There are people who were born to dance. I’m not one of those people.

Nonetheless, when I’m swing dancing, I’m not thinking about the $10 I have left in my bank account or my usual mantra: “Figure out what you’re going to do with your degree…Figure out what you’re going to do…Figure it out…” I can leave my stress-drenched coat at the door and just dance.

Born from the freedom and artistic sensations of jazz music from the 1920s to the 1940s, swing dance continues to thrive today. In fact, San Diego has a huge swing dancing culture.

One place that truly captures the essence of swing as well as the beauty of fellowship is Firehouse Swing at the Queen Bee’s in North Park.

Instructors welcome all skill levels to join the group swing lessons from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Following the class they hold a dance until 11:30 p.m., opening up opportunities for everyone to meet new people and have fun. Individuals of all ages from all over the county can be found here, and many of them say that swing dancing is actually quite therapeutic.

“For a lot of people in the community it’s about how they’ve worked all day and they come here and they just forget everything, and they get out on the dance floor and they have a good time. The more people that smile at night the happier we are,” said Amber Knutson, a swing instructor at Firehouse.

Megan Cramer, a student at Palomar College, feels the same. “Swing dancing is a way for me to unwind from a long day at school,” she says. “I love the music and it is a safe, comfortable atmosphere.”

Not only is swing dancing a way to relieve stress, but it’s also something that students can do without emptying their savings account or having to drive strenuous distances to reach.

“We kind of combined all the ages here; a lot of students, a lot of older to middle [age people]. I have a 95 year-old gentleman who dances swing, which is incredible,” says Alma Rodriguez, owner of the Queen Bee’s. “We love when people come together. That’s what swing brings to the scene: happiness and joyful moments.”

Admission to this event is only $6 for students, and the drive from San Marcos to the Queen Bee’s takes only 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Firehouse Swing at Queen Bee’s aims to make this artistic tradition open to everyone.

Whatever level of dance and whatever season of life you’re in, swing dancing is something everyone should try at least once. You never know, it just might be your stress reliever.