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!

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

Begins Wednesday, March 5, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on March 5th, 12th 19th, 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: 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: Classic Moves and Stylings Register Online Improver: Classic Moves and Stylings (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, March 5, 2025
  • Instructors: Wes & Fran
  • Dates: Wednesdays on March 5th, 12th 19th, 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: Beginner Series

In this series we will dive into the moves and stylings of the original Lindy Hop dancers! We will explore the history and techniques of some of the most iconic moves in Lindy Hop and try out the stylings that gave these dancers their signature looks.

Balboa 1: Intro to Balboa Register Online Balboa 1: Intro to Balboa (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Monday, March 10, 2025
  • Instructor: Mike and Maggie
  • Dates: Mondays on March 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $70 preregistered. At-door registration price is $80 if space is available.

This four week series is your chance to get up to speed in Balboa & Bal-Swing even if you have never danced before. Balboa originated in Southern California during the 20's and increased in popularity until World War II, and is named for the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California where the dance was invented. The close embrace makes it perfect for fast tempos and crowded spaces, and the intricate footwork makes this dance exciting and seriously addictive! This class is open to dancers of all levels (beginner to advanced) who are looking to learn Balboa or brush up on the fundamentals.

Balboa: Introductory Package Register Online Balboa: Introductory Package (16 weeks / Improver)

Begins Monday, March 10, 2025
  • Dates: Mondays continuously from March 10th to June 23rd
  • Time: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
  • Location: 295 Gregory Street [map]
  • Cost: $210 preregistered. At-door registration price is $210 if space is available.

If you're wanting to delve into the wonderful dance of Balboa, this four-month package deal is for you! You'll join us for four classes, encompassing Balboa 1-4: Intro to Balboa, Continuing Balboa, Toss Out & Turn Variations, and Social Balboa. Whether you're brand new to the dance or revisiting your basics, you'll get great material and build a great skill set for a 25% discount

Improver: Charge up your Charleston Register Online Improver: Charge up your Charleston (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Wednesday, April 2, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on April 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

Ready for some more Charleston? In this class, you’ll learn cool new variations and moves in side-by-side and hand-to-hand, explore cross hand and airplane positions, and work on dancing Charleston at faster tempos. We’ll also focus on how to integrate Charleston with Lindy Hop so you can transition between the two seamlessly on the social dance floor!

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

Begins Wednesday, April 2, 2025
  • Dates: Wednesdays on April 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 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!

Balboa 2: Continuing Balboa Register Online Balboa 2: Continuing Balboa (4 weeks / Improver)

Begins Monday, April 7, 2025
  • Instructor: Mike and Maggie
  • Dates: Mondays on April 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: Intro to Balboa

This four week series is a continuation of our popular Intro to Balboa Class. In it, we will solidify your understanding of the basics, delve into variations that can make your Balboa more interesting, and go into a number of fancy Balboa moves that will make you look great on the dance floor.

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: 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.

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.

From Twitter:

Twitter feed unavailable.

Questions or Comments?

If the answer's not in our FAQ list, or on our Policies page, please email us for more information.

Get in touch with us