They say tango is the dance of love, but West Coast swing can be just as sensual. Evolving over the years from the classic jazz-based lindy hop, West Coast swing draws on pop, country and blues and has morphed into an intimate, fluid and, most of all, extremely fun dance.
Find out for yourself at 29-year-old Kreuzberg institution Taktlos, the first alternative dance school in Berlin (West Coast swing Basics Course, €40). The name means “tactless”, but instructors like the convivial Robbie are just as patient as they are helpful and competent (and they speak English).
With two gorgeous wooden ballroom dance floors, complete with chandeliers and mirrors, you won’t mind taking a glance at yourself improving your skills throughout the night. And you might just find yourself a favourite partner at the open weekly dance parties (Wednesdays, 20:30-22:30, €4).
Grab a snack or a drink while you take a breather and chat with your new fellow swingers, ranging in age and ilk (rumour has it they’re mostly female, so guys, here’s your chance!). Not into swinging? Taktlos has got you covered, offering everything from foxtrot to salsa. “step, step, triple step…”
TANZSCHULE TAKTLOS | Urbanstr. 21, Kreuzberg, U-Bhf Hermannplatz.