Groove Juice Swing: Swing Dancing in Rochester, NY

Classes

Groove Juice Swing offers classes on a broad range of Jazz Age and Swing Era dances: Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, vernacular jazz dance, and more. We offer classes for dancers of all levels, from Beginner to Advanced.  Not sure where to start out? Check out the Curriculum or FAQ pages! 

Most of our classes focus on Lindy Hop, the original partnered swing dance created during the late 1920s by Black Americans in Harlem that evolved alongside jazz music in the '30s and '40s. It was a street dance that allowed for rhythmic improvisation and social dancing, and is now danced in almost every major city in the world. Lindy Hop is an energetic and joyful dance that allows both partners to express their individuality while dancing together!  For more information on other dance styles we teach, check out the Dance Styles page!

What's included when I register for a class series?

  • Four (4) 75-minute lessons of progressive content.  Each week will build upon the skills and concepts taught in the previous weeks.
  • Top-notch instruction from the most experienced dancers in our community.
  • Free entry to Lindy Jam during the entire series (an $8 value each week!). (Beginner level series only)

We also offer discounted class packages for our Beginner and Improver level series. See the Package Deals page for more information.

Preregistration for classes online (here!) closes at 1 AM the morning of the first class of the series. Preregister to get a discount, or sign up at the door the first day of class! If a 4 week series isn't for you, we encourage you to drop-in for our free beginner swing dance lesson, held every Wednesday at 8:45pm during Lindy Jam, our weekly social dance.

Upcoming Classes

Classes starting soon!

Lindy Hop Workshop with Gaby Cook Register Online Lindy Hop Workshop with Gaby Cook

Friday, April 18, 2025
  • Dates: Friday April 18
  • Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $30 preregistered. At-door registration price is $35 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Intermediate and above level workshop; multiple improver level classes or equivalent

Touring with the Hot Toddies Jazz Band is world-renowned dance instructor Gaby Cook, who will be teaching a special hour and a half intermediate-and-above level Lindy Hop workshop right before the Gatsby Gala! Class theme is "Moves that Move, Moves that Groove!" In this workshop, Gaby shares fresh lindy vocab to encourage dynamic movement and challenge students' lead/follow skills. This sequence will include moves that balance zippy momentum with a groovin' half time feel.

Shim Sham Register Online Shim Sham

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesday on April 30th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $18 preregistered. At-door registration price is $20 if space is available.

The most popular and well-known solo jazz choreography out there, Frankie Manning's Shim Sham is danced all over the world. This Lindy Hop line dance can be seen regularly at events and we'd love to have you join in! It is based on the original tap dance Shim Sham which was choreographed by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant. It features classic jazz steps such as the Tackie Annie, the Half-Break, the Boogie Back, and the Shorty George. This class is a great intro to solo jazz dancing, and is open to everyone from first-timers to experienced Lindy Hop dancers!

Balboa 3: Toss Out & Turn Variations Register Online Balboa 3: Toss Out & Turn Variations (4 weeks / Intermediate)

Begins Monday, May 5, 2025
  • Dates: Mondays on May 5th, 12th, 18th, and 26th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Balboa 1 & 2

In this class you'll learn how to add variety to your toss outs and get comfortable with thinking outside the box. We'll also work on turns and styling within your leading and following.

Intro to Swing: Beginner Package Register Online Intro to Swing: Beginner Package (16 weeks / Beginner)

Begins Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $210 preregistered. At-door registration price is $210 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: None

Sign up for all four of our beginner series! This package deal gets you one 4-week series for free - that's 25% off! Classes can be taken at any time in any order, just let us know that you signed up for the package deal when you arrive.

Improver Package Register Online Improver Package (24 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $300 preregistered. At-door registration price is $300 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner series

Sign up for all six of our improver series! This package deal gets you 30% off - that’s 7 weeks free! Classes can be taken at any time in any order, just let us know that you signed up for the package deal when you arrive.

Improver Mini Package Register Online Improver Mini Package (12 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $160 preregistered. At-door registration price is $160 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner series

Sign up for three of our improver series! This package deal gets you one 4-week series for free - that's 25% off! Classes can be taken at any time in any order, just let us know that you signed up for the package deal when you arrive.

