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Instruction FAQs

Swing, Lindy Hop, Wedding, Ballroom and Specialty Classes

Class Duration: Classes are one hour, unless otherwise noted.

Class Offerings: We rotate our schedule of classes. If you do not see a date/time/enroll button for a listed class, it will be offered again in an upcoming session. Please see our current and upcoming class schedule.

Class Size: Classes sizes are typically 10 - 30 people. Several classes, espcially Swing I and Swing II, sell out. It is always best to pre-register to secure your spot.

Do I Need a Partner? You do not need a partner to attend our classes. We rotate partners during class which is the key ingredient to developing solid lead/follow technique.

Costs: Unless otherwise noted, group classes are $60 after the early registration period or when payment is taken at the door. Classes are $55 with advanced registration.

Multiple Classes Earns $ Credit: When you enroll in two or more classes during one session, you'll receive $5 credit per additional class. Credits are good towards a future class or merchandise purchase.

Location: All private lessons, group classes and workshops take place at our studio in the West Loop in Chicago, unless otherwise noted as we also teach periodically at the Evanston Athletic Club.

Big City Swing
1012 W Randolph, 1st floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Parking: There is street parking, both metered and unmetered. Please visit Chicago's CTA website for the easiest route using public transportation from your home to ours.

Which level am I? If you are not certain of the appropriate level, just email info@bigcityswing.com for class recommendations.

What should I wear? Please wear comfortable clothing and soft soled shoes. We advise all students to select shirts with sleeves and shoes with a closed back (no mules or flipflops).

Registration Online via Credit Card: We offer online registration, via the PayPal system, for most of our classes, private lessons and workshops. For this online payment, please select the enroll buttons and add them to your cart. Once you fill your cart, select "Check Out" and you will be taken to the secured PayPal processing site. Please note that any applicable early registration discounts are reflected in the paypal system.

If you do not already have a PayPal account, you will be asked to create one - it only takes a minute or so. Once the transaction is completed, you will be returned to our site.

Registration Using Credits or Gift Certificates: To register using a gift certificate or credit, please call or visit the studio as the PayPal system is not equipped to handle these individualized situations.

Registration Via Mail: If you would like to register via mail, please make check or money order payable to Big City Swing and indicate the class or workshop you are paying for in the memo field and mail to:

Big City Swing
1012 W Randolph, 1st floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Schedule is subject to change: Classes are subject to cancellation due to low registration. Each student will be notified via email or phone call if that happens. To help avoid that situation, please register before the early registration deadline or at least drop us an email to let us know that you plan on attending a class.

Referrals: Please call or email us with the name(s) of friend(s) you have referred to us. With their enrollment in a 4 week class, workshop or private lesson, you'll receive a $10 gift certificate towards instruction or merchandise.

Cancellation/Refund/Credit Policy for Group Classes & Workshops: To cancel, change or postpone enrollment in a group class or workshop, contact Big City Swing as soon as possible via e-mail info@bigcityswing.com or phone 312.243.0700.

Cancellations / Changes received 5 or more days before the start of the first class or workshop are eligible for a complete refund or credit towards future group classes or workshops.

Cancellations / Changes received between 2 and 5 days before the start of the first class or workshop are eligible for credit only. The credit will equal the full amount paid by the student and will be redeemable for future group classes/ workshops.

Cancellations / Changes received within 48 hours before the start of the first class or workshop will receive a credit redeemable towards future group classes /workshops minus a $15/person cancellation fee.

They are no refunds once a class has begun.

After the first class/ workshop begins, tuition is non-refundable. A credit will only be issued in the event of serious injury or long-term illness. The credit will be calculated by taking tuition paid, less drop-in class fee for number of classes taken, less $15 change fee per enrollee.

The above policies apply to all forms of payment for classes/ workshops including PayPal, cash, check, mastercard, visa, prepaid packages, credits and gift certificates.

If Big City Swing cancels a class or workshop, the student will receive a full refund.

Valid Credits: Credits are always given in writing, in person, from a Big City Swing management member. Verbal credits are never given and therefore will not be accepted. To redeem a credit you must provide the credit slip itself at the time of your registration /payment. The PayPal system is not equipped to handle credits, therefore please enroll via the phone, mail or at the studio when applying credits towards tuition.

Missed Class Policy: You may make up a class by attending another class in that same session. The skill level of the make up class must be equal to or less than the skill level of the class in which you are enrolled. There are some classes, such as Beginning Wedding Dance where this make up policy cannot apply due to the content of the class.

Although we review the previous week's material at the beginning of each class, if you do miss a class, you may wish to take a private lesson (at additional expense) to receive detailed instruction on the missed material.

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 one-night 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 individual lessons in a group class series at the rate of $18/class. Please email us or call the studio if you'd like to drop in so we can ensure that each class maintains a balance of leads and follows.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of our policies, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Policies updated 08/2007. Policies subject to change.

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