A couple friends and I went to Rusty's for the first time for the holiday ball this past Friday. I haven't experienced so much happiness at an event in a long time. What a welcoming and fun crowd. I'm considering taking lessons because of the blast we had. Rusty is so humble, and she's such a legend and gives so much of her time to the community. Grateful to have come across this! read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club - With Queen Rusty - Dance Clubs Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

Rusty's Rhythm Club is the best place to swing dance in Los Angeles!!! Rusty always hires the most talented swing bands to play which helps her surpass all the other clubs that only use DJ's. The community of dancers here is composed of the most good-natured and considerate people. They span all dance levels and any advanced dancer is willing to dance with a beginner. That's how we all learn and grow. If you have never danced before or are just learning, Rusty has beginner dance classes at 7pm before the dance starts at 8pm. So come on in! We would love to dance with you! P.S. There's a bar for some liquid courage if you need it...wink wink! read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club - a man and a woman dancing on the dance floor - Dance Clubs Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

See all

I came to Rusty's alone, just to watch. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. What a fabulous place. Friendly, inviting, good music and great moves. I kept apologizing to the guys who would ask me to dance, "I don't dance very well." They didn't mind, they would take me out there and patiently teach me the steps. By the end of the night I was dancing with a legend, Chester Whitmore. A wonderful diversity of people with a common goal of dancing and treating each other with respect and kindness. If you have EVER had an interest in Swing, THIS, Is the place to come, to be welcomed, befriended and genuinely cared for. read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club - Dance Clubs Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

See all

Live band, great friendly vibe, can dress up or down and have a blast whether you're a newbie or a crazy flipping around Lindy Hopper (which I am not, fyi!). Def take advantage of the dance lesson before the band gets going, because it's a great way to make some nice connections with other people *and* build up your confidence. Plus -- I won't lie -- the bartender at the Elks Club makes stiff, well-priced cocktails! What's not to love...??!?! read more

Rusty's dance classes are like a mix of carnival ride (tiltawhirl!), trust fall and speed dating. So much fun learning to follow, with men learning to lead. This is the best thing ever. I'm like, "I'd like to teach the world to swing... " but Rusty already is. Thanks !!! read more

There are some things that have been lost over time, when it comes to the night scene. The first was good dancing and then live music. Rusty's Rhythm Club has both. The Club is held at the Elk Lodge, every Wednesday and last week there was a live swing orchestra playing the best from the Jazz and Swing age. There is only a $15 door cover and free parking. There is a bar, but since I was dancing, I wanted it to be a dry night. If you get there early, there is a free swing dancing class which starts at 7:30. I have been swing dancing and taking lessons for over a year, but my friend has never been, so I took the class with her. Personally, I feel like the class went a little slow, but for some people I would imagine that it wasn't slow enough. They taught the basic 6-count Lindy and a swing-out, which are good to know and anyone can start dancing with that. I love seeing live music, watching some amazing swing dancing and meeting new people and if you are like me, then you won't be disappointed. read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club - early in the evening - Dance Clubs Near Me - Playa Del Rey, California

See all

From advanced to newbie swing dancers, this is the real deal. Rusty and Ron make sure all feel welcome. As a beginner I wasn't sure what to expect but after taking the free lesson offered before the band starts up I was on my way. Highly recommended!! read more

Came here tonight for the first time. I have two left feet so keep that in mind. I think if I were better or had more experience iwould give it five stars. There's a very nice warm environment. People are slightly nerdy/dorky/geeky but I like that crowd. Everyone is very nice, relaxed, and humble. Men of all ages asked me to dance (I'm in my mid twenties) and it was not in a gross way. Many are very experienced dancers. I took the beginners class they offered but it was very minimal movement. I think if this place had a longer dance class with more explanation, movement, and technique it would've been immensely helpful. I still felt kinda out of place and need to find a way to learn the moves first. Overall a very chill casual vibe place. Bring cash. Easy parking read more

Super Fun! Everyone is very friendly, the room is nice and big, and the music is awesome! Fun for a beginner to advanced swing dancer!

