Sugar Swing Is...

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Sugar Swing offers dance classes and dance events. The primary goal of Sugar Swing is to encourage social dancing and to promote a warm, welcoming environment for all people. We promote the dancing, music, and history of the swing era in our classes and events.

Sugar Swing is open to anyone - no partners required, no dance experience necessary, and no age boundaries! Even though we want beginners to join, we still provide ample opportunities for technical learning and advancement. This is a club that will go out of its way to make sure you are satisfied and are having the most fun. If you haven't danced before, this is the best place to start.

Who's Teaching You?

Birkley Wisniewski

B.Sc. Engineering

In short, Birkley is a swing dance enthusiast who really cares about your progress as a dancer. He has been teaching for 4 years, is a former President of Swing-Out Edmonton, and has travelled beyond Edmonton for countless swing workshops, private lessons, and camps across NA. Highlights of his career includes performing in "The Alberta Tatoo" (2006) and traveling to Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden (2005). In his spare time, Birkley practices new moves, studies old dance clips, and DJs swing music. As a teacher, you'll find that Birkley is very helpful and friendly - he is very personable, explains concepts clearly, enjoys technique, and keeps the classes running smoothly.

Julie Kiraly

B.A. Honours Drama

Julie Kiraly has been teaching swing dance for over 4 years. With an impassioned sense to learn, she has travelled extensively to various cities across the world for swing dance training. Highlights of her career includes traveling to Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden (2007), performing in "The Alberta Tatoo" (2006) and traveling to Seattle for 5 Camp Jitterbug dance camps. Julie is a 'natural' at both teaching and at dancing. She guides her students through a class very well, and is quick to observe when students are having difficulties

Julie and Birkley have performed at numerous events in Edmonton and have taught swing at other dance schools and for various organizations and groups here. If you are interested in hiring us to perform or teach, please contact us!

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Dance Exploits

Taught for Inspiration Weekend in Calgary, February 2008; Choreographed 2 routines for U of A International Week, January 2008; Taught for Shilo's Dance Studio in Stoney Plain, October 2007; Performed at the T3 Big Band Annual Concert in Edmonton, April 2007; Performed for Rollanda Lee and Her Canadian Hot Stars Jazz Band, August 2006 & 2007; Performed at The Alberta Tatoo at Rexall Place Edmonton, July 2006;

Our People

The club relies on several people to keep the club going.

Julie and Birkley are the Instructors of the club. They are experienced and very knowledgeable in swing dance - you may rely on them for their expertise. If you need extra help or if you have any suggestions, they will help and listen.

Birkley founded Sugar Swing, and is the administrator for the club. He oversees all registration and organizing, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. If you have ANY questions, problems, or suggestions relating to the club, you are encouraged to contact him directly.

Krystal, Melissa, Matt, and Jason have been known to help Julie and Birkley teach, either as a teacher assistant or as teachers themselves. Call on them for their help - they are friendly, caring, and are an integral part of this club and swing dance community!

Swing-Out Edmonton is a university-based swing club that has now existed for several years. You will likely see Sugar Swing promoting their events, and them promoting ours, as we work together to build a vibrant dance community.

Finally, you are the reason that we exist. Without your respect and support, we would not be able to function. Because of this, Sugar Swing strives to be innovative, and wants to address all your concerns. We do our best to ensure that the quality of service you receive is better than any other dance club around.