First Fridays

On the First Friday of every month, we host a dance at the studio. We start with a beginning swing lesson and then open up the floor for Dj’d dancing. You’ll have the opportunity to dance with folks of all abilities, as partners rotate throughout the night. And when you don’t feel like dancing, just relax and take in the scene. Light snacks (something salty and something sweet) and water are provided. And, it’s BYOB (for our 21+ guests only).

Recent Reviews

“My first visit to BCS was for First Fridays dance party.  The evening starts with a lesson for beginners.  I’ve taken an array of lessons in the past and their intro lesson will get you out on the floor with confidence.  You’ll learn the basic step and a couple moves to twirl your way around the floor.  After the 45-minute lesson, they have DJs to play some standards and likely some tunes you’ve never heard with an infectious beat.”

- Andrew L., 4/7/13, Read the full review on Yelp

“I went with a friend last night to First Friday Swing class. It was a so much fun. The instructors were very easy to follow. The class was full so we got a chance to dance with lots of different people. The dance afterwards was just as fun. I’m now going to sign up for the intro to swing class. I recommend this for anyone any age.”

- Billie, Chicago, 3/5/11, Read the full review on Yelp

“We went for the first time right after we completed Swing I, and I thought it would be totally awkward since I didn’t know much, but I had the Best Time EVER! I got to dance with people who had all different levels of experience with Swing, Lindy Hop, and Charleston; and never once did they make me feel dumb like a beginner! It was actually a great time to learn more from these people. It was also just as much fun to watch the people who have been dancing together for awhile; it really makes you look forward to being just as amazing as them! I can’t wait to go to the next first Friday!!!”

- Christina, Chicago, 10/23/09, Read the full review on Yelp

Details

Next Date: Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Location: Big City Swing Studio, 1012 W. Randolph Street

Parking: Free street parking

Doors Open: 7:45pm

Lesson: 8:00 – 8:45pm, Beginning Swing*
*No experience or partner necessary

Dancing: 8:45pm – Midnight

Music: It’ll be perfect for East Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston and Balboa!

Cost: $10 which is inclusive of lesson and dancing

All Ages. All Abilities.

Photo: Robert Chi

The music

1. What’s the music like?
We dance to music that swings, and that is a surprisingly wide range of music. You’ll hear classic big band like Count Basie and Benny Goodman; Rat Pack favorites like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.; vocal legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong; new voices like Diana Krall and Michael Buble, along with Ragtime, Chicago Blues and even some R&B and Soul. There is definitely something for everyone.

2. Will the tempo be too fast?
Goodness no. Like with any other dance or sport, you need to be able to practice slowly and gradually speed up. The DJ’s are very sensitive to those needs and will play a range of tempos from slow to moderate to fast. So just give it a whirl or watch and be inspired and entertained.

Reservations are not necessary

This is an open affair. Simply show up for the lesson or for dancing.

No partner necessary

You do NOT need a partner. Just bring yourself and a smile. We actually encourage participants to rotate partners throughout the beginning lesson to improve their technique and meet others who are interested in this fantastic hobby. 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 the lesson and during the dance.

Suggested Attire

Although this is a come-as-you-are affair, we know that guidelines and suggestions are helpful. Visit our FAQ Attire page for our recommendations.