Description

UpstAGEING’s event It’s Never Too Late To Swing is a friendly, feel-good swing dance experience all about connection, movement, and enjoying time together. Designed with seniors in mind, but open to everyone, it’s relaxed, social, and genuinely welcoming.

Day 1: Swing Dance Workshop
Come along to a fun, easy-going workshop where you’ll learn the basics of swing dancing with award winning teachers from the renowned Canberra Swing Katz. No partner or experience needed. We’ll keep things comfortable, supportive, and light-hearted, with plenty of chances to chat, laugh, and move at a pace that feels right for you.

Day 2: Savoy Ballroom-Style Dance
Bring your new moves (or just your curiosity) to a joyful social dance inspired by the famous Savoy Ballroom. Dance to live music from Connexion Big Band, directed by Greg Stott, and featuring vocalists Annaliesa Rose and Tony Haley. Or you can just come to the ball to sit and enjoy the music. People of all ages and abilities are warmly encouraged to join in.

UpstAGEING isn’t about getting it “right”. It’s about sharing moments, meeting new people, and rediscovering the simple joy of moving together. Come as you are—leave smiling.

Details
Workshop: 10:00 am–12:30 pm, Saturday 21 March
Ball: 4:00–6:00 pm, Sunday 22 March (doors open 3:30 pm)
Venue: Hughes Community Centre

Ball tickets available at the door (slightly higher price). Come as you are—dance, listen, connect.

How does it work?

This is a 2-part event:

• 21 March – 2-hour swing dance introductory workshop
• 22 March – 2-hour associated swing dance ball with live band; come to dance or come to listen

Got Questions?

2026 Social Dates

Feb 27
March – No Social due to Jurassic Bal event
April 24
May 29 – World Lindy Day Social
June 26
July 31
Aug 28
Sep 25
Oct 30 – Halloween Social
Dec 12 – Christmas Ball (TBC)

Prepare for a dazzling spectacle with the Savoy-style Battle of the Big Bands, featuring the enthralling sounds of Connexion Big Band and Blamey St Big Band! Canberra Swing Katz and Connexion Big Band proudly present a tribute to the legendary Count Basie, Chick Webb, and the epic 1937 Battle of the Big Bands at the iconic Savoy Ballroom.

Deck yourself out in your festive best, and bring your favourite festive dishes to share. Join us for a night of swing, rhythm, and unforgettable memories. Step into the holiday season with unmatched style! Secure your tickets now for an evening of pure swing bliss.

Pre-Sales have closed. Tickets available at the door from 7.30pm

Single Ticket– $45
Table of 10 – $410
Price at the door – $55

Date and Time Sat 6th Dec 2024, 7:30 pm – 11pm

Location Albert Hall, Canberra

Get directions

Announcements:

🚧✨Heads up friends! Commonwealth Avenue is CLOSED in BOTH directions between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle ✨🚧
But never fear, Albert Hall is still totally reachable! Here’s how:

🟦 FROM THE NORTHSIDE (Braddon, City, Turner, Belconnen, Gungahlin, etc.)

You have TWO easy options:

*Option 1: The Lake Loop (Best for Acton / City West access)*
1. Head toward Clunies Ross Street (Acton).
2. Follow it down to Parkes Way westbound.
3. Take the turn toward Flynn Drive (just after the roundabout).
4. Follow Flynn Drive around and approach Albert Hall from the lake side.
✔️ This avoids Commonwealth Ave entirely.

*Option 2: The Constitution / State Circle Route*
1. From the city, head toward Constitution Avenue → then into Kings Avenue.
3. Continue onto State Circle (around Parliament House).
4. Turn LEFT into Flynn Drive.
5. Follow Flynn Drive straight through to Albert Hall, arriving from behind.
✔️ Smooth and scenic!

🟩 FROM THE SOUTHSIDE (Woden, Weston, Tuggeranong, Deakin, Curtin, etc.)

1. Travel along Adelaide Avenue toward the Parliamentary Zone.
2. Before reaching Commonwealth Ave, EXIT onto State Circle.
3. Follow State Circle around until you reach Flynn Drive.
4. Turn LEFT onto Flynn Drive and follow it around to Albert Hall.
✔️ No need to touch the closed section at all!

🧭 Summary
❌ No access on Commonwealth Ave between Parkes Way ↔ Vernon Circle.
✅ Flynn Drive is your new best friend.
🚗 Approach Albert Hall from the lake side or via the Parliament House side.

🚧Happy travels, and see you at Albert Hall safely and stress-free for a fantastic time!🎉

The amazing Rhythm Capital will set the dance floor alive with tunes that’ll make your bones jive.

Details:
 Date: Friday October 31
 Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
 Location: Wesley Hall, 20 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
 Cost: $35 Tickets Here

Dress up in your most frightfully fabulous attire – whether you’re a glamorous ghoul, a dapper Dracula, or anything in between, this is your time to shine in spooky style. Costumes are encouraged!

Don’t forget to bring some ghoulishly delightful snacks and drinks to share. Get ready for a howlin’ good time all night long.
Mark your calendars and make this Halloween swing dance party one to remember!

Swing Katz Weekly Classes 2025

	Tuesdays – Kingston		Thursdays – Dickson
7.30pm	Beginners Swing		Beginners Swing
8.30pm	Variety Courses		Intermediate Swing

Tuesday Course Start dates	Thursday Course Start Dates
Feb 4	Feb 6
March 18	March 20
April 29	May 1
June 10	June 12
July 22	July 24
Sep 2	Sep 4
Oct 14	Oct 16
Nov 25	Nov 27

Swing dancing originated as a social dance, and that’s how we like to keep it! 

