SwingDiversity University

Each 1-year program is slightly different, depending on the scope of the role itself, but they all have one thing in common — to train community members from historically marginalized groups to be prepared and available for roles in the community.

Each program consists of:
(1) virtual lectures and coursework
(2) a practicum period, e.g. apprenticeship by shadowing the faculty.

All trainees must be at least 18 years of age by January 1st of the cycle year to participate. All trainees will be required to agree to abide by the SwingDiversity University Code of Conduct. The cadence and details offered below may change prior to the program’s launch. There is no guarantee that trainees will have opportunities at national events.

Applications for the next class open in the fall. For the 2024 cycle, the applications are due by Friday, November 3rd. An orientation kick-off will occur in late January.

Questions? Email our University administration directly: [email protected]

The University has provided over 60 hours of free training to more than 20 community members!

Judges Training

Goal: Training community members to judge at national events.

Pre-requisites: All trainees must have Advanced+ points within the WSDC point system.

Lecture Phase: Trainees will participate in lectures and discussions with the faculty via Zoom approximately twice per month for 5 months (~9 sessions of 90 minutes each).

Practicum Phase: Trainees will mock judge under the supervision of a mentor chief judge at events across the country.

DJ Training

Goal: Training community members to set the tone for local dances and/or national events.

Pre-Requisites: There are no pre-requisites for participating.

Lecture Phase: Trainees will participate in lectures and discussions with the faculty via Zoom every week for 2 months (~7 sessions of 90 minutes each).

Practicum Phase: Trainees will shadow the faculty DJs or co-DJ with a mentor DJ at events across the country.

Instructor Training

Goal: Training community members to teach beginner and intermediate group classes at local dances and national events.

Pre-Requisites: All trainees must have Novice+ points within the WSDC point system.

Lecture Phase: Trainees will participate in lectures and discussions with the faculty via Zoom every week or every other week for 5 months (approximately 12 sessions of 2 hours each).

Practicum Phase: Trainees will teach group classes of varying levels – typically newcomer or beginner – at events across the country.