Swing City

What a fun saturday night. We got their at 8 and had an hr of lessons before the live band started at 9 and we danced the night away. We met some great people and had a blast. Highly recommend if you are looking for something fun and different to do!

Swing City is a swing dancing club that goes on every Saturday night in Squirrel Hill and has been for many years. Its in a school/community center, on the top floor in the gymnasium and generally has DJ'd nights, occasionally live bands. Open to all ages with a cover charge at the door, cash only. There are water fountains and usually a snack table for a small extra fee. The crowd can be very diverse in ages, from young high school students to elderly adults well into their 70s and the amount of people can be really hit or miss. If you are looking for nights where you have more advanced dancers and a bigger crowd, make sure to go on nights where there is a live band playing or when there is a workshop during the weekend in town. For the most part, you will see east coast swing dancers, the occasional lindy hopper and the even more rare advanced dancers. There is a beginner lesson for an hour before the dance starts and you do not need a partner to go to the lesson or the dance, although it can be more fun if you bring someone you already know. The dress code is very casual. There is a small private lot, but otherwise, it is street parking only in a residential area, so it can be difficult to find parking if you show up past 10pm. Have fun!

If you're looking for good, wholesome fun in the city, Swing City is the place to go. Even if you are not a dancer or terribly comfortable in a social setting, you will gain confidence after the hour-long beginner's lesson before the night starts. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet people of all ages without the awkward silence. Anyone who is willing to get themselves into the door and on to the dance floor is sure to have a good time.Admittedly, the most fun can be had on nights with a live band, but even the DJed dances are enjoyable. Regardless, you'll find a mix of beginners to very advanced dancers and everyone is encouraged to dance with all. If you're looking for something unique, try Vintage Night (the first Saturday of the month) and dress in your zoot suites and twirly skirts. Otherwise, the dress code is very casual but be sure to wear comfortable shoes that can slide easily on the dance floor. There is a cover charge, cash only. Snacks can be purchased with a small donation.Parking is limited on the residential street, but usually still available if you arrive for the lesson. Those who are lucky enough to celebrate their birthday at Swing City will have their own special dance and be whisked around the floor by some of the top dancers in the city. (This made for an incredibly memorable and fantastic 24th birthday!)I would highly recommend Swing City to anyone!

Swing City @ the Whitman Center on Saturday nights is/has become a shell of itself. Last night ( w/ the Boilermakers) dancers couldn't leave fast enough. Most experienced dancers didn't show. After the 1st set & 3 songs into the DJ I left. I like Jimmy Adler's band, but not @ the Whitman Center. Dr Zoot is only band I would consider going back to dance. They use to teach, at least 1 line dance, & dance to two, NO more. Quality of instructor has dropped off. Improper food handling when serving pizza, that we pay 4. NO ice? 4 warm (water), flat soda also.

Any time I'm in town, this is my Saturday night event. The lessons are always fun and informative and the opportunity to swing dance all night is so inviting. There's usually treats and sodas and waters to purchase right in front of the water fountains. The dancers range from beginner to advanced, ages high school to 70's, all wanting to dance!!

Great place to go to dance or learn to dance. Fun for people of all ages.