The OSDS is a non-profit dedicated to promoting swing dancing culture in Ottawa, ON, on unceded Algonquin territory.
The OSDS is a non-profit dedicated to promoting swing dancing culture in Ottawa, ON, on unceded Algonquin territory.
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Come try swing dancing Friday nights in downtown Ottawa!
It’s fun, easy to start, and a great way to meet people.
No partner or experience needed - all are welcome!
Come try swing dancing Friday nights in downtown Ottawa!
It’s fun, easy to start, and a great way to meet people.
No partner or experience needed - all are welcome!
The OSDS' dances (and events) have always been welcoming to everyone, had the best floors and atmosphere. It is the one and only dance place that has been a constant and stood the test of time. The OSDS is Ottawa's Home of Lindy Hop. We're a registered not-for-profit organization, run by volunteers, whose mandate is to support the swing dance community in Ottawa.
The OSDS' dances (and events) have always been welcoming to everyone, had the best floors and atmosphere. It is the one and only dance place that has been a constant and stood the test of time. The OSDS is Ottawa's Home of Lindy Hop. We're a registered not-for-profit organization, run by volunteers, whose mandate is to support the swing dance community in Ottawa.
We enjoy seeing new and returning community members, moving, grooving and having a great time on our large dance floor.
We enjoy seeing new and returning community members, moving, grooving and having a great time on our large dance floor.
Haven’t danced before? No Problem.
A one-hour introductory lesson is included with admission. It will get you started and ready to dance for the rest of the night.
No partner is necessary as we switch dance partners often during the lesson. Lindy hop, also known as swing dancing, is a social dance which means we emphasize meeting people and socializing.
Haven’t danced before? No Problem.
A one-hour introductory lesson is included with admission. It will get you started and ready to dance for the rest of the night.
No partner is necessary as we switch dance partners often during the lesson. Lindy hop, also known as swing dancing, is a social dance which means we emphasize meeting people and socializing.
Invite your friends. The more the merrier!
Everyone is welcome.
New and have questions?
Visit here for more info.
Our regular dances are on Friday nights
Our regular dances are on Friday nights
☰ Location ☰
174 Wilbrod St.
St Joseph’s Parish Hall (basement)
(How to get here & parking.)
☰ Schedule (Friday Nights) ☰
7:45 Doors Open
8:00 Beginner / Introductory Lesson
9:00-11:30 Social Dancing
☰ Before joining us, review our Safety Policy, please refrain from wearing or reapplying scented products as they can cause allergic reactions, thank you. ☰
☰ Footwear and Attire ☰
To help preserve our dance floor, and for better movement, bring a pair of clean, dry shoes for dancing. Flat indoor shoes are recommended (sneakers, flats, oxford, etc.).
Wear comfortable clothing to dance in and bring a refillable water bottle.
(Note; we do have some bottled water and drinks for sale but environmentally friendly options are always best.)
☰ Payment/Entrance Fee ☰
DJed evenings ― $15 (cash/square)
Live Band Nights ― $25 (sliding scale) cash/square
(*Feel free to pay more if you're willing/able.)
☰ The OSDS MULTIPASS is BACK! ☰
Your all-access ticket to more dancing, more music, and more community nights.
• Valid at DJ’ed dances only (not band nights)
• Use immediately after purchase.
• Transferable & shareable. Bring friends, use one pass for multiple people!
• Valid until June 2027.
Save big, dance often, and keep the floor alive week after week. Get yours at the next OSDS event!
☰ Interested in volunteering? ☰
There is a constant need of weekly helpers. As a "thanks", you'll receive free admission on the same day. Click the volunteer link on the website for details.
Want to be one of our teachers, or DJs? send an email to swingottawa AT gmail.com to get more info. Subject line your topic of interest.
We are also looking for;
• new Executive Committee Members,
• helpers for with our Anniversary Party, special events like Theme Dances and potential Workshops.
Come talk to one of the exec, at a Friday night dance, and/or send an email to: swingottawa AT gmail.com Subject your area of interest, to get more information and let us know about your interest, skills and availability.
☰ Interested in volunteering? ☰
There is a constant need of weekly helpers. As a "thanks", you'll receive free admission on the same day. Click the volunteer link on the website for details.
Want to be one of our teachers, or DJs? send an email to swingottawa AT gmail.com to get more info. Subject line your topic of interest.
We are also looking for;
• new Executive Committee Members,
• helpers for with our Anniversary Party, special events like Theme Dances and potential Workshops.
Come talk to one of the exec, at a Friday night dance, and/or send an email to: swingottawa AT gmail.com Subject your area of interest, to get more information and let us know about your interest, skills and availability.
Jazz music and dances are Black American art forms. Swing music and dance have been shaped by the experience of oppression, slavery, and segregation.
Jazz music and dances are Black American art forms. Swing music and dance have been shaped by the experience of oppression, slavery, and segregation.
Lindy Hop emerged as a defiant, joyous response to financial hardship caused by the Great Depression, harsh living conditions, and systemic racism.
Lindy Hop emerged as a defiant, joyous response to financial hardship caused by the Great Depression, harsh living conditions, and systemic racism.
As a community that enjoys this amazing dance and music, it is important to know and celebrate its history.
As a community that enjoys this amazing dance and music, it is important to know and celebrate its history.
It’s also equally important to celebrate its culture, values and the very people and communities who have created it. Not only out of respect and in an effort not to be appropriative, but because Lindy Hop is a dance of Black liberation, and simply because of our shared humanity.
It’s also equally important to celebrate its culture, values and the very people and communities who have created it. Not only out of respect and in an effort not to be appropriative, but because Lindy Hop is a dance of Black liberation, and simply because of our shared humanity.
