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Boston Swing Central
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Performing Arts, Dance Studios [Edit]
The Crosby Whistle Stop24 Roland St
Charlestown, MA 02129
Neighborhood: Charlestown
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cambridge St @ Carter St (86, 91)
Cambridge St @ Brighton St (86, 91)
Cambridge St @ Parker St (86, 91)
- Hours:
Tue 7:30 am - 11 pm
Wed 9 pm - 11 pm
Fri 8 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for Boston Swing Central
7 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer R.
Somerville, MA
6/30/2011
LOVE this place. Fabulous location to go swing dancing on a Friday night due to its fun atmosphere (low lighting as well!) and the fact that they do have live bands every once in a while. I'm no expert, so if you're like me and need a refresher every now and then, there's an hour lesson from 8-9 where they pretty much teach you the basics over and over...and over. Gotta love it though!
Since attending about five times, I've managed to make best friends with the nice regulars -- mainly, two guys each about forty years older than me - and let's be honest, at least I'll always have a partner option!
No, but really - they're nice. I'm actually not a creeper.... -
Review from George B.
Charlotte, NC
10/29/2008
It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing....
OK all you hep cats, if you are looking for a place to get your swing on this is THE place. BSC holds their dances almost every Friday night with lessons at 8 and dancing from 9-12. You will see some of the best swing dancers in the Boston area with DJs spinning the hits from yesterday and today. If you are looking for a way to have fun and stay fit give Swing a try. -
Review from May N.
2/14/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I was looking for a good place to swing dance and found this great place right in my own neighborhood. There are quite a few places around the Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown area where you could dance almost every night a week. I haven't been to the other places, but when I have time, I walk to this Greek Orthodox church hall behind the independent movie rental place next to Cambridge City Hall, fork over $10-$13 for cover because I'm no longer a student, and head inside. I find a chair to hang my coat and stick my water bottle underneath and away I whirl.
Well, really, jump, jive, and wail, right? The dancers are very diverse in ages (I once danced with a retired dentist who was super cute). East Coast and Lindy prevail, with some blues and Balboa. People are pretty nice and will dance with strangers. You can check their schedule online and see what the DJ plans to play or what band is performing. I went a few weeks ago when a great band was playing lots of big band styles and their was a line out the door because capacity was reached. Lessons from 8-9, dancing from 9-12, cover ranges from $8-$13 depending on whether it's a DJ or band and whether you're a student or not. It's a great swing community here.Listed in: Living in Central Square
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Review from Barbara B.
Winchester, MA
2/7/2009 1 photo
This is the best weekly swing dance in Boston. They have a live band almost every week, including local greats Beantown Swing Orchestra and the Fried Bananas. They also pull in great imports such as Solomon Douglas and Gordon Webster.
The dance crowd is mostly Lindy Hop with some blues and East Coast (the step you learn in the free lesson before the dance). A lot of the dance instructors and advanced dancers frequent this dance. When you aren't dancing it is fun to sit back and watch and listen.
You don't need to bring a partner. Most folks will dance with you if you ask them. Several people sport an "angel" bandana meaning they are experienced dancers looking to dance with people new to the dance.
The drink of choice in this crowd is water so they are sharp and well balanced on the dance floor. There are jugs of water in the back left corner as well as light snacks.
Check out the videos on the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.co..., and the events for upcoming bands. The pictures give an idea of what the crowd wears. You can wear jeans, however you won't be out of place if you dress up, though tuxes or sequins is probably over doing it.
Swing Central has quite the following. Recently they reached capacity when a very popular band played and there was a wait to get in. If you get there before 9:30 or after 10:30 you should be able to get in with no problem.
If you are new to dancing by all means attend the 8:00 lesson a few times. The instructors rotate so it isn't the same lesson every week.
The dance has moved from St. Mary's Church in Central Square to a dedicated dance space, Crosby's Whistle stop at 24 Roland Street in Charleston (how appropriate). It is in an industrial building, but don't let that put you off. The brick walls and wooden floor are a nice step up from the church basement.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Arestia R.
Boston, MA
6/8/2009
The best swing dancing in Boston for all you crazy cats! Erin M. told me this was the place to go to get back into swing dancing and boy was she right! Lessons are at 8pm and the dancing is from 9pm-12am and there's LIVE MUSIC! Woo! It's only $13 to enter and have the most sober fun ever.
The room here just had such a great energy. Everyone was so friendly, switching off partners every song, smiling and just jumpin' and jivin' their best moves. And let me tell you - there were some really great dancers here! All ages, shapes, sizes, just gathering to do something fun and something they love. Don't be shy; come on out! -
Review from Erin M.
3/29/2009 25 Check-ins Here
By far BSC is the best run weekly dance in Boston and quite possibly anywhere. All of the staff/volunteers (it's a volunteer organization) dedicate themselves to the dancer experience by working diligently to ensure that new dancers are welcome, dancing is accessible (Cliff Notes are available for free!, angel program), the music and sound are of the highest quality, and the lessons before the general dance are informative and vary by teacher.
Dances are every Friday from 9:00 pm-Midnight (sometimes 1:00 am) with a beginner's lesson and intermediate move taught at 8:00 pm. On a slow night there are 100 people, on a busy night (most of them) with top swing bands such as Gordon Webster, Fried Bananas, etc. BSC does sell out. You will not sit out...you will be dancing all night long and have a blast doing it.
Everyone at the dances is extremely kind and helpful. The music, whether live or a DJ, is some of the best swing, jazz, and blues you will hear anywhere. And for those who are concerned, the snack table is always filled with yummy goodies (fruits/veggies to cookies!) and water is always available.
Not sure about dancing? Come out, take a lesson, then find some of the dancers with bandanas on. They're "angels" who volunteer to help new people learn to dance. They won't critique unless you ask. Angels are just there to keep you on the dance floor!
Cover for the evening ranges from $10-$15 depending on whether it is a DJ night or a live band. Volunteers and angels are in for free or half price. Also, the dance is half price after 11:00 pm so if you're REALLY unsure about coming, then stop by after 11:00 pm to get a feel for BSC for a little less money. You'll be hooked.Listed in: Listen Up!, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
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Review from Al A.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/22/2010
*THE* place to go swing dancing in Boston.
