The Ottawa Swing Dance Society (OSDS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting swing dance and swing dancing culture in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Founded in December of 1999, the club has grown in membership and repertoire, now showcasing a variety of swing dances, including East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, Blues, and West Coast Swing. Founded as swing dancing in the Ottawa bar scene began to go out of fashion in venues like Zaphod's, Barrymores, Babylon and the Cave, the club moved into the former Indigo Lounge, then on to All Saint's Church, the Jack Purcell Community Centre, and Ottawa dancestudios.ca, until finally taking up residence in its current home back at the All Saint's Church.
The club is completely run by volunteers whose hard work and dedication have garnered them a New RO Volunteer of the Week award for January 2003. Dancers from our scene have also been featured in the History Channel documentary, The War Brides: From Romance to Reality and at the gala premier of 20th Century Gals, a "docu-dramedy" featuring This Hour has 22 Minutes star Cathy Jones. They have also been showcased by Breakfast at the New RO, the Centretown News, the Ottawa Bluesfest, the Governor General's Concert Series, the Tulip Festival, the Canadian War Museum, the Royal Ottawa Hospital, the Ottawa Citizen, South Keys Cinema, and the Brockville Riverfest.
Our scene has produced some excellent teachers who help ensure that our beginners learn quickly and have a great time. With a warm sense of community and a fun atmosphere, the Ottawa Swing Dance society is a great way to spend a Friday night.
