Austin Swing Syndicate.

As you walk into the colossal entryway of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, you will feel the air vibrate with the energy that is bouncing from the walls and ceilings. Chandeliers jingle rhythmically, people in the hallways bob their heads and tap their feet, and the portraits on the walls tremble as hundreds of students gracefully jig their way around the massive ballrooms. Fedoras, driver caps, bow-ties, and horn-rimmed glasses litter the dancers as they set a tone reminiscent of 1940, with a handful of t-shirts and blue jeans thrown in.
Welcome to a Thursday night event hosted by the Austin Swing Syndicate (go ahead, note the acronym, everybody does.) This event, hosted every Thursday near the University of Texas campus, is a guaranteed memorable experience. Whether you are already a seasoned swing dancer, or a visitor with no interest in learning the Jitterbug, there are a number of opportunities awaiting you here.
Two separate ballrooms hosting two varying dances simultaneously make for nice diversity in your dancing experience, and there is no shortage of partners with all levels of mastery. From 7pm until midnight, paid disk jockeys maintain the steady flow of music, keeping the dance floor alive and swinging until lights out.
To be fair, however, not all who attend Thursday night swing are there to, well, swing. If getting sweaty in a room full of strangers simply doesn't sound as appealing to you, or if you need a break from the fast-paced atmosphere, step into one of the many secluded parlors to meet new people and listen to the piano skills of whoever happens to be showcasing their talent. One cannot help but find an interesting character or two at these Steinway socials, or perhaps even make an important contact on the inside of the Austin music scene. Networking with the knowledgeable and remaining "in the know" are easier than ever here, especially for students looking to be pals with their toughest professor.
Whether you are looking for a way to make personal or business connections, learn a thing or two about being light on your feet, or break in that new pair of ballroom shoes, the Austin Swing Syndicate can help you out for just a five dollar entry fee on any given Thursday night.