Swing It Seattle

Swing It Seattle teaches the original swing dances — Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, and Blues — across all levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. Co-founded and run by Mark and Katie Kihara, the studio offers a carefully structured progression of classes designed to build skills step by step. Lindy Hop starts at level 1 with no prerequisites and advances through levels 2 and 3, with specialized tracks like Lindy 3 Lab (themed special topics) and Lindy 3: Easy Does It (65-minute classes at moderate tempos). Balboa progresses from basics through level 3, while Solo Jazz and Blues each have two levels. Queer Swing Seattle, taught in ELEF style (Everyone Leads, Everyone Follows), partners with Swing It Seattle to offer Lindy Hop classes at levels 1, 2, and 3 in a radically queer-empowered environment — all are welcome.

Classes meet at two venues: South Park Hall (1253 S Cloverdale St, upstairs on the 2nd floor) on Monday and Wednesday, and Russian Community Center of Seattle (704 19th Ave E) on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. South Park Hall offers shared attached parking and free street parking. Lindy 1 students get a Swing It Pass allowing them to take class up to twice a week at no additional charge. Students at level 2 and above can take level 1 classes within the same style for free as class helpers, a way to solidify basics and learn both leader and follower roles.

Mark Kihara has been teaching, performing, and promoting African-American jazz dances since the late 1990s. He has been a featured instructor at Sweden's Herräng Dance Camp and has won or placed at competitions including the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown and the American Lindy Hop Championships. Katie Kihara has been dancing, teaching, competing, and performing lindy hop since 2007 and is a longtime member of Sister Kate Dance Company, Seattle's longest running all-female chorus troupe. She emphasizes partnership skills that empower both roles to dance their best.

The wider teaching team includes Theresa Manney (Balboa, Solo Jazz, Collegiate Shag), Travis Whetman (Balboa), Taylor Stender (Balboa), Adam Brozowski (Queer Lindy, Solo Jazz), Bradley Barrios (Queer Lindy), Robin Chow (Blues), and Ana Lisa Sutherland (Solo Jazz). Theresa has been a passionate member of the jazz dance community for over 10 years and also performs with Sister Kate Dance Company. Travis has been sharing his love of swing dancing in Seattle since the early 2000s and is known for his classic style of Balboa. Taylor has been dancing since 2007 and teaching locally and regionally since 2010, with placements and finalist finishes in several national Balboa competitions. Adam, originally from Seattle, has been a member of the International Lindy Hop and Swing dance communities and travels the world as a teacher, performer, and choreographer. Robin started later in life and became a passionate practitioner of blues dance from 2018 onwards. Ana Lisa is a competitor, performer, and retired Latin ballroom champion who draws inspiration from historical sources and contemporary forms.

Swing It Seattle also organizes weekly and monthly live music social dance events at the historic South Park Hall. Private lessons are available, one hour long, and include the option to record a video recap for individual use — they're described as great for preparing for big life events like weddings and anniversaries and as a unique gift. Students can record class material for personal use. The studio has built what it calls a welcoming community with a loyal and dedicated student base, supporting social justice for Black communities and LGBTQIA2S+ communities with ongoing monthly contributions.

Beginners join a Lindy 1 class with no prerequisites and progress through a structured curriculum. You'll pair up with different partners in each class to learn with various dancers, and instructors Mark and Katie create an atmosphere described by students as safe, welcoming, and energetic. Expect to work hard, learn new moves, and have a lot of fun — many students say they leave drenched in sweat.

Mark Kihara (owner, lindy hop) has taught since the late 1990s and was a featured instructor at Sweden's Herräng Dance Camp, with wins or placements at the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown and American Lindy Hop Championships. Katie Kihara (owner, lindy hop) has been teaching and competing since 2007 and is a longtime member of Sister Kate Dance Company. Supporting instructors include Theresa Manney (Balboa, Solo Jazz, Collegiate Shag), Travis Whetman (Balboa), Taylor Stender (Balboa, national competition finalist), Adam Brozowski (Queer Lindy, Solo Jazz), Bradley Barrios (Queer Lindy), Robin Chow (Blues), and Ana Lisa Sutherland (Solo Jazz, retired Latin ballroom champion).

We always have a Lindy 1 class each series you can jump into for absolute beginners, and all styles emphasize accessibility and fun.