Perth’s own Swing Dance Academy presents an enchanting soiree of swing for an unforgettable night of fun and dancing. Presented in the stunning Edith Spiegeltent at The Woodside Pleasure Garden, the night takes you to the Roaring Twenties, where you learn the basics of swing to get you going on the dancefloor.

Swing! Swing! Swing! is a perfect excuse to put on your favourite vintage outfit and take your mind off the 21st century. Perth Swing Dance Academy’s Dabs and Shawn encouraged people to find a partner and join one another on the dancefloor. Speaking as a non-dancing individual, the night offers an embarrassment-free safe space for having a go, following the lead of more experienced swing dancers and simply enjoying the music! There was such a range of people from all kinds of backgrounds and dance abilities, which makes learning feel a lot less silly, and allows you to learn from each other.

As the night goes on, the audience is given impressive and high-energy performances from some of Perth’s best swing dancers, complete with costumes and complex maneuvers. The circular seating of the Spiegeltent allows everyone to gather to the stage, or sit in their booths, and view the show from all angles. Social dancing after the class and into the night is an opportunity for having a drink, mingling, trying out your new moves, and inviting others to a dance. Dancing with one another, or simply watching others dance, encapsulates a wonderful sense of community.

The performances were charming and captivating, though I would have loved to learn more about the history of swing and fully appreciate the dance as a cultural and artistic movement, as this was only briefly mentioned as an introductory note at the start. However, the night’s immersive nature certainly made me intrigued to find out more on my own.

Overall, Swing! Swing! Swing! was a unique and thoroughly enjoyable night, perfect for singletons, couples and friends alike who are looking to dress up, feel the rhythm, and socialise in true 1920s style.