What is KC Swingout?
Inclusion. Education. Connection. Dance.
Our mission is to celebrate and preserve Jazz Swing Dancing in the Kansas City community.
Kansas City Swingout is a dance non-profit organization based in Kansas City. Our focus is to bring swing dancing to the community to create a safe space of engagement for dancers, ranging in level from beginner to professional, to educate and learn, socialize and share, and grow together with our local community as well as the midwestern and national dance communities at large. It is important to us that we place a focus on being a welcoming space where everyone can be involved regardless of dance level or background. We also place a specific emphasis on sharing and educating people about the rich and amazing history of swing as it is a historically Black American Dance style and we want to honor and respect those roots.
Our Values
Inclusion
We are a community that welcomes and includes everyone and are dedicated to making safe spaces! We strive to meet people where they are, respect everyone’s backgrounds and intersections, and to grow and educate our community on how we can engage with kindness and open minds.
Education
As an organization centered around lindy hop and other Black and African American jazz dances, we teach people to dance while also trying to center Black American social dance values such as individuality, spontaneity, rhythm, and improvisation.
Connection
We believe that connection is the goal for all of us as humans and as social dancers. Within our community, whether we’re mingling on the social floor or when we’re out there cutting the rug together- we collaborate with our community and strive to build a culture where kind and meaningful connection with one another is cherished and cultivated.
Dance
It’s in the name! We provide classes, DJ’d and live music events in which everyone in our community is given the opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy the art of lindy hop. Social dancing with a community can bring so much joy to everyone involved, and we encourage everyone to come and Swingout with us!
Safe spaces are important to us.
We are thankful for all of our attendees who are taking responsibility in establishing a welcoming and safe space. It’s what keeps us going!
FAQs
I want to learn to dance but I don’t have a partner. Do I need a partner to come to classes or dances?
No! Swing is an inherently social dance. We rotate through different partners during classes because it’s a great way to meet new people and work with dancers of various levels. On the dance floor, you may find yourself dancing with many people throughout the event, maybe even trying out different roles (lead or follow).
That being said, if you came with a partner to our event and are not comfortable in participating in the rotation, please let us know! We’d still love to have you join us whatever your comfort level is.
Do I need special dance shoes or dance clothes to come?
There are no special clothes required for participation. However, for classes especially, but for dances too, it’s important to wear clothes that you feel comfortable moving in and maybe getting a little sweaty. For footwear, flat shoes or lower, comfortable, heels are recommended. Lots of dancers enjoy wearing shoes with hard leather or suede soles, but Toms, Keds, and other flexible sneakers or street shoes also work great. Sandals, shoes that slide off easily, and stilettos are probably not the best choice, but again, it’s about being safe and feeling comfortable really moving in what you wear, so know your own body and make your choices accordingly.
Where are you located?
We host a number of events in and around the Kansas City Metro Area. Check out our events page to see locations, dates, and times for all of our upcoming events, or subscribe to our newsletter, facebook, or instagram so you’ll always know where to find us!
How much does it cost?
Cost can vary depending on location and what’s being offered. When we have live bands, teach workshops, or bring in expert teachers from out of town, sometimes the cost can go up for that event. We also have some events that we bring to you for free! Please check our events page for all information about upcoming events.