Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club
West Coast Swing lessons and social dances in Milwaukee since 1998
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club via Google
Before your first class
Designed for complete beginners — no partner or dance experience needed, and you can take Level 1 as many times as needed until comfortable.
Casual for lessons (jeans and t-shirt acceptable); dances are a chance to dress up if you choose, but casual dress is fine.
Comfortable shoes that stay on your feet and allow you to pivot, slide and spin — dance shoes with suede-bottom soles or leather-soled dress shoes without treads work well.
Level 1 (Beginner) FREE/Member, $15/Nonmember; Level 2 $8/Member, $15/Nonmember; Sunday Practice Party $10/Member, $15/Nonmember; Saturday Dance $10/Member, $15/Nonmember; Saturday Dance & Workshop Co
About this studio
Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club has been bringing West Coast Swing to Milwaukee since 1998. The club is run by Mike Konkel and Sheli Schroeder, nationally recognized swing dance competitors who are most proud of their two US Open wins: Teams (2004) and Sophisticated Swing Division (2017). They began their dance partnership in 2003 and competed on the National Swing Dance Circuit in the Classic Swing division for 16 years. Their passion for growing Wisconsin's west coast swing community shapes everything the club does.
Classes run at two levels. Level 1 (Beginner) focuses on basics and a few variations to get you comfortable on the social dance floor; the club emphasizes technical aspects while keeping a smile on everyone's face. Level 2 includes more advanced moves, concepts and techniques. You don't need a partner to start — beginners and followers are separated to learn footwork, then you're partnered up and rotated so you meet new people and dance with different partners. No preregistration is required; just show up. Lessons happen most Sundays at 6:30 PM at the Delaware House.
Dances are very social. Saturday dances run 7:30 PM with beginner and intermediate/advanced workshops, then open dancing from 8:30 to 11:30 PM. Sunday practice parties include a beginner lesson followed by dancing from 7:15 to 9:30 PM. More than half of attendees come without a partner. The club plays a wide variety of music — rhythm and blues (the main music for WCS), but also pop, blues, rock and roll, disco, jazz, country and big band. While West Coast Swing is the main emphasis, the music also allows for Hustle, Cha-Cha, Night Club 2 Step, and East Coast Swing.
Members get free Level 1 classes for a full year with a $30 yearly membership fee. Private lessons are available for accelerated learning. All ages are welcome, and you'll see a wide age range at classes and dances.
What to expect
Your first visit
Casual, friendly classes with no partner required. You'll learn basics in the first part of the session separated by role, then partner up and rotate so you dance with different people. Dances are highly social — most people come solo or with a partner who dances with others too. Just show up 10 minutes early if you want to sign up for membership.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Mike Konkel and Sheli Schroeder are nationally recognized swing dance competitors with two US Open wins (Teams in 2004, Sophisticated Swing Division in 2017). They began their partnership in 2003 and competed on the National Swing Dance Circuit in the Classic Swing division for 16 years. They teach with a focus on growing Wisconsin's west coast swing community.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Designed for complete beginners — no partner or dance experience needed, and you can take Level 1 as many times as needed until comfortable.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Casual for lessons (jeans and t-shirt acceptable); dances are a chance to dress up if you choose, but casual dress is fine.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes that stay on your feet and allow you to pivot, slide and spin — dance shoes with suede-bottom soles or leather-soled dress shoes without treads work well. Casual dress (jeans and t-shirt) is fine for lessons; dances are a chance to dress up, though many wear jeans. Shower, wear deodorant and brush your teeth before dancing.
Studio history
Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club was founded to promote West Coast Swing and has been bringing the dance to Milwaukee since 1998.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Not yet published on LODance
Check the About section above for the days and times Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club has shared. A bookable schedule has not been published on LODance yet.
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Frequently asked about Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club teach?
Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Hustle, Cha Cha and 1 more.
Where is Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club located?
Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club is located in Milwaukee, WI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club offer private lessons?
Contact Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club teach kids and adults?
Contact Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club?
Sign up through Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club's website, or contact the studio directly.
Are you the owner of this studio?
Upcoming opportunities
No upcoming opportunities for this studio in the next 90 days.
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