I went to Rusty's at first thinking that it was a swingers club.. needless to say, I was sorely disappointed... but after getting over the fact that it was not a swingers club, I partook of the festivities and enjoyed myself. After 5-12 cocktails, I really felt good and the beginners class was perfect. Who would have thought that swinging was actually a kind of dance! Everyone there was just incredibly friendly, Ms Rusty.. is not Rusty to say the least, most limber person I have ever seen. I think she could probably lick her own elbow. As the night progressed I found that my Caucasian side was taking over and I was convulsing on the dance floor. I was rather embarrassed. Luckily I did not puke on the dance floor. I did that in the parking lot after I left. This is the only swing club on the west side of Los Angeles and well worth it. Though trying to find Playa Del Rey was difficult enough, but well worth it.. hell for $12 - $15 to see hot chicks dancing!?!?!?! What more could I ask for.. it usually costs me $20 at the Body Shop to have a girl dance with me. I would give it a 5, but I honestly cannot remember how to get there. Ms Rusty is hot.... read more

I went to Rusty's Rhythm Club for Rusty's 13th Anniversary of her swing dance classes. There were so many people! 306 people came through the door of The Elks Lodge that Friday night to hear Stompy Jones(!) play; watch The Hollywood Hot Shots, Dax & Sarah (great lindy hoppers) & Chester Whitmore perform; and to celebrate the great achievement of Rusty keeping swing dancing alive in Los Angeles! Even Rusty's very first student showed up for the party~ Cover was $15 and it included beginner lessons at 8pm, but I wasn't there for it so I can't comment on how good it was (which I'm sure they are!) Because it was a big celebration, there was a potluck buffet of many foods & snacks that dancers & students brought in-- the room for the food wasn't opened until the middle of the night and there seemed to be plenty of snacks for everyone. All ages are welcome at Rusty's Rhythm Club, but there is a bar as well. The older gentleman bartender was very sweet, but I found the drinks are very weak. I guess this is fine if you order a beer or don't want to get too drunk that you forget the dance steps, but I was only planning on having one for the night and it did nothing for me--even on an empty stomach. The drink prices are very reasonable though. NO PARTNER IS NEEDED! Everyone was super friendly & fun, lots of different levels of ability. If you're a girl, just stand with your tippy toes peeking out on the dance floor, smile & look like you want to dance! If you're a guy, ask one of these smiling girls. I'm a beginner still, and told that to the guys that asked me to dance, and they never made me feel bad about it. One even asked me what was I learning so that I could practice! So sweet. Since it's generally a smaller venue (2300 sq ft dance floor) and it was a big occasion, I found it to be kind of crowded and HOT. It says they have a/c but I was just not feeling it that night and I was afraid to go out on the dance floor a little because I'm still a beginner and I was afraid of being stepped on (which happened, not by my partner though) still.. I had a wonderful time and I was told that on regular Wednesday nights it's never as crowded. If you're interested in swing dance lessons on a more regular basis, check out my review for Lindy by the Sea (taught by Rusty. :) Come out and support live music! Don't say you can't dance because there are lessons in the beginning. No more excuses... starting now! read more

I don't like going dancing at clubs, and I just got used to the dirty looks, or a hand in the face, or any other form of rejection that guys get when they're out clubbing and looking to dance with someone. And then I got into swing dancing and found the complete opposite to be true!. Over the years I've been out swing dancing at lots of places in different cities, but Rusty's takes the cake for the fun-factor! Great live bands every week? Check. Friendly people at all skill levels who truly enjoy dancing and having fun? Check. Full bar available so you can wet your whistle? Check. Great DJ music in between sets? Check. Weekly raffle and birthday circle dance? Check. Beginner and Intermediate classes before the band starts? Check. Ice-cream and hot dogs to eat? Check. (sometimes) If you don't come in with a smile, I guarantee you'll leave with a big one from ear to ear! Hope to see you there! read more

