Post-pandemics update: This is a weekly (Fridays) swing dance venue on the industrial outskirts of Cambridge, MA. A beginner lesson starts at 8PM, the dance goes on from 9PM to midnight (finding a dance partner after 11:30PM is not easy). Masks are required, so is the proof of vaccination (with a booster!). The latter is better send via email in advance. The venue: the dance goes on inside the Q ballroom (formerly Extreme Dance Studio). The dance floor is pretty large, almost square in shape and of high quality. The only obstacle is a large red support pole in the center that is easy to avoid (or play around it). I had visited in late November, and the temperature control was adequate. The logistics: parking is free and easy. At 8PM, many parking spots are available in the parking lot of the ballroom itself. At this time, feel free to disregard the "restricted" signs and use the parking spots of other businesses nearby. However, per the Central's own web site, avoid the spots assigned to Evolve Fitness (I did not find any). There are coat hangers for the winter clothing in the lobby, cubes for the rest of your possessions at the far wall of the ballroom. Admission is $10 on DJ nights, apparently $15 on the band nights. Water is provided in the corner of the dance floor. Seating is very limited, experienced crowd tends to congregate in and around the front row of the seats closer to the entrance. The music: I have danced to the DJ music. As I understand, the live music is more typical, except during the holiday season. The music selection was excellent for lindy with many familiar mid-tempo pieces and practically no slow blues tunes. The lesson: starts at 8PM and is geared towards beginners, although covers a lot of ground at a pretty fast pace, so it is unlikely that a single lesson will be of much help to an absolute beginner. The crowd: about 50 dancers for the lesson, about 80 for the party. The dancers are mostly on the young side, their skills vary very significantly. There is a significant percentage of true beginners, to the point that leading them is very challenging, very few excellent dancers (on the night I have visited, there was a swing camp in the city, on my previous visit few years ago the number of advanced dancers was way higher), and many intermediate ones. There were more follows than leads during the party, but not disastrously so. The lesson was perfectly balanced. Overall: a must-go-to event in the Boston area. True beginner's mileage might vary. A minor advice for the beginner follows: if you want to dance, do not stand at the counter next to the entrance behind the row of seats: many people use this place to chill out, so a lead like me would rarely venture there - disregarding all the dancers in the front row! - to invite you to dance; sides of the floor will work much better. read more

This is the best weekly swing dance in Boston. They have a live band almost every week, including local greats Beantown Swing Orchestra and the Fried Bananas. They also pull in great imports such as Solomon Douglas and Gordon Webster. The dance crowd is mostly Lindy Hop with some blues and East Coast (the step you learn in the free lesson before the dance). A lot of the dance instructors and advanced dancers frequent this dance. When you aren't dancing it is fun to sit back and watch and listen. You don't need to bring a partner. Most folks will dance with you if you ask them. Several people sport an "angel" bandana meaning they are experienced dancers looking to dance with people new to the dance. The drink of choice in this crowd is water so they are sharp and well balanced on the dance floor. There are jugs of water in the back left corner as well as light snacks. Check out the videos on the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambridge-MA/Boston-Swing-Central/15316440838, and the events for upcoming bands. The pictures give an idea of what the crowd wears. You can wear jeans, however you won't be out of place if you dress up, though tuxes or sequins is probably over doing it. Swing Central has quite the following. Recently they reached capacity when a very popular band played and there was a wait to get in. If you get there before 9:30 or after 10:30 you should be able to get in with no problem. If you are new to dancing by all means attend the 8:00 lesson a few times. The instructors rotate so it isn't the same lesson every week. The dance has moved from St. Mary's Church in Central Square to a dedicated dance space, Crosby's Whistle stop at 24 Roland Street in Charleston (how appropriate). It is in an industrial building, but don't let that put you off. The brick walls and wooden floor are a nice step up from the church basement. read more

We missed the first half of the lesson on Friday night, which was quite problematic since I have never tried swing dancing before. But, luckily, there are tons of helpful regulars who are willing and able to give you a semi-private lesson. And practice makes perfect, right? The crowd is pretty diverse. My favorites of the night include: -Guy with the shirt that matched his personality ("Irony... is the opposite of wrinkly") -Guy with super soft hands and ridiculously ripped body -Jim from The Office doppelganger Definitely more females. But no worries, ladies... the guys know how to get around. $15 for lesson (8-9p) and dance (9p-midnight) $13 with student ID Plenty of parking available. Apparently it's easy access from the T, but it's kind of in a sketchy industrial area, so bring a friend if you decide to use public transportation. Oh, and great live music! read more

This is one of the most popular venues for swing dancing in the Boston area. Boston Swing Central (BSC) is open every Friday night, attracting tons of fun and diverse dancers. I know the owners personally and have enjoyed the benefits of their hard work by getting to dance to a variety of amazing bands and DJs from all around the country, and all for a reasonable cost. If you haven't tried swing dancing yet but are curious about it, I urge you to drop by *any* Friday night at 8. Within the first hour you will have met and danced with at least 25 people and also have the basic steps under your belt. You can stick around after the lesson for the best part: the social dancing! This is when people switch partners all night, dancing with one another for a song or two. You don't even have to have a permanent partner or know anyone at all. The hope is that you will love your first BSC experience and be back for more dancing the next week! The more the merrier! Unfortunately, I am also here to respond to this negative review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/boston-swing-central-charlestown#hrid:7plTiaYnBMHD7tQjPv7VXw This 1-star review contains misleading and unfair statements. Firstly, this person didn't just "decide" to try this place out. She's been swing dancing in Boston for many years, and has likely either been to BSC numerous times or has known about it for years. The truth is that she was caught stealing from BSC, which is certainly the catalyst for this review. Furthermore, her comment that suggests reviewers are paid to post good reviews is completely out of line. I am personally acquainted with at least four of the reviewers. We are all real people who have had actual experiences dancing at BSC, and all of our reviews are valid. While the negative review appears to be within the Yelp guidelines, I know that it contains an inaccurate and slanted portrayal of the events in question. Most importantly, this type of incident at BSC is extremely unusual. BSC's atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly, and the staff members are both professional and kind. read more

It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing.... OK all you hep cats, if you are looking for a place to get your swing on this is THE place. BSC holds their dances almost every Friday night with lessons at 8 and dancing from 9-12. You will see some of the best swing dancers in the Boston area with DJs spinning the hits from yesterday and today. If you are looking for a way to have fun and stay fit give Swing a try. read more

LOVE this place. Fabulous location to go swing dancing on a Friday night due to its fun atmosphere (low lighting as well!) and the fact that they do have live bands every once in a while. I'm no expert, so if you're like me and need a refresher every now and then, there's an hour lesson from 8-9 where they pretty much teach you the basics over and over...and over. Gotta love it though! Since attending about five times, I've managed to make best friends with the nice regulars -- mainly, two guys each about forty years older than me - and let's be honest, at least I'll always have a partner option! No, but really - they're nice. I'm actually not a creeper.... read more

I was looking for a good place to swing dance and found this great place right in my own neighborhood. There are quite a few places around the Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown area where you could dance almost every night a week. I haven't been to the other places, but when I have time, I walk to this Greek Orthodox church hall behind the independent movie rental place next to Cambridge City Hall, fork over $10-$13 for cover because I'm no longer a student, and head inside. I find a chair to hang my coat and stick my water bottle underneath and away I whirl. Well, really, jump, jive, and wail, right? The dancers are very diverse in ages (I once danced with a retired dentist who was super cute). East Coast and Lindy prevail, with some blues and Balboa. People are pretty nice and will dance with strangers. You can check their schedule online and see what the DJ plans to play or what band is performing. I went a few weeks ago when a great band was playing lots of big band styles and their was a line out the door because capacity was reached. Lessons from 8-9, dancing from 9-12, cover ranges from $8-$13 depending on whether it's a DJ or band and whether you're a student or not. It's a great swing community here. read more

