Step Back in Time with Empire Swing’s ‘Swing Shack’ at The BrisWest Centre

Every Friday and Saturday night, the BrisWest Centre at the Latrobe Terrace in Paddington transforms into a lively swing dancing venue with Empire Swing’s “Swing Shack.”


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The BrisWest Centre Hall opens its doors to dancers of all ages and skill levels this upcoming March 23, inviting them to immerse themselves in the infectious rhythms of swing music and the lively social atmosphere.

As the doors open at 6:45 p.m., a beginner’s taster class kicks off the evening, introducing newcomers to the basic steps of styles like the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Charleston, Blues, and Balboa.

Photo credit: Empire Swing/Facebook

But it’s at 7:30 p.m. when the real magic happens. The lights dim, the disco ball starts spinning, and the hall transforms into a vibrant scene reminiscent of bygone eras. Couples and solo dancers take to the floor, swinging, twirling, and grooving to the diverse tempos spun by Brisbane’s talented swing DJs.

You will see people of all ages practising their moves. From the classic Lindy Hop to the energetic Charleston, and even solo routines like the Shim Sham or Big Apple, it’s a celebration of swing dancing in all its glorious forms.

With a welcoming atmosphere, no partner or experience is needed – just a willingness to let loose and embrace the infectious spirit of swing. 

About Empire Swing

BrisWest Centre
Photo credit: Empire Swing/Facebook

Empire Swing is Brisbane’s longest-running swing dance school, specialising in fun dance lessons that teach a variety of swing dancing styles including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and Blues.

Their swing dance classes in Paddington cater to all levels of dancers, from complete beginners through to intermediate and advanced swing dancers. Empire Swing’s lessons are designed to get students dancing from the very first night.


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The dance styles, music, and fashion taught are all inspired by the big bands and music halls of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s era. Empire Swing offers regular weekly classes that take students from the basics of swing dancing all the way to feeling confident to hit the social dance floors hard.

Visit their website to learn more about their dance styles and upcoming events.

Published 13-March-2024 

Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market returns to The BrisWest Centre

Paddington’s Secondhand Market is back at The BrisWest Centre on Saturday, 21 July 2018. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the centre will be filled with great deals on designer clothes, homewares, books, and music.

Delicious food from the BrisWest Cafe, homemade Spring Rolls, and Sausage Sizzle, plus a raffle await shoppers in the event. Entry to the event is free for shoppers.

Photo credit: Facebook/The BrisWest Centre

If you are thinking of decluttering your home or clearing up more space in your closet, Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market is the perfect place for you to recycle your things and make some money. Simply book a ticket online to get a table where you can sell your stuff.

Take note that table numbers are limited to ensure that there is a maximum space for everyone’s comfort inside the hall. At the time of writing, indoor spaces were already sold out but there are still remaining spaces for selling outdoors. Click here to grab a space.

Photo credit: Facebook/The BrisWest Centre

Friendly Reminders for Sellers

  • Sellers will be provided with a table, chair and space for a BYO rack.
  • You can bring one rack per paid ticket.
  • For those who have booked a table outside, you can provide your own gazebo as you wish.
  • The BrisWest Centre will be available for set-up from 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the market.
  • Packing up should be done on the specified closing time of 3:00 p.m. since doing it earlier will send a message to shoppers that the event is closing.
  • Parking area in the front of the centre can be used to unload stock until 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the market.
  • If you are parking longer than two hours, you may park your car along the side streets of Latrobe Terrace.
  • Do not forget to clean up your space after closing.
  • If you have booked a table but can’t make it to the day, you may get a refund by simply notifying the organizer within 24 hours of the market.

For more information and updates on the event, visit The BrisWest Centre’s Facebook page.