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.
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 1: Beginner Swing Series
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
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!
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 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.
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 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 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
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.
CULX-CU Lindy Exchange
Get ready for a mystical weekend at CULX! The Illini Swing Society is bringing the CU Lindy Exchange back. Mark your calendar for Sept 19-21 and join us in our Enchanted Garden for a weekend of live music, a slow Mix & Match competition, Southern Soul line dancing, Lindygames in the park, and more in Urbana-Champaign, IL! Visit our About page for registration, schedules, and more!
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers September 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
Fall 2025 Level 3: Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - September
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
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 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!
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 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.
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 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!
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 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.
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 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
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.
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers October 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
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.
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 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
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 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.
Fall 2025 Level 3: Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - October
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
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 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
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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
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.
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
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.
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 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!
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 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
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 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!
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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
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.
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
Fall 2025 Level 3: Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - December
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
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 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
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - September
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
Fall 2025 Kickoff Dance
The Illini Swing Society is ready to start the year off strong with our Swing Kickoff event on Saturday, August 30th from 7-10:30 PM. Get ready to Lindy-Hop to the smooth sounds of Reginald Lewis, performing live from the Illini Union Ballroom. This event is free, with no partner needed, featuring a free pre-dance drop-in lesson and raffle!
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers August 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!
May 4 (Sunday)
June 22 (Sunday)
July 13 (Sunday)
August 10 (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
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - August
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 Varies (see date)
May 13 - Room 314A (Third Floor), Illini Union
June 3 - Class Multipurpose Room (Basement, Illini Union)
July 15 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
August 05 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - July
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:
$5 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:30pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:30 -9pm
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room Varies (see date)
May 13 - Room 314A (Third Floor), Illini Union
June 3 - Class Multipurpose Room (Basement, Illini Union)
July 15 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
August 05 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers July 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!
May 4 (Sunday)
June 22 (Sunday)
July 13 (Sunday)
August 10 (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
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers June 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!
May 4 (Sunday)
June 22 (Sunday)
July 13 (Sunday)
August 10 (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
Balboa Crash Course and Open Practice - June
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:
$5 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:30pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:30 -9pm
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room Varies (see date)
May 13 - Room 314A (Third Floor), Illini Union
June 3 - Class Multipurpose Room (Basement, Illini Union)
July 15 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
August 05 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
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!
WHO?
You! General Public & Students welcome!
HOW TO JOIN:
$5 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:30pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:30 -9pm
LOCATION:
Illini Union, Urbana IL --> Room Varies (see date)
May 13 - Room 314A (Third Floor), Illini Union
June 3 - Class Multipurpose Room (Basement, Illini Union)
July 15 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
August 05 - Room 103 (Ground Floor), Illini Union
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!
May 4 (Sunday)
June 22 (Sunday)
July 13 (Sunday)
August 10 (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
May Courtyard Caper: Swing Mini-Workshop + Live band dance
Topic: Familiar Footwork, Rich Rhythms: Tap For Lindy Hoppers
Course Description: Let's build our rhythmic creativity and then express it with our feet! We will explore musicality and agility with classic tap rudiments, rhythm games, music/dance history, and a short combo. There will be options for everyone from total beginner to high intermediate in this mixed level class. Whether you consider yourself a slow or fast learner, with some, little, or zero tap experience, everyone will walk away with more rhythmic confidence and something challenging to work on. Tap shoes are welcome if you got ‘em, but hard bottom shoes are just fine.
Prerequisites: This is an all-levels class.
Instructor: Lauren Reed (Chicago, IL) graduated from Butler University with a BFA in Dance Performance. Aside from performing and choreographing, she has taught various styles in dance studios, schools, and after school programs for over 10 years. Lauren is an enthusiastic educator who values imagination, presence, and play; she believes that dance is a thrilling way for children and adults alike to become more fully human. Lauren continues to tune her teaching values with ongoing training; she holds certifications in IMAGE TECH for Dancers™, Spiral Body Techniques™, and Danscend mental health for dancers. Lauren is a professional grant writer and arts administrator, and has been running a youth development program called Teen Leaders Club since 2013.
