Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate
Fort Worth swing dancing: weekly lessons and socials, pay at the door
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Linh Nguyen via Google
Before your first class
The beginner lesson at 8 pm each Friday is designed to be beginner-friendly and teach you enough to dance for the rest of the evening; no partner required.
Comfortable shoes with smooth rubber soles or dance shoes with sueded soles; Keds or other sneakers are common.
Free parking available in the lot across the street or any available street parking.
About this studio
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate is a non-profit organisation based in Fort Worth, Texas on a mission to promote and preserve the rich cultural history and art of swing dancing. They host weekly social dances every Friday except the 1st Friday, complete with beginner and intermediate lessons in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, followed by music and dancing. The music ranges from the early 1900s to the modern day.
Each Friday night runs from 8 pm to 9 pm for the beginner lesson, then 9 pm to 11 pm for the social dance. You can drop in without a partner — the community actively encourages dancing with different people to improve your skills and create a welcoming space for people of differing genders, backgrounds, and abilities. No ticket purchase is needed; you pay at the door.
Beyond weekly socials, FWSDS is committed to notifying the community about swing dance events in the area, including workshops, live bands, and other opportunities. They host outdoor dances at Fairmont Park and regular events at Arts 5th Avenue throughout the year. In addition to dance, they foster community spirit — after weekly dances, dancers gather at Velvet Taco for conversation and food.
The organisation is run by a board of experienced dancers. Michael Kelley (President) has been swing dancing for a number of years and loves Lindy Hop, Charleston, East Coast, and Balboa. David Meharg (Public Relations) has been swing dancing since 2014 and specialises in Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag. Kaylee Wheeler (Vice President) has been swing dancing since 2021 and mainly enjoys East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and Collegiate Shag. Gabbie Bernhard (Secretary) learned the basics in college in Washington DC and dances Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Matthew West (Treasurer) transitioned to swing dancing in 2022 and primarily dances Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, and East Coast Swing.
Membership is available and offers a discount on classes and dances; members pay $10 for beginner or intermediate class plus dance, or $10 for social dance only, compared to $12 for non-members. Membership can be purchased at the front desk during any dance. As a 501(c)(3) qualified non-profit, donations are tax-deductible.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll arrive for an 8 pm beginner lesson that teaches you enough to get on the dance floor and have fun. The material is beginner-friendly. At 9 pm the social dance begins and runs until 11 pm, with live or recorded jazz from multiple eras. You don't need a partner and are encouraged to dance with different people. Pay at the door — no advance booking needed.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The organisation is led by board members who are active dancers. Michael Kelley (President), David Meharg (Public Relations, dancing since 2014), Kaylee Wheeler (Vice President, dancing since 2021), Gabbie Bernhard (Secretary, dancing since 2014), and Matthew West (Treasurer, dancing since 2022) run the weekly dances and lessons.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The beginner lesson at 8 pm each Friday is designed to be beginner-friendly and teach you enough to dance for the rest of the evening; no partner required.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable shoes with smooth rubber soles or dance shoes with sueded soles; Keds or other sneakers are common. Avoid flip-flops, open-toe shoes, strappy heels, and shoes with good grip due to injury risk.
Studio history
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural history and art of swing dancing in Fort Worth, Texas.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicatehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate, 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 Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate teach?
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate located?
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate is located in Fort Worth, TX. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate offer private lessons?
Contact Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate teach kids and adults?
Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate 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 Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate?
The fastest path is to visit Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate 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 Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate?
Free parking available in the lot across the street or any available street parking.