Winter 2026 Kickoff Swing Dance
Free Saturday Swing Kickoff on January 24th! We are kicking off Winter 2026 with a Live Band Dance (Free) featuring Jeremiah St John, with a Drop-In Beginning Swing class (Free)! General Public + Students welcome!
BAND: Jeremiah St John
RAFFLE: Join Kickoff Raffle for free - 2 lucky people will win swing class series! Drawing during dance. Must be present to win
WHAT:
7-8pm: Free Drop-in Beginner Swing Class *No partner needed
8-10:30pm: Free Live Band Social Dance featuring Jeremiah St John
WHO: Both students AND community members attend our events and are very welcome!
FAQ:
Do I need a partner?
NO! In dance class we will rotate partners so you'll get to know new people and different dance styles. During the dance we ask each other for a dance.
What kind of shoes?
There are no special shoes needed. Consider comfortable shoes that you won't slip out of.
Funded by SORF
Jeremiah St John
Jeremiah St. John is a trombonist originally hailing from Ft. Myers, Florida where he learned Jazz and Improvisation under the tutelage of NY trumpeter, Dan Miller. His musical experiences include performing with artists such as Clarence Penn, Yasushi Nakamura, Michael Feinstein, and Wayne Newton, and has recently appeared on Echoes of Cherry Street, where he collaborated with bandmate Max Osawa, and fellow CU alum, Dr. Reginald "Reggie" Lewis. His other musical accomplishments include performances and composing with the award-winning Jazz Trombone Ensemble at the University of Illinois. He currently teaches at Bradley University in Peoria as an affiliate low-brass faculty member, providing applied lessons on a range of instruments, as well as directing combo and teaching improvisation and arranging.
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lesson
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Schedule:
7:30-8:30p: Level 1
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers February Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - February
Monthly special Balboa TUESDAY class - Learn from wonderful Balboa swing dancer, Ann Sychterz! Fast music comes on? No problem, you’ll be ready to Balboa!
When?
Tuesdays ( 2/17, 3/24, 4/21, 5/26)
7:00–7:45 PM Lesson 7:45–8:30 PM Practice
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$10 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Courtyard Caper Workshop and Live Band Dance- February
Workshop
Time: 1-5pm
(3 hours of instruction; 1 hour of breaks and practice time built in)
Topic: TBD
Cost (Mini-Workshop and Evening Dance):
$20 UIUC students / $40 general
Course Description:
Coming soon. .
Prerequisites: TBD
Live Band Dance
Drop-in Lesson: 7–8 pm
Instructor: TBD
Live Band Dance: 8–10:30 pm
Band: TBD
Cost (Evening Dance Only): FREE for UIUC students, $15 general
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
1/29: Room 103
2/5: Room 103
2/12: TBD
2/19: Room 314A
2/26: Room 314A
3/5: Room 314A
3/12: Room 314A
SPRING BREAK
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers March Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice March
Monthly special Balboa TUESDAY class - Learn from wonderful Balboa swing dancer, Ann Sychterz! Fast music comes on? No problem, you’ll be ready to Balboa!
When?
Tuesdays ( 2/17, 3/24, 4/21, 5/26)
7:00–7:45 PM Lesson 7:45–8:30 PM Practice
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$10 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Level 0:
4/9: Room 314B
4/16: Illini Room A
4/23: TBD
4/30: Room 314B
5/7: Room 314A
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Level 0:
4/9: Room 314B
4/16: Illini Room A
4/23: TBD
4/30: Room 314B
5/7: Room 314A
Bubble City Bash 2026
Bubble City Bash is BACK! Mark your calendar for April 17th-Feb 19th Lindy Hop Workshop weekend in Urbana-Champaign. Bubble City Bash is one of Illini Swing Society’s long-standing brand of workshops that focuses on bring national and international level instruction to the Midwest.
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers April Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice April
Monthly special Balboa TUESDAY class - Learn from wonderful Balboa swing dancer, Ann Sychterz! Fast music comes on? No problem, you’ll be ready to Balboa!
When?
Tuesdays ( 2/17, 3/24, 4/21, 5/26)
7:00–7:45 PM Lesson 7:45–8:30 PM Practice
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$10 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room 103
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Level 0:
4/9: Room 314B
4/16: Illini Room A
4/23: TBD
4/30: Room 314B
5/7: Room 314A
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Level 0:
4/9: Room 314B
4/16: Illini Room A
4/23: TBD
4/30: Room 314B
5/7: Room 314A
Courtyard Caper Workshop and Live Band Dance- May
Workshop
Time: 1-5pm
(3 hours of instruction; 1 hour of breaks and practice time built in)
Topic: TBD
Cost (Mini-Workshop and Evening Dance):
$20 UIUC students / $40 general
Course Description:
Coming soon. .
Prerequisites: TBD
Live Band Dance
Drop-in Lesson: 7–8 pm
Instructor: TBD
Live Band Dance: 8–10:30 pm
Band: TBD
Cost (Evening Dance Only): FREE for UIUC students, $15 general
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers May Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Swing Lessons and Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
We have two different lesson sets:
Level 1A/B, which is for those who haven't done swing dance before, and
Level 2, which is for those who have completed BOTH Level 1A and 1B.
