Chongqing - Beneath the cyberpunk glow of the city's neon skyline, a group of young people is reviving the spirit of the 1920s through swing dance, creating a gentle, nostalgic cultural wave in this mountainous city.
As Chongqing's first swing dance studio, Swing Chongqing brings together energetic dance lovers from all walks of life. United by their passion for movement and music, they are dedicated to introducing swing dance and its associated vintage culture to the local community.
"I want to share this interesting culture," said Sanchih, one of the founders and main organizers of Swing Chongqing.
Founded in 2017 by Sanchih and Tina, Swing Chongqing is based in the city and focuses on swing dance education. Beyond regular classes, the studio hosts themed dance parties, participates in performances, and occasionally organizes flash mobs in public spaces.
At the heart of swing dance is freedom and improvisation. "There is no standard answer," Sanchih explained. "Within some basic rules, you can extend endlessly. What matters is not performing for others, but being yourself."
To make swing dance more accessible, Swing Chongqing also organizes creative events that blend dance with local culture. One of their signature activities is the annual Lindy Hotpot Swing Festival. During the festival, participants not only dance together but also share Chongqing hotpot—and sometimes even dance inside hotpot restaurants.
The studio has also designed city-walk dance routes, inviting dancers from other cities to explore Chongqing's distinctive locations, such as mountain pathways and cliffside walkways, while light rail trains pass in the background.
For many participants, the experience has been transformative. One swing dance student shared that she was initially worried about feeling stiff and awkward. "But under the guidance of the organizer, I feel much more relaxed now," she said. "It helps me release my true self."
She also emphasized the inclusiveness of swing dance. "Even if your rhythm isn't great, or you're not very strong physically, it doesn't matter. If you can walk, you can dance."
Beyond physical movement, swing dance has brought emotional change. "In ordinary daily life, things can feel repetitive," she said. "But suddenly having swing dance—with music, friends, and joy—makes life feel richer and more colorful."
(Liu Yiting and Shi Linqiao, as interns, also contributed to the report)