Michelle's Swing Dance

- 671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112

In the vibrant world of San Francisco Bay Area dance, Michelle's Swing Dance stands out as a dedicated hub for West Coast Swing. Led by the highly accomplished Michelle Kinkaid, a multi-time U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion and inductee into both the World and California Swing Dance Halls of Fame, this institution offers a deep dive into the art of partner dancing. While the name might suggest a single studio, Michelle's Swing Dance operates as a traveling dance community, holding classes, workshops, and events at various locations across Northern California, including regular series in San Francisco and San Mateo. This approach allows for a broader and more flexible reach, bringing the joy of dance to a wider audience.

Michelle's Swing Dance is primarily a community focused on West Coast Swing, a dynamic and modern form of partner dancing. For those in California looking to learn this smooth, slotted style, Michelle's expertise is a significant draw. She has dedicated her career since 1975 to teaching and promoting dance, a passion that has earned her numerous accolades and a reputation for being a true master of her craft. The organization is a destination for dancers who are serious about their technique and want to learn from an instructor with a championship-level pedigree.

The dance community that gathers for these events and classes is a key element of the experience. It's a place where dancers, both new and experienced, come together to learn, practice, and enjoy social dancing. Michelle's Swing Dance fosters a network of enthusiasts who share a love for West Coast Swing and other social dance forms. The dedication of the students and the vibrant energy of the dance events create a lively and engaging atmosphere. While individual teaching styles may vary, the overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive dance education that extends beyond basic steps to include technique, lead/follow skills, and styling.

While the provided address of 671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112 serves as a general contact point, Michelle's Swing Dance operates out of various locations. Regular group classes and dance parties are hosted in venues throughout the Bay Area, including in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Palo Alto. This mobile model makes it accessible to a wider geographic area, allowing dancers from different parts of California to attend. Information about specific class venues and event locations is typically found on their official website's calendar.

The company's focus on West Coast Swing means that class locations often change to accommodate different series and events. For instance, classes may be held at locations like the Monte Cristo Club in San Francisco or the Cubberley Center in Palo Alto. This flexibility requires participants to check the schedule online for the most up-to-date information on where to find classes. The ability to easily check the schedule online and the acceptance of debit cards for payment add a layer of convenience for students.

The primary accessibility of Michelle's Swing Dance is its presence in multiple locations, making it a viable option for those who live and work in different parts of the Bay Area. This is particularly helpful for swing dancers who often travel for social dances and workshops.

Michelle's Swing Dance offers a wide range of services centered around partner dancing and community events.

• Dance Lessons: The core offering includes a variety of West Coast Swing classes, from beginner to intermediate levels, typically offered in a monthly series format.
• Group Classes: Group instruction is available for all levels, providing a structured way to learn new material and practice with a variety of partners.
• Partner Dancing: The main focus is on partner dancing, with classes in West Coast Swing, as well as other styles like Ballroom Dancing, Salsa, and Lindy Hop offered in special events and workshops.
• Social Dancing Events: The company hosts regular social dances and special events, such as the monthly 2nd Sunday Swing Dance in San Mateo and the B Street Boogie Swing Dance. These events provide opportunities for dancers to practice their skills in a relaxed, social setting.
• Dancing Workshops: Special events and workshops are offered to focus on specific techniques, choreography, or other dance styles, providing an in-depth learning experience.
• Online Classes: For added flexibility, some instruction is available online, allowing dancers to learn from home.
• Private Lessons: Special private lessons are available for personalized one-on-one instruction, a key service for dancers who want to accelerate their learning or prepare for specific goals.

These diverse services showcase a commitment to providing a comprehensive dance experience.

Michelle's Swing Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a prominent name in the West Coast Swing community.

• Championship-Level Instruction: The dance classes and workshops are taught by Michelle Kinkaid, a renowned and highly decorated instructor with an extensive list of championship titles and dance hall of fame inductions.
• Specialized Focus on West Coast Swing: The company's deep specialization in West Coast Swing makes it a go-to for dancers who are passionate about this specific style.
• Extensive Experience: Michelle has been teaching since 1975, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of dance history, technique, and styling to her instruction.
• Community and Events: Beyond classes, the company fosters a dance community by hosting regular social dances and special events, including unique dance cruises and conventions.
• Flexibility and Reach: By offering classes in different locations, the company makes its services accessible to a broader audience across the Bay Area.

These highlights combine to form a unique and valuable resource for the California dance community.

For more information on class schedules, events, or private lessons, you can contact Michelle's Swing Dance directly.

Address: 671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA

Phone: (415) 585-6282

Mobile Phone: +1 415-585-6282

Choosing Michelle's Swing Dance is a decision to learn from a master of the craft. What makes this institution worth choosing is the unparalleled expertise and deep-seated knowledge of its leader, Michelle Kinkaid. Her long and decorated career speaks for itself, and for dancers in California who are serious about their technical development, the opportunity to learn from a U.S. Open Champion is a significant advantage. The curriculum is specifically designed to get dancers on the floor, focusing on the fundamentals, styling, and musicality that define West Coast Swing.

However, potential students should be aware of a professional critique regarding the teaching style. One reviewer mentioned that while the instructor is highly knowledgeable, her technique for teaching can be perceived as "punitive" and may include publicly singling out students. This is a crucial consideration for those who value a learning environment based on encouragement and a non-judgmental atmosphere. Despite this, the dance community is described as a "fun dances" group, which suggests that the social events are a positive experience for many. For those who prioritize a top-tier dance education and can navigate a more direct teaching approach, Michelle's Swing Dance provides an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field and become part of a dedicated dance community. The value lies in the chance to learn authentic West Coast Swing from a legend.

Michelle's Swing Dance

671 Athens St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA