Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Sugar Swing offers dance classes and dance events. The primary goal of Sugar Swing is to encourage a social atmosphere and to promote a warm, welcoming environment for all people. Sugar Swing is open to anyone - no partners required, no dance experience necessary, and no age boundaries!
Who's Teaching You?
Birkley Wisniewski
B.Sc. Engineering
In short, Birkley is a swing dance enthusiast who really cares about your progress and the swing dance scene in Edmonton. He has been teaching for 5 years, has travelled beyond Edmonton for countless swing workshops, private lessons, and camps across North America. 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 5 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!
Dance Exploits of Birk and Julie
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
Birkley founded Sugar Swing, and is the president of the club. He ensures everything runs smoothly, and organizes many events and ventures. If you have ANY questions, problems, or suggestions relating to the club, you are encouraged to contact him directly.
Julie co-organizes the Sugar Foot Stomps, organizes workshops for the Edmonton dancers, and does a lot of teaching and dancing. She's very approachable and really great!
Krystal Moss is our executive assistant... and more! She co-organizes the Sugar Foot Stomps, handles lesson registration, teaches, and does whatever else needs doing.
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.
Our Sister Club
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.