Band: Emma Taylor Quartet
MONTHLY Courtyard Caper Dates and Class Themes:
May 03 - Workshop Theme: Familiar Footwork, Rich Rhythms: Tap For Lindy Hoppers
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
1-4pm mini-workshop - Location: Channing Murray, 1209 West Oregon Street, Urbana, IL
7-8pm Drop-in lesson - NO experience or partner needed! - Location: Courtyard Illini Union, 1st Floor, 1401 West Green Street, Urbana, IL
8-10:30pm Live Band - Swing Social Dance - Location: Courtyard Illini Union, 1st Floor, 1401 West Green Street, Urbana, IL
TICKETS
- General Ticket: $20 (includes workshop + Live band dance)
- Evening Only Ticket (General): $10 (includes drop-in lesson + Live band dance)
UIUC Current Student Ticket
Workshop Classes: $15
Evening Dance: No Cost - UIUC Students may attend live band dance at no cost due to SORF support (bring ID)
Registration: Opening soon.
Evening Band Dance: SORF Supported
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 6
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 5
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 4
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
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!
JOINING:
$5 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
Time:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:30pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:30 -9pm
Location - Illini Union, Urbana IL (Room varies)
DATES - Monthly Tuesday:
January 14: Room 103
February 11: 314 A
March 25 314A
April 15: Illini Room A
April Courtyard Caper: Swing Mini-Workshop + Live band dance
Topic: Connection First, Movement Second
Course Description: Join us as we take a deep dive into the fundamentals of movement that make your dancing not only look good, but also FEEL good. Love that gushy feeling? We got you! Woven throughout the class will be a focus on connection and movement as we explore how leading more efficiently and following more freely can lead to partnering more effectively. Understanding of triple steps is a must for this class, as we will be working with a variety of different movements and combinations that will elicit different footwork patterns. Be ready to explore and elevate your partner dancing with us!
Prerequisites: Students taking this class should be comfortable with triple steps and have learned both the 6-ct and 8-ct basic footwork patterns.
Instructors: Karrie Willis and Rob Farmer (Aurora, IL)
Karrie Willis has been teaching and dancing since 1998 throughout the Chicagoland area. She has performed and provided instruction at numerous venues including Old Towne Pub, Esteban’s Nightclub, the Willowbrook Ballroom, Frankie’s Blue Room, The Barn of Barrington, Pheasant Run Resort, Seven Bridges Athletic Club, and more. She has worked for clients including the Chicago Bulls, Wheaton College, CDW Corporation, Big City Swing, and others.
Karrie, a shy person by nature, was drawn to the energy and spirit of the lindy hop community. Her first venture out on the dance floor had her hooked; the music and fun, lively nature of the dance itself was enough to entice her to return every week. When dancing, she feels most at home. Because it has made such a positive impact on her life, she enjoys sharing this incredible dance with others. This is what drew her into teaching dance; that is, in addition to the fact that she is quite adept at it. She has been teaching elementary children for just as long!
Karrie is not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner. When she is not on the dance floor in some capacity, she is often training with the best instructors in the world at various dance camps and weekend workshops throughout the US and abroad. She has trained under internationally renowned instructors, including Skye Humphries and Frida Segderhal, Sylvia Sykes, Anthony Chen, Laura Glaess, Remi Kuakakome and Alice Mei, Jenny Thomas, and Virgine Jensen, among others.
Rob Farmer is an expressive dancer, a dedicated student, and a compassionate teacher. He has been dancing for eight years in the western suburbs. He has been teaching for the past three years and instructing students at varied skill levels. He has also consistently made it to finals in luck-of-the-draw competitions and recently made finals in the Lindy Classic at ILHC. In the classroom, he values respect, dedication and above all passion for dance.