Miss the registration deadline? Drop-in to our weekly Level 0, a FREE, Beginner Swing Series
Schedule:
6:30-7:30p: Level 2 (Beginnermediate Classes)
7:30-8:30p: Level 1 & Level 0 (Beginner Series & Drop-ins)
8:30-10p: FREE DJ'd social dance
Location:
Lessons and social dances are held at various rooms in the Illini Union (1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL). Rooms subject to change.
Level 1, 2, & social dance:
3/26: Room 103
4/2: Room 103
4/9: Room 103
4/16: Room 103
4/23: Room 314B
4/30: Room 314A
5/7: Room 103
Level 0:
4/9: Room 314B
4/16: Illini Room A
4/23: TBD
4/30: Room 314B
5/7: Room 314A
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice May
Monthly special Balboa TUESDAY class - Learn from wonderful Balboa swing dancer, Ann Sychterz! Fast music comes on? No problem, you’ll be ready to Balboa!
When?
Tuesdays ( 2/17, 3/24, 4/21, 5/26)
7:00–7:45 PM Lesson 7:45–8:30 PM Practice
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$10 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room 103
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers January Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers December Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
September 21 (Sunday)
October 12 (Sunday)
November 9 (Sunday)
December 14 (Sunday)
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
Fall 2025 Level 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Level 1: Beginner Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Just starting your swing dance journey? This is the class for you! Level 1 classes are split into two 7-week series: Level 1A, which covers 8-count footwork and solo jazz, and Level 1B, which covers 6-count footwork and Charleston. Levels 1A and 1B are offered each semester and can be taken in any order. Students must complete Levels 1A AND 1B before moving on to Level 2.
No partner or experience needed!
Level 1A: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
Level 1B: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Fall 2025 Level 0: Beginner Swing Drop-In
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Fall 2025 Level 2: Beginnermediate Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 2: Beginnermediate Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
This series is for our more experienced dancers, and will build on the topics taught in Level 1.
Prerequisites: Students should have completed 1A and 1B (in any order) at least once (or equivalent at another scene). Students should be familiar with triple steps, basic 6-ct patterns (inside turn, outside turn, sugar push, passby, etc), basic 8-ct patterns (lindy circle, swingout, follower goes, leader goes, promenade), charleston (solo, hand-to-hand, kick throughs). Students should be familiar with concepts like pulse, posture, connection, consent, floorcraft, musicality, stretch, tension/compression, etc
Fall 2025 Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
3-4 week series classes, $20 for 3-week series, $25 for 4-week series
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm
Want to go beyond Lindy hop? This class will rotate through different styles of swing dance, such as balboa, collegiate shag, solo jazz, partnered routines, tandem charleston, slow balboa, blues, and more!
Prerequisites will be determined by the instructors for each series.
Holiday Live Band Dance
Join us on Saturday, December 6th for a free live band dance!
Schedule:
6:30PM-7:30PM FREE Beginner Lesson
7:30PM-10:00PM FREE Band Dance featuring Django Wrangle
Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
Fall 2025 Level 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Level 1: Beginner Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Just starting your swing dance journey? This is the class for you! Level 1 classes are split into two 7-week series: Level 1A, which covers 8-count footwork and solo jazz, and Level 1B, which covers 6-count footwork and Charleston. Levels 1A and 1B are offered each semester and can be taken in any order. Students must complete Levels 1A AND 1B before moving on to Level 2.
No partner or experience needed!
Level 1A: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
Level 1B: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Fall 2025 Level 0: Beginner Swing Drop-In
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Fall 2025 Level 2: Beginnermediate Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 2: Beginnermediate Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
This series is for our more experienced dancers, and will build on the topics taught in Level 1.
Prerequisites: Students should have completed 1A and 1B (in any order) at least once (or equivalent at another scene). Students should be familiar with triple steps, basic 6-ct patterns (inside turn, outside turn, sugar push, passby, etc), basic 8-ct patterns (lindy circle, swingout, follower goes, leader goes, promenade), charleston (solo, hand-to-hand, kick throughs). Students should be familiar with concepts like pulse, posture, connection, consent, floorcraft, musicality, stretch, tension/compression, etc
Fall 2025 Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
3-4 week series classes, $20 for 3-week series, $25 for 4-week series
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm
Want to go beyond Lindy hop? This class will rotate through different styles of swing dance, such as balboa, collegiate shag, solo jazz, partnered routines, tandem charleston, slow balboa, blues, and more!
Prerequisites will be determined by the instructors for each series.
Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
Fall 2025 Level 0: Beginner Swing Drop-In
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Fall 2025 Level 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Level 1: Beginner Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Just starting your swing dance journey? This is the class for you! Level 1 classes are split into two 7-week series: Level 1A, which covers 8-count footwork and solo jazz, and Level 1B, which covers 6-count footwork and Charleston. Levels 1A and 1B are offered each semester and can be taken in any order. Students must complete Levels 1A AND 1B before moving on to Level 2.
No partner or experience needed!
