Sway Dance Chicago
Salsa, swing, bachata, tap and performance dance in Chicago and Brookfield
Sway Dance Chicago has been bringing learners of all levels to the dance floor since it was first established by Teresa Swanson in 2010.
Photo: Sway Dance Chicago via Google
Before your first class
Absolute beginners are welcome in all Starter classes; no experience or partner is needed.
Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, clean shoes that stay attached to your foot (no flip flops), a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Starter group classes $75 for 6 weeks; ongoing classes $140 for 10 hours; dance fitness $10 per class; one-hour workshops $16 or $140 for 10 hours; performance classes $13/hour via $130–$140 punch car
About this studio
Sway Dance Chicago has been bringing learners of all levels to the dance floor since it was first established by Teresa Swanson in 2010. The studio operates two locations: the main Chicago studio at 3317 W Irving Park Rd and a newer Brookfield location at 9152 Broadway Ave.
The class roster spans social partner dances, performance work, and fitness. In Chicago, you can take Salsa/Bachata Starter (6 weeks, $75), Salsa/Bachata Level 2, and Intermediate Salsa/Bachata (ongoing, $140 for 10 hours). Swing classes run from Swing Starter through Intermediate, with options covering East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and West Coast Swing. There's also Dance Fitness ($10 drop-in), one-hour weekend workshops ($16), and a "Build Your Own" class where groups of six or more can choose their preferred styles. The Brookfield location adds Tap Starter and Tap Level 2, plus Slow Flow Yoga and a Dance Buffet concept (30-minute mini-classes exploring different styles).
Performance is central to Sway's identity. The studio runs two co-ed performance groups: the "Swayzees" and the female-focused "Swayzettes", both meeting Sundays for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Performance classes cost $13 per hour via 10-hour punch cards ($130–$140). The year builds toward three major events: an Annual Themed Formal in early April (past themes include Regency Ball and Harry Potter Ball; 2026 theme is WICKED), a Themed Summer Party in mid-July (2025 theme is Country HoeDown), and an Annual Stage Production in early December at the Edge Theater (2025 theme is ART). New dancers can join at any point; first performance class is free to try.
Private lessons are available for wedding preparation, personalized choreography, and one-on-one instruction. The studio also hosts venue rentals: three private rooms available for parties, showers, rehearsals, weddings and other events. Special events include Valentine's Day celebrations and 80s parties.
The instructor team includes Sophia (Varsity cheerleader at Gordon Tech, trained in Latin and Ballroom, performed in show routines and formation competitions), Aynsley (trained in ballet, jazz, and hip hop by Joffrey Ballet, Gallery 37, and After School Matters; holds B.S. in Psychology with minor in Criminology), Alejandro (15+ years with Tierra Colombiana Folkloric Dance Company, dances Cumbia, Mapale, Pasillo, Puya, San Juanero, Currulao, Bambucco), Teresa Swanson (founder; studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern; choreography performed at John F Kennedy Center; her piece Siren won the Dance Magazine Award for Best Student Choreographer), Alex (studied dance at Carthage College, 8 years in specialty coffee), and Dakota (born and raised in Irving Park neighborhood, full-time law student). Maggie serves as Admin Manager.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are relaxed and fun. You'll learn in a supportive environment free of stress and pretension. No partner is needed for most classes; rotations help you develop skills faster. Bring comfortable clothing, clean shoes that stay on your feet, a water bottle, and enthusiasm.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The team includes founder Teresa Swanson (award-winning choreographer trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern); Sophia (Gordon Tech Varsity cheerleader, Latin and Ballroom specialist); Aynsley (trained by Joffrey Ballet, Gallery 37, and After School Matters in ballet, jazz, hip hop); Alejandro (15+ years with Tierra Colombiana Folkloric Dance Company); Alex (trained at Carthage College); and Dakota (Irving Park native, law student). Maggie manages the studio.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Absolute beginners are welcome in all Starter classes; no experience or partner is needed.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, clean shoes that stay attached to your foot (no flip flops), a water bottle to stay hydrated. If taking yoga, bring your own mat.
Studio history
Sway Dance Chicago was established by Teresa Swanson in 2010. Teresa grew up dancing in central Iowa, studied at ISU, and had her choreography chosen twice to represent the school at the National College Dance Festival. Her piece Siren won the Dance Magazine Award for Best Student Choreographer and was performed at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. She moved to Chicago, answered a job listing for a dance teacher expecting ballet barres, and instead discovered a beautiful ballroom—and fell in love with Latin, Ballroom and Swing.
Styles offered
33 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Sway Dance Chicagohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Sway Dance Chicago, 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 Sway Dance Chicago
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Sway Dance Chicago teach?
Sway Dance Chicago teaches General, Salsa, Bachata, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing and 27 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Sway Dance Chicago located?
Sway Dance Chicago is located in Chicago, IL. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Sway Dance Chicago offer private lessons?
Contact Sway Dance Chicago directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Sway Dance Chicago teach kids and adults?
Sway Dance Chicago 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 Sway Dance Chicago?
The fastest path is to visit Sway Dance Chicago via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.