FAQ
Things to Know!
Are there still tickets available for this week's event?
Great question! You can check by clicking here. If the ticket sheet says "SOLD OUT!" then we're out. If not, it means we have plenty left! Unless the form is already closed (after 2pm on Thursday) we recommend getting paid tickets in advance.
What COVID precautions are you taking?
Our current policy is as follows:
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Proof of COVID vaccination, of any kind (physical card or card photo + ID) at every event. We strongly recommend that all dancers stay up-to-date with boosters. For more info, click here.
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Mask-Optional on DJ nights, Mask-Required on band nights (no vents or gaiters, over your nose & mouth)
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Limiting capacity to 2/3 the venue standards (pre-register to guarantee your spot!)
These policies are subject to change as the pandemic evolves -- we'll keep you posted on all channels.
Are there any exceptions to your COVID policies?
There are currently no exceptions to our COVID policies. If you believe that your case presents an extenuating circumstance, you may email us at jazzattackswings@gmail.com
What is swing dance?
"Swing Dance" is an umbrella term for Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and more, many of which are danced weekly at Jazz Attack! Lindy Hop, the primary style of dancing at Jazz Attack, began in the 1920s in Harlem, NYC among primarily Black communities. It evolved with jazz music and became popular across the country through radio broadcasts, film, and live performance. Lindy hop history, jazz history, and African-American history are inseparable topics, and all Jazz Attack attendees are encouraged to engage deeply with these subjects to gain a fuller understanding of this tradition that is still kicking 100 years later! You can learn more on our History & Culture page.
What happens at your weekly events? Do I need to get tickets ahead of time?
We dance every Thursday from 8-11pm at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, 19103) Since resuming dances after the pandemic, we have begun strongly requesting that dancers get tickets ahead of time through our pre-registration form to guarantee their spot. Any remaining tickets are sold at the door.
Amazing instructors from our community teach beginner (first-timers welcome!) and intermediate lessons from 8-9pm. Check the SCHEDULE for instructors/topics and the CLASSES TAB for level details! Beginner lessons are included in admission and intermediate lessons are an extra $5-15 sliding scale. Please arrive 10 minutes early to stretch and get settled before a lesson. NO admittance to lessons after 8:15.
From 9-11pm, we social dance to DJ’d or live music. Check our Schedule blog for weekly event details including instructors, DJs, or live bands. Our band nights are *usually* the second Thursday of the month.
Where are you located and what is parking like?
Our Thursday evening dance is at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103). There is street & garage parking available nearby. Our dancers recommend using the SpotHero app to find cheap spots -- or check out our parking guide! Definitely build in a few extra minutes to find your spot.
Do I need to bring a partner?
Nope! You're more than welcome to bring friends and partners along, but we'll rotate partners throughout the lessons, and invite you to ask anyone to dance during the social dance!
Do I need to have previous dance experience?
Nope! Very few people grow up swing dancing anymore, so pretty much all of us started later in life!
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing clothes you're comfortable moving in. Casual attire is perfectly fine, although sometimes people like to dress up for band nights and other special events. Close-toed shoes are highly recommended, especially those with low traction for spins & turns (i.e. Keds). Basically -- wear something you'll feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have some fun in! No sharp heels, please.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, privates are a great way to level up your dancing, iron out some kinks, or learn new moves. We have a booklet on our front desk with some of the best instructors in Philly. Our space is open before lessons for private instruction from 7-8:00PM.
If you're interested, talk to any instructor at Jazz Attack and they’ll work with you to schedule a time to meet and practice. Rates are determined by the instructor, but most are flexible and sensitive to everyone's unique situation.
Someone is making me feel uncomfortable, what should I do?
If someone is making you uncomfortable on the dance floor, please let an organizer know right away. Jenn Reddig is our Safer Spaces lead, and Kate Holden assists. Jazz Attack strives to be a fully inclusive space, and we have a strict no-harassment policy. Refer to our Safe Spaces page for a look at our Code of Conduct.
If you don't feel comfortable discussing in person or want to bring up a concern after an event, please submit an anonymous report via our online form.
Are there any discounts? What is the pay-it-foward program?
Yes! Option 1: Volunteer! (You can get in for free!)
Option 2: Jazz Attack runs a Pay It Forward program where members of the community contribute towards free passes for dancers to use. If you're short on cash you can pick up a "pay it forward" slip from the table or say "pay it foward" to the door volunteer and you'll get in for free, no questions asked. Got a little extra change in your pocket? Consider contributing!
I bought a ticket and can't make the dance. Can I transfer or switch my ticket to another week?
Yes! You can transfer your pass to the next week's dance (i.e. from the 7th to the 14th). Just select the "transfer pass" option when you fill out the ticket form the next week. Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to track switches longer than one week, but remember, if admission costs ever become an issue, just use a Pay it Forward pass (see above)! Transfers must be done through the ticket form -- not at the door.
Who runs Jazz Attack?
Jazz Attack is run entirely by volunteers, so forgive us if we don't get back to you right away. You can get to know the organizers on our meet the team page!
I have a question that wasn't answered here...
Send us an email at jazzattackswings@gmail.com!