Swing Patrol Riverside
Lindy Hop, Charleston and swing styles taught Thursday nights in West End.
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Before your first class
Absolute beginners are welcome; Level 1 classes assume no knowledge and teach the basics every lesson, adding new moves each week.
Anything comfortable that you can move around in.
Flat shoes or plimsolls (high heels are harder for swing dancing), comfortable clothing you can move in, and deodorant.
$18 per class; second class same night is half price ($9); first night free
About this studio
Swing Patrol Riverside runs beginner swing dance classes on Thursday nights at South Brisbane Sailing Club in West End. Your first night is free, and there's no need to book in advance — just turn up a few minutes before class starts and pay at the door (cashless preferred).
The Thursday schedule is built around back-to-back beginner sessions. You can arrive at 6:00 pm for free footwork drills with Kahl, followed by a five-minute solo warm-up with classic routines like the Shim Sham, Tranky Doo and line dancing. The first Level 1 beginner class runs 6:30–7:30 pm, the second 7:30–8:30 pm, and if you want to stay and practise, there's social dancing from 8:30–9:00 pm. Both beginner classes assume no experience and cover the basics every lesson, adding new moves each week, so you can drop in whenever suits you. Recent class topics have included 8 Beat Lindy, Charleston, 20s Charleston and Shag.
Swing Patrol teaches Lindy Hop as its flagship dance, developed by African Americans at the Savoy Ballroom in New York in the 1920s. The studio also introduces students to other swing styles including Balboa, Blues, Collegiate Shag and Solo Jazz. You don't need to bring a partner — classes rotate throughout the lesson, which is part of the social learning experience. The team includes instructors Kahl and a crew of part-time teachers listed on the site: Brian, Heather, Joel, Jodi, Leigh, Monique, Morgan, Nathan, Scottie and Steph.
Beyond weekly classes, Swing Patrol runs events and socials around Brisbane, including Sunset @ Witton Barracks, Gabba Fridays, The Blues Cave (bi-monthly), South City Square night markets, Sunday Swing Sesh (bi-monthly), Swing Den and seasonal parties like the Christmas gathering. Private lessons and corporate entertainment are also available on request.
What to expect
Your first visit
Come a few minutes early on Thursday to catch free footwork drills and a warm-up. The beginner class teaches fundamentals with no experience needed, and you'll rotate with other students rather than dance with just one partner. Bring something comfortable to move in, flat shoes or plimsolls, and deodorant — the Brisbane climate is warm.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The team includes Kahl (who leads the free footwork warm-up at 6:00 pm) and part-time instructors Brian, Heather, Joel, Jodi, Leigh, Monique, Morgan, Nathan, Scottie and Steph. None of the team are full-time.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Absolute beginners are welcome; Level 1 classes assume no knowledge and teach the basics every lesson, adding new moves each week.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Anything comfortable that you can move around in.
What to bring
Flat shoes or plimsolls (high heels are harder for swing dancing), comfortable clothing you can move in, and deodorant. You may want to bring a change of top if coming straight from work.
Studio history
Swing Patrol is part of a wider family of swing dance schools across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, London and Berlin. The studio is committed to honouring the African American roots of Lindy Hop and swing music, and operates on the unceded traditional lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Swing Patrol Riversidehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Swing Patrol Riverside, 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 Swing Patrol Riverside
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Swing Patrol Riverside teach?
Swing Patrol Riverside teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Swing Patrol Riverside located?
Swing Patrol Riverside is located in West End, QLD. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Swing Patrol Riverside offer private lessons?
Contact Swing Patrol Riverside directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Swing Patrol Riverside teach kids and adults?
Swing Patrol Riverside 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 Swing Patrol Riverside?
The fastest path is to visit Swing Patrol Riverside via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.