Second Saturday of each month
CT Swing Dance Society brings you exciting music to get you Jitterbuggin', Lindy Hoppin', East Coast Swingin', Charleston-in', Balboa-in' and Blues-in' with a roomful of friendly people who want to swing all night with you!
CSDS dances are all ages and dress is casual. No partner - no problem. Most people switch partners after every dance. You don't need to wait to be asked to dance, ask anyone to dance whenever you want - we do, you can too!
CSDS dances are at Dance in Rhythm, 19 South Main St., Branford, CT 06473 on the second Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 11:30 PM. An intro to swing dance lesson is included FREE with admission from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.
You'll find friendly dancers of all levels at CSDS dances so come have fun with us!
CSDS is a non-profit volunteer run arts organization making CT a better place for you to enjoy your lifestyle. A CSDS Bronze membership tax deductible donation is only $15 for one year. Not only do you receive discounts on dances, classes and workshops, you'll be helping us put on these events for you! Help us help you by becoming a member today!
CSDS offers Gift Certificates. Give the gift of dance!
| ADMISSION | ||
|---|---|---|
| DJ | BANDS | |
| CSDS Bronze Members | $8 | $10 |
| Not-yet-members | $12 | $15 |
| Students | $5 | $6 |
| CSDS Gold, Platinum Members | FREE | FREE |
| Date | Band/DJ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 14 | DJ Ron Waters | Dance in Rhythm |
| February 11 | DJ Peter Molfese | Dance in Rhythm |
| March 10 | DJ Wil Reed | Dance in Rhythm |
| April 14 | DJ Ron Waters | Dance in Rhythm |
| May 12 | DJ Wil Reed | Dance in Rhythm |
| July 14 | DJ Peter Molfese | Dance in Rhythm |
Dance FAQ
Burning questions you may have but don't know who to ask
Personal Grooming
- Be fresh and clean when you start. Use deodorant and breath fresheners.
- Bring a towel and extra shirts to change into.
Asking For a Dance
- It's the 21st century. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. If you want to dance, you do not have to wait to be asked, you decide to ask when ever you want.
- A woman who feels uneasy asking for a dance can stand near the dance floor and smile while moving to the music. However, we encourage you to feel empowered to ask anyone to dance whenever you want.
- If you want to be asked to dance, stand up. If you're sitting down, other dancers often think you're resting and don't want to dance. You might be asked if sitting but it's less likely.
Declining a Dance
- Always thank them for asking.
- If tired, offer to dance later. It is impolite to say no to someone and then immediately dance with someone else.
- If you never want to dance with a person, politely but firmly tell them why. You may be doing them a favor by letting them know.
- If you don’t feel like dancing at all, don’t stand near the floor. If you want to talk with friends, do it away from the dance floor.
Teaching While Dancing
- Unless asked to, DO NOT DO IT.
Dance Level
- Dance at your partner’s level. If you are unfamiliar with your partner, start basic and work up. The goal is for both individuals to have fun, not outdo each other.
Crowded Dance
- Dance to fit the conditions. Show concern for others. Crowded floors require controlled moves and small steps, especially back steps.
- Leaders must pay attention to who is around you and moving in and out of your space. The leader is responsible to place the follower into safe space and not use their partner as a weapon..
Attention
- You are dancing with one person. Although you need to be aware of your surroundings so you don't knock into people, don't spend the whole dance looking at other dancers. Enjoy looking at your partner, show your apppreciation that your partner is dancing with you by focusing your attention on them.
Personal Space
- While the lead typically sets the spacing between the two people, the follow's frame also determines how close you dance.
After a Song
- The leader escorts the follower off the floor. Sometimes this means the follower may miss a chance to ask a specific person for the next dance, but that is the price for good manners.