Do Your Own Swing (West Coast Swing Dancing)

- 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd #130, San Jose, CA 95117

Welcome to Do Your Own Swing (DYOS), a vibrant and unique point of interest for dance enthusiasts in San Jose, California, and beyond. This isn’t just a place to learn West Coast Swing; it's a dedicated and welcoming community that fosters a love for social dancing in a truly safe and inclusive environment. As California's official state dance, West Coast Swing is known for its versatility and improvisation, and DYOS embraces this spirit, providing a space where dancers can grow their skills while expressing their individuality. The studio has quickly become a "go-to" destination for many, drawing people from all over the Bay Area who are looking for a place to connect, learn, and dance with care and consideration.

The foundation of Do Your Own Swing is its commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all. It is explicitly described as a "COVID-conscious, Queer-led, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming space," which is a powerful statement about its core values. The organizer, Riley, is highly praised for their dedication to safety and community, even running a safety reporting program called "SwingReports" for dance conventions. This level of care is rare and deeply appreciated by the community, making it a place where everyone feels secure and respected. The atmosphere is consistently lauded as being "super friendly and supportive," with an emphasis on building genuine connections and friendships. This sense of community is a major factor that sets DYOS apart and makes it so much more than just a dance class.

Do Your Own Swing is located at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd #130, San Jose, CA 95117, USA, a convenient location for anyone in the Bay Area. The classes and social dances take place at the well-known Studio M Ballroom Club, which provides a professional and spacious setting for dancing. The location on Stevens Creek Blvd makes it easily accessible from major freeways and a straightforward commute from various parts of San Jose and neighboring cities like Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Campbell. The venue’s amenities ensure a comfortable experience, and the consistent scheduling of weekly classes on Thursday evenings makes it a reliable fixture in many dancers' routines. The ease of getting to and from the location contributes to a stress-free experience, allowing attendees to focus entirely on the dance and the community.

Services Offered

• Weekly Classes: Structured classes offered on Thursday evenings for various skill levels.
• Welcome to WCS (Level 1): A class specifically for newcomers who are brand new to West Coast Swing.
• Beyond the Basics (Level 2): A class for those who have a foundational understanding of the dance.
• Skill & Drills (Level 3) and Artistic Application (Level 4): Classes designed for more experienced dancers to refine their technique and styling.
• Social Dancing: Opportunities to practice and dance with a wide range of partners in a social setting.
• Community Building Activities: In-between classes, activities are held to promote community connection.
• Power Half Hour: A dedicated social dancing segment where songs are shorter to encourage dancing with more people.

Features / Highlights

• Highly inclusive and safe environment, identified as a Queer-led, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming space.
• Emphasis on community, mutual care, and consent.
• The organizer, Riley, is praised for their dedication and for running the "SwingReports" safety program.
• Welcoming to all skill levels, from "newcomers" to experienced dancers.
• Offers a structured, multi-level class system to ensure consistent progress.
• The community is described as "super friendly and supportive," helping new members feel comfortable.
• Social dancing is a core component, with specific activities like the "Power Half Hour" to enhance the experience.
• Provides excellent instruction that breaks down complicated skills into digestible parts.

Contact Information

Address: 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd #130, San Jose, CA 95117, USA

What is worth choosing

For anyone in the Bay Area looking to get into West Coast Swing, Do Your Own Swing is a standout choice that offers an experience unlike any other. What makes it so worthwhile is the unparalleled level of care and inclusion that permeates every aspect of the organization. As one reviewer eloquently stated, they have "yet to find another scene with this level of care, consideration, safety, inclusion, quality of instruction, and community." This is not just hyperbole; it is a direct reflection of the values championed by the organizer, Riley, and embraced by the entire community. The focus on a safe space, where consent is a fundamental principle, makes this a place where everyone can feel comfortable and confident to explore their dancing.

The quality of instruction is another major selling point. The classes are well-structured, catering to dancers at all levels, from those who have "never danced before" to those with years of experience. The ability of the instructors to break down complex skills ensures that learning is both effective and enjoyable. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on social dancing and community building activities provides a holistic experience. It’s a place where you can not only improve your dance skills but also forge genuine friendships, turning a hobby into a meaningful part of your life. For Californians seeking a dance community that is not only professional but also deeply respectful and welcoming, Do Your Own Swing is an easy and excellent choice.

Do Your Own Swing (West Coast Swing Dancing)

3550 Stevens Creek Blvd #130, San Jose, CA 95117, USA