Swing Spots

The Derby still rules, but it’s not the only floor around . . .

* Danceman’s Swing Lounge. Ideal for beginners, this “lounge” is a dance school that doubles as a dressed-down nightclub every Friday. No-airs instructors teach short classes and offer tips throughout the night. Fridays, lessons at 7:30 p.m., open dancing from 9-11 p.m. 817 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. $10. (323) 467-0825 or (310) 479-1138.

* Sunday Night Swing Thing. The enterprising “Retro” Rhonda Frankforter runs a casual, all-ages swing event unusual for its variety of dances--including the Charleston--and guest teachers, national dance champions among them. Sundays, 8 p.m. lesson, dancing until 1 a.m. Also Saturdays. Golden Sails Best Western Hotel, 6285 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. $3-$10. (562) 596-1631.

* Memories. When they’re not at the Derby, local aficionados swing on this vast dance floor, known as the best in So Cal. Especially popular among younger Lindy hoppers and night owls. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.; Fridays, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturdays, 11 p.m.-3 a.m. 1074 N. Tustin Ave., Anaheim. Cover varies. (714) 630-9233.

* Branding Iron Saloon. Don’t let the mechanical bull throw you--this country club swings every Sunday with Buddy Schwimmer, who teaches flashy moves to swingsters around the globe. 320 S. E St., San Bernardino. Cover varies. Sundays-Thursdays, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.-3 a.m. (909) 888-7388.

* Rhino Room. Audrey Wilson, a veteran swing teacher, has indoctrinated masses at this suavely understated venue, which routinely books Eddie Reed, the bandleader who rubbed shoulders with Artie Shaw. Wednesdays, lessons at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Open until 1:30 a.m. 7979 Center Ave., Huntington Beach. $10. (714) 892-3316.

* Alpine Village Inn. This stalwart mini-Bavarian village has opened its arms to every dance du jour, and it’s now hosting swing in its Alpine dining music hall. Arrive hungry and enjoy a jaegerschnitzel during a band break. Mondays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance. No cover, two-drink minimum. (310) 327-4384.