Best Swing Dance Clubs In The Bay Area

The Next Generation Swing Dance Club was founded in 1989 to promote a strong swing dancing community as well as encourage new and learning dancers. Club members primarily dance the West Coast Swing, which also happens to be California's state dance. On the first Saturday of each month, the club holds a dance at Emeryville's Allegro ballroom. Both beginner and intermediate lessons are held at this time. In addition, club members participate in a vast number of other area swing events such as Boogie by the Bay and dance conventions.

Located inside the Mission's Balancoire Night Club, Cat's Corner conducts weekly Wednesday night swing dancing starting at 9:30 p.m. Each night features a live band, with a different band featured each week. Classes are offered on-site, starting at 7 p.m. on dance nights, for both beginning and intermediate dancers. The club features a full bar, restaurant and friendly atmosphere to ensure a night of swinging fun.

Around since 1998, The 9:20 Special is a regular Thursday night swing dance party held at the Russian Center in Lower Pacific Heights. Open dancing is from 9:20 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and is a very reasonable $9. Beware: area garages close around 10 p.m., but free street parking is generally plentiful at this hour. Monthly lessons begin the first Thursday of each month and are offered for beginning and intermediate dancers starting at 7:20 p.m. For those looking to see what swing dancing is all about, show up at 9 p.m. any week for a "taste-tester" crash course in how to swing dance.

Now in its 16^th year and running, Tuesday Night Jump is held at the Verdi Club on Mariposa. Each week, dancing is held from 9:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. for a $12 entrance fee. Live music is provided by Stompy Jones and consists of fast-paced rhythm and blues and swing. Various level classes are held before the dance, with both drop-in and monthly options available. The club has a full bar, and special discounts are available for groups.

A center that truly serves the local community, Ashkenaz hosts a vast variety of live music and dance events, including everything from belly and flamenco dancing to reggae and zydeco. Swing events are generally held several times per month with shows starting at 9 p.m. Pre-show lessons typically start at 8 p.m. and are included with admission. All Ashkenaz shows welcome all ages of dancers, and the club offers a vegetarian menu, as well as beer and wine for those 21 and over.