cleveland swing thing

ABOUT

Cleveland Swing Thing is a new workshop weekend being hosted by the Cleveland Balboa Club from August 21-23, 2026. Expanding out of the Bal & Blues weekend held last year and featuring a mixed dance floor, lessons from your favorite instructors, and an all-around great time, this event will harken back to the idea that the dances we love developed on the same dance floors and we can dance to the music our body feels instead of limiting ourselves to a single dance, rhythm, or tempo. This year, lessons will focus on Blues, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag, with a fun addition of the Cleveland Shuffle. The social dances will broaden those options even further with music also suitable for Lindy Hop, Charleston, and whatever other movement your heart desires. Dancers of all levels are invited to shuffle, kick, and groove to the music that grew up with these dances and learn how to bring them together for one truly fantastic swing dance.

True to this mission, our instructors are working to put together a program of mixed-level classes in a choose-your-own-adventure setting that will have options for both beginner and more advanced dancers alike. So whether you want to refine or build your skills or learn a new dance altogether, you will find something for you. Class descriptions will be updated as the event gets closer, so check back in after purchasing your pass so you can be prepared. There will also be three social dance opportunities and we are thrilled to partner with Burning River Swing to provide some amazing music. Our venues include a historic 1940s ballroom and another local gem situated right in the middle of where life happens in Cleveland.

And don’t forget about comps! This event will feature two unique and fun centered competitions that will be an experience you won’t want to miss out on!

SOUNDS GREAT ALREADY? SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO REGISTER!

INSTRUCTORS

Jeron Tuell has loved dancing since he was a kid; whether he was dancing hip hop or just dancing around the house, he could not stop dancing. Since starting swing dancing in college in 2017, he has always wanted to spread his love for dance by teaching and attending social dances. He loves to teach Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Lindy hop and he wants to give people the room to explore their creativity and make dancing more welcoming for everyone in and outside of the classroom. Outside of dancing, he loves playing video games, reading manga, and learning about cybersecurity and is always open to discussing them.
Dan REpsch is immersed in the music and the movement. As a teacher, his enthusiastic approach brings a focus on innovation, connection, and attention to your partner. As a veteran instructor and DJ, he’s worked for events across 4 continents, for everything from international events to local dances. He’s also organized both locally and for international events, including a Head DJ role in BluesSHOUT! and The Balboa/Blues Experiment. In the end, Dan is most excited to work hard at improving the dance and to see people break through their boundaries.
Chealsia smedley is a frankie manning scholar and member of the al minns next generation project. she first stared dancing liturgical and modern dance at the age of 15. she has been dancing lindy hop and vernacular jazz dances since 2019. she loves to explore the ways that lindy hop invites people into the black legacy of resilience, joy, and self expression. outside of dance, she is a writer, podcaster, and editor who is passionate about storytelling that deepens curiosity, centers marginalized voices, and leads to compassionate action. As a teacher, she values connection to black music and cultural values and the freedom to explore.

MUSICAL TALENT

forest city django club feat. Kara scott is a swinging and singing jazz group from the Cleveland/Akron area. The band honors French jazz, hot jazz and swing music by musicians like Django Reinhardt, Stefan Grappelli, and Ella Fitzgerald, bringing this music back to life in the modern day. When their melodic violin, percussive guitar, walking bass lines and stellar vocals come together, they set fire to both old and new songs alike!

venues

When choosing where to stay, out of town guests are encouraged to prioritize a location near the Elliot or Market Square Park.

Market square park
Market Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Sitting outside the historic west side market, and surrounded by local favorite restaurants and breweries, We are thrilled for our rain or shine welcome dance at market square park in the heart of ohio city.

