In 2025, Savoy Dance marks ten years of bringing the joy of swing dancing to Canberra. To celebrate, the studio is hosting Savoy Dance 10, a three-day event from 21–23 February, featuring workshops, social dancing, and live swing and blues music.

The name Savoy Dance is inspired by the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York, which operated from 1926 to the late 1950s. Unlike many dance halls of its time, the Savoy was a space where everyone was welcome, regardless of background or race. It became a hub for swing dancing, a style developed by African American dancers that continues to captivate people today.

Inspired by the Savoy Ballroom’s inclusivity and energy, Savoy Dance owner Cathie Gough aimed to create a space that channels the same spirit.

“When we started Savoy Dance ten years ago, we wanted to embody that same spirit of inclusivity and community,” says owner Cathie Gough. “Swing dancing is about joy, connection, and expression, and we’ve built a place where people from all walks of life can experience that.”

That sense of joy and connection is at the heart of swing dancing, a dynamic and social style that emerged in the early 20th century. Often described as an umbrella term, swing encompasses several styles performed to lively swing music, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, blues dancing, and solo jazz to name a few—all of which are taught at Savoy Dance.

Cathie’s love for swing dancing began in her early 20s while living in Melbourne, where she tried a class and was immediately hooked.

“I discovered swing dancing at a rock n roll dance competition in Canberra, so I decided to check it out once I moved to Melbourne a few weeks later, and the moment I stepped into that world, I thought, ‘Wow!’ I had never seen a full swing dance social before, and it instantly captivated me. There was a big band playing, people were dancing—some dressed up, others in jeans and sneakers—but what stood out was that everyone was having the absolute time of their lives. Swing dancing is such a joyful dance, and that energy was infectious,” she says. Just a few years later, she was entering and winning competitions, and even made it to the top 100 of Australia’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2008.

Celebrating 10 years of Savoy Dance is especially meaningful for Cathie, as it all began with an unexpected push from friends.

“Reaching this 10-year milestone is incredibly special, especially considering how Savoy Dance came to be,” reflects Cathie.

“I had been teaching swing dancing for about 15 years across Melbourne and Canberra when I decided to take a break after getting engaged. But just a few months later, friends surprised me with a gift—a set of speakers. They told me, ‘We don’t want you to stop teaching. We’re behind you. You need to set something up, and we’ll do it with you!’

“It was an extremely humbling and special moment because I hadn’t planned to start my own business, but good friends and passionate Canberra dancers encouraged me. That’s how Savoy Dance was born, and for the past 10 years, Adam Smith and I have been teaching swing together.”

Cathie and Adam teach weekly swing dance classes, and are joined by Adrian Tosello (solo jazz and swing teacher), Robyn Golding (swing and rock n roll teacher), and Steve Lade (blues dance teacher), bringing together over 100 years of combined experience. This ensures that dancers of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned swing enthusiasts, have the opportunity to learn from some of the best.

The beauty of swing is that anyone can learn. “Our students range from uni students to people in their 70s and 80s,” Cathie says. “We even had a gentleman who danced with us from the very beginning until he sadly passed away at 86. Age is no barrier—you can start anytime.”

Beyond being an inclusive and welcoming space, Savoy Dance also honours the history of swing dancing, recognising its origins. Born in a time of racial segregation, it provided a space where people of all backgrounds could come together and leave their troubles at the door.

“Swing dancing is deeply rooted in African American culture, and we make it a priority to acknowledge and celebrate that. At the beginning of class, we recognise that swing is an African American dance, and we are incredibly privileged to be able to learn, teach, and share it while using the music of the legendary musicians who shaped its history,” says Cathie.

For those looking to get started, no prior experience is necessary, and no bookings are required. Just drop into any class, any day that Savoy Dance offers them. Wednesday night swing classes are extremely popular – 6.30pm at 10 Watson St, Turner.

Swing dancing continues to thrive because it offers so much more than just movement—it’s a way to connect, express yourself, and be part of a welcoming community.

“It can be as energetic as you want it to be,” Cathie says. “You can take it easy or work up a sweat. There’s even an aerial component where dancers can be lifted or thrown into the air—but that’s entirely optional!”

Savoy Dance 10 event (21-23 February)

Savoy Dance 10 is set to be one of Canberra’s biggest swing dance events to date, bringing together dancers of all levels for a high-energy weekend of workshops, social dancing, and live jazz.

“We’re bringing in two incredible couples—one from France and one from Melbourne—who were pivotal in my own swing dancing journey,” Cathie explains. “When I was a beginner dancer, these were the people I looked up to. Now, they’re lifelong friends and superstar dancers and teachers, and I’m thrilled to have them be part of this celebration.”

The weekend’s festivities will be held at some of Canberra’s best venues. The opening night on Friday, from 7:30 to 11pm, will be at Ainslie Arts Centre and will feature a live local swing musicians featuring Dan McLean, Damian Slingsby, Chris Pound and Steve Richards, and DJ music.

The Saturday night party will commence at 7:30pm at Louie Louie, Verity Lane, while the after-party will run from 11:30pm until the wee hours of Sunday morning at Latin Dance Canberra.

The Sunday night wind-down party is at The Oak Room above the Duxton Pub in O’Connor from 7 to 11pm. There will also be a range of different workshops across the weekend.

For those keen to get involved outside the big event, Savoy Dance offers weekly classes and regular social dances.

Beginner and intermediate swing dancing classes run every Wednesday night at the Canberra Seniors Centre in Turner. On the first Friday of each month, Savoy Dance hosts a social night of dancing at All Saints Main Hall in Ainslie, featuring partnered swing and blues dancing.

“Our classes are not limited to over-18s,” Cathie adds. “We have single parents who bring their kids along, and they love getting involved. Because we hold classes at the dance studios and halls, rather than a bar, we welcome dancers of all ages.”

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a complete beginner, now is the perfect time to join the fun and experience the magic of swing dancing. No partner required, but couples are absolutely welcome.

For more details on Savoy Dance 10, visit savoydance10.com. To explore weekly classes and social events, head to savoydance.com.au.