The Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club at Club 6137

6137 North Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL

Robert Abrams
December 27, 2003

If you are looking for friendly people with whom to dance West Coast Swing, plus some Two-Step (both kinds), Hustle and a smattering of Waltz, you should check out the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club. Everyone was very welcoming. Most of the people were Chicago locals, but at least one person came from as far away as Madison, Wisconsin. The evening started at about 8 pm and went to Midnight. Refreshments were available from a vending machine in the back. The admission was $12.

The dancers were a range of ages and ability levels. One of the women I danced with glided down the slot with incredible smoothness. She might as well have had wheels instead of feet. I also ran into someone who used to dance at Jack Rose in New York before she moved away. People may scatter across the country, but if you dance, you are bound to run into them eventually.

The Chicago Rebels practice an innovative form of the Jack and Jill. At each of their regular parties members who are interested in competing pay $5 to enter the contest in one of three levels. Each person is scored. Entrants in the contest earn points that add up over the year. At their annual anniversary party, the dancers with the most points win prizes. The club clearly takes the contest seriously, but still keeps it fun. I have strong opinions on the issue of whether and how dance can be a sport. I think the Chicago Rebels may have found an appropriate balance and that their approach deserves further study.

The Chicago Rebels also host a West Coast Swing, Hustle and Salsa party on Sunday Nights at The Buzz (308 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60610) in Downtown Chicago.

For more information on the Chicago Rebels, contact them at
5910 North Sauganash Lane, Chicago, IL 60646
www.chicagorebels.net
733-736-8109

Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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Dancing at the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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