The most exhilarating night of my life. I went to see Lil' Mo and the Dynaflos, even though I was warned it was a swing dancing venue. I couldn't get anyone to go with me, so I put on my keds and headed out alone. Admission for live band nights is $15 dollars, and that includes the beginner class, which is super simple and fun. You are encouraged to dance with as many people as possible. Everyone is incredibly sweet, the band was amazing!!!! I stayed until the very last dance and went home with the biggest smile on my face. Rusty is a sweetheart and everyone is really encouraging, no matter your skill level. Can't wait to brag to all my friends that I went swing dancing! 10/10 would swing again. read more

This place kept me from quitting dancing! Everyone was so friendly and inviting and as a newbie it was just a great environment... I've met some of my closest friends here and you cannot beat LIVE swing band music and they have great DJs during the band breaks as well for continuous dancing. Add to that a raffle, birthday dances and other special performances and you have a winning evening! They now have a beginners AND an intermediate class before each dance for FREE! Bring a friend or go solo you will have a great time either way. read more

Love it! Rusty makes everything seem so effortless and easy! With her teaching, we picked up the movements nicely and with ease. She takes things nice and easy for new beginners and always keeps it fun and exciting. Recommend to ANYBODY who enjoys dancing or just wants to get into the Swing of things! read more

Why I love Rusty's Rhythm Club: -Live Bands/great DJ music between sets; -Welcoming Community of dancers at all levels; -Beginning and Intermediate dance instructions available at the beginning of the evening; -You don't need a partner to join in the fun/everyone dances with everyone; -Comfortable/ample space on the dance floor; -A bar to quench your thirst; -Adjacent/plentiful parking; This club has been swing dancing for 16 years, and it's still going strong. Join us if you want to have a fantastic fun evening of dance! read more

Cover: $12 (sometimes $15 - when the band is very popular) Lessons are only held on the first Wednesday of every Month. They are extremely basic, but definitely enough to get you out on the floor. If you really want to learn to dance, you should start with Rusty's Sunday dance series. (more info at http://www.rustyfrank.com) The Rhythm club is really the only swing dancing venue on the West-side. The atmosphere is purely friendly. The swing dancing community is one of the most inviting group of people you will ever meet. Swing dancers are very eager to spread love and happiness to the rest of the world, in the form of dance Rusty's is one of the more expensive of the swing venues but that is because the music is almost always live, and usually the bands are fantastic. Most of the dancers here are slightly less experienced than at the other swing events in Los Angeles, but that makes the whole experience much more comfortable if you don't know swing very well. Intimidation factor here is very low, though you should probably know something about swing if you are a guy and you plan to lead the dance. read more

This is a smaller dance venue for swing, but it's still a fun one if you are in the area. It's not the trendiest area of town, and in fact the first time I headed down there I wasn't sure where Playa Del Rey was. I was thinking safety, so I took some friends with me. Now I don't think twice. There are all levels of dancers there. Each night I've been there they have a live band playing swing, balboa, lindy hop, etc. Sometimes they also have performers show a couple of their routines to help inspire you. It's really quite fun. Be ready for a work out and meeting new people. Or prior to going, enroll in a dance class and then get out on the dance floor and practice/show off your new moves. :) read more

I love Rusty's especially on first Fridays. Rusty's has a wide range of ages of people everyone from high school to senior citizen. It's completely non-threatening and friendly, even for beginners. They have beginners classes starting at 8 PM to 830 for just 30 minutes before the live band starts. If you're a little more intermediate they usually have a class with the guest instructor from 730 to 830 for just five extra dollars. It's held inside the Elks club and there's plenty of parking on the street in front or in the back. The cover is usually $15-$20. I'm not sure if they take credit card, so bring cash. People dressed in period attire or regular attire. Feel free to bust out your swing dance duds. The hardwood floor is fun to dance on and huge. They have a full bar and often have vendors who are selling clothing, handbags, vintage where, bags for your dance shoes, or headpieces. Usually dancing is on Wednesday nights starting at 7:30 but on the first Friday of the month they moved to Friday instead of Wednesday. Likewise they do a Lindy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The swing dance scene is such a happy friendly experience! Let's keep it going! read more

