FAQ
Where can I learn to Swing Dance?  The Hepcats is the place for you!  The Hepcats offer beginner and intermediate swing dance classes at very reasonable prices.  Check out the Classes page for more info.
Where can I go Swing Dancing in Lexington/Central KY area?  Once again, the Hepcats have got you covered!  There are at least monthly Hepcats swing dances in the Lexington area.  A few times a year the Hepcats sponsor swing dances with LIVE music; those dances are not to be missed!  Check out the Dance Events or Calendar pages of the web site.
How do people dress at Hepcats activities?
► For Classes.  We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for classes.  We don't recommend blue jeans because they're too restrictive.  We also do not recommend high heels or open, strapped shoes such as sandals or flip flops. 

► Swing Dances.  Everyone has their own personal preference, but "dressy casual" would probably best describe it:  not too dressed up, but not too dressed down.  For the Hepcats swing dances with live music, people tend to get a little more dressed up.

► Vintage Style.  Some people prefer to dress vintage at swing dances:  i.e. wide legged pants, two tone shoes, "swishy" skirts or dresses, etc.....  While this is never required, it is fun and adds to the overall fun and atmosphere of the dance.  How do you get Vintage Style Clothes?  Generally speaking, here, there, and everywhere.  (For a start on line, try DanceStore.com).  Most people pick them up where they can find them.  Some may be real vintage items found at thrift stores.  Others may be vintage styles found at ordinary clothing stores.  Some may be custom/home made. Some may be from specialty shops online. The best thing to do is ask people; they'll be more than happy to share info.  Click here for more info on clothes and shoes for swing dancing. 
What is the age range of people at local swing dances?  In general, the local swing scene has a very diverse age range.  It is not uncommon to find people of all ages at Hepcats events: young professionals, students (college and high school) and non students, baby boomers, GenXer's, ages 18 to 80....hey you get the picture, people of all ages love to swing dance! 
I'd Like to Learn How to Swing Dance, but ........ I've Never Danced Before;  I've Got Two Left Feet; I Could Never Learn to Dance; ..... ,  (okay, these are not questions, but these comments are sometimes expressed!)  Hey, everybody has to start somewhere!  If you can count to 8, you can learn to swing dance.  Lindy Hop and Balboa are great dances, swing music is great music, and it's fun!  Come on out and give it try!
But I'm a man, and everyone knows how hard it is to teach a man how to dance!  (Okay, this is also not question, but this type comment is sometimes expressed!)   Hey guys, the hardest part is giving it a try!  In our experience, if you can count to 8 and you know your left from your right foot, you can easily become a competent dancer.  Think about it for a minute.  Even though women generally like to dance more than men, thousands and thousands of men have learned to dance; most of them just average Joe's like you and me.  You can learn too.  Click here for more info on misconceptions men have about dancing.   
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Do I need a dance partner to take classes?  No.  For Hepcats classes, dance partners are not required; single dancers are welcome!  Of course, it's always better if you have a dance partner, in case you want to practice.  
Do I need a dance partner to go to swing dances?  No, absolutely not!  Swing dancing is a social activity.  There are always people to dance with.  Many people come to swing dances without a dance partner. Those who do come with a dance partner usually dance with other people as well.  So, don't be shy, ask people to dance!
Should I ask people to dance or wait for someone to ask me to dance?  Ask someone to dance!  It is quite acceptable for a gal to ask a guy to dance (and vice versa!) in the swing dance community.  Of course, one always has the option to decline a dance, either  gal or guy (although that usually happens because the person is tired and wants to rest by setting out a dance).  A swing dance is a social event, so the best way to meet people and dance is to ask people to dance!
Should I learn from a video?  Videos are a good tool for learning, but normally not for a beginner or someone just learning to dance.  It's hard to learn (and pick up good habits) from watching an instructional video; there are many subtle points that do not come across in a video.  Plus you don't get feedback on your progress.  Videos are a good way to learn new moves and styling once you have an understanding of the basics.
Do the Hepcats teach Aerials or Air Steps?  What about aerials on the social dance floor?  It is the policy of the Hepcats not to teach aerials/air steps.  If you want to learn aerials/air steps you should be an experienced swing dancer with a regular dance partner and attend workshops by qualified instructors with the proper equipment (i.e. mats and spotters) or obtain private lessons from qualified instructors.  The basic rule for aerials/air steps is that they should never be performed on the social dance floor.  Aerials/air steps should be saved for competitions and performances.

