TC Swing
Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing & Aerials in Minneapolis. Classes, social dances…
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Maddi Melchior via Google
Before your first class
East Coast Swing is described as one of the easiest partnered dances and a great starter class; you can dance after just one lesson.
B-Dale Club (Monday classes) has a large off-street parking lot just south of Highway 36.
About this studio
TC Swing is run by Cindy and Terry Gardner, founders and fixtures in the Twin Cities swing dance scene since they began teaching together in 1997. They teach Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston and Aerials at multiple venues across the metro area.
Cindy specializes in Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. She trained in ballet, jazz and ballroom dance and founded Rhythm & Swing, an ensemble that performs Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz dances. Her choreography work includes Macalester College's 1940s Radio Hour and Faribault Community Theater's The Wizard of Oz. Rhythm & Swing performs regularly at the Minnesota State Fair, Commemorative Air Force Hangar Dances, and regional festivals.
Terry's teaching style emphasizes partnered movement and encouraging instruction. He has competed at the American Lindy Hop Championships and the Ultimate Lindy Hop Championship. At the Minnesota State Fair Talent Contest, he and his partner won 1st place in their semi-final and went on to compete at the Grandstand Show. He is known for teaching aerials—air steps ranging from easy to intricate—and holds workshops several times a year for college swing clubs. Terry is also a popular Swing DJ in the Twin Cities, spinning weekly at Late Night Swing.
Classes run year-round at two locations. Monday basic classes meet at the B-Dale Club in Saint Paul, with separate tracks for East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, both taught by Cindy. Thursday intermediate classes at St. Mark's Event Center in Saint Paul cover both East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop on a drop-in basis, taught by Terry and Cindy together. The 1st Thursday of each month includes a basics sampler for newcomers.
TC Swing also hosts social dancing: Late Night Swing (Thursday evenings with DJ) and 1st Saturday Swing Dance (with live band). Private lessons are available for all styles, including wedding preparation and choreography. The studio has been featured on Good Morning America's Main Street America series and local television including Twin Cities Live and Fox 9's The Jason Show.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop into a Thursday intermediate class and you'll pay at the door, no pre-registration needed. Classes emphasize lead-and-follow technique and connection, building from footwork drills into social dance sequences. On Thursdays, Late Night Swing DJ dancing runs after class. For Mondays, you can sample the first night of the 7-week series for free before deciding which style suits you.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Cindy Gardner teaches Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Charleston and Aerials, with training in ballet, jazz and ballroom. Terry Gardner, influential in aerials instruction, competed at national championships and teaches intermediate classes alongside Cindy. They have taught together since 1997.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
East Coast Swing is described as one of the easiest partnered dances and a great starter class; you can dance after just one lesson.
Studio history
Cindy and Terry Gardner began teaching together in 1997 and have remained central to the Twin Cities swing scene. Cindy formed Rhythm & Swing to present and promote Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz dances through performances and programmes. Terry was influenced by swing legends Frankie Manning (NY), Ryan Francois (London) and Kenneth Norbelie (Stockholm).
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
TC Swinghasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own TC Swing, 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 TC Swing
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does TC Swing teach?
TC Swing teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Aerials and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is TC Swing located?
TC Swing is located in Minneapolis, MN. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does TC Swing offer private lessons?
Contact TC Swing directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does TC Swing teach kids and adults?
TC Swing 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 TC Swing?
The fastest path is to visit TC Swing via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at TC Swing?
B-Dale Club (Monday classes) has a large off-street parking lot just south of Highway 36. St. Mark's Event Center (Thursday classes) offers free off-street parking and street parking via the Prior Ave N entrance.