The best swing dancing in Boston for all you crazy cats! Erin M. told me this was the place to go to get back into swing dancing and boy was she right! Lessons are at 8pm and the dancing is from 9pm-12am and there's LIVE MUSIC! Woo! It's only $13 to enter and have the most sober fun ever. The room here just had such a great energy. Everyone was so friendly, switching off partners every song, smiling and just jumpin' and jivin' their best moves. And let me tell you - there were some really great dancers here! All ages, shapes, sizes, just gathering to do something fun and something they love. Don't be shy; come on out! read more

Boston Swing Central is a lovely venue to dance at. The majority of the time there is a live band every week. In addition the patrons of this dance are friendly and are happy to dance with almost anyone. In addition there is a beginner lesson before every dance for individuals who want to learn how to swing dance or just want a refresher. Highly recommend you visit if you like swing dancing, want to learn how to dance, or just want an activity where you can exercise and meet people. read more

I've been here a few times and I don't know exactly what it is but the people here exude a really unfriendly and cliquish vibe. I'm not the most outgoing person, but I do know when people are being friendly and when they are not. I come to this dance on my own and expect at least some people to make eye contact, to smile, to say 'hello'. This is not the place. Unless you come with someone and don't mind being excluding by about 80% of the people here then you shouldn't go here. There are many other friendlier dance halls to visit around town if you just want to have fun dancing. I think the people here are looking for upper class pedigree or some kind of secret handshake. I am not impressed. read more

Best place to dance in Boston: tons of friendly dancers, live swing and jazz bands every week, a beautiful floor and it always goes off without a hitch. The BSC crew is dedicated to making new dancers feel comfortable and always has a free beginner lesson and a small army of experienced dancers they call "angels" who are sworn to dance with only new dancers for the night to make sure they feel welcome. Not only that but it's in this very cool old factory in a deserted part of Charlestown, which always makes me feel like I've discovered some secret dance hall. read more

By far BSC is the best run weekly dance in Boston and quite possibly anywhere. All of the staff/volunteers (it's a volunteer organization) dedicate themselves to the dancer experience by working diligently to ensure that new dancers are welcome, dancing is accessible (Cliff Notes are available for free!, angel program), the music and sound are of the highest quality, and the lessons before the general dance are informative and vary by teacher. Dances are every Friday from 9:00 pm-Midnight (sometimes 1:00 am) with a beginner's lesson and intermediate move taught at 8:00 pm. On a slow night there are 100 people, on a busy night (most of them) with top swing bands such as Gordon Webster, Fried Bananas, etc. BSC does sell out. You will not sit out...you will be dancing all night long and have a blast doing it. Everyone at the dances is extremely kind and helpful. The music, whether live or a DJ, is some of the best swing, jazz, and blues you will hear anywhere. And for those who are concerned, the snack table is always filled with yummy goodies (fruits/veggies to cookies!) and water is always available. Not sure about dancing? Come out, take a lesson, then find some of the dancers with bandanas on. They're "angels" who volunteer to help new people learn to dance. They won't critique unless you ask. Angels are just there to keep you on the dance floor! Cover for the evening ranges from $10-$15 depending on whether it is a DJ night or a live band. Volunteers and angels are in for free or half price. Also, the dance is half price after 11:00 pm so if you're REALLY unsure about coming, then stop by after 11:00 pm to get a feel for BSC for a little less money. You'll be hooked. read more

Definitely my favorite weekly swing dance venue. The space is large with a decent floor. The dancers are friendly. Live music nights feature some amazing bands. Everything I want. read more

