Swing dancing class are coming up in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT -- Grab your dancing shoes and bop on down to Community Hall, 204 N. First Ave., to learn some fresh moves from the 1920s-1940s. Sandpoint Parks and Recreation is offering weekly classes Tuesdays, July 5 through Aug. 7, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for some retro dancing fun.

Swing Dancing, presented by teacher Darla Dryer, is open to teens and adults. Dryer will show participants some basic dance moves that suit the swing-era music of the 20th century, according to the class description. 

Some of the most well-known swing dance styles include the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop, the Lindy Charleston and the Shag. They formed the foundation of such later dance genres as disco, hip hop and country-style line dancing, according to Wikipedia. Swing dance clubs and competitions throughout the country testify to its enduring popularity.

Typically done to a rapid beat, swing dancing is also excellent for fitness.

"Swing dancing is a vigorous aerobic workout that raises your heart rate and can leave you breathless. You can burn a lot of calories swing dancing, though the number you burn depends on your size and how you dance. The average person burns nearly 300 calories per hour swing dancing. The activity offers a full-body workout," according to fitday.com.

The registration deadline for Swing Dancing is Monday, June 27, at Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, 1123 Lake St. The class fee is $60, with a $5 discount for city residents.

Information: sandpointidaho.gov or 263-3613.