ACSR Est. 2016

Setting the tempo...

Alamo City Swing Revival

Start Dancing

Who We Are

Swing dancers in motion at an Alamo City Swing Revival social

Alamo City Swing Revival (ACSR) is a Non-profit 501(c)(7). Our funds always go back to dancers to provide bands, lessons, entertainment, snacks/drinks, and much more!

At ACSR, we believe dance is for everyone. Whether you're a total beginner who's never heard of a swing-out, or a seasoned lindy hopper who lives for the jam circle.

We host weekly social dances, lessons with San Antonio's best lindy hop instructors, and live band nights that'll make you forget what century you're in. Come for the dance, stay for the people.

0 Dance Members
0 Events Per Year
0 Years Running

Join the Floor

Loading events...

Learn the Steps

Loading classes...

The Scene

Board Members

ST

Sheri Tate

Founder
JV

Jonathan Vargas

President
DN

Don Newton

Secretary Extraordinaire
EM

Eduardo Meneses

Treasurer
LR

Lauren Rodriguez

Social Media Coordinator
NJ

Nick Johnson

Dance Coordinator
PM

Pam Mitchel

Hospitality Coordinator
TO

Thomas Olvera

Volunteer Coordinator

Questions and Answers

What is Swing Music & Dance?

Swing music is a style of jazz born in the United States during the late 1920s and early 1930s, defined by its infectious off-beat "swing" rhythm. By the mid-1930s it had swept the nation. Big Band leaders like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington ruled the airwaves from 1935 to 1946 in what we now call the Swing Era.

And where there's great music, there's great dancing. Swing dance is an umbrella term for the vibrant vernacular jazz dances that exploded during this era: Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing (Jitterbug), Balboa, Charleston, Collegiate Shag, and more. Each one is a living tradition, still danced and loved today.

Are there rules or guidelines I should know?

We keep it simple. Here are just a few things to keep the floor fun and safe for everyone:

  • No spiked heels or shoes that may mark or damage the floor.
  • No food or beverages on the dance floor, please.
  • All minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Aerials (lifts and flips) should only be attempted during jam circles and always with your partner's explicit verbal agreement first.
  • All attendees must sign our waiver upon arrival.
  • We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave for any reason.
  • We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. We're a dance community, not a dating club. Respect goes a long way.
What should I wear?

Swing dancing is a casual, joyful activity. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready to move. Some dancers show up in full 1940s/50s vintage looks, others dress up in their finest, and plenty show up in jeans and a t-shirt. It's entirely up to you.

A few practical tips: swing is a real workout, so choose breathable, stretchy clothing. Consider bringing a change of clothes for later in the evening. Go for comfortable, closed-toe shoes (many swing dancers swear by Keds and Fuegos). Open-toed shoes are not recommended, and spiked heels are not permitted on the floor.

Keep an eye out for our theme nights! Follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list so you never miss one. Most importantly, dress how you feel.

Why become a member?

Membership is what keeps ACSR alive and kicking. At just $50/year, it's one of the best deals in town. And you get in free the night you sign up!

  • Discounted admission to all ACSR events and dances.
  • The ability to run for the board, volunteer, and vote in elections.
  • A direct stake in keeping our community thriving.

And here's why it matters: to maintain our non-profit 501(c)(7) status, we need a solid membership base. Your membership is what allows us to book live bands, bring in great instructors, offer refreshments, and keep the lights on. Every member makes a difference.

Do I need a partner?

Not at all! At dances both here in San Antonio and around the world, it's tradition to rotate partners from song to song. It helps everyone improve faster, and it means you'll get to connect with dancers of all skill levels.

Come solo, and you'll leave with new friends and new moves.

How do I join the mailing or text messaging list?

Joining our mailing or text list is the most direct way to receive updates on our event schedule. Our reminders are sent out on a weekly basis. Email us to be added to the list!

I want to get in contact with ACSR

Do you have a question not listed here or have a business inquiry? Contact us here! Alternatively, you can contact us at acswingrevival@gmail.com

Our Story

In 2015, a group of dancers in San Antonio united to discuss their love of swing dancing. They realized that the public interest in swing dance and support for local swing bands was on the decline. The already small group of swing dancers & instructors were spread-thin due to different event locations. Additionally, it was difficult to get everybody together due to schedules, different thoughts on swing dance, and the love of different music styles. But that was all about to change.

The group eagerly discussed how swing dancing had changed their lives for the better. Each person told stories of how swing dance brought fun times, new friends, and an appreciation of American music & history. They also noted the health benefits. Swing dance provided them exercise, stress release, and it renewed their joy. The profound effect that swing dance had on each of their lives gave them energy and countless reasons to start a new non-profit 501c7 dance community in San Antonio, also known as Alamo City Swing Revival (ACSR).

With the help of dancers, friends, and family, a club was born in March 2016. ACSR's first dance was on St. Patrick's Day, 2016. It was a record-breaking swing dance event for ACSR with over 230 dancers in attendance! Thanks to the support of you (the members) along with the many amazing board members & volunteers, a swing revival had occurred and has continued since then. ACSR has managed to stay open through multiple relocations and despite the covid pandemic closure time! There has been a common saying amongst the group since opening night… “everyone is welcome!” Since inception, the ACSR swing dance family continues to grow having a positive impact on our local community.

ACSR Goals

Goals of ACSR include uniting the swing dance community, providing a variety of traditional swing dance lessons, educating the community about the history of swing dance, playing a wide variety of swing music, welcoming people of all levels, and promoting good health through swing dance.

But two main goals remain: Being inclusive (providing a warm welcome to ALL) and sharing the JOY of swing dance with YOU!

Our founders and board members welcome you to be a part of this exciting and growing swing dance scene. We invite you to be a part of the family! Experience the joy (and the many other benefits) of this amazing dance!!!

HAPPY SWING DANCING!

Sincerely,
Your ACSR Family

Sign up for our Newsletter!