I don't understand all these good reviews. I decided to try this place out, hoping for and expecting a great night based off the reviews. Nope! Wish I could give negative stars. This place is one of those where you pay at the door in cash but don't receive any type of receipt that you paid. I had handed in my money and went to take off my coat by the coat rack I assume they have for people to put their coats and stuff near (that's how it's done where I normally dance). I come back in to put on my shoes and start dancing. Someone who obviously works with them in some capacity comes over to me int he middle of a dance to ask me if I already paid. Fair enough, I said yes and pointed to the lady I had given my money to. He nodded and left, and I figured that was the end of that. A little bit later, I went out to grab a drink of water, and when I came back in, some other lady tried to kick me out. She tried to say I never paid anyone (it was $15, and her asking me to pay twice is absurd) and I had to leave. I explained to her what happened again and told her who I had paid, feeling helpless because I have no receipt or anything. I essentially paid them for 30 min of dancing interrupted by people trying to kick me out. I have been swing dancing for many years, traveling all over the country, usually volunteering myself at my own usual dances. I have NEVER had anything like this ever happen, and I have never harassed someone like that when I was on staff. I cannot believe the unprofessional rudeness of this place. And now I wish it wasn't cash because I definitely want my money back. Honestly, don't come here; they ruined my night because I had turned down plans with friends to try this new swing dance place. I was certainly regretting that decision real quick (I did go with friends after, but being treated so disrespectfully puts a damper on things). Sucks when you wanted to just dance and relax after a long week on Friday night. There are other dances, people, go find those. Those people actually ARE friendly :) (Seriously, who put these reviews up? Were these people paid for them?) read more

This place is great! Awesome music and amazing dancers! But! I gave it 4 stars for one reason. For some reason I thought it was more of a bar/club. I pictured drinks and dancing and tables...but it's literally just a big open room with folding chairs around the edges. It's a place that is JUST for dancing. If you're looking for a place to grab a drink and sit at a table...this is not the place to go. But if you wanna dance your bee-hind off (even if you're a total amateur like myself), then come here!! The energy is great and there's even professional dancers who will dance with you (no matter your skill level). I'd definitely come back! read more

Best Friday night swing dancing venue in Boston, often with live bands, friendly organizers and dancers.

I created an account special to write this review here. I gave them a couple of months, with emails sent and not responded to, to try to make it right. Clearly, the people in charge have no interest in making anything right. Don't come here, first off. The people writing the positive reviews are the ones on the board and looking to make profit from this "nonprofit." As a former volunteer here for 5+ years, I'd like to apologize to Dazed for what happened, as that should be against policy. Unfortunately, it isn't and they pulled that same stunt on me a little while back. They went one further and decided to ban me from the premises with absolutely no explanation, no provocation, and not a single response to my multiple emails seeking an explanation. It is illegal for a nonprofit to ban someone, especially someone with a disability like me. Again, I have been going for many years and there are witnesses who were in the room that I was not being disruptive in any way, was there to have fun, and like every week where I was not volunteering, paid my way in just like everybody else. Whatever dubious lies they will come up with to explain why they also lied and threw me out will just be made up (again) to cover their butts. They have absolutely no reason to do what they are doing to people. I would stay far away from this place if I were you. There are many other swing dance venues in Boston that aren't operating like this and won't try to ruin your night. Plus, you will get to dance with me! (for many of you, I know that will be incentive enough :) ) Give them your money, as they are true nonprofits working to bring good bands and dancing to the Boston area and not just in it for the money. Oh, they accused me of not paying admission asking me to pay them twice; my credit card knows differently (they don't give receipts at the door, presumably so thy can accuse you of not paying and try to make you pay again) so that is all a wad of lies, as well. read more

I'm here every Friday and I will be as long as this place is open. More live music, friendlier people, better dancing than any swing dance in Boston, period. The best part of BSC is its community--I started swing dancing here a few years ago, and now I volunteer here regularly and even taught the lesson once! If you've ever wanted to give swing dancing a try, come here. You won't be disappointed. read more

BSC is a great dance venue for new and experienced swing dancers alike! I did my first social dance ever at a BSC. These days I'm pretty much a regular. You absolutely do not need to bring a partner (though, of course, you can) since there are so many fun, friendly people to dance with. This venue usually has a live band! Even if you have literally no idea what to do dance-wise,there's a beginner lesson from 8-9 every week -- they'll get you moving for the dance. read more

Great swing venue! Live music is fantastic. Only wish there was a venue that had a bar so my non-dancing friends could hang out without the intimidation of dance only event. Love this place otherwise and highly recommend it ! read more

This is definitely the best swing dance in the Boston area. There is a basic lesson before each dance, and beginners are very welcome. Partners are not necessary, everybody dances with everybody else, so come alone or bring a group. Great way to spend a Friday night! read more

