Nevada County Swings is dedicated to spreading the joy of swing dancing in Nevada County.  Our goal is to establish a local lindy hop and swing dancing community for all ages right in the heart of Nevada County/Gold Country.   Whether you’ve been swinging for years or are looking to take your first steps, you’ve come to the right place!   All events will include a beginner lesson and social dance. No partner or experience is required.  

Nevada County Swings seeks to foster:

  • A welcoming and community-centered atmosphere where anyone and everyone can dance, mingle and make new friends  

  • Creativity and a variety of styles on the dance floor, including lindy hop, charleston, balboa, shag, jazz, and blues

  • A sustainable and supportive business model for teachers who encourage first timers and experienced dancers with multiple levels of engaging lessons

  • A network of swing DJs, including classical tunes and modern counterparts

  • Live music on a regular basis

  • Opportunities to promote local Nevada City/Grass Valley businesses

Meet Alison

My passion for swing dancing began nearly 15 years ago in Sacramento, CA, where I fell in love with the art of Lindy Hop. I was fortunate to learn from champion dancers who sparked my love for rhythm, connection, and self-expression. Over the years, I’ve led the University of Nevada, Reno Swing Dance Club and taught at various events across Reno and Northern California. I’m all about sharing the joy of swing, whether in a studio or on the dance floor. From high-energy jam circles to a beginner’s first triple step, I believe swing dancing is for everyone – and I’m passionate about making it joyful, welcoming, and fun!

Meet Janice

After working as a social entrepeneur for more than two decades in the renewable energy industry, I decided to focus on my other passion: swing dancing. Because of my busy day job, driving to Sacramento and Roseville was simply not possible. The solution? Start a swing dancing community right here at home in gold country. I was thrilled to meet ‘amazing Alison’, a skilled lindy hop instructor, and we soon realized we shared the same goal. Nevada County Swings was launched soon thereafter.

I love everything about swing dancing - the music, the diversity, the improvisation, and the ability to continuously learn and improve. Most of all, I love the sheer joy of it, and the community building that is possible through regular meets ups and dances. I look forward to also helping to contribute to the existing swing dancing community in Sacramento and the Sierras, as well as the opportunity to support other local community organizations and businesses via Nevada County Swings.

When I’m not swing dancing, you can also find me mountainbiking or downhill skiing at Sugarbowl.

Join us

Attend our monthly social dance

Our monthly dance features a free beginner lesson and is a great way to meet like-minded dance enthusiasts

Sign up for weekly classes

Regular instruction followed by frequent opportunities to practice is the way to build skills and muscle memory! Nevada County Swings offers regularly recurring four week sessions on a variety of swing dancing topics, followed by a short practice session.

Book a private lesson

It can be intimidating to get started. A few private lessons maybe the right environment for you - customized instruction can be very helpful to establishing a solid foundation for the basics. It can also be helpful for those who want more advanced stylistic help..

Interested to be a guest instructor? Contact us!