If anyone had told me a few years ago that I'd be writing a review for a place that gave dance lessons, I would have asked what they were drinking. Providence Swing will get you up and dancing, no matter your background, experience or, in my case, complete ineptitude. My wife and I wanted to take dance lessons after we became empty-nesters. We were looking for something fun that we could do together. My wife vetoed skeet shooting because there was no physical exercise involved. And so we started looking for dance lessons. We had never done any kind of dancing before -- ever. The scene in Hitch where Will Smith tries to teach Kevin James how to dance was written just for me. We took a few lessons at various places, all of which tried to sell you the next, more expensive lesson. We were about to quit and choose another hobby to pursue when we found Providence Swings.
Providence Swings is a truly unique organization. It is not a company trying to sell you dance lessons. It is an amazing community of people who have a passion for swing dancing and want to share that passion with others. Providence Swings has a warm, inviting atmosphere. People really want to help you learn how to dance. And there are people of all ages there, young and old, college kids, newlyweds, empty-nesters and retirees.
Lessons are relatively inexpensive and really only a part of what Providence Swings has to offer. Instead of continually asking if you'd like a more expensive lesson, you'll get questions about whether or not you're going to the next social dance. Providence Swings hosts a dance every Thursday night, free for anyone signed up for lessons that month. Everyone is welcome and it is a great time to practice, hang out with friends and have some fun.
When you first show up, you may be in awe and somewhat intimidated by how good some of the dancers are. Don't be. They are all friendly and eager to teach you. They are welcoming and, my wife and I can personally attest, very, very patient and excellent teachers. Best of all, if you stick with it, soon you'll be dancing like a pro and you will have made many friends along the way. Where once I stood on the sidelines or -- when absolutely forced to -- did my version of the "washing machine" or "lawnmower", my wife and I now search out places to dance and actually get compliments on our dancing. We can now Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston and Balboa. (Who knew there were dances where you actually move your feet?) We are still learning, but that is part of the fun. We love Providence Swing and can't recommend it enough. read more
