For those looking to get their groove on, Austin provides excellent opportunities to learn new moves and hit the dance floor. The Daily Texan selected five places near campus where students, even those under 21, can learn various styles of dance and show off their new skills.
Austin Swing Syndicate, 2312 San Gabriel St.
Founded in 1999, the Austin Swing Syndicate boasts one of the longest-running weekly swing dances in the country. Hosted at 8:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, the club offers an intro to swing class followed by a social dance with a DJ or live band. The class allows students to learn the basics of swing dancing, with Lindy Hop providing specialty classes for those looking to go beyond the basics.
The Little Longhorn Saloon, 5434 Burnet Road
Known for its “chicken shit bingo,” the Little Longhorn Saloon provides free two-step lessons on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Hosted by Hill Country Two Step, the class gives students the opportunity to learn fundamentals of Texas’ most popular dance before an evening of live country music at the historic honky-tonk.
Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Country lovers of all ages can enjoy dancing at the iconic Broken Spoke, offering lessons in traditional two-step as well as Western Swing. Featured on Season 6 of “Queer Eye,” the Broken Spoke is known for its dance classes that draw crowds from around the world and has earned visits from celebrities such as Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Quentin Tarantino and Dua Lipa. In addition to dancing, guests can enjoy live music five nights a week, making it the perfect place to practice new moves.
Texas Ballroom, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd.
Texas Ballroom makes staying on campus while learning new dances possible. The UT organization supplies lessons on the Forty Acres in many styles, including waltz, tango, rumba and cha-cha. These beginner-friendly classes cover over 12 additional dance styles throughout the semester, providing a unique education across various forms of ballroom dance. Members can also compete in collegiate competitions.
Those interested in joining should take advantage of any of Texas Ballroom’s future free week events, as the organization’s last event for this month is a social dance on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bellmont Hall.
Longhorn Dance Company, meeting locations vary
The Longhorn Dance Company leads choreography workshops, teaching students different styles of dance and offering the opportunity to learn as a group. With biweekly practices, members of Longhorn Dance Company hosted its first showcase last semester.
