Top Tips for Surviving Your First Exchange

Eva Marshall

It’s a new year, and hopefully many of you have plans for at least one dance exchange across Australia!

We are absolutely spoilt for choice—especially here in Queensland, where we’ve got Brisbane Swing Thing, Slow Soirée Weekend, Gold Coast Lindy Fest, Cairns Swing Festival, Byron Bay Lindy Exchange, Jump Session Vol 2, and Brisbane Balboa Weekend!

If any of these are tickling your fancy but you’ve never attended an exchange or workshop weekend before, I’ve (with much help) compiled your ultimate guide to surviving dance weekends.

What to Pack and Prepare

• Comfortable clothes for workshops:
  I usually opt for workout gear—dancing for four-plus hours in a pair of jeans does not sound like a fun time (but maybe I just own super uncomfortable jeans).

• Snacks for energy dips:
  Have a little stash ready for when workshop or social fatigue hits. Try to avoid super sugary options if you don’t want an even bigger crash later.

• Accommodation close to venues:
  If you're planning an interstate exchange, book your accommodation near the workshop venues. It’s so nice to be able to walk or take a short drive back to rest your feet and nap between events.

• Try your outfits ahead of time:
  If you're bringing a new outfit for the weekend, test it out first. I learned the hard way at the Adelaide Lindy Exchange Gala Night when my dress kept riding up while dancing. Thankfully, I had a backup dress to change into—lesson learned!

Workshops can leave you feeling pretty ravenous - make sure to bring plenty of snacks!

During Workshops

• You won’t remember everything, and that’s okay!
  There's so much information being thrown at you, it’s natural to forget some of it when you get home. Recap videos help, but you might still find yourself thinking, “What the heck were we doing?” If you can, add a little note to your videos to remind yourself of the focus of each class.

• It’s okay to say NO.
  Fatigue will hit during socials—sweat gets real, and you’ll need breaks. If someone asks you for a dance during that time, it’s perfectly okay to politely decline or say you’ll catch them later. Same goes for when you're not feeling the music—don’t force it.

Top Tips from Our Dance Community

Susie’s Tips for Staying Healthy During an Exchange:

• Take an immune booster or flu shot in the lead-up to the exchange.

• Take magnesium before and during the weekend to avoid muscle cramps.

• Drink Hydralyte (or other electrolytes) before bed to stay hydrated and avoid the dreaded "swungover" feeling.

• Change socks regularly and rotate your shoes to combat sweat and foot rot.

• Bring lots of spare T-shirts—at the very least, one for the afterparty (even better, bring a whole new outfit).

• Bring multiple pairs of shoes, as each venue’s floor may be grippier or slipperier than expected.

• Do NOT use floor modifiers. Change your shoes, not the floor. A small patch of altered flooring can be dangerous for others.

• Don’t push through injuries.

• Listen to your body.

• Don’t sit on the floor during class—unless you’re out for the count and watching from the side. If that’s the case, let your teacher know you need a break or are injured.

Eva - Getting sick at an exchange is never fun but the more you go, the likelier it becomes. If I’d followed these tips before my first interstate exchange in Melbourne in 2023, I might have avoided the plague that took me down for two whole months!

Listen to your body and remember if you don't schedule a break, your body will take one for you

Trang’s Top Tip (especially if it’s your first exchange):

• Don’t wait for people to ask you to dance. Be proactive! The more people ask, the better the night goes for everyone.

And remember, if someone politely declines a dance—it’s okay! They might be hot, sweaty, tired, or just not feeling the song. Don’t let it discourage you from asking again.

Nick’s Words of Wisdom:

• Expect an emotional roller coaster: excitement, exhaustion, saturation from classes, frustration as your dancing changes, joy when you let go, and sadness when it ends.

• Bring multiple shoes—even with the same sole type—since sweaty socks can soak through to your shoes. Air them out when you can!

• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

• Give energy to your teachers. It makes a huge difference to them, especially those traveling long distances to be here (hello, jet lag!).

Workshop weekends are a rollercoaster. It’s normal to feel frustrated, tired, or brain-dead. You’re not expected to master everything on the spot—recap videos and practice are your friends!

Rachel’s Top Tips:

• Know who the Safe Spaces Team or event organisers are.
  They are there to help you feel comfortable and safe. If you witness or experience concerning behaviour, talk to them—even if you’re not ready to take action yet. Repeat reports help identify patterns. If you’re not sure who to approach, ask a friend—they can walk with you.

Cool cats having a groovy time at Brisbane Swing Thing - this could be you!

Exchanges are one of the most amazing experiences you can have in our swing dancing community. They’re not just in Australia—they’re happening all over the world. Hopefully, these top tips will leave you feeling ready and prepared to hit the ground dancing!