The term "swing dance" commonly refers to a group of dances that developed concurrently with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s, '30s and '40s, although the earliest of these dance forms predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today. While the majority of swing dances began in African American communities as vernacular African American dances, a number of forms (Balboa, for example) developed within Anglo-American or other ethnic group communities.

Swing jazz features the syncopated timing associated with African American and West African music and dance - a combination of crotchets and quavers (quarter notes and eighth notes) that many swing dancers interpret as 'triple steps' and 'steps' - yet also introduces changes in the way these rhythms were played - a distinct delay or 'relaxed' approach to timing.

Today there are swing dance scenes in many countries throughout the world. Lindy Hop is often the most popular, though each city and country prefers various dances in different degrees. Each local swing dance community has a distinct local culture and defines "swing dance" and the "appropriate" music to accompany it in different ways.

Gemini Ballroom Academy is Reno's newest Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Social and Partnership dance school offering dance lessons to adults, teens, and children of all levels. Gemini Ballroom offers private or group lessons as well as specialty workshops, drop-in classes and social dance parties.

Your first private lesson at Gemini Ballroom is always free. All you have to do is, call us at (775) 32-DANCE (775-323-2623) or email geminiballroom@gmail.com to schedule your complimentary private lesson. You will receive a 25 minute private lesson, followed by time to go over the calendar (to recommend which classes would be best for you) and to answer any questions you may have.

Gemini Ballroom is located at 2920 Mill Street and the owners, Vanessa & Mario Ornelas, are also dance teachers. For more information, visit www.geminiballroom.com.