FAQ

The school

Do you only teach swing, or other styles too?

We started as a swing school in Gràcia in 2005 and swing is still our backbone, but today we teach many more styles: Swing and North American dances: Lindy Hop, Solo Swing and Solo Jazz, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Blues, Rock'n'Roll and boogie, West Coast Swing, tap and country. Latin: Cuban salsa, rueda de casino, son cubano, bachata, Urban Kiz (kizomba), tango, rumba and Afro-Latin dances. Urban: hip hop, house, dancehall, afrobeat, commercial, heels, reggaeton, electroswing and contemporary. Wellbeing: pilates, yoga, strength training and dance for health. The offer changes every term: see current styles and times in Regular courses.

Where are the classes?

All our rooms are in the Gràcia neighbourhood, less than a 5-minute walk from each other: c. Torrijos 70 (SwingCats): Sala 1 and Sala 2 c. Sol 8 (Sant Felip Neri): Sala Sol c. Sant Lluís 63 (Igor Studio): Sant Lluís Each course shows the exact room before you sign up.

Do I need experience? Which level should I choose?

No experience needed. There are two ways in: Basic 1: starts from scratch and follows a term-by-term progression (Basic 1, 2, 3, Intermediate…). Ideal if you want to learn the style in depth. Open level: the teacher adapts the class to whoever is there, so you need no background and can join at any time. If you have danced before, the sign-up assistant asks what you know and suggests a level. If in doubt, write to us; and if in the first classes the level does not feel right, your teacher will help you find the right group.

Do you hold parties to practise what I learn?

Yes. We hold parties, social dances and events throughout the year: they are the best place to practise and meet people from other groups. You will find them in the website calendar.

How can I contact you?

By WhatsApp or phone at +34 627 728 747, by email at info@swingcats.cat, or at the school reception.

Courses and timetable

How do regular courses work?

They are term-long courses: one class a week, on the same day and at the same time, with the same group and teacher. Each term has 10 classes of 55 minutes (some courses are 85 minutes). The year is split into terms: autumn (September-December), winter (January-March) and spring (April-June), with a special summer offer. When a term ends you can move on to the next level.

Until when can I sign up?

Sign-ups for the term are open until 31 December. After that you can still join groups with free places: you only pay for the remaining classes and, in beginner levels, you can only join during the first classes.

Can I try a class before signing up?

Yes, in two ways: Open classes are free: you just need to book a spot. A drop-in class in a regular group: 15 € for a 1-hour class. If you then stay, that class counts as part of the course and you only pay the rest. Write to us to book it. Note that in Basic 1 and other beginner levels drop-in classes are only possible at the start of the term, and in partner styles only if you come as a couple (so the group stays balanced).

Can I join once the term has started?

Yes, while the group has places, and you only pay for the remaining classes: the website works out the price when you sign up. In Basic 1 and other beginner levels you can only join during the first classes (usually up to the third): after that the group has a foundation you would be missing. In the open level you can join at any time. Other levels too, as long as you already have that level; if unsure, write to us first. When you pick the course, the website tells you which class you would start at and whether joining is still possible.

What if none of the times suit me?

Check other days for the same style and level: sometimes there is more than one group. If none works, tell us which days and time of day suit you and, if enough people join, we open a group and let you know. Tell us your ideal time

Are there morning classes?

Yes. There are morning courses in several styles and they cost less. You will see them in each style by filtering by time.

What clothes and shoes do I need?

Comfortable clothes you can move in. For dancing, shoes that turn easily are best (smooth or leather soles; rubber soles grip too much) and no high heels if you are starting out. Trainers work well for urban styles, and tap needs tap shoes (a hard-soled shoe is fine for the first class).

What is the difference between a regular course and an intensive?

A regular course runs for the whole term, with one class a week. An intensive packs a few hours into one or more days to work on a specific topic (technique, moves, musicality…). Intensives are paid separately and their price depends on the hours. See them in Intensive courses.

Are open classes free?

Yes, they are free and you can come to as many as you like. Please book a spot so we can manage capacity: if you cannot make it after all, cancel your booking to free the place for someone else.

If I am already in a group, do I keep my place next term?

Yes: current students have priority to continue. We let you know when sign-ups open and, when you sign up, you choose to continue in your group. Renew within the deadline (this term, until 31 December): after it, the course has a 20 € surcharge. If you want to change time or style, write to us and we will help.

