MLX7 FAQ

What is a lindy exchange?

A Lindy Exchange is a lindy hop (swing dance) event where dancers in one city host a weekend of social dancing, inviting dancers from all over the world to come and share their local venues and bands. Hosting is a big lindy exchange tradition, where locals give visitors a place to stay in their own homes.

But really, it's an excuse to party like it's 1939: dancing, dancing and more dancing. With some time set aside for talking and eating (naptimes are optional).

So what's MLX7?

MLX7 is the 7th annual Melbourne Lindy Exchange. MLX7 (as with MLX5 and MLX6) is a non-profit event, run entirely at cost to save you $$. We've themed this year the 'Kick Ass' exchange because we think this year's MLX is the best, ass-kickingest MLX so far.

Do you have to be able to dance to come?

Of course not - we are running early evening events which feature live bands and (limited) seating. Come along and enjoy the music! But remember: dancing is the main focus of the weekend, and we've chosen venues with excellent dance floors... and only small seating areas.

Do you have to be a good dancer to come?

No way - we welcome all dancers, no matter how much experience they have, or how 'good' they are. It'll help if you can do a swing out or a bit of 6-count, but all you'll really need is to be able to say "would you like to dance?"

Many of the Australian cities organise group trips to MLX (and other exchanges) which are made up of dancers with all sorts of experience and dancing abilities. Why not organise a group of friends and come together if you're a bit shy? But exchanges are all about meeting and dancing with strangers: many people arrive knowing nobody and leave with dozens of new friends from all over the world!

Are there any lessons or workshops?

Nu-uh: this is an entire weekend of nothing but social dancing. If you are interested in classes, Melbourne is home to literally dozens of swing dance teachers, and there'll be plenty more flying into town for the weekend who might be interested in teaching private classes. To make contact with them, try the Australian Swing Talk discussion board

Is there anything to do at MLX7 besides dancing?

You bet - we're organising all sorts of non-dancing and daytime activities, from visits to local scenic spots to meals and shopping trips. The welcome drinks venue is traditionally packed with backpacks and excited dancers catching up with old friends and making new ones.
These are always very friendly events - we always recommend them to out-of-towners and new dancers, as they give them a chance to meet people before the main dancing events, and give old exchange buddies a chance to catch up. They are usually casual, friendly, noisy events.

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