WAVES interviewed Jack, the co-founder of JJJ Swing Century, a swing dance club and advocate in Qingdao. Let’s find out more about this amazing community.
Captain and Lenlen, founders of JJJ Swing Century. photo ©️ 李英侨
Our Journey and Vision
My partner Lenlen and I are among the earliest promoters and instructors of swing dance culture in Qingdao. Since 2019, we have dedicated ourselves to the art of swing dance. After five years of accumulation and learning, we decided to diversify Qingdao’s swing dance scene. Thus, in June of this year, we founded a new swing dance brand, JJJ Swing Century, officially launching it at the Qingdao Jazz Music Festival.
The acronym "JJJ" holds a special meaning for Lenlen and me. We began learning swing dance from scratch as partners, and JJJ symbolizes the friendship we built through swing dance. Our hope is for others to create connections here as well. Swing dance has a history of almost 100 years, and Swing Century represents our commitment to modernizing and revitalizing Qingdao’s swing dance scene with new ideas.
Photo ©️ Keny
Activities and Community Engagement
To engage the community and spread the joy of swing dance, we regularly organize swing dance parties. These events are complemented by performances at markets and music festivals, as well as hosting swing dance culture lectures and movie screenings. This comprehensive approach ensures that swing dance is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Upcoming Events and How to Join
Our next dance party is planned for the week after next. Details will be posted on our WeChat public account and Xiaohongshu account (JJJSwingCentury). We will promptly share event details and course information, ensuring everyone is well-informed and can participate.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Inclusive Classes for All Levels
Our classes are open to people of all ages and skill levels. No prior dance experience is needed, as swing dance has a low entry barrier. This inclusivity is reflected in our motto: “If you can walk, you can dance.” We believe that everyone can find joy in swing dance.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Curriculum and Workshops
Our curriculum includes two main categories: partnered Lindy Hop and solo vernacular jazz. For partnered Lindy Hop, we offer three levels of regular classes (LV1-LV3), as well as advanced classes, choreography classes, and themed training sessions. For solo vernacular jazz, we offer two levels (LV1-LV2) and supplementary classic choreography and themed training sessions.
Photo ©️ Keny
To further enrich our program, we also invite renowned swing dance instructors from China and abroad to conduct workshops in Qingdao. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including rhythm, movement, partner connection, musicality, dance combinations, and body control, with different focuses depending on the course content and level.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Our Team of Instructors
Our team consists of three instructors: myself, Lenlen, and Yue Liang. Lenlen and I have been teaching swing dance since 2020 and have four years of practical teaching experience. We participate in major swing dance events nationwide each year, gaining extensive teaching and course experience. Earlier this year, we traveled to France, Italy, and Spain for further study and exploration.
In addition to being a swing dance instructor, Lenlen is a well-known piano teacher in Qingdao, with a strong musical foundation. Yue Liang is an exceptional dancer, host, and theater actor with rich performance experience. We discovered her during a swing dance teacher training course in Beijing, and she has been an invaluable addition to our team.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Our Philosophy: Swing Everywhere
Our motto is "Swing everywhere you want!" We aim to integrate swing dance into everyday life, encouraging people to dance regardless of age, setting, or weather. As long as jazz music is playing, we can dance anytime, anywhere.
Photo ©️ 任纯伟
Join Us
We welcome you to join us and open up a new world. Don’t worry about lacking dance experience; you can start from scratch with our instructors. We want to share our passion with you, and you’ll meet many interesting friends and experience pure joy along the way.
Words From Members of JJJ Swing Century
Yameng: “JJJ Swing Century has beautiful and romantic jazz music, fun and interesting friends. Let's leave our troubles behind and dance happily together.”
Emma: “Come to JJJ Swing Century and experience your undefined self.”
Chen Wu: “Step into JJJ Swing Century and step into the world of swing.”
Marvin: “Come and sway like the waves at JJJ Swing Century.”
Wenzi: “Why doesn't everyone come to JJJ Swing Century for a dance?”