Level 1A: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
Level 1B: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Fall 2025 Level 2: Beginnermediate Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 2: Beginnermediate Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
This series is for our more experienced dancers, and will build on the topics taught in Level 1.
Prerequisites: Students should have completed 1A and 1B (in any order) at least once (or equivalent at another scene). Students should be familiar with triple steps, basic 6-ct patterns (inside turn, outside turn, sugar push, passby, etc), basic 8-ct patterns (lindy circle, swingout, follower goes, leader goes, promenade), charleston (solo, hand-to-hand, kick throughs). Students should be familiar with concepts like pulse, posture, connection, consent, floorcraft, musicality, stretch, tension/compression, etc
Fall 2025 Level 3: Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - November
Monthly special Balboa TUESDAY class - Learn from wonderful Balboa swing dancer, Ann Sychterz! Fast music comes on? No problem, you’ll be ready to Balboa!
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$10 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:45pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:45 -9pm
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room 103
Courtyard Caper- November Dance
Schedule:
Drop-in Lesson: 7–8 pm
Live Band Dance: 8–10:30 pm
Cost (Evening Dance Only): FREE for UIUC students, $15 general
Band: Max Osawa & Tipping Point
Courtyard Caper- November Workshop
Time: 1-5pm
(3 hours of instruction; 1 hour of breaks and practice time built in)
Topic: Balboa with instructor Ann Sychterz
Cost (Mini-Workshop and Evening Dance):
$20 UIUC students / $40 general
Course Description:
Truly an all-levels afternoon of balboa! Originating in southern California, balboa is a flowy partnered swing dance that started with close embrace shapes and has since been blended with swing movements which can be danced slow or up-tempo. Scaffolded classics of balboa (in close embrace) and swing (in close and open) will get folks new to balboa up and ready for social dancing. Those already hooked on balboa, look forward to a deeper exploration of your dancing through flow, texture, and rhythm.
Prerequisites:
This is an all-levels class.
Shawarma Joint Fundraiser
Does dancing make you hungry?
Support the Illini Swing Society and grab a bite at Shawarma Joint in between the Courtyard Caper workshop and live band dance!
Make sure to order in person and show the cashier the flier!
Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
Fall 2025 Level 0: Beginner Swing Drop-In
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Fall 2025 Level 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Level 1: Beginner Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Just starting your swing dance journey? This is the class for you! Level 1 classes are split into two 7-week series: Level 1A, which covers 8-count footwork and solo jazz, and Level 1B, which covers 6-count footwork and Charleston. Levels 1A and 1B are offered each semester and can be taken in any order. Students must complete Levels 1A AND 1B before moving on to Level 2.
No partner or experience needed!
Level 1A: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
Level 1B: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Fall 2025 Level 2: Beginnermediate Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 2: Beginnermediate Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
This series is for our more experienced dancers, and will build on the topics taught in Level 1.
Prerequisites: Students should have completed 1A and 1B (in any order) at least once (or equivalent at another scene). Students should be familiar with triple steps, basic 6-ct patterns (inside turn, outside turn, sugar push, passby, etc), basic 8-ct patterns (lindy circle, swingout, follower goes, leader goes, promenade), charleston (solo, hand-to-hand, kick throughs). Students should be familiar with concepts like pulse, posture, connection, consent, floorcraft, musicality, stretch, tension/compression, etc
Fall 2025 Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 3: Rotating Special Topics
3-4 week series classes, $20 for 3-week series, $25 for 4-week series
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm
Want to go beyond Lindy hop? This class will rotate through different styles of swing dance, such as balboa, collegiate shag, solo jazz, partnered routines, tandem charleston, slow balboa, blues, and more!
Prerequisites will be determined by the instructors for each series.
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers November Edition
Join the Illini Swing Society as we DJ our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, enjoy the music and join a dance with us! No partner needed!
September 21 (Sunday)
October 12 (Sunday)
November 9 (Sunday)
December 14 (Sunday)
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Hamilton Walkers in downtown Champaign
FREE: No cover charge! We encourage a food/drink purchase to support the event
Weekly Social Dance
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Want to take the moves you know out to the dance floor? The Swing Society puts on weekly dances most weeks during University of Illinois' semesters as well as a special dance once a month.
Fall 2025 Level 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!
Level 1: Beginner Series
$40 per 7-week series
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Just starting your swing dance journey? This is the class for you! Level 1 classes are split into two 7-week series: Level 1A, which covers 8-count footwork and solo jazz, and Level 1B, which covers 6-count footwork and Charleston. Levels 1A and 1B are offered each semester and can be taken in any order. Students must complete Levels 1A AND 1B before moving on to Level 2.
No partner or experience needed!
Level 1A: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
Level 1B: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Fall 2025 Level 0: Beginner Swing Drop-In
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Level 0: Beginner Drop-in
Free
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm
Did you miss the first two weeks of the Level 1 class, but you want to learn to dance NOW? This is the class for you! No need to pre-register–just drop in! Our instructors will give you all the tools you need to get out on the dance floor. Each week will feature a different set of beginner-friendly moves, so you can retake it as many times as you want!