Mission Statement

Tuxedo Cat Swing Dance Society (TCSDS) is a non-profit swing dance community in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to honouring the Black African American roots of Lindy Hop and other vernacular jazz dances and music, and sharing the joy that comes along with it.

At Tuxedo Cat Swing, we strive to create an inclusive space for dancers of all ages and backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We especially welcome new dancers with enthusiasm and excitement; we remember what it’s like dancing for the first time and want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can learn and explore a new creative and social outlet.

As a non-profit, our goal isn’t to make money, it’s to share our passion for swing and vernacular jazz dances while building a strong, connected dance community in Calgary. We offer a variety of beginner and intermediate swing dance classes taught by diverse instructors to help you build a solid foundation, explore different styles, and grow your skills at your own pace. Our instructors are knowledgable and teach all swing and blues styles with authenticity to the original dances. We strive to share our understanding of the Black history, experiences, and traditional dances that shaped the dances we do today. At TCSDS we would like to remind everyone that we are mere participants of this dance style and it is our responsibility to treat this dance with care.

Our aim is to make dance accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone, so that anyone can experience the joy of dancing in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We also encourage dancers to connect with the wider Calgary and Albertan dance communities through attending social dances, live music events, and out-of-town workshops. Our team has a deep love for jazz & blues music and related dance styles, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

— The Tuxedo Cats