In the swing of things

By Lethbridge Herald on July 23, 2025.

Swing Bridge Dance Community members swing dance at the Canadian German Club thursday, during one of two free dance lessons and social dances the community hosts monthly. Everyone is welcome and no experience or partner is needed to attend.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Lethbridge Swing Bridge Dance Community is keeping swing dancing alive and well.

While not as mainstream as it was during its golden era in the early part of the 20th century, swing dancing maintains a strong and active presence today, thriving through dedicated communities, social media, and a blend of traditional and modern styles. 

Swing Bridge Dance Community is the primary place to learn swing dancing in Lethbridge. They offer beginner-friendly classes, social dances, and workshops; welcoming all skill levels. No prior experience nor partner are required to show up.

“These are all free events, open to everyone,” says Swing Bridge founding Member Sheldon Klassen. “We welcome people with or without a partner and always begin with an included beginner dance lesson. Our next event even at festival square is august 8, and our next German

canadian club event is on August 21.”

Swing Bridge hosts two free dance lessons and social dances each month at Festival Square downtown during the first week of the month in Summer, and every third Thursday at the Canadian German Club on the north side. 

“We invite anyone curious (about swing dancing) to attend one of our free social events, grab some food or drink and just check us out before dipping your toe in the water,” says Klassen. “We’d be happy to have you. And for anyone who needs a bit more structure, our regular classes begin in September.”

Swing dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s known for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, in classes and social dances. Whether you’re a teenager or in your 70s, swing dancing can be a fun and engaging social activity. Swing Bridge’s newest instructor, Carrie Russell, says that the best thing about swing dancing is its fun social aspect.

“The more you wing it, the more you have fun while dancing to the music,” says Carrie Russell, Swing Bridge’s newest instructor. “Everyone that comes around and sticks around has such just great characters and makes it fun. Everyone’s so friendly. It’s more than just dance.”

Swing dancing encompasses a variety of styles, all sharing roots in African American vernacular jazz and blues music from the early 20th century. The most prominent types include Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Charleston and Jitterbug.

Swing Bridge was founded in 2014 by a group of University of Lethbridge students and has steadily evolved over a decade. It has used dozens of spaces across the city and has welcomed countless new faces over those years. In its current form as a not-for-profit organization, its mission is to share swing dancing through community and connection. 

For both Klassen and Russell, the social connection through swing dancing went a step further. Klassen met his wife (and fellow founding member) Katherine through swing dancing, and Russell met her fiancé Jesse Terry the same way. They got engaged in early spring. 

“Spending all that time with these good people, you do build those relationships. You make friends and things just naturally progressed,” says Terry. “As you spend more and more time together, sometimes you develop a crush and (then) get lucky.”

The heyday of swing dancing was primarily during the 1930s and 1940s, a period known as the Swing Era. This era saw swing music, played by big bands, become incredibly popular, with dance halls and ballrooms across the U.S. hosting swing dances. The Lindy Hop, a prominent swing dance, also gained widespread popularity during this time.