Uptown Swing
International Lindy Hop champions teaching swing in Minneapolis from zero to…
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Amanda Folberg via Google
Before your first class
Classes require no experience or partner; you start from zero with Level 1 and progress step by step through monthly courses.
No fancy dress required—come in something comfortable that allows you to move.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move and sweat in.
Level 1 (8-Count) $100 for the month or 8 credits; most other courses $50 for 4 weeks or 4 credits; Solo Jazz courses $50 or 4 credits
About this studio
Uptown Swing teaches Lindy Hop and related swing styles to dancers at all levels in Minneapolis. The studio was founded in 2010 by Peter Strom, who decided to introduce new people to Lindy Hop after Frankie Manning, the ambassador of Lindy Hop, passed away in 2009. Strom has won 1st place titles at both the American & International Lindy Hop Championships and has taught in over 20 countries around the world.
Classes run on two locations and schedules. Mondays classes meet at Four Seasons Ballroom from 7 to 8:15pm, with Rhythm Junction dance starting at 8pm. Thursdays classes are at Center for Performing Arts from 7–8:15pm and 8:30–9:45pm, with free practice until 10:15pm. The curriculum is built in monthly courses that build progressively: Level 1 covers 6-count, 8-count, and Charleston patterns over four weeks; you can then advance to Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Solo Jazz classes are also available. There is no partner requirement—about half of students come solo and half with a partner. You rotate throughout class so you meet people and learn from different dancers.
The instructors compete and teach on a national to international level. Co-owner Naomi Uyama discovered Lindy Hop in Washington DC in the late nineties and has won titles at the ALHC, the ULHS, and the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships. Other instructors include Valeria Kochubei, who has spent the past decade as student, teacher, choreographer, performer, and competitor; Maddie Rode, who started dancing in 2011 and has travelled to perform, teach, and compete around the U.S. and locally; Jeremy Fischer, who travels to take classes from top instructors and integrates their ideas into his teaching; and Bryan Soto, a recent transplant to Minnesota who was introduced to Lindy Hop during graduate school in Georgia and has travelled to events around the world.
Uptown Swing runs two major events each year. Spring Jam takes place the last weekend in May and features workshops, dancing, and a live band; instructors focus on followers on Saturday and leaders on Sunday, with Solo Jazz on both days. The Uptown Swingout is their annual event from August 28–30 and brings in some of the best Lindy Hop instructors in the world, an amazing live band, and dance elders from the Savoy Ballroom. The studio is rated 5.0 stars on Google with 18 reviews. Students consistently praise the friendly, skilled instruction, the inclusive community, and how quickly they progress from absolute beginners to confident dancers.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll join a class with other beginners or at your level, rotating partners throughout so you meet people. Instructors teach without gendering roles, so you can try leading or following. No experience or partner is needed—just wear comfortable clothes and shoes that won't mark the floor.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Peter Strom and Naomi Uyama are co-owners and instructors. Peter won 1st place at both the American & International Lindy Hop Championships and has taught in over 20 countries. Naomi has won titles at the ALHC, the ULHS, and the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships. Other instructors are Valeria Kochubei, Maddie Rode, Jeremy Fischer, and Bryan Soto—all active competitors and teachers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes require no experience or partner; you start from zero with Level 1 and progress step by step through monthly courses.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
No fancy dress required—come in something comfortable that allows you to move.
What to bring
Wear comfortable clothes you can move and sweat in. Shoes should not be wet, dirty, or have marking soles; aim for shoes that are not too slippery and not too sticky.
Studio history
Peter Strom founded Uptown Swing in 2010 after deciding he needed to introduce as many new people to Lindy Hop as possible, following Frankie Manning's death in 2009. Strom has been teaching Lindy Hop devotees around the world for many years.
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
Uptown Swinghasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Uptown 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 Uptown Swing
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Uptown Swing teach?
Uptown Swing teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Charleston. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Uptown Swing located?
Uptown Swing is located in Minneapolis, MN. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Uptown Swing offer private lessons?
Contact Uptown Swing directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Uptown Swing teach kids and adults?
Uptown 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 Uptown Swing?
The fastest path is to visit Uptown Swing via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.