Dallas Swing Dance Society

Dallas Swing Dance Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation and education of swing dancing from the early 20th century. They hold dances most Saturdays throughout the year, alongside lessons, workshops, and special events. The organisation grew from a conversation between four dancers at the Harvest Moon Workshop in November 1998, inspired by time spent with Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning. What began as concern about the fragility of Dallas's dance scene became a mission to create a dedicated space for swing dancing education and community.

DSDS was officially incorporated on February 4, 1999, and held its first members' meeting at the Sammons Center for the Arts on February 6 that year. Thirty-three people attended and became the first paid members. From the start, the founders imagined an organisation that would teach people how to dance and about the history and music behind it, all in a comfortably sized floor and safe environment open to people of all ages. The board was deliberately built from a wide variety of professions, age groups, dance backgrounds, and social groups to ensure the whole Dallas swing dance community would prosper.

The society teaches East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop. They run dances on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday of each month, providing both lessons and danceable music in a structured social environment. In addition to regular weekly classes and social dances, DSDS organises workshops, competitions, and special events including Big D Lindy, their signature annual gathering.

The organisation operates from the Sammons Center for the Arts at 3630 Harry Hines Blvd in Dallas. You can contact DSDS directly to enquire about membership, class schedules, and upcoming events.

First-time visitors should check the current schedule or contact the studio before attending. Ask whether the class requires advance registration, whether a partner is needed, and what shoes or clothing are recommended.