I love Rusty's Rhythm Club! My first night here I had so much fun, I signed up for Swing Dance lessons the very next day! Every Wednesday (and one Friday a month) Ms Rusty Frank transforms the Playa Del Rey Elk's Lodge into a Swingin' Dance Club. For a mere $15 you can dance to some of the best live swing bands. Cover includes a complementary beginners lesson before the band starts. The bar is inexpensive. Ample free parking behind the club. Full range of dancing levels from "I saw it in a movie once" to "dancing for 50 years." There's a very casual atmosphere. Everyone is so nice and approachable. Even strangers will ask each other to dance. All this adds to making you feel welcome. I think it's the friendliest swing club in LA. I've been going for a few months now and every night here has been STELLAR! read more

I adore Rusty's Rhythm Club!!! I came one fateful Wednesday night attempting to fulfill a New Year's resolution -- finally try swing dancing after years of "what if's" and "if only's". I'm not the most coordinated of people, but I thought I'd jump in and give it a whirl...if just for a night. (I write this now 2 months into lessons) You see all levels of dancing and all age ranges at the Club - which is part of why I love it so much. The complementary beginners lesson really does teach you the very basics you need to know to dance through a song and have some fun doing it. And you'll be surprised by how much you learn just getting out there and dancing with the regulars - who are not only amazing dancers, but so friendly and happy to dance with the newbies. The crowd is really so incredibly polite and friendly. It is just such a unique venue where a group of people from all walks of life get together to just plain enjoy such a fun dance and great music. Rusty always has an incredible live band lined up - I don't know how she does it, but I'm enjoying it for sure! For some housekeeping details: $15 cover. Cheap drinks if you need to take an edge off. Plenty of parking behind the Elks Lodge. Go just once and I'll bet you'll want to be one of Rusty's students :) That's what happened to me! :) read more

This review is for Rusty Frank, the dance instructor. I scheduled a private dance class for a bachelorette party. Rusty came gorgeously dressed in 1920's style to inspire us. She taught us all the Charleston and variations on the basic steps, as well as some group dances and ways to use what we learned out at the clubs later that night. She gave us information and tips about the flapper style and 1920's history. Rusty got all of us sweating and moving our butts, while having fun! Rusty was very accommodating and flexible with a few last minute changes to our plans. I appreciated her enthusiasm and energy to kick off our Roaring 20's Bachelorette weekend! Thank you, Rusty! read more

This place is really fun! Some of my friends brought me here when they started taking classes from Lindy by the Sea. I was a bit nervous since I only knew basic steps the first time, but there was a beginner class the night I went to refresh me :) I've been back since taking swing lessons and it's a great place to practice! All levels of dancers come, you get used to dancing with new partners, there is always a live band and a DJ helps everyone keep dancing while the band takes their break :) The DJ usually has a box of give-away CD's of swing music too *score* There is also a bar operated by the Elks Club for drinks and nice if small seating area. I wish it was open on the weekend also but oh well. read more

I mainly attend the monthly Friday night dances. Although I have to drive from Orange County to here, all of the fun here is worth the dance commute. (Yes, I said "dance commute"! I think I just made up a catchphrase!) Rusty's Rhythm Club is held at the Elks Lodge on Manchester Avenue (past LAX). The building is air-conditioned and the floor is smooth. There's also a bar where you can order alcoholic drinks, but I much rather prefer to have my water to quench my thirst in between sets and especially after vigorous dancing. Sometimes there is an Ice Cream man serving ice cream and floats. Raffles for door prizes are also held. :-) Rusty Frank makes this place so welcoming to dancers of all skill level and she brings in superb visiting instructors and live bands. There are pre-dance lessons for beginners and for experienced dancers. I especially love the intermediate lessons where professional dancers come to teach challenging techniques. I have discovered live bands that I am now a fan of and ended up buying their albums whenever they were selling at the dance. Evening dances are also held on Wednesday nights with live bands. read more

This is a great place for beginners wanting to learn how to swing dance as well as advanced dancers. The atmosphere is very friendly and non intimidating. Rusty Frank has done a great job with beginner lessons, and attracting some of the best swing bands world wide to attend. A great place to take a date or arrive with friends or by yourself. Open wednