When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Swing It Seattle
Why Swing It Seattle is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Swing It Seattle is a vibrant swing dance studio located in Seattle's Central District, specializing in the original swing dance form known as the Lindy Hop. Founded and led by passionate instructors Mark and Katie Kihara, this studio offers a welcoming, fun, and stress-free environment ideal for dancers of all experience levels, especially those new to dancing. The studio's focus on swing dance creates a unique cultural and social experience where attendees can learn at their own pace while developing both skills and confidence. Besides private lessons, Swing It Seattle hosts regular social dances often accompanied by live music, fostering a strong community spirit where friendships form alongside the enjoyment of movement and rhythm. The studio is highly accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, parking options, and gender-neutral toilets, making it inclusive for everyone. Additionally, as a woman-owned, Asian-owned, and LGBTQ+ owned business, Swing It Seattle champions diversity and safety, creating a transgender safe space and welcoming all identities. The combination of dynamic teaching, inclusivity, and authentic swing dance culture makes Swing It Seattle a perfect place to meet up with friends, celebrate special occasions like wedding dances, or simply immerse oneself in joyful dance.
Here's what people think of Swing It Seattle
As of recent, Swing It Seattle holds a 5-star rating based on 152 reviews.
Users consistently praise Swing It Seattle for its incredibly supportive and engaging teaching style. Many reviewers highlight how the instructors, Mark and Katie, make each lesson accessible and enjoyable, even for absolute beginners who previously felt anxious about dancing. Positive reviews often mention the studio's strong sense of community and inclusivity, noting that the welcoming atmosphere helps participants feel comfortable and confident quickly. Reviewers appreciate the live music events that amplify the fun and authenticity of the swing dance experience. Customers also value the studio's accessibility features and the safe, LGBTQ+ friendly environment it provides. On the other hand, some negative feedback includes initial anxiety about dancing itself, which can be a barrier for completely new dancers; however, the studio's patient approach tends to alleviate these concerns effectively. A few users have mentioned limited class times, but most find the schedule accommodating enough. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive feedback combined with the professional, friendly instruction and strong community vibe confirm Swing It Seattle as a stellar choice for anyone interested in swing dance in the Seattle area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Katharine Strange
I have 2 left feet and was going into Lindy Hop 1 with plenty of nerves. But Mark and Katie are incredibly skilled at breaking everything down and giving students plenty of practice. Classes fun and high-energy with lots of support and humor. Definitely recommend!
Megan Burris
After hearing some glowing reviews from friends, my partner and I signed up for Swing It Seattle’s Lindy 1 and we haven’t looked back! Mark and Katie are clearly passionate about dance and teaching others, and that comes across in a high-energy and fun experience. The community they’ve created is incredibly welcoming, and I can’t recommend Swing It enough for anyone looking to learn a new dance style!
Jodi Madden
Learning the Lindy Hop through Swing It Seattle has been the very best decision! The instructors are amazing!!! What a fantastic duo! They are encouraging, welcoming, and I find myself smiling during all of their lessons! I look forward to my dance days every single week!!!
Laura Meyer
My fiancé and I started taking Lindy Hop classes because we needed an affordable option for dance lessons for our upcoming wedding, which has a 20s theme. Now, we're hooked on the dancing and community here and plan to keep going to events and classes even after the wedding. The instructors, Mark and Katie, break down a pretty complicated dance into instructions and steps that are easy to follow yet still challenging enough to keep things fun and engaging. I truly believe that anyone can learn to dance here. Mark and Katie are also super friendly and approachable, and they create a great vibe in every class. The other students are also positive and supportive. In addition to actually learning how to dance, I always leave class with a big smile on my face and more energy than when I came in. I can’t recommend Swing It Seattle highly enough!
Naomi French
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! We had Mark help us create a custom swing dance for our first dance at our wedding. Though we had only ever swing danced a couple of times before, after only 4 private lessons he helped us to feel so confident and prepared to nail our first dance. The private lessons were also so fun and comfortable! At the tail end of our wedding planning it was so nice to have the lessons to look forward to as our date night for the week. Mark is such an excellent and fun instructor, even for us beginners, and our swing dance lessons were one of our favorite parts of wedding planning. Everyone at our wedding was so surprised and impressed with our dance! If you're looking for some private swing dance lessons, this is the place!!
How to reach Swing It Seattle
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Why Swing It Seattle may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Swing It Seattle with your friends?
When considering a vibrant, welcoming, and energetic spot to gather with friends, Swing It Seattle shines as an exceptional choice. This dance studio, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from over 150 reviews, offers more than just swing dance lessons—it delivers a joyful, community-driven experience that’s perfectly suited for group meetups. The infectious energy of swing dancing, combined with expert instruction and an inclusive atmosphere, makes it easy for everyone in your circle, from absolute beginners to experienced dancers, to feel comfortable and excited. The studio is known for its emphasis on fun, connection, and cultural appreciation, helping group gatherings evolve beyond just socializing into meaningful shared experiences. Whether you want to break the ice during a casual meetup, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a fun night out, the music, dance, and camaraderie you’ll find at Swing It Seattle provide an ideal setting to rally your friends together and create lasting memories. Moreover, the studio's accessibility and LGBTQ+-friendly environment ensure that every person in your party feels embraced and supported.