Forget whatever you've planned for Friday. If you like live jazz music, meeting new people and trying new things, BSC is where to go. I've been going here almost every week for the past few years. Beginners do not worry. Before every dance, there is a beginner lesson, which assumes no prior knowledge of lindy hop. No partner is necessary! Everyone here is super welcoming. They also have "angels" circulating the room for the first half hour after the lesson, so you can ask questions or just meet some people who have danced before. :) This is also a really cool second date idea. Make him/her think you're super exciting and creative! You can thank me later. Just a tip: Ladies, wear flat shoes or heels with a wide heel! It's really hard to lindy hop in stilettos! read more

Boston Swing Central (BSC) is my favorite favorite place for swing dancing in Boston! I remember the first time I came here, I was by myself and very nervous but as soon as I entered the place there were warm smiles and friendly faces all around to welcome me, starting from the door volunteers who sold me the tickets, to the 'angels' who are dedicated to dancing with new comers, to the instructors who taught the beginner lesson (8-9 p.m.) and even other beginners like me, whom I met during the lesson. I'm going to finish a year very soon (yay dance-versary time!) and I have come here almost every Friday since I started. Over the course of this year, I have improved on my dance skills, learnt from very talented dancers, made many friends and also volunteered in several roles.There's a good range of dancers here from ultra new to super advanced and everyone dances with everyone. So no matter what point of your dancing journey you're on, this is the place to go. Other things- -One of the few places where you can dance to live music these days. They have DJ nights too, so you may want check the BSC website before making plans http://www.bostonswingcentral.org/. You can also like their page on Facebook. BSC also organizes several dance events in and around Boston. Kind of a Big Deal Weekend for example, which happens in January is a great one filled with workshops, competitions and social dancing. -Would recommend coming early to find suitable parking. -Please wear comfy shoes (keds or flats). Hard to do Lindy in pointy heels. Also no snow boots allowed on the floor. It's best to carry a pair and change once you're in. There's lots of space/ cubicles inside to keep your stuff. -No partner necessary. If it's your first time, taking the beginner lesson is highly recommended. It's a good way to make acquaintances even if you don't need the lesson. -You can use a groupon to come here the first time. Make sure you get in for the beginner lesson though. There's discounts for students and seniors. - They do a jam circle for people celebrating birthdays/ special occasions, which is super fun! Come one, come all, this is a community you'll love to be a part of. read more

BSC is the place to be on every Friday night! The night begins with a 1 hour lesson and is followed by a 3 hour open social dance. I think the good thing is that they have established a culture where you switch every couple minutes during the lesson and after every song during the open dance so it forces you to meet a variety of people even if you are shy. The crowd is very friendly and as a person who doesn't like or do well in bars, I find myself to have a fun time here every time I go. The pricing does range from $10-$25 per dance - depending on if it's a DJ night and what type of band that they hire to play at the dance. read more

This is the place to swing dance on a Friday night in Boston. They have a lesson every week for all levels right before the social dance. Also, a variety of live bands from all over come to BSC each week. I have been coming to BSC since the beginning and it's like a second home. So many friendly faces and amazing dancers. All are welcome! read more

The Friday night BSC dance is one of the most reliably fun weekly dances in town, the more so now that they have a great new space in Charlestown near the orange line T (and with plenty of parking). It's a good mix, of experienced and newer dancers, of live bands some weeks and DJs other weeks. My husband and I have been lindy hopping for years but we sometimes bring newbie friends and they have a good time too, taking the beginner lesson then jumping in with both feet. And the Tavern at the End of the World around the corner has good beer and food, too, i'm just sayin'. read more

BSC is fantastic. Pure and simple! My wife and I have been attending regular classes and social dances for about two months and we are hooked. We were wary at first when invited out dancing with some friends but were pleasantly surprised. I've rarely been a part of a more welcoming and friendly community. Beginners are not only encouraged but cherished by the more advanced dancers. Prices are extremely reasonable - bordering on insanely cheap compared to going to a private studio. The passion that each teacher has is infectious. Head over to Boston Swing Central for classes and especially the social dances! You'll love it! read more