The Swing Dance Community as a whole, to include the Hepcats, frowns upon aerials (except at the aforementioned competitions and performances).  

Hepcats want to have fun, but safety is our foremost consideration!  If at all in doubt, ask an instructor before attempting any pattern, step or move that could put you or your partner at risk for injury.

The concerns expressed  on this web page are not an attempt to limit dancers creativity or innovation, but instead provide a safe and courteous dancing environment for all dancers.  It is not the decision of those performing the aerials/air steps whether others are in danger.  Other dancers on the floor have the right to dance without worrying whether you or your partner is going to come down on their head or take out their knees.  In addition, no one wants to see another dancer get hurt because of an aerial/air step that has gone awry.             

What is an aerial/air step? An aerial/air step is a pattern, step or move in which one partner (typically the follower, the woman) relinquishes contact with the floor and their partner and becomes airborne. If not performed correctly, it is only a matter of when, and not if, an injury will occur when aerials are involved.

Some people may be initially attracted to swing dancing by aerials/air steps they may have seen on TV, in the movies, etc.  People have been hurt due to dancers attempting to execute aerials/air steps when they have not learned the proper technique, safety and etiquette.   

Aerials/air steps should never be performed on the social dance floor, to include all Hepcats activities.  The one exception is a "Jam Circle".  A circle of spectators is formed and swing dancers should normally enter the circle one couple at a time, showing the spectators their best "stuff".  In this environment, innocent people would not be able to wander into the path of dancers performing aerials/air step.

In addition and very importantly, aerials/air steps should only be attempted with a regular dance partner; in other words, don't try to attempt an aerial/air step with a partner that you've only danced with a few times (or less) socially.                                       Back to Top
What kind of shoes are best for swing dancing?  There are lot of options when it comes to shoes.  The basic guideline is to wear shoes that are comfortable and that you can turn and spin in.  Much like getting information about clothing, the best thing to do is ask people.  You can also check out this web page which provides some good info on shoe (and clothes) options for swing dancers.
What kind of music will you hear at Hepcats events?  We can confidently say that no dance organization in Lexington/Central Kentucky enjoys as much great music at it's events as the Hepcats!  Of course, sometimes there are events in Lexington (both dance and non dance events) that have a "professional" or "party" DJ providing the music--don't be fooled; in Lexington you'll only hear that classic, great swing music at Hepcats events!   

For DJ'd dances, we play that great swing music that's really fun for swing dancing, to include Big Band, Jump Blues, R&B, 50's, Rockabilly, etc..., at a variety of tempos.  We also like to dance the Shim Sham, break out a jam circle, etc.  For live music venues, the Hepcats only collaborate with high quality musical groups that know how to, and like to play for, swing dancers.  So come on out to any of the Club's dances with live or DJ music; we think you'll like the music!
How long does it take to become a "good" swing dancer?  When will I feel "comfortable" dancing?  There is no set answer.  It really depends on the person.  The best piece of advice is to stick with it!  It certainly helps to take classes and attend workshops.  And while classes and workshop are a necessity, there is no substitution for getting out on the dance floor!  Depending on the person, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get comfortable with dancing.  But one thing is for sure:  dancing is a "use it" or "lose it" skill.  So get out there and dance, enjoy the music, and above all have fun!
Should I practice? If so, how much?  It all depends on how fast you want to progress.  As previously mentioned, dancing is a type of "use it or lose it" activity. It's been said that dancing is more analogous to learning a foreign language, than perhaps, riding a bike. For example, most people, once they learn to ride a bike, can do so even after prolonged periods of inactivity. But staying proficient at a foreign language requires some amount of consistent usage. We normally recommend that you try to practice 30-45 minutes a week to go over new material and/or material you may not be totally comfortable with. Of course, one of the best ways to increase your dancing proficiency is to go out dancing!

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For questions or information about Hepcats activities, contact Mike Richardson,
info@Luv2SwingDance.com; or 859-420-2426.

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The questions below are some common ones that beginner swing dancers/ newcomers to
Hepcats activities frequently ask.  We hope you find this info helpful!

If you need additional info about Hepcats activities, contact
Mike Richardson, 859-420-2426;
info@luv2swingdance.com.

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