Swinging Air Force
Dance Teams

Bring Your Passion to the Next Level with Our Swing Dance Teams

Whether you're an experienced dancer or just discovering your love for dancing, our studio has a unique offer for those looking to join our Montreal Swinging Air Force (SAF) dance team. Interested in the team experience and passionate about swing, lindy hop, charleston or west coast swing? Don't wait any longer, your dream of being part of a dance team could become a reality sooner than you think!

Aspiring to Join a Dance Team but Don't Know Where to Start?

Looking for a way to turn your passion for dance into a professional opportunity? Our SAF teams are for you! Whether you're looking to perfect your technique or simply explore this path, every session promises to be an enriching experience.

Joining a dance team is an exciting goal, but it can also seem daunting. Studio 88 Swing has everything you need to progress quickly and efficiently towards your ambition of joining our dance team. Contact us for more information or to audition!

Our mission

" Together, let's spread the roots of our passion. "

Our mission is to share our love for swing dance within a team of members from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We aim to respect the historical origins of dance while pursuing performance goals to fuel everyone's passion towards tangible outcomes.

Reputation and Expertise of Instructors at Studio 88 Swing

Our instructors at Studio 88 Swing are experts in their field, boasting extensive experience and rich knowledge in swing dances. This makes them highly esteemed by their students.

They are professional and experienced, with backgrounds in renowned dance teams and performances on TV, film, and various corporate events, capable of delivering quality instruction and guidance.

Performance Opportunities with Studio 88 Swing

The Swinging Air Force of Studio 88 Swing is a dance team offering performance opportunities to artists of all levels. The team comprises professionals and beginners who train together and collaborate to create breathtaking performances. Performances can be customized to client needs and include theater shows, concerts, and sporting events.

Networking and Partnerships

Our dance team allows for strong connections with various dance teams and industry professionals, thus facilitating auditions and career opportunities.

Diversity of Styles

Our team encompasses various dance styles, each corresponding to specific movements, postures, and music. The most popular swing dances include lindy hop, balboa, charleston, and blues. Each dance style has its characteristics and can be adapted to dancers' preferences. By offering a wide range of dance styles and techniques, we enable dancers to explore and master different genres required in a team.

Mentorship Program at Studio 88 Swing

Our school has established a mentorship system where experienced dancers can guide and support those new to the field.

Competitive Pricing

We are proud to offer affordable pricing to dancers who are seriously committed to joining a team. For details on auditions and fees, please contact us at 514-887-9464.

Positive Culture and Environment

The Swinging Air Force dance team is the most decorated team in the Americas! But in addition to being a group of champions...it is a dynamic community that aims to create a positive and safe environment for all its members. It strives to promote a culture of respect and open-mindedness, valuing differences and encouraging personal expression and learning. It is also committed to creating an environment where all dancers feel free to express their passion for swing dance.

Why join a dance team ?

Joining the Swinging Air Force allows you to take your swing dance skills to the next level. It's perfect if you love teamwork and challenges.

Quick Progress

A structured environment to advance quickly.

Motivation

Working in a team and aiming for high-level performances boosts your enthusiasm.

Build Relationships

Many of our members become long-term friends.

Competition Opportunities

Our teams participate in major competitions like the International Lindy Hop Championship and the Canadian Swing Championship.

Sign-up for auditions

General Objectives of SAF teams

Provide motivated dancers the opportunity to refine their knowledge and abilities in swing dances.
Work in a stimulating environment that fosters creativity and exchange.
Deliver high-quality performances through which we will share our passion with a broad audience.
Participate in competitions of various scales to maintain motivation towards achieving excellence.
Train and/or perfect the skills of Studio 88 Swing instructors.

History of the Swinging Air Force

Founded in 1998, the Swinging Air Force (SAF) is a Montreal-based swing dance team. The name was inspired by a World War II poster stating, “Keep ‘em Flying - is our Battle Cry.” Stéphane Gilbert proudly asserts, "We keep them flying... we are the Swinging Air Force!"

Notable Achievements

The first Canadian team to place at the American Championships (ALHC) in 2001.
The official grand opening of Studio 88 Swing, the swing dance teaching studio.
Won numerous international titles, making SAF the most decorated swing dance team in North America.

Impact and Innovation

Contributed to making Montreal one of the most significant swing communities in the world.
Created the world's first Balboa dance team.

Media and Collaborations

Appeared on various Canadian and American TV shows.
Contributed to Cirque du Soleil choreographies and in music videos of renowned artists.

Memorable Events

Participated in hundreds of shows, including performances at Place des Arts with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Canada Day in Ottawa.
SAF has left an everlasting mark in the world of swing dance, in line with their 2004 mission: "Together, let's spread the roots of our passion!