Rob came into dancing with an ear for music and a feel for movement. At a young age he taught himself to play the guitar and quickly began experimenting with writing his own music. He developed a love for Jazz and its history when he was introduced to Swing and feels that it’s unique sound inspires creative movement.
He believes that a full understanding of body awareness and the movement within the dance will help students continue to grow and improve their skills as dancers.
Band: The Sweet Nothings
Illini Swing introduces our MONTHLY Saturday swing mini-workshop + Live band dance, The Courtyard Caper!
Afternoon classes focused on a topic to grow your dancing and have fun before an evening of live band swing dancing! Mark your calendars!
MONTHLY Courtyard Caper Dates and Class Themes:
March 08 - Workshop Theme: Charleston
April 12 - Workshop Theme: Connection First, Movement Second
May 03 - Workshop Theme: Familiar Footwork, Rich Rhythms: Tap For Lindy Hoppers
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
1-4pm mini-workshop *Location: Workshop and Dance are at separate locations.
Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE) 1102 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801
Evening *Location: Courtyard Illini Union
7-8pm Drop-in lesson - NO experience or partner needed!
8-10:30pm Live Band - Swing Social Dance
TICKETS
- General Ticket: $20 (includes workshop + Live band dance)
- Evening Only Ticket (General): $10 (includes drop-in lesson + Live band dance)
UIUC Current Student Ticket
Workshop Classes: $15
Evening Dance: No Cost - UIUC Students may attend live band dance at no cost due to SORF support (bring ID)
Registration: Open Click below
Evening Band Dance: SORF Supported
REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON for General Public! General Public (Non-UIUC Students) must register by tomorrow (Wed, Apr 9) at 4pm due to the class venue rules.
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 3
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers April Edition
Join as the Illini Swing Society DJs our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, drop in to enjoy the music and dancing with us! No partner needed!
Jan 12 (Sunday)
Feb 16 (Sunday)
March 16 (Sunday)
April 06 (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
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 2
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Bridging the Blues: Free Blues Dance Workshop
Bridging The Blues
Bridging the Blues is a FREE one-time event aimed at bringing a historical and contextual view of blues dancing and music to the city of Urbana, IL. Instructors Kenneth Shipp (St. Louis, MO) and Maurice Fields (Twin Cities, MN; UIUC alum) bring a refreshing outlook on how the Black American experience has shaped blues music and dance.
Requirements
No partner or dance experience necessary!
Instructor Spotlight
Kenneth Shipp
Kenneth Shipp hails from St. Louis, MO as an instructor who grew up dancing hip hop and breakdancing before jumping into blues. He has spent the past few years passionately studying the family of blues idioms, incorporating his nerdy personality along the way. Kenneth’s life experiences inform his dancing and wants his students to walk away with a better historical and contextual understanding to exhibit it in their dances. With every class and practice, he’ll encourage you to approach social dancing with coolness, relaxation, or in other words “Chill The F$%& Out.” When he’s not dancing, you can likely find him ranting about the latest blockbuster movie, game, or nerd convention.
Instructor Spotlight
Maurice Fields
Maurice is a DJ/Instructor from the Twin Cities in MN. They have been dancing Lindy Hop, Blues, and other Vernacular Jazz dances since 2017. Maurice has a goofy, yet clear, communication style and unique voice that they love to share through DJing, laughs, and care for the dances there are so gracious to teach. They are also an alum of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and they are excited to be back on campus!
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Schedule:
Saturday, March 29:
Lessons: 1-4pm
Dance: 8-10:30pm
Sunday, March 30:
Lessons: 1-4pm
Funding
This event is funded entirely through the generous donations of our sponsors:
The City of Urbana Art and Culture Program
The Independent Media Center
The Illini Swing Society
Swing Classes (Spring Session 2) - Week 1
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with our second six week session starting Mar 27th, 2025 through May 1st! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Apr 3rd.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set B)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Mar 27th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
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!
