So what exactly is Swing Dancing?

Swing dancing originated in the late 1930s and reached it’s peak in the 1940s with Big Bands led by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie. These Bands had the lads jumping and jiving in dance halls across the world. Dance halls were the night clubs of the day and many had more than 1000 people swing dancing most nights of the week! To name a few, The Savoy Ballroom, The Cotton Club and The Trocadero are some of the legendary dance halls where Swing reigned supreme!!

Although the classic 40s era may be over, the music, dancing and fashion still lives on today! Some old timers even say that there are more people swing dancing worldwide today than back in the 40s. Neo-swing artists, such as Royal Crown Revue, Cherry Poppin' Daddies and Brian Setzer have Swing music still hitting the charts today!

And what do I wear to the Gangsters' Ball?

Dress code is strictly 1920's - 40's Gangsters, Flappers & Molls, Burlesque, Vintage, traditional Dance Hall Swing & Rockabilly. Below are some ideas to get you started:

Guys - Gangsters & Zoot Suits

Gals - Flappers, Molls, Vintage & Burlesque

 

Where can I buy my outfit, accessories and get my hair done?

Route 66 (Clothing & Accessories):

Sydney - 225-257 Crown Street, Darlinghusrt, NSW phone: (02) 9331 6686

Melbourne - (The Garage) 2 Grattan Street, Prahan, VIC phone: (03) 9529 4659

Melbounre City - Shop 7, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston Street, Melb VIC phone: (03) 9639 5669

Antons (Clothing & Accessories):

Sydney - 212 Oxford Street Paddington NSW 2021 phone (02) 9361 0007

Melbourne - Shop 367, 300 Lonsdale Street (Melbourne Central), VIC phone: (03) 9663 8610

Stand Hatters (Hats & Accessories): Strand Arcade, 412 George Street, Sydney, NSW phone: (02) 9231 6884

Dirty Pretty Things (lingerie & Accessories): 225 Glenmore Road, Paddington, NSW phone: (02) 9331 2066

House of Fetish (Clothing & Accessories): 93 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW phone: (02) 9380 9042

Gallery Serpentine (Clothing & Accessories): Shop 2, 112 Enmore Road, Enmore, NSW phone: (02) 9557 5821

Retrospec'd Clothing (Clothing & Accessories): 486 King Street, Newtown, NSW phone: (02) 9517 1387

Sterling HQ (Hair): 3/29 Brisbane Street, Surry Hills, NSW. phone: (02) 9262 7777