Dublin’s Swing Scene: From Hidden Corners to a Vibrant Revival
A surprising number of Dubliners are rediscovering the joy of swing dancing, a century-old art form born in Harlem’s jazz clubs, and forging a thriving community in the process. What began as a niche interest has blossomed into a scene offering not just energetic dance classes and social events, but also a unique sense of belonging, particularly for those seeking connection beyond traditional social norms.
A Dance Born of Jazz and Resilience
Swing dancing, an umbrella term encompassing styles like Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag, emerged around 1920s and 30s New York City, fueled by the pulsating rhythms of big band swing jazz. Rooted in the African American community of Harlem, it was more than just dance; it was a cultural expression of resilience and joy. At its heart, swing is best experienced live, in front of a jazz band, a challenge in a city like Dublin where venues equipped for both music and movement are scarce. However, Dublin’s swing enthusiasts are actively changing that.
From Nomadic Roots to Mind the Step
The modern Dublin swing scene experienced a surge and subsequent ebb, according to those involved. Martha Martinho, a former contemporary dancer who moved from Portugal to Ireland in 2013, recalls feeling “feverishly in love” with Lindy Hop after discovering a Lindy Exchange – a European festival of social dancing and live jazz – on her first weekend in the capital. The event was held in the now-closed ballroom of the Garda Club on Harrington Street, and Martinho remembers being greeted by “Lindy” (Linda Jane Byrne), a key figure in the early scene.
However, the initial momentum faded, prompting Martinho to take matters into her own hands. She began offering Blues dancing classes, but securing a consistent venue proved difficult. Dancers moved from pub to function room, a nomadic existence hampered by the fact that swing dancers generally abstain from alcohol, a revenue source venues often rely on. “Some dancers I spoke to highlight the lack of booze as a big attraction, including one recovered alcoholic who was desperately seeking a way to maintain a fun social life exclusive of Ireland’s ubiquitous social lubricant,” one observer noted.
In 2019, Martinho and her partner, Seán McKiernan, opened Mind the Step, a cafe and dance studio that has become the epicenter of Dublin’s swing community. Every Thursday night, the space transforms into a lively social dance floor, where dancers “swing until the walls sweat.” The venue has even witnessed spontaneous moments of romance, with one dancer proposing to his girlfriend during a social dance, two years after they first met at a Lindy Hop lesson.
A Community Built on Connection and Wellbeing
The growth of Dublin’s swing scene isn’t solely attributable to Martinho and McKiernan. Kozue Kosha, originally from Japan, and Michael, a Dublin native, also played a pivotal role. Disappointed by the limited social dancing options after relocating from Vancouver – where the swing scene spills into parks and streets – they connected with musicians from Dublin City University’s jazz performance center. This collaboration led to the creation of the Fáilte Hot Club, hosted monthly at the Leinster Cricket Club in Rathmines.
“Some nights, if the band is good, the atmosphere can be really special,” Michael explains. “You might get a spontaneous jam circle where people throw-down [where experienced couples bust their best moves as the rest of the dancers gather around in a circle, whooping and clapping, before taking their turn in the spotlight] in response to a fast song from the band.” Kosha adds, “When you hit the music with your partner at the same time and you both get the smile on your face, it’s really a unique experience.”
Beyond the joy of the dance itself, participants emphasize the health benefits. Michael, a neurologist, points to the physical and mental engagement required, as well as the crucial social connection. “All exercise is good, but dancing is engaging from a physical and mental perspective… It gets you out and makes you switch off Netflix,” he says. “There’s lots of very good data that shows people live longer when they have that social connection.”
Inclusivity and a Changing Landscape
The Dublin swing scene is also evolving to become more inclusive. Gabriel Rodriguez, a linguist from Spain and a teacher at both the Dublin Swing Dance School and Fáilte Swing Dance School, notes that while swing dancing can be a “safe space for diversity,” it often defaults to traditional gender roles. “There’s always the assumption that the man is the leader and the woman is the follower,” he observes. However, Rodriguez has witnessed a growing number of dancers challenging these norms.
The community also provides a welcoming environment for those seeking alcohol-free social activities. Brian MacDomhnaill, a consultant for the United Nations, discovered swing dancing after aging out of competitive sports. He appreciates the opportunity to dance without relying on alcohol, a rarity in Irish social settings. Classes are now also available in other cities across Ireland, including Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Belfast.
The Emerald Swing Festival will take place next weekend in the Pillar Room at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, offering classes and social dancing. More information can be found at pobailstomp.dancecloud.com.
Ultimately, the Dublin swing scene demonstrates the power of community, the enduring appeal of vintage dance, and the surprising benefits – both physical and social – that can be found on the dance floor. It’s a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to start, and that the rewards, as one dancer put it, are manifold.
