Frequently Asked Questions
Where are we?
We dance in the University Center at Carnegie Mellon University:
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
We either meet in the Rangos Ballroom on the second floor, or Andy's Alcove in the basement next to FedEx. Watch the weekly accouterments for the specific location. The University Center is building #28 on the campus map.
The following city buses stop at or near CMU: 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 67, 69, 28X, 58, 71B, 71D
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
We either meet in the Rangos Ballroom on the second floor, or Andy's Alcove in the basement next to FedEx. Watch the weekly accouterments for the specific location. The University Center is building #28 on the campus map.
The following city buses stop at or near CMU: 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 67, 69, 28X, 58, 71B, 71D
Where to park?
There is a parking garage on Forbes Avenue between Morewood and Beeler. Parking is free on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays. Park in the garage and walk back out the way you drove in. Once you're outside turn left and go down the stairs and walk past the narrow end of the track. The first building you run into will be the one you want (it has big glass doors and a rounded entranceway).
What shoes should I wear?
- High-heels are discouraged (prone to ankle injury)
- Open-toed and flip-flops are discouraged (prone to toe injury)
- Sneakers
- Sneakers with Chrome Leather
- Dance Shoes with Hard Leather
What clothes should I wear?
Dress casually and comfortably. A few people gussy up a bit too, and we always appreciate their style. Some dancers bring changes of shirt in case they get too sweaty throughout the night.
What is common dance etiquette
You absolutely do not need to bring a partner with you. People come swing dancing to dance with everybody else. "Dancing around" with everybody will help you meet new people and it will improve your dancing: a win-win situation.
Guys ask girls, girls ask guys, and sometimes even guys ask guys and girls ask girls to dance. There is no commitment past the 3 minute dance!
If you're asked to dance, it's highly encouraged to say "yes" (use your judgment, if the asker is making you feel very uncomfortable, say "no"), as it helps make the dance more welcoming.
Guys ask girls, girls ask guys, and sometimes even guys ask guys and girls ask girls to dance. There is no commitment past the 3 minute dance!
If you're asked to dance, it's highly encouraged to say "yes" (use your judgment, if the asker is making you feel very uncomfortable, say "no"), as it helps make the dance more welcoming.
How can I help out?
It takes a lot of work to make a good swing dance. The more help we have, the better. We're always looking for:
Please contact us if you have any more questions or can help in any way!
- Setup & Cleanup Crew to handle the sound system and get the dance floor ready for us
- DJ's to spin the tunes
- Officers - if you are interested in taking on an officer position in the club, please take a look at our current officer positions and contact us!
Please contact us if you have any more questions or can help in any way!
What's up with the Chicken Swing name?
While we are serious about improving our swing and blues dance technique, the name Chicken Swing preserves the quirky, fun, social nature of the club. You can read about why the name was chosen at David McWherter's blog.
