Portland Swing Project

- 616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

For anyone in Portland, Maine, looking for a lively, engaging, and utterly fun way to get active and meet new people, the Portland Swing Project is a must-visit. More than just a dance school, this organization is a thriving community dedicated to sharing the history, joy, and culture of swing dancing. At the heart of their offerings is Lindy Hop, a Black American dance that originated in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s and '30s. The team at Portland Swing Project, including great teachers like Gillian and Jen, is committed to sustaining this rich dance form and sharing it with people from all walks of life.

The philosophy of the Portland Swing Project is beautifully simple: they believe that swing dancing can bring people together, improve physical and mental health, and be a source of immense joy. Their community is famously welcoming, a fact highlighted by numerous dancers who have joined. Whether you’re a complete novice who has never taken a single dance step or a seasoned dancer from another style, you will find a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes are designed to be fun, with clear, step-by-step instruction and plenty of time for practice, all to the backdrop of incredible music from the 1920s to today.

As one satisfied dancer noted, their journey with the Portland Swing Project showed them a dance scene they "didn't know existed." This speaks to the vibrant and active community that the organization has built. It’s a place where you can find a dance to go to almost every night of the week if you choose to, fostering a love for partner dancing that often becomes a central part of people’s lives.

Portland Swing Project's main location is at 616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA. Situated in a central and well-known part of the city, the studio is a convenient and easily accessible spot for residents of Portland and the surrounding towns.

The project also partners with other locations, such as the Woodfords Club and Maine Ballroom Dance, to offer classes and events in different parts of the city. This widespread presence makes their services even more accessible to the community. Additionally, Portland Swing Project’s collaboration with Lindy Maine extends their reach to other cities in the state, including Biddeford and Kittery, making it easy for people across Southern Maine to join the swing dance scene.

The Portland Swing Project provides a comprehensive range of classes and activities designed to cater to everyone, from a curious beginner to a passionate, advanced dancer.

• Beginner's Classes: The cornerstone of their program is the A-level, or Beginning Classes, which focus on fundamental swing dance styles like 8-Count Lindy Hop, 6-Count Lindy Hop, and Charleston. These classes are perfect for those with no prior experience, and you never need to bring a partner, as the classes feature partner rotation so you can dance with everyone.

• Intermediate and Advanced Classes: Once students are confident with the basics, they can progress to Intermediate classes, where they learn to seamlessly blend different styles and techniques. Advanced classes, including special D-level classes with guest instructors, allow experienced dancers to dig deeper into the intricacies of the dance.

• Night Classes and Social Dances: The Portland Swing Project hosts weekly night classes and social dances that are open to the public. These events, often called "Thursday Night Stomp," provide a crucial opportunity for dancers to practice their skills in a relaxed, social setting. A short lesson for beginners is typically offered before the open dance begins.

• Private Lessons: For those who want one-on-one attention or to work on specific skills, private lessons are available with the instructors. This is an excellent way to accelerate learning and get personalized feedback.

• Dance Performances and Events: The project organizes and participates in various Dance Events and Dance Performances, including bringing live swing music to venues around Portland. This helps to support local musicians and provides a vibrant outlet for the dance community.

The variety of services and the flexibility of the classes, which can be repeated for a refresher at no extra cost, make the Portland Swing Project a highly accessible and valuable resource.

What makes the Portland Swing Project a beloved part of the Maine community? Its standout features go beyond just the dance steps themselves.

• Welcoming Community: The Portland Swing Project is famous for its open and friendly atmosphere. The community is described as "very welcoming," with everyone from true beginners to experienced dancers happy to learn and help each other. The drama-free environment is a significant plus for newcomers.

• Partnership with Other Organizations: The project's collaboration with Lindy Maine and its use of multiple locations like the Woodfords Club and Maine Ballroom Dance demonstrates a commitment to building a cohesive, statewide dance community. This partnership provides dancers with more locations and opportunities to practice.

• Historical and Cultural Focus: The organization's dedication to the history of Lindy Hop as a Black American dance adds a layer of cultural depth to the classes. They teach not just the moves but also the context and history behind them, making the experience more meaningful.

• Accessibility for All Levels: The tiered class system, from Beginning Classes to Advanced and special topics, ensures that everyone has a place to grow. The ability to repeat A-level classes for free encourages confidence and mastery of the basics, a feature that is highly appreciated by students.

• Social and Health Benefits: Beyond the dance itself, the Portland Swing Project promotes a healthy and social lifestyle. It provides a way to get exercise, meet new people, and have fun in a low-pressure setting, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life. The community is so active that a person can literally go dancing "five nights a week."

To learn more about class schedules, upcoming events, or to get in touch with the Portland Swing Project, you can use the following details.

Address: 616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Phone: (207) 899-5254

For residents of Portland and Southern Maine, the Portland Swing Project is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enter the world of dance. The most compelling reason to choose this studio is its warm, welcoming, and drama-free community. As one reviewer mentioned, everyone is happy to learn and help each other, creating an environment where a total beginner feels just as comfortable and valued as an experienced dancer. This is a rare and precious quality in any hobby-based community and is what often turns a one-time class into a lifelong passion.

Furthermore, the value of the instruction is outstanding. The instructors are not only talented but also genuinely wonderful people who know how to teach. The tiered class system, which allows you to repeat beginner-level courses for free, is a testament to their commitment to ensuring every student truly grasps the fundamentals before moving on. This dedication to solid basics is what makes the progression to intermediate and advanced levels so smooth and rewarding.

Finally, the sheer depth of the community is a key reason to get involved. The Portland Swing Project, in partnership with other local groups, has created a dance scene where social dancing is a regular, vibrant activity. This means that once you have learned the steps, you have a wealth of opportunities to practice and enjoy your new skills with a large, friendly group of people. The joy of swing dancing, and particularly Lindy Hop, is not just in the steps but in the connection with a partner and the community, and the Portland Swing Project excels at fostering both.

Portland Swing Project

616 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA