Métro passengers can learn to dance while they commute

Passengers passing through Paris metro station Bibliothèque François Mitterrand tonight will have the chance to try swing dancing – and even to learn basic steps.

As part of its cultural events, the city’s public transport agency RATP organises ‘Dancing Thursdays’ Jeudis Danse every month, turning the metro station into a dance floor and attracting the curiosity of a large number of travellers.

Volunteers partner with dance professionals who teach the fundamentals of the chosen dance style for free, with Shake that Swing dance school tonight teaching swing and Lindy Hop.

Tonight, the RATP and Shake that Swing will offer an hour of introduction, starting 17.30, when instructors will first teach the basics and then do a live demonstration before opening up the floor.

Instructors will try to keep an eye on all participants, correcting them or giving tips – and encouragement.

Alexia Legoueix, president of Shake that Swing, said they did it “purely for the love of dancing” and she added “it was volunteer work” where they make no money out of the event.

In previous months RATP has organised similar events highlighting different styles of dancing, with Samba, Bollywood, Tango and Salsa and in coming months they will hold evening sessions on Brazilian Forró dancing on April 6, Bachata from the Dominican Republic on May 11, and Afro dance on June 8.