What activities are offered at Swing It Seattle and why are they ideal for group meetups?
At the core of Swing It Seattle’s offerings are their swing dance lessons, with a particular focus on the Lindy Hop, the original form of swing dance. These lessons are expertly taught by owners Mark and Katie Kihara, who bring passion, skill, and historical context to the dance floor. One of the key highlights is that the lessons cater to all levels of expertise, welcoming those with zero previous dance experience. The step-by-step instructional approach ensures that every participant in a group can keep pace, making it inclusive for friends and family who may have different comfort levels with dancing. Beyond private lessons, Swing It Seattle hosts weekly social dances, such as the popular "Swing It Wednesdays," where attendees can practice their moves alongside live local jazz musicians, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere. Such social events are perfect for groups seeking to deepen their connection through music, movement, and community interaction. By engaging in these activities together, groups not only enjoy physical activity but also bond over the shared joy of dance and culture. The studio’s stress-free, fun-first philosophy reduces anxiety that newcomers may feel, encouraging everyone to participate fully and have a great time.
How does Swing It Seattle’s environment support group inclusivity and comfort?
Swing It Seattle stands out not only because of what they teach but also because of how they make people feel. Their studio is a wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral space, ensuring that physical accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized. The owners, who identify as women-owned, Asian-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned, have cultivated an environment described by reviewers as welcoming and safe for transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals, which is especially meaningful for groups with diverse identities. This intentional cultivation of a transgender-safe and LGBTQ+ friendly space allows groups to meet and express themselves without judgment or exclusion. Accessibility extends to practical matters too—with free street and lot parking nearby, getting to the studio is hassle-free even for larger gatherings. Such thoughtful amenities remove common logistical obstacles that can complicate group meetup planning. The studio’s dedicated focus on community means your group won’t just be another set of attendees; you will be part of a warm, established network of dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike, fueling collective enjoyment and positive memories.
What makes Swing It Seattle’s dance lessons unique and culturally enriching?
Beyond teaching the mechanics of the Lindy Hop, Swing It Seattle places significant emphasis on the historical and cultural context of swing dance, focusing on its roots in Black culture. Owners Mark and Katie Kihara believe that understanding the origins of the dance enriches the learning experience and fosters respect for the vibrant cultural traditions from which swing emerged. This deeper immersion into dance history transforms a simple physical activity into an educational and culturally meaningful event, which is perfect for groups curious about authentic art forms. By blending history with practice, the instructors help participants appreciate the resilience, joy, and social significance that swing dance embodies. The Kiharas’ approach encourages students to connect not just with the steps but with the spirit of dance, which adds an enriching layer to every group meetup. Furthermore, live jazz music at social dances supplements this immersive atmosphere, allowing groups to feel the energetic pulse of the tradition in real time. Such a holistic dance experience can make a group gathering something truly memorable and enriching, as participants share not only movement but also cultural storytelling.
Why is Swing It Seattle perfect for celebrating special occasions or casual get-togethers?
Swing It Seattle’s lively ambiance, expert instructors, and commitment to fun make it an outstanding venue for a variety of group occasions. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a reunion, or simply a casual night out, the studio offers an engaging activity that can unify your group in excitement and laughter. The business is particularly popular for special events like weddings, where couples can have a unique first dance experience rooted in swing dancing, guided by patient, experienced instructors focused on making the moment stress-free and enjoyable. The studio’s focus on swing music and dance keeps energy levels high, which is ideal when bringing together groups looking to celebrate and create joyful memories. Additionally, the welcoming environment is conducive to groups that value inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural richness—all encapsulated in a festive setting. Swing It Seattle’s operating hours through weeknights and weekends provide ample flexibility to schedule group activities according to your needs, with weekday evenings and weekend socials offering perfect time slots for after-work or weekend meetups. This combination of joyful dancing, community spirit, and thoughtful service truly positions Swing It Seattle as a top choice for any group event.
How can groups make the most out of their experience at Swing It Seattle?
To maximize your group’s enjoyment at Swing It Seattle, consider booking a group lesson tailored to your collective skill level and interests. This customized attention from instructors Mark and Katie can accelerate learning and enhance the fun, especially if some members are new to swing dancing. Attending one of the weekly social dance nights as a group afterward can extend the experience by allowing your friends or family to practice in an informal, music-filled environment with live jazz bands. This social component strengthens bonds through shared enthusiasm and movement. Groups might also appreciate the studio’s accessibility features, ensuring that all members, regardless of physical ability, can participate fully. Planning ahead to take advantage of free parking and accommodating hours will ease logistical coordination, allowing the group to focus on fun. Lastly, embracing the studio’s cultural ethos by discussing the history and significance of swing dance can deepen your group’s appreciation and turn an ordinary meetup into a learning journey infused with culture and celebration.
Swing It Seattle’s combination of expert instruction, cultural depth, inclusion, and lively social dance events creates an exceptional space to rally friends or family for a unique, enjoyable, and community-oriented activity. Whether you’re dancing novices or seasoned swing enthusiasts, this studio offers a perfect balance of fun, learning, and connection that will make your group meetup truly special.