Dancing with or without a partner

Can I sign up without a partner?

Of course. It depends on the style: Solo styles (Solo Swing, tap, urban, pilates…) need no partner. In partner styles you sign up on your own choosing your role (leader or follower) and we pair you with someone in the other role. If there is nobody right now, you go on the waiting list without paying anything and we email you as soon as there is a place.

What are leader and follower? Can I choose?

In partner dances one person leads and the other follows and interprets. You can choose whichever role you like, whatever your gender, and you can learn both by signing up for a course in each role.

I am coming with my partner. How do we sign up?

Each person signs up separately and gives their dance partner's name and phone or email, so we put you together in the same group. If your partner does not complete their sign-up within 7 days, yours stays pending until they do. By signing up together you commit to coming together: if one of you cannot make a class, let us know in time so we can find a taxi, or make up the class together at another time.

What is a “taxi”?

A taxi is a student of the school, at the same level or higher, who comes to a class to dance with someone left without a partner that day. That way nobody misses out and the group stays balanced. If you are a student you can be a taxi too: taxi classes are free. Manage it from Absences and taxis. If you accept a taxi and cannot make it after all, cancel at least 8 hours in advance so we can find someone else.

Prices, payments and cancellations

How much does a course cost?

A regular course of 55 minutes a week costs 129 € per term (10 classes) and an 85-minute one, 189 €. Morning courses cost less and intensives have their own price. See all prices in Prices and discounts.

Is there a registration fee?

No. There is no registration or joining fee: you only pay for the course you take.

Do I pay monthly?

No: regular courses are paid per term, in a single payment when you sign up. The exception is the VIP card, which is paid in 3 monthly instalments.

How and when do I pay?

Once your place is confirmed you have 10 days to pay; otherwise the place is released to someone else (we email you beforehand). You can pay in cash at the school or by bank transfer (the details come in your sign-up email). We do not accept cards. If you are on the waiting list you pay nothing until your place is confirmed.

Are there discounts?

Yes, and they apply automatically when you sign up. Right now we offer: Multi-Course (10%): 10% discount on each course if you enroll in two or more courses of different styles. Repeat Level (20%): 20% discount for students who repeat the same level from the previous trimester. Reinforcement (50%): 50% discount on the second course if you enroll in two or more courses of the same style (same title). See all the details in Prices and discounts.

What is the VIP card?

It is a flat rate for people who want to take several courses in a term: Bronze (130 €/month): 1-hour solo style courses. Silver (140 €/month): 1-hour solo and partner courses. Gold (160 €/month): all of the above plus special courses. It is paid in 3 monthly instalments and is a commitment for the whole term. More in VIP cards.

If I cancel, do I get my money back?

We understand that unexpected things happen. You can cancel your enrolment yourself from your Student Area or by contacting us. We refund 100% of what you paid if you cancel at least 30 days before the course starts and 50% of what you paid if you cancel at least 14 days before the course starts. With less notice we cannot offer a refund. You can choose to receive the amount by bank transfer or keep it as credit for another course. Once the course has started it can no longer be cancelled online: write to us and we will look into it. You will find all the details in the school rules.

What happens if a group does not reach the minimum number of students?

If a group cannot run, we offer you another time or group at the same level. If none suits you, we refund the full amount.

Can I get an invoice?

Yes. Ask us by email with your billing details and the course.

During the course

What can I do in the Student area?

In your Student area you see your timetable and courses, tell us when you cannot come, make up classes, offer yourself as a taxi, check your payments and get school notices. You can add your classes to your phone calendar and install it like an app.

What if I cannot make a class?

Always let us know, the sooner the better: from your Student area (“I can't come”), by WhatsApp, email or at reception. That way you can make up the class in another group. In partner styles, if you tell us at least 8 hours ahead we look for a taxi so your partner can still dance; with less notice there is no time. Without notice the class cannot be made up.

How do I make up a class?

If you reported the absence, choose a session in another group of your style and level (or a lower level) with free places from your Student area (“Make up a class”), within the same term. If something comes up, you can cancel the make-up class up to 3 hours before it starts.

What if I get injured or something serious comes up?

Let us know as soon as possible. If you are injured or there is a case of force majeure, we save the classes you could not attend so you can make them up in your next course. For other serious problems (illness with a medical note, family reasons), write to us and we will find the best solution.