Rocket City Swing returns October 31; November 2, 2025 at the Huntsville Marriott at the Space and Rocket Center with a bold new theme: 2025, The Year of the Mad Scientist. This reimagined West Coast Swing weekend takes the usual workshop‑social‑competition formula and turns it into an immersive hometown festival; intensive technique sessions and masterclasses, festival‑caliber WSDC competitions and the new Rising Star Routine division, nightly socials fueled by top DJs, and inventive early shows that kick the energy into high gear. Add space‑themed surprises, curated excursions to Space Camp and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, on‑site hiking, and a warm local team focused on smooth production, and you’ve got a dance weekend that’s equal parts serious skill‑building and playful adventure; perfect for competitors, social dancers, and anyone who wants a memorable long weekend of movement and community.
Event details
Rocket City Swing unfolds Friday evening through Sunday with a packed schedule of workshops, intensive masterclasses, nightly socials, WSDC competitions, early‑show performances, and curated extras that keep the energy moving between sessions. Hosted at the Huntsville Marriott at the Space and Rocket Center, the event consolidates classes, competitions, and lounge life under one roof so attendees skip long walks and spend more time dancing, socializing, and recharging between sets. Room blocks and event tickets are available now through the event site and the hotel reservation link shared by organizers, and early registration tiers and membership perks provide the best value for those planning to immerse themselves in the full weekend experience.
What to expect
Attendees can expect a rigorous, thoughtfully sequenced curriculum of technique workshops and intensives that hone connection, timing, musicality, and styling for leaders and followers at every level, from fundamentals to performance‑ready repertoire; classes emphasize partner communication, musical phrasing, and creative styling drills that translate directly to social floors and competition stages. Nightly socials feature curated DJ sets and themed playlists designed to keep the dance floor lively and varied; shorter, high‑energy rotations for social rounds and longer sets for immersive musical exploration; while spectacular early shows and curated showcases kick off the weekend with professional performances and choreography to inspire. Throughout the event, “Year of the Mad Scientist” flourishes; playful props, surprise studio experiments, interactive mini‑challenges, and themed choreography clinics; will be woven into classes, socials, and showcases to spark creativity, encourage playful risk‑taking, and keep the vibe inventive and fun.
Competitions, performance, and instruction
Rocket City Swing will stage official WSDC competitions alongside a brand‑new Rising Star Routine division that comes with cash prizes, event passes, and promotional exposure for top routines, making this an ideal platform for teams to showcase choreography and gain visibility; routine slots are limited, so competitors are encouraged to register early to secure placement and rehearsal time. The weekend also features intensive masterclasses led by high‑profile instructors and special guests, highlighted by a rare intensive with Benji Schwimmer; multi‑title world champion, Emmy‑level performer, and an internationally respected teacher whose expertise spans competitive swing, modern staging, and cross‑genre performance work; offering competitors direct coaching, performance critique, and creative production tips to elevate both social and stage work.
Extras, excursions, and practical perks
Beyond the classroom and competition floor, Rocket City Swing layers in curated off‑site adventures; guided excursions to Space Camp and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center let attendees pair their dance weekend with hands‑on science exploration; while nearby on‑site hiking trails provide a restorative outdoor break between intensive sessions. A cozy lounge, local business partnerships, and thoughtful small extras; pop‑up demos, late‑night snacks, and surprise mini‑events; keep downtime social, convenient, and fun.
Logistics, tickets, and support
Weekend passes, tiered pricing, and full registration details are available at rocketcityswing.com/registration, and the hotel reservation link is live for guests who want rooms adjacent to the venue. The original room block sold out quickly, so reach out to organizers for any last‑minute availability; Rising Star Routine entrants and competitor inquiries should be directed to info@rocketcityswing.com, while hotel room requests can be handled by jenn@rocketcityswing.com. Secure your pass early to lock in promotional pricing and the best weekend experience.
Community and sponsors
Rocket City Swing is a hometown celebration produced by the Rocket Westies and powered by an organizational team that has retooled operations for smoother production, clearer communications, and a more seamless attendee experience from registration to the final dance. The weekend depends on an army of local volunteers and community partners whose time and expertise keep programming ambitious and welcoming, and sponsor support underwrites competitive prize purses, guest instructors, and accessibility initiatives that widen participation. Special recognition goes to Gold Level Sponsor Kim Bass for underwriting the Jack & Jill prize purse this year, a contribution that directly amplifies competition opportunities and raises the weekend’s profile. Thanks to these community investments, Rocket City Swing can stay affordable, adventurous, and rooted in Huntsville’s friendly dance scene.
Closing
Whether you’re sharpening your West Coast Swing technique, chasing the competition spotlight, or simply craving a weekend of spirited socials wrapped in the playful “Year of the Mad Scientist” theme, Rocket City Swing 2025 delivers a memorable mix of top‑tier instruction, festival‑level competitions, and hometown hospitality; register now, secure lodging if you can, and prepare to lead, follow, and celebrate across three charged days of dance, discovery, and community on the floor.