strong Rockabilly scene (for some reason) and lots of bars and venues that host Rockabilly bands from time to time. The music is good, but you usually won't find a whole lot of swing dancers at these types of events. In addition, there's Alpine Village with swing dancing on Mondays.
ALPINE VILLAGE (TORRANCE) | ||
| This is somewhat of a kitschy year-round Octoberfest, but it can be fun if you bring your own partner. Plus, the live bands they've been bringing in these days haven't been bad! Call before going as the relibility of the bookings is somewhat unknown. | ||
| When: | Mondays | |
| Where: | Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90502 | |
| Cost: | Free | |
| Crowd: | Bring your own partner | |
| Website: | www.alpinevillagecenter.com Facebook Page | |
The Casino (Catalina Island) | ||
| This classy landmark on Catalina island was once hosted some of the best bands of the swing era. Huge wooden dance floor and awesome ambience. Tables surround the floor , and a balcony runs around the whole building, offering a great view of Avalon and a chance to cool off. Used to host PBDA's Swing Camp Catalina; now hosts occasional swing events. | ||
| When: | Occasional swing events during the year | |
| Where: | Avalon, Catalina Island, CA. Take boat from Long Beach to Catalina Island | |
| Cost: | Varies | |
| Crowd: | Varies, bring your own partner | |
| Website: | www.2plyswing.com | |
The Casino on Catalina Island 2000
tHE SKY ROOM (LONG BEACH) | ||
| This is a high-end restaurant on the top floor of a tall building in Long Beach with a magnificent view. On Saturdays they sometimes have a swing band, "The Swing of Things". Never been there, but it's probably nice. Definitely bring your own partner. | ||
| When: | Occasional Saturdays | |
| Where: | The Sky Room, 40 South Locust Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 | |
| Cost: | Varies | |
| Crowd: | Bring your own partner! | |
| Website: | www.theskyroom.com | |
ORANGE COUNTY
Last but definitely not least is Orange County, which has some of the best swing venues and swing dancers around. I'm talking about Atomic Ballroom and Strutter's Ball, which seem to have joined forces. They have great instructors and good dancers at their events. And don't forget Disneyland!
Atomic Ballroom: (Irvine) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This venue is attended by dancers of a variety of skill levels. The music and floor are good. Crowd is a mixture of young and old. There are always people to dance with, so just go! Note that this is actually two venues, one in Irvine (where most of the swing events are), and one in Placentia. | ||
| When: | Mondays and Friday, classes are at 7:00 and 7:45PM. The main dancing starts at 8:30PM. | |
| Where: | 17961 Sky Park Circle STE. C, Irvine, CA. See their website for Placentia location. | |
| Cost: | $8 | |
| Crowd: | Intermediate through advanced dancers, lots of partners | |
| Website: | www.atomicballroom.com | |
Disneyland and Downtown Disney (Anaheim)LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| The fireworks and rides add to this unique outdoor dancing experience. Floor is large and can be sticky at first, but gets better as people add powder. You should definitely try this at least ONCE! Warning, if you don't like kids and crowds you might get frustrated. Also, bring your own partner. Dancers who come here can be pretty clique-ish if they don't know you. Here's my suggested itinierery: Go late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, get a Fastpass to your favorite ride, have dinner, do some dancing, watch the fireworks, and go on the rides during the band breaks! The rides are better at night! There are also occasionally swing bands at Tomorrowland Terrace (usually Rockabilly) and Downtown Disney, which is free except for parking. | ||
| When: | Saturday nights starting at 7:30PM. Occasionally there are swing band on other nights. | |
| Where: | Disneyland, Anahim, CA at Carnation Plaza. Occasionally there are swing bands at Tomorrowland Terrace and Downtown Disney. | |
| Cost: | Price of Disney admission (over $50) or get an annual pass. | |
| Crowd: | Beginner with some regulars, definitely bring your own partner! | |
| Website: | disneyland.disney.go.com Facebook Carnation Plaza Swing Band Schedule Facebook Downtown Disney Page | |
Stompy Jones at Disneyland 2005 (photo by Brian Shim)
Strutter's Ball (ORANGE) LA LINDY HOP PICK! | ||
| This is a popular venue usually featuring DJ'd music. If you want to go dancing in Orange County on a Wednesday night, this is the place to be. Plenty of partners available, from intermediate to pros. Note, change of location to Placentia, also known as "Atomic Ballroom Placentia". | ||
| When: | Wednesdays 7:00PM beginning swing lesson, 7:45PM intermediate swing, 8:30PM social dance | |
| Where: | 733 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870 | |
| Cost: | $7 | |
| Crowd: | Intermediate through very advanced dancers, lots of partners! | |
| Website: | www.struttersball.com | |