Intro to Swing: Movin’ in 6 Register Online Intro to Swing: Movin’ in 6 (4 weeks / Beginner)

Begins Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • Instructors: Lily & Nate
  • Dates: Wednesdays on May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: None

This series will focus on foundational 6-count footwork and expanding your repertoire of partnered moves. You’ll learn to dance fun and easy 6-count moves with a partner such as the sendout, tuck turn, change places turn, and more! After this series, you’ll be eager to get out on the dance floor and show off your new skills!

Improver: Creative Connections Register Online Improver: Creative Connections (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner series

Getting tired of just open and closed positions in your swing dancing? This is the class for you! Expand your lindy vocabulary by exploring connections like sweetheart, cuddle, double hand holds, opposite hands, and other fun ways to connect with your partner!

Balboa 4: Social Balboa Register Online Balboa 4: Social Balboa (4 weeks / Intermediate)

Begins Monday, June 2, 2025
  • Dates: Mondays on June 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Intro to Balboa or equivalent experience

Finally a class to improve your Balboa skills on the social dance floor! We will move out of the eight count pattern box into a new way of thinking when dancing. Leaders and followers will also learn how to add improvisation and personal flare! Previous Balboa experience required.

Improver: Swingout Variations Register Online Improver: Swingout Variations (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, June 4, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner series

The swingout is one of the most versatile moves in all of Lindy Hop. In this series we’ll continue to refine your technique and help you swingout comfortably at faster tempos. You’ll also learn fun moves that build off the swingout, as well as stylings to add in some spice and variety.

Intro to Swing: Checkin’ out Charleston Register Online Intro to Swing: Checkin’ out Charleston (4 weeks / Beginner)

Begins Wednesday, June 4, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: None

Come learn the dance that kick-started the Jazz Era! Originating in the early 1920s, Charleston is an energetic and exciting dance that can be done comfortably to fast music. In this series, you’ll learn basic solo Charleston footwork and how to dance Charleston with a partner in several positions, such as side by side, hand to hand, and more!

Intro to Swing: Groovin’ in 8 Register Online Intro to Swing: Groovin’ in 8 (4 weeks / Beginner)

Begins Wednesday, July 2, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on July 2nd, 9th 16th, and 23rd
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: None

This series will focus on foundational 8-count footwork and on connecting with the music. You’ll learn to dance 8-count moves with a partner such as the promenade, flip flop, and lindy circle. You’ll also learn how to break out of patterns, groove to the music, and truly make this dance your own!

Improver: Intro to Solo Jazz Register Online Improver: Intro to Solo Jazz (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, July 2, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on July 2nd, 9th 16th, and 23rd
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner Series

Solo jazz dancing grew out of tap dancing and Lindy Hop, alongside jazz music of the 20s and 30s. Now it's a popular way for Lindy Hoppers all over the world to explore creativity and musicality! In this class, we'll learn the foundations of basic solo jazz vocabulary and aesthetics, all while developing our own solo jazz style.

Intro to Swing: Swingout! Register Online Intro to Swing: Swingout! (4 weeks / Beginner)

Begins Wednesday, August 6, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: None

This series will focus on Lindy Hop’s most iconic move - the swingout! Watch any video of Lindy Hoppers and you’re sure to see at least a few swingouts - some have even called it the true basic of the dance! You’ll start out by learning basic footwork and some simple partnered moves that lay the foundation for a successful swingout. By the end of the series you’ll be swinging out with ease!

Improver: Musicality Register Online Improver: Musicality (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, August 6, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.
  • Prerequisite: Beginner Series

In this four week musicality series, students will learn to dance with jazz music’s rhythm, melody, and mood. This is a key characteristic of improvised swing dancing, not commonly found in other partnered dances. Students will expand their skills by taking inspiration from the music and learning to become co-instruments with the band. We'll teach how to predict the music and how to accentuate breaks, as well as give ideas on how to play with rhythm and expression when dancing.

About Us

Groove Juice Swing, established in 2004, is based in Rochester, NY and specializes in Lindy Hop, the original form of swing dance from the 1920s and 1930s. Groove Juice Swing offers dance classes, weekly social dances, live band dance events, performances, and dance workshops throughout the year. Staff members and instructors are passionate about all things Lindy Hop, traveling all over the world to compete against and learn from the very best Lindy Hoppers. They bring that same commitment and enthusiasm to the dance community in Rochester.

Groove Juice Swing is a grateful recipient of the Monroe County JumpstARTS Grant Program.

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