All of us here at Swing It believe one of the most important things in life is happiness, or to put it another way…having a ridiculously good time wherever possible.  If you’re like us and you enjoy seeking out fun that’s different to the norm (and exciting to boot) then, like us, you’re going to absolutely love Swing dancing.

Every facet of Swing is so exciting and rich that you won’t be able to help but get caught up in it.  We’re all self confessed Jazz music and Jazz history geeks and take pride in teaching classes that not only involve the dancing side but also include great tid bits on the music, clothing and events of the era.  Because of this there’s really no better place in Perth to start your Swing journey than the Swing It Dance School.

Swing It specialises in the authentic dances from the 1920s, 30s and 40s including Lindy Hop, Charleston and more.  We run regular classes, workshops and events that focus on the world of Swing music and Swing dancing.  Our team includes some of the best dancers in the country including international level teachers and internationally recognised Swing DJs.

With new students starting every week our classes have a fantastic social atmosphere (some of our students even bring freshly baked cookies and cakes!  We officially have no problem with that).  Why not pay us a visit, kick up your heels and prepare to be bitten by the Lindy Bug…if for no other reason than the cookies.

For all further information please contact Swing It! either by phone 0407 086 863 or via email shane@swingit.com.au

The Swing It! Team

Shane McCarthy

Shane McCarthy, owner of the Swing It! Dance School, is also an internationally published author, DJ, motivational speaker, 2006 Australian Hellzapoppin’ Champion and the first international Lindy Hop teacher to come out of Perth.

Shane has been imparting his love of the dance via teaching for eight years and enjoys spreading his thoughts and opinions on Lindy Hop via confusing analogies involving super heroes, sci fi and obscure 80s children’s television.  Shane has been a prominent feature of the Perth Swing scene for almost a decade now and was one of three people responsible for pioneering the formation of the ‘Perth Swing Dance Society’.

Shane is well known for his passionate and vibrant approach to teaching and for the high level of fun and enjoyment he delivers in his classes.

Apart from having taught around Australia Shane has also taught internationally in Japan, LA, Sweden and London.  In 2008 and again in 2009 Shane taught at the ‘Herrang Dance Camp’ (Sweden) the world’s #1 international Swing dancing camp.  Shane and Ruth are the first Australian Swing teachers ever to be invited to teach at the prestigious camp.

Shane can be found teaching weekly at North Perth & Joondalup.

Ruth Jeffery

Ruth Jeffery is easily one of the most impressive follows to ever come out of the Perth Swing scene. With many years of dancing and teaching under her belt Ruth frequently impresses on lookers with her diversity of movement and powerful dancing style. Ruth’s eagerness to always improve and push her dancing is what has made her the outstanding dancer she is today and is what continues to inspire her students wherever she goes.

Ruth has been wowing crowds around Perth, Australia and internationally for years. She won the Australian Jitterbug Championships Fast Foot Competition in 2003, remains one of the fastest follows we’ve ever seen here in Perth and can do a mean handstand!

Apart from having taught around Australia Ruth has also taught internationally in Japan, Sweden and London.  In 2008 and again in 2009 Ruth taught at the ‘Herrang Dance Camp’ (Sweden) the world’s #1 international Swing dancing camp.  Ruth and Shane are the first Australian Swing teachers ever to be invited to teach at the prestigious camp.

Ruth can be found teaching weekly at North Perth & Joondalup.

Chris Lee

Addicted after his very first lesson, Chris has been a big feature of the Swing It family ever since he first started.

Warm, friendly and eager to get out on the dance floor any chance he gets, Chris is also a mad keen Aerialist and thoroughly enjoys throwing girls through the air (as long as they say it’s ok).

Chris’s charming personality and style make him a welcome feature to the Swing It team.

Chris can be found teaching weekly at Subiaco.

Hannah Blass

A wonderful, creative dancer and a fantastic personality, Hannah stands out on any dance floor.

Always armed with a wry smile Hannah’s sense of humour and vintage style add a lot to her classes.

When she’s not dancing Hannah can be found singing on stage with her band!

Hannah’s crazy personality and unique terminology make her a big feature of the Swing It team.

Hannah can be found teaching weekly at Subiaco.

Sean Gilleran

Sean’s great style makes him easy to spot on the dance floor…that and his height.  Let it be said, Sean is definitely the tallest of the Swing It team.

Sean’s personable approach and constantly inquisitive mind make him a stand out teacher.

Even though he’s teaching the dance, Sean is always striving to improve and take his dancing in new directions.  Challenging himself and setting new standards, Sean is a great member of the team.

Sean can be found teaching weekly at Subiaco.

Christine Layton

The award for wackiest team member certainly goes to Christine.

With a brilliant sense of humour and an ever present smile Christine brightens any room.  A passionate and personable dancer, Christine can be found just about anywhere you’ll find Lindy Hop.

When she’s not dancing Christine is watching over Perth’s roads or talking it up on the radio.

Christine can be found teaching weekly at Subiaco.

Ben Basell

Since Ben has been a professional musician for many years it only makes sense that he would be one of the most musical dancers in the Perth Swing scene. Constantly working on a new variation or new piece of styling, Ben is forever looking for ways to push his dancing to an even higher level.

Ben has a warm, welcoming personality and a quick sense of humour and is certainly one of the real gentleman of the Perth Swing scene.

It’s no wonder he’s so sought after for a dance! We’re certainly lucky to have him.

Alissa Claessens

Alissa lives and breathes the vintage style and culture of the 1940s. From music to makeup, from clothing to all out Lindy Hopping madness. Yep, Alissa, is one glamourous gal.

Always armed with a cheeky smile and an incredibly warm and bubbly personality, Alissa, always boosts the spirits of her students and fellow dancers wherever she happens to be.

Alissa is one of the newest members of our great team but has quickly made her mark on all of us.

Trevor Hutchison

Trevor Hutchison is widely known and respected for his exuberance and creativity on the dance floor. Trevor exhibits a rare flare for musicality, is immediately noticed due to his incredibly playful dance style and always leaves his follows grinning after each dance.

Trevor is also an accomplished Jazz DJ and has garnered the respect of some of the best dancers and DJs from around the world.

Trev is responsible for the design and look of Swing It!’s site and advertising (but not the “words and stuff.”) and is the best right hand man a guy could ask for.