Please join us for our next dance:
 


Thank you for your support. UPtown is pleased to return in Fall 2008, with bands!



ARCH Auditorium
Penn Campus
3601 Locust Walk

FREE Swing Lesson 8:00 - 9:00 PM
Choose Beginner or Intermediate
DJ is on 9:00 PM - 11:45 pm
Free for Students w/ current PENN ID
$5 General Admission

DJ: Sidney Poor and Aaron Leonovich

No partners required.

Map to ARCH Building

How often are the dances?
We attempt to hold the Fish Fry every other Saturday during the semester. Depending on room availability and enthusiasm we may have to add or cancel dates. Some of our dances feature themes, guest DJ's and live bands. Check the website for updates or sign-up on our mailing list to keep informed.

Who can come?
Anyone and everyone who is interested in learning to Swing dance or would just like to enjoy the music is welcome to attend. You need not bring a partner, and need not be affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. Penn ID NOT required. All classes are designed for the beginner- if you can walk, we can teach you to dance.

Why is it called the Fish Fry?
The inspiration for holding a Saturday Night Fish Fry comes from the song of the same name by one of the greatest swing artists of all time, Louis Jordan. Fish Fries were popular during the Depression Era, when people all over the country would fish all week, put the fish in an ice box, and then take them to a public park for a fish fry. The fish fry was always held on Saturday nights during the Depression and sandwiches would cost a mere 25 cents! If you read the lyrics of Saturday Night FishFry, you'll notice these events were as much a dance jam session and party as a means to make a few dollars. You won't find any fish on our Saturday Nights, but you will find the festive nature of these events: plenty of dancing, fabulous music, and you don't have to be a "cook, or a waiter, or a good musician" to get in free!