Our courses are designed to get you feeling confident social dancing asap!  Over a 6-week integrated beginner’s course you will learn all the basic steps and fundamental leading/following techniques you need to look and feel great on the dance floor.  You don’t need to bring a partner (though it helps if you can!), and flat, comfy shoes are best.  No pre-registration is necessary, just turn up on the night.

Beginner’s courses run as 6-week blocks introducing you to Charleston and Lindy Hop (the specific style of swing we do).  With an integrated approach, you’ll be able to use both steps as building blocks for your dancing and improvising in no time! Once you complete one Beginner’s course, you’re ready to join the Intermediate course!  It’s best if you can make it each week, but if you miss one or two classes – don’t worry!  Come back as soon as you can on any night and we’ll catch you up.  You can also commence your course in Week 2.

Tuesdays:

Feb 4 – March 18 – April 29 – June 10 July 22 – Sep 2 – Oct 14 – Nov 25

Where: Currie Crescent Community Hall (Canberra Baptist Church), 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston
When: Classes start from 7:30pm

 

Thursdays:

Feb 6 – March 20 – May 1 – June 12 – July 24 – Sep 4 – Oct 16 – Nov 27

Where: Majura Community Hall, 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson
When: Classes start from 7:30pm

Cost- $17.50 per night (6 and 10 class passes also available) Cash and eftpos accepted

Bring something to drink and some flat, comfortable shoes.
Partners not needed (but always welcome) as we will be rotating in class

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact The Katz via private message or email at info@canberraswingkatz.com

Prepare for a dazzling spectacle with the Savoy-style Battle of the Big Bands, featuring the enthralling sounds of Connexion Big Band and Blamey St Big Band! Canberra Swing Katz and Connexion Big Band proudly present a tribute to the legendary Count Basie, Chick Webb, and the epic 1937 Battle of the Big Bands at the iconic Savoy Ballroom.

Deck yourself out in your festive best, and bring your favourite festive dishes to share. Join us for a night of swing, rhythm, and unforgettable memories. Step into the holiday season with unmatched style! Secure your tickets now for an evening of pure swing bliss.

Get Your Tickets Here!

Single Ticket– $45

Table of 10 – $410

Price at the door – $50

Date and Time Sat 7th Dec 2024, 7:30 pm – 11pm

Location Albert Hall, Canberra

Get directions

Announcements:

Pre-sales close Friday Dec 6th! Sure, you could grab your tickets at the door, but why not save yourself a few bucks to splurge on snacks to bring with you instead?

Secure your ticket now and treat yourself later—win-win!

Head to https://canberraswingkatz.com/store/

 Road Closure Alert! Here’s How to Get to Albert Hall!

Hi everyone heading to Albert Hall On Saturday!

 There will be some road closures in play, so here’s the easiest way to navigate your way to the fun:

Commonwealth Avenue will be CLOSED between State Circle and Parkes Way, so plan accordingly and avoid that stretch.

 Coming from North Canberra?

• Cross the bridge via Commonwealth Avenue.
• Turn LEFT onto the Flynn Drive underpass.
• Cruise around and approach Albert Hall from the lake side! 

 Heading north, or coming from Woden/Deakin?

• Take Adelaide Avenue, then TURN OFF onto State Circle.
• Go LEFT onto Flynn Drive.
• Same story—roll in from the lake side and you’re golden! 

Happy travels, and see you at Albert Hall for a fantastic time! 

A Connexion Big Band event

Saturday 23rd March

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Come out and dance to the music of Chick Webb, Gene Krupa and Benny Goodman, or just sit and enjoy the swing band vibe of the ’30s and 40s. If you’re not already a swing dancer but you would like to get started, expert instruction will be available before the event kicks off.

 

This event is co-hosted by ConneXion Big Band and Canberra Swing Katz and is directed by Justin Buckingham.  On this occasion we will be featuring the amazing talents of vocalist Annaliesa Rose.

 

Tickets Available Here

Tickets will also be available at the door (at a higher price). 

Doors open at 6:30 pm, so feel free to bring something to drink and to munch on.

6.30pm – Taster Dance Class
7pm – Band Starts

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Rhythm Rendezvouz – Feb 10-11



Welcome to Rhythm Rendezvous – Kick Start your Swing in 2024!



Get ready for a swingin’ start to your dance year at Rhythm Rendezvous, a weekend filled with dance, community, and the talent of renowned international guest teacher, Matt Richey.

The perfect way to immerse yourself in new concepts, new friends and great music, Canberra and the dance floor welcome you. Rhythm Rendezvous is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the artistry, the rhythm, and the sheer joy of Lindy Hop and Balboa.

Find all the Details and Register Here!

🎉 Calling All Dancers! 🎉

Are you ready to shine on the dance floor this holiday season? We’re thrilled to invite our regular students to perform Solo and Lindy Hop routines at our upcoming Christmas Ball. 🕺💃

Join us for an exciting journey over the next 3 weeks as we learn and perfect these stunning routines together. It’s your time to take the stage, showcase your talent, and create unforgettable memories at the most magical event of the year!

Don’t miss this chance to be the star of the show! Let’s make this Christmas Ball a night to remember. 💫🎄