Ortega River Club
Private club with regular shag and west coast swing lessons, dances and dinne…
Ortega River Club is a private social club built on over 100 years of commitment to its members, located on the serene Ortega River in Jacksonville.
Photo: Ortega River Club via Google
Before your first class
Both shag and west coast swing nights include beginner-level classes (basic shag at 7:30 pm, technique at 7 pm respectively).
Cash for the bar and guest fees ($5 for shag or social dancing, $15 for west coast swing lessons as a guest).
Shag lessons: free for members, $5 for guests.
About this studio
Ortega River Club is a private social club built on over 100 years of commitment to its members, located on the serene Ortega River in Jacksonville. The club operates as both a teaching venue and a social dance hub, hosting regular dance lessons, open social dancing, dinners, and special events.
The club runs a consistent weekly schedule of dance programming. Shag dance lessons by First Coast Shag Club meet on Tuesday evenings, with a bar open from 5 pm, happy hour from 5–7 pm, an intermediate class at 7 pm, a basic class at 7:30 pm, and open dancing from 8–10 pm. West coast swing lessons taught by Demery, Derek Leyva and Jennifer Norris run on Thursday evenings, progressing through technique at 7 pm, styling at 7:30 pm, patterns at 8 pm, and dance rotation with social dancing from 8:45 pm onwards. The club also hosts ballroom dance, line dancing paired with Wednesday dinners, and special events including country nights with music and dance, Latin dancing nights, and band dances throughout the month.
Membership pricing is accessible: shag lessons are free for members (guests pay $5), west coast swing lessons cost members $10 and guests $15, while social dancing is free for members and $5 for guests. The bar operates during all events, and happy hour runs from 5–7 pm on lesson nights. No reservations are required for most events.
The club offers catering services led by Chef Fernando Silveira and is available for private rentals. It functions as a gathering space where members can enjoy dinner, socialise, attend meetings, and participate in organised dancing throughout the week and weekend. The venue welcomes both members and guests to its dance programming and social events.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive any time from 5 pm when doors open; the bar and happy hour run until 7 pm. Lessons start at 7 pm (intermediate shag or technique for west coast swing), with a second beginner-level class following. Dancing continues until 10 pm. Bring cash to pay the bar tab or guest fee; no advance booking needed.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Shag lessons are taught by First Coast Shag Club. West coast swing is instructed by Demery, Derek Leyva and Jennifer Norris, who teach technique, styling, and patterns before open dance rotation.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Both shag and west coast swing nights include beginner-level classes (basic shag at 7:30 pm, technique at 7 pm respectively).
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Cash for the bar and guest fees ($5 for shag or social dancing, $15 for west coast swing lessons as a guest).
Studio history
Ortega River Club is a private social club built on a history of over 100 years of commitment to its members.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ortega River Clubhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ortega River Club, 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 Ortega River Club
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ortega River Club teach?
Ortega River Club teaches General, Shag, West Coast Swing, Ballroom, Line Dancing, Latin Dancing. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ortega River Club located?
Ortega River Club is located in Jacksonville, FL. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ortega River Club offer private lessons?
Contact Ortega River Club directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ortega River Club teach kids and adults?
Ortega River Club 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 Ortega River Club?
The fastest path is to visit Ortega River Club via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.