JOINING:
$5 at door (Drop-in Class)
No partner or experience needed
Time:
Balboa Swing Crash Course: 7-7:30pm
Balboa Swing Practice: 7:30 -9pm
Location - Illini Union, Urbana IL (Room varies)
DATES - Monthly Tuesday:
January 14: Room 103
February 11: 314 A
March 25 314A
April 15: Illini Room A
Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers March Edition
Join as the Illini Swing Society DJs our monthly Free SUNDAY swing dance in collaboration with the wonderful Hamilton Walkers restaurant in downtown Champaign!
No registration or experience needed, drop in to enjoy the music and dancing with us! No partner needed!
Jan 12 (Sunday)
Feb 16 (Sunday)
March 16 (Sunday)
April 06 (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
Swing Classes (Spring Session 1) - Week 6
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with a six week session starting Feb 6th, 2025! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Feb 13th.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set A)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Charleston Mini-Workshop with Nicole Frydman + Live Band Dance with New Orlean Jazz Machine
Illini Swing introduces our MONTHLY Saturday swing mini-workshop + Live band dance, The Courtyard Caper!
Charleston Mini-Workshop with Instructor Nicole Frydman
Afternoon classes focused on a topic to grow your dancing and have fun before an evening of live band swing dancing! Mark your calendars!
"There are several dance styles that inspired the creation of Lindy Hop. Charleston is one of those sources. A lot of what we dance in Lindy can be traced back to Charleston, but modern Lindy Hop dancers might not even be aware of this. In this class, we will explore some of those origins, while also learning some fun variations that can add to your dance vocabulary."
Prerequites
Charleston workshop classes prerequisite: "Students taking this class should be comfortable social dancing at a variety of tempos, mixing 6 and 8 count moves, executing swingouts, and have learned at least the charleston basic step
Instructor Bio
Nicole Frydman has been dancing a variety of styles of dance for 46 years, dancing swing for 28 years, and teaching swing for 25 years. She knows for a fact that everyone can learn to dance. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to be bad at something before you’re good at something.
One of the main concepts behind her teaching theory is, “The road to Good is Suck. There is no other road. We all start out as novices and only get good through practice. So, don’t be afraid to suck. Because the truth is, you do! But it’s temporary if you’re open to just a little bit of effort. And the great news is that dancing swing is super fun while you’re learning. Bonus!"
Band: New Orleans Jazz Machine
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
1-4pm mini-workshop *Location: Channing Murray Urbana, IL
Evening *Location: Courtyard Illini Union
7-8pm Drop-in lesson - No Experience or Partner needed
8-10:30pm Social Dance
MONTHLY Courtyard Caper Dates:
March 08 - Workshop Theme: Charleston
April 12 - Workshop Theme: TBD
May 03 - Workshop Theme: TBD
TICKETS
UIUC Current Student Ticket
- Workshop Classes: $15
- Evening Dance: No Cost - UIUC Students may attend live band dance at no cost due to SORF support (bring ID)
General Ticket
- General Ticket: $20 (includes workshop + Live band dance)
- Evening Only Ticket (General): $10 (includes drop-in lesson + Live band dance)
Registration: Opening now
Evening Band Dance: SORF Supported
Swing Classes (Spring Session 1) - Week 5
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with a six week session starting Feb 6th, 2025! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Feb 13th.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set A)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801
Swing Classes (Spring Session 1) - Week 4
SPRING SWING
Thursday swing dancing is BACK, with a six week session starting Feb 6th, 2025! Sign up for a class to learn new movements and meet others, then let's get dancing to Illini Swing DJs after class!
Community + Students welcome!
No partner needed!
Registration open now and for the first two weeks of classes and will close after Feb 13th.
Schedule:
7-8pm: Intermediate Swing Class
8-9pm: Beginning Swing Class (Set A)
9-10:30pm: Free Social Swing Dance
Class Criteria:
Intermediate (Must have taken Beginner Set A + Set B)
When: Thursdays 7-8pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Beginner (No experience required)
When: Thursdays 8-9pm beginning Feb 6th
Registration: $30
Location: Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801