Firehouse Swing Dance
San Diego's largest weekly swing dance: Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and more
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Before your first class
Intro class is slower-paced for first-time dancers; no partner required; classes rotate partners so you dance with many people.
Casual wear (jeans, pants, dresses, skirts) on regular nights; wear shorts under skirts since you'll be moving around; dressing up a little nicer is suggested for live music nights.
Comfortable, moveable clothing; flat shoes or athletic shoes with minimal tread (leather or suede soles recommended for sliding on the wood floor); reusable water bottle.
Free parking in large lot surrounding the Champion Ballroom building.
About this studio
Firehouse Swing Dance is San Diego's longest-running swing dance venue, founded in 1998 by Meeshi Anjali. The studio now operates at Mary Murphy's Champion Ballroom (as of August 2024) and is run by Derrick and Erin Roos. Every Thursday, the Firehouse offers a full evening of classes followed by social dancing with guest DJs. Once a month, they host live bands—Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra regularly performs.
Classes run from 7 pm onwards and cover the full swing era: Lindy Hop at intro, beginner and intermediate levels; Charleston; Balboa; Solo Jazz (Dean Collins Shim Sham); and Shag. The intro class moves slower than the 8 pm beginner class but both welcome first-time dancers. Beginner classes are taught by Derrick and Erin; intermediate Lindy Hop is taught by Farooq and Ali/Corinne. Classes include admission to the social dance that follows, where you can put what you've learned into practice immediately.
No partner is required—classes rotate partners frequently so you dance with many people. You can lead, follow or switch roles. The venue is open to all ages and skill levels. After class, social dancing runs from 9 pm to 11 pm in the main hall with DJs most weeks, or live bands once monthly. This gives you space to practise new moves and meet other dancers in a low-pressure environment.
The studio is housed at Champion Ballroom with a wood floor suitable for swing dancing. Free parking is available in the large lot surrounding the building. First-time visitors should wear comfortable, moveable clothing—casual wear is typical on regular nights, though dressing up is suggested for live music nights. Flat shoes or athletic shoes with minimal tread are recommended; leather or suede soles help you slide smoothly on the floor.
What to expect
Your first visit
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.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Derrick and Erin Roos run the studio and teach intro and beginner Lindy Hop. Farooq teaches the Dean Collins Shim Sham (Solo Jazz) and intermediate Lindy Hop alongside Ali or Corinne.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Intro class is slower-paced for first-time dancers; no partner required; classes rotate partners so you dance with many people.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Casual wear (jeans, pants, dresses, skirts) on regular nights; wear shorts under skirts since you'll be moving around; dressing up a little nicer is suggested for live music nights.
What to bring
Comfortable, moveable clothing; flat shoes or athletic shoes with minimal tread (leather or suede soles recommended for sliding on the wood floor); reusable water bottle.
Studio history
Founded in 1998 by Meeshi Anjali, the Firehouse Swing Dance earned its name from the original renovated firehouse venue. In April 2018, Meeshi retired and handed the business to Derrick and Erin Roos. After several relocations, the studio settled at Mary Murphy's Champion Ballroom in August 2024.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Firehouse Swing Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Firehouse Swing Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Firehouse Swing Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Firehouse Swing Dance teach?
Firehouse Swing Dance teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and 2 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Firehouse Swing Dance located?
Firehouse Swing Dance is located in San Diego, CA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Firehouse Swing Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Firehouse Swing Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Firehouse Swing Dance teach kids and adults?
Firehouse Swing Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Firehouse Swing Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Firehouse Swing Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Firehouse Swing Dance?
Free parking in large lot surrounding the Champion Ballroom building.