OUR STORY

A little bit about our organisation: our history, our values and our dreams. We've got a few years behind us, and some stories to tell...


Welcome to Cape Town Swing! As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for the music, dance styling, and history of swing in South Africa. We are proud members of the global swing dance community, dedicated to building an inclusive and joyful dance culture in our region.

Our events are designed to bring people together, encouraging social dancing and fun. We love to keep things light-hearted and goofy, but we take inclusivity, safety, and enjoyment very seriously. Discover more about our commitment to a safe and welcoming environment through our Safer Spaces initiative and read our Code of Conduct.


A Brief History

Our journey began in 2012, amidst the rise of electro-swing in Cape Town. Here's a snapshot of our exciting timeline:

  • 2012: The swing obsession begins. Matt starts CUSS, and Jeannie launches Boogie Back Dance Co.
  • 2013: The swing bug bites Muriel, Brendan, Clint, Ros, Hilary, Laura, Dave, Ana, Al, Nina, and many more.
  • 2014: The Swanky Doodles era.
  • 2015: We move to Youngblood and rebrand as Cape Town Swing (CTS). Crowdfunding for Mother City Hop (MCH) begins.
  • 2016: Crowdfunding success! The first Mother City Hop is hosted with 120+ attendees and international teachers.
  • 2017: The first Swing Camp and the second edition of MCH.
    2018: Launch of Echoes of Sophiatown crowdfunding campaign and the third edition of MCH.
  • 2019: The fourth edition of MCH.
  • 2020: MCH goes online due to COVID-19.
  • 2021: Reimagining swing events with a focus on environmental impact and inclusivity. Rebuilding the team post-pandemic.
  • 2022-2023: Expansion to four locations, new faces, 10 years of swing in Cape Town, formation of Blue Shoes, Swing Camp and AfrikaBurn appearances, and the introduction of new venues like Woodstock Brewery and Gallery South.

As we step into 2024, we are more streamlined and organised than ever. With classes, events, and community initiatives in full swing, we invite you to join us on the dance floor. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, Cape Town Swing is your home for all things swing in South Africa.

Our Values

At Cape Town Swing, our values form the pillars of our community:

  • Community: Emphasising care, connection, and collective action.
  • Joy: Embracing fun and goofiness in all our activities.
  • Safety: Fostering trust, individuality, and acceptance.
  • Custodianship: Committing to cultural exploration, discovery, and learning.
  • Embodiment: Promoting authenticity, self-expression, and thoughtfulness.

These values guide our community, fostering creativity and the true spirit of swing dance.


Our Vision

In the next 5-10 years, Cape Town Swing aims to be a renowned and respected name, celebrated for our values and professional offerings in teaching, events, music, and research.

Our membership will mirror our diverse society, creating an inviting collective that connects people to the essence of swing dance and music.

We aspire to maintain a non-profit structure with a dedicated volunteer base and fairly compensated staff, and establish a permanent hub in the city. Our community will be internationally recognised and respected in swing dance circles.


Our Mission

Our mission is to make swing dance, music, and history accessible and beloved by diverse local communities.

We strive to be known for our quality teaching, events, music, and research, while inspiring a wide range of members from various backgrounds, ages, and identities.

We focus on connecting people across time and cultures through swing, relying on dedicated volunteers and fairly compensated staff to create a joyful and inclusive community.

Come dance with us and be part of our growing swing family!