The Open Swing Dance Championships is the largest and longest running International Swing Dance competitions of the year. Competitors from all over the world work all year long preparing their routines, in order to dazzle and delight the crowds. There is always excitement and electricity in the air. Attendees look forward to The Open knowing they are going to witness some of the most amazing dance performances that will be seen in one place at one time. With a lot of social dancing scheduled, dancers get to experience hours of dancing with old and new found friends.
The Open Swing Dance Championships was founded by the late Jack Bridges. Jack had a passion for swing dancing. His purpose behind The Open Swing Dance Championships was to run an “Open” Swing Dance Event: Open to any style of Swing Dancing that is being danced anywhere in the world. Dancers have the opportunity to compete in swing dance styles from West Coast Swing, Lindy, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, and Hand Dancing to mention a few. It is held over the United States Thanksgiving weekend. Activities start as early as Wednesday night, with the ceremonial Opening Ceremony on Friday. Competitions start on Thursday and carry on throughout the weekend.
The Open is also home to the “Walk of Legends,” an award given to those who have been legendary in their influence on swing, their contribution to making The Open Champion title so prestigious, and who helped make The Open a highly celebrated event.
Jack united the swing dancing community with that passion and purpose in mind. After a brief run in Las Vegas in the late 1970’s, it was then held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim California for 16 years. Jack, later joined by wife, Mary Ann successfully ran The Open Swing Dance Championships for 18 years. The Bridges, earning their right to retire, sold the event in 2000.
In 2000 The Open Swing Dance Championships was purchased by a group of twelve shareholders. Each shareholder is highly dedicated and committed to continuing the dream and the passion of this wonderful event, honoring its rich history while maintaining its wonderful traditions. Today, the Open Swing Dance Championships is run by a voting Board of Directors who works to bring you – the dancers – the best event possible.
The Open Swing Dance Championships, now held at the beautiful Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport hotel, awards over $50,000 in cash and prizes. It has the privilege of being a founding member of the National Association of Swing Dance Events (NASDE), and a member of the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC). As the final tour stop on the NASDE tour, the Master’s Tour, and the Young Adult Swing Dance Association (YASDA), tour year-end prize money is awarded at The Open Swing Dance Championships. Additionally at The Open, the World Swing Dance Council announces their annual inductees into their Hall of Fame, while The Open Swing Dance Championships inducts another Open supporter into their Walk of Legends.
The ultimate achievement is to win The Open Swing Dance Championship title and take home the now famous “Opus” trophy. This title elevates one’s status in the swing dance community — many long successful careers were born out of winning this title.