The Treelawn music & Social Hall
15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44110
Featuring a 100-year-old refurbished ballroom and a 1940’s era bar/social club, The Treelawn will host Saturday’s events. A local favorite with quick floors and great acoustics, this venue connects us with dancers of the past.
The Elliot
1415 Kenilworth Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Sunday events will find themselves at The elliot. The Elliot’s ballroom and rosehip room sit in a recently renovated Byzantine church turned ballroom and speakeasy, this community-oriented space is beautiful and located in the heart of cleveland culture. Out of town guests are encouraged to find lodging nearby.

Weekend schedule

You can check back later for more in-depth class descriptions, but for now, here’s a rough outline of events:

Friday August 21 – Market Square Park
6:00-6:30 pm – Beginner Swing Lesson with Devon & Deanna
6:30 – 9:00 pm – Evening Welcome Dance – DJs Doug Bae and Marissa Hlavacek
This rain or shine outdoor dance will introduce you to a fantastic neighborhood in Cleveland. Surrounding by local favorites restaurants and breweries, and sitting just across the street from the historic West Side Market. With beats brought to you by the amazing Doug Bae and Marissa Hlavacek, we can’t wait to start dancing with you!

Saturday, August 22 – The Treelawn
10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Morning Classes: All-level collegiate shag and experienced blues lessons. Descriptions coming soon!
2:00 – 4:30 pm – Afternoon Classes: Experienced balboa and a TBD all-levels lesson. Descriptions coming soon!
6:30 pm – Pre-Dance Cleveland Shuffle Lesson with Steffanie – Main Ballroom
Big Mucci, leader of Cleveland’s own 71 North, wrote the Cleveland Shuffle over 25 years ago and we’ve been doing it ever since. It’s sure to be a blast!
7:00-10:00 pm – Evening Social Dance with Forest City Django Club featuring Kara Scott – Main Ballroom
During the dance, don’t miss out on the Mix-and-Match Competition that will definitely leave an impression! Sign up when you check in for the weekend!
10:00pm – 12:00 pm – Blues Late Night at the Treelawn’s Social Club for a cozy end to our Saturday dancing.

Sunday, August 23 – The Elliot
11:00 am Late Morning Brunch – Roseship Room
This wouldn’t be a Cleveland Balboa Club event if we didn’t have something specifically cozy and welcoming. Come join us for brunch before we dance.
12:00 – 2:30 pm – Early Afternoon Classes: All-levels slow balboa and experienced shag lessons. Descriptions coming soon!
3:00 – 6:00 pm – Teatime Social Dance with Forest City Django Club featuring Kara Scott in the main ballroom.

Questions or concerns? Need a scholarship or have access needs? Reach out to us at clevelandbalboaclub@gmail.com. We can’t wait to dance with you!

REGISTRATION

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking “Get Tickets” will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Early Bird – Cleveland Swing Thing – Full Weekend Pass
The early bird gets the worm! Snag one of these for a discount! Parent pass purchasers should buy one pass and email clevelandbalboaclub@gmail.com with both parents names.
$130.00
5 available
Cleveland Swing Thing – Full Weekend Pass
This ticket gives access to all lessons, social dances, late nights, and any other events taking place over the weekend. Parent pass purchasers should buy one pass and email clevelandbalboaclub@gmail.com with both parents name
$160.00
Unlimited
Cleveland Swing Thing – Saturday Only
This ticket will secure access to the lessons, social dance, and late night for Saturday only.
$110.00
Unlimited
Cleveland Swing Thing – Sunday Only
This ticket will secure access to the brunch, lesson, and social dance for Sunday only.
$60.00
Unlimited
Scholarship Donation
Scholarships help up make this event inclusive for everyone. Please feel free to add as many scholarships to your cart as you like.
$5.00
Unlimited
Canadian Early Bird – Full Weekend Pass
Same pass, just for our friends up north. Proof of Canadian residency will be requested at the door.
$95.00
15 available
Canadian Full Weekend Pass
Same details as above. Proof of Canadian residency will be requested at the door.
$115.00
Unlimited
Quantity: 0
Total: $0.00