Seattle's Special Annual Dance Events
Seattle is home to several large-scale swing dancing events which all serve different purposes within the community. Each one of these events has its own appeal, and dancers of all levels are encouraged to check them all out.
Seattle Lindy Exchange
The nation's longest-running exchange, the Seattle Lindy Exchange is a chance for other dancers from other cities to come to Seattle and experience our music and dancing. The Exchange Committee will organize local hosts to host out-of-town guests, and will often put together a great mixture of live music and DJ'd dances that will keep you on your feet until 5am!
Camp Jitterbug
Camp Jitterbug is Seattle's largest in-city Lindy Hop dance camp, and features some of the world's most renowned dancers. The weekend's focus is on workshop classes and competitions, and includes lots of dancing with both live music dances and after hours DJ'd dances. Camp Jitterbug also includes the Jump Session show, which includes most of the instructors for the weekend and some other amazing swing/jazz dancing performers.
The Century Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap
Why should Herrang, Sweden be the only place in the world to see all the old-time legends of swing and tap dancing in one place? That was the motivation for the Century Masters event, which consists of five days of dancing, panel discussions, classes, and shows. The panel discussions are fascinating, and really are American History in the flesh. Make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to meet some or all of the Masters themselves, and definitely see them perform at one of the two Masters' Exhibition Shows!
Emerald City Blues Fest
Jazz and blues are closely intertwined, and Seattle has a vibrant blues dancing and music scene. This festival is a weekend of workshop classes from both nationally-reknowned and local instructors, competitions, shows, and lots of live bands. There's lots of DJ'd music at the after-hours dances as well.
Seattle Balboa Swing Festival
Formerly, the NW Bal Fest, the Seattle Balboa Swing Festival is the largest balboa dancing event in the Pacific NorthWest area. The focus is balboa dancing, a dance of intricate steps designed to take up only a small space, typically to faster tempos, and the classes, competitions, and the music at the Bal-Swing Fest are all tailored to this dance, although (if there's room), dancers are certainly welcome to attend and swing out.
Killer Diller Ball/Weekend
Killer Diller is a chance for Seattle dancers to celebrate near the end of the year with a weekend of dance classes and fascinating presentations leading up to a grand swing dance ball. With a focus on formal vintage dress-up and hot live jazz music, the Killer Diller Ball is a highlight of the year. Be sure to check out the Vintage Fashion Show that happens in conjunction with the weekend!