☰ Live Bands: ☰
Sept. 11: Kitchissippi Jazz Kats
Oct. 16: Dr. Jazz
Nov. 13: Gordon Webster
Nov. 14: Gordon Webster VS Michael Srey
Dec. 18: Capital City Stompers
☰ EVENTS ☰
☰ Live Bands: ☰
Sept. 11: Kitchissippi Jazz Kats
Oct. 16: Dr. Jazz
Nov. 13: Gordon Webster
Nov. 14: Gordon Webster VS Michael Srey
Dec. 18: Capital City Stompers
☰ EVENTS ☰
UPCOMING
October 16 to 18: Swing-U-Out: organized by SwingUO
November 13-15: Kicksteppin' in the Kapital: organized by OSDS
March 12-14, event organized by OSDS
(If you find others 'events let us know and we'll add them. We do our best to make sure things are added to the above except for Ottawa events that conflict with our dances.)
Want to find other chances to dance?
Check out our Facebook Page's Events and Facebook Group
ONLINE EVERY WEDNESDAY
ONLINE EVERY WEDNESDAY
Join us on Zoom for the Online Swing and Blues Dance. Stay as little or long as you'd like, audio/video on or off as you see fit. Sit, listen, dance on your own, or meet up for your own dance party. Engage and interact or allow us to provide the soundtrack for your evening.
The first Wednesday of the month is; Top Of the Month Blues. ― Music starts at 7 PM & ends around 10 PM.
(You can choose to stay late & socialize.) Spread the word! House DJs: John Salalila (Windsor) & Jody Glanzer (Ottawa) Run by WE Swing Dance, Red Maple Blues & the Ottawa Swing Dance Society.
Join us on Zoom for the Online Swing and Blues Dance. Stay as little or long as you'd like, audio/video on or off as you see fit. Sit, listen, dance on your own, or meet up for your own dance party. Engage and interact or allow us to provide the soundtrack for your evening.
The first Wednesday of the month is; Top Of the Month Blues. ― Music starts at 7 PM & ends around 10 PM.
(You can choose to stay late & socialize.) Spread the word! House DJs: John Salalila (Windsor) & Jody Glanzer (Ottawa) Run by WE Swing Dance, Red Maple Blues & the Ottawa Swing Dance Society.
An open letter...
Long time dancers have seen venues of all varieties many days of the week. Live music nights where we've crashed the party and others hosted with us in mind. With DJed set breaks or as the main attraction. Dancing in tiny convoluted spaces or larger ones, on all sorts of floor surfaces. They have mostly all come and gone. OSDS with it's sprung, wooden, dance floor being the exception.
There are all sorts of lovely free events that pop up and that is wonderful! Go, have a good time, experience those awesome things (and we'll often give suggestions) but please think of it as a bonus. Do your best to try for an AND and not an OR. If you're able to, please come to both. If not, try not to be gone too long. We really do miss you.
If you appreciate having a reliable and stable place to go dancing that has been around for decades+
Do not take it for granted that it will always be here, support it.
Invite your friends to join you when you go. Its always more fun that way. ~Thanks.
An open letter...
Long time dancers have seen venues of all varieties many days of the week. Live music nights where we've crashed the party and others hosted with us in mind. With DJed set breaks or as the main attraction. Dancing in tiny convoluted spaces or larger ones, on all sorts of floor surfaces. They have mostly all come and gone. OSDS with it's sprung, wooden, dance floor being the exception.
There are all sorts of lovely free events that pop up and that is wonderful! Go, have a good time, experience those awesome things (and we'll often give suggestions) but please think of it as a bonus. Do your best to try for an AND and not an OR. If you're able to, please come to both. If not, try not to be gone too long. We really do miss you.
If you appreciate having a reliable and stable place to go dancing that has been around for decades+
Do not take it for granted that it will always be here, support it.
Invite your friends to join you when you go. Its always more fun that way. ~Thanks.
☰ COVID-19 PROTOCOLS ☰
Dear Dance Community,
Dear Dance Community,
We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and participation in Ottawa Swing Dance Society.
We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and participation in Ottawa Swing Dance Society.
Our masking policy: Wearing masks are now optional. We will still maintain our commitment to providing a clean and safe environment for all attendees. Disposable masks will continue to be offered at the door. We encourage attendees to wash or sanitize their hands throughout the evening.
Our masking policy: Wearing masks are now optional. We will still maintain our commitment to providing a clean and safe environment for all attendees. Disposable masks will continue to be offered at the door. We encourage attendees to wash or sanitize their hands throughout the evening.
Our primary goal has always been to prioritize the well-being and safety of our dance community. We acknowledge and respect that individuals may have different comfort levels and personal circumstances that influence their decision on whether or not to wear a mask. We encourage everyone to be understanding and non-judgmental of others' choices. Mutual respect and kindness are the foundations of our vibrant dance community, and we trust that these values will continue to guide us moving forward.
Our primary goal has always been to prioritize the well-being and safety of our dance community. We acknowledge and respect that individuals may have different comfort levels and personal circumstances that influence their decision on whether or not to wear a mask. We encourage everyone to be understanding and non-judgmental of others' choices. Mutual respect and kindness are the foundations of our vibrant dance community, and we trust that these values will continue to guide us moving forward.
We kindly request that you approach discussions surrounding this decision with empathy and respect. Let's foster an atmosphere of open dialogue, where differing opinions can be shared in a constructive manner.
We kindly request that you approach discussions surrounding this decision with empathy and respect. Let's foster an atmosphere of open dialogue, where differing opinions can be shared in a constructive manner.
Thank you for your understanding, together, we can continue to create positively unforgettable dance experiences.
Thank you for your understanding, together, we can continue to create positively unforgettable dance experiences.
Wishing you joy, happiness, and good health.
Wishing you joy, happiness, and good health.
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