Swing Dance Revival: All Ages Unite on Milwaukee Dance Floor

Milwaukee's swing dance scene is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly at Falcon Bowl's weekly Third Coast Swing event. This gathering has captivated a refreshingly wide demographic, attracting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From twenty-somethings to sprightly teenagers and seventy-year-old women learning to lead, the dance floor is a vibrant mix.

The free weekly event, which began in the fall of 2023, features an hourlong dance lesson followed by live music from a local jazz band. Instructors emphasize inclusivity, using gender-neutral terms like 'lead' and 'follow' and teaching respectful ways to ask for and decline a dance.

This focus on safety and inclusivity, coupled with the appeal of an analog hobby in a digital age, is drawing people. While the community strives to acknowledge and foreground the Black roots of swing dance, a notable absence of Black attendees is an ongoing challenge they aim to address.

Classes were previously held at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. The move to Riverwest was intended to increase racial diversity, though significant changes are still being sought. The approachability of the beginner lessons, which welcome newcomers every week, is a key factor in its growing popularity.