General Class Info FAQs
How long are the dance classes?
Group classes are taught as 4-week series, which meet once a week for a full hour each time. To find your next class, visit our upcoming class schedule.
How are workshops different from group classes?
Workshops are single session, single topic intensives and are typically 2 hours long. Visit our upcoming specialty workshops.
How big are the classes?
Classes typically have between 10 and 30 people. Several classes, especially Swing I and Swing II, sell out. We strongly recommend pre-registering to secure your spot, save $5, and help us balance the number of leads and follows in the class.
Do I Need a Partner?
NO. You do not need a partner. In fact, we encourage participants to rotate partners throughout the lesson. Rotating significantly increases the rate of skill-building, and it’s also a great way to meet others who are interested in this fantastic hobby. However, if the thought of rotating is a bit intimidating at first, you are welcome to bring and stay with your partner. We want you to feel comfortable during your lessons.
Which level am I?
If you are not certain of the appropriate level, you may wish to schedule a private lesson as a level evaluation. Just call 312.243.0700 or email us to schedule your lesson. If it’s been a while since your last took class, you’re always welcome to take Swing I: Intro to Swing, which has no pre-requisite.
Do you offer the same classes every month?
We rotate our class schedules. If you do not see a date/time/enroll button for a listed class, it will likely be offered again in an upcoming session.
Is the schedule subject to change?
It’s a bummer, but classes are subject to cancellation due to low pre-registration. Each student will be notified via email and a phone call if that happens. To help avoid cancellations, please pre-register or at least drop us an email to let us know that you plan on attending a class. If Big City Swing cancels a class or workshop, the student will receive a full refund.
What if I can’t commit to a 4-week class?
For those students that have schedules that make it difficult to commit to a multi-week series, we suggest single-session workshops or private lessons which can be scheduled individually.
Can I drop-in to a class?
Assuming there is still space available in a class, you may “drop in” for one week of a group class series at the rate of $18/class. Please email us or call 312.243.0700 if you’d like to drop in so we can ensure that each class maintains a balance of leads and follows.
Can I observe a class before I sign up?
No. We do not allow observers in any of our classes. The comfort of our students is of utmost importance, and we find that many students feel uncomfortable being observed by strangers while they are learning a new skill. If you’d like to try out a class before committing to a full 4-week session, you may wish to join us at a First Friday Dance or sign up for a Private Lesson.
How easy is parking?
There is free street parking on Randolph, and it’s most readily available after 3pm and wide open for our evening lessons. It just one of the reasons we love our location.
Is the Studio accessible via Public Transit?
YES! We are excited to announce that we are now serviced by the Green & Pink Lines via the brand new station at Morgan & Lake. Upon exiting the station walk one block south, and one block west to 1012 W. Randolph St.
Other options include the Blue Line via the station at Milwaukee & Grand. Upon exiting the station, walk south 1/2 a mile on Halsted. Turn right on Randolph and walk 4 blocks west to 1012 W. Randolph St.
Or take the Halsted Bus (#8) to Washington/Randolph and walk 4 blocks west to 1012 W. Randolph St.
Or take the Madison Bus (#20) to Morgan and walk 2 blocks north and 1 block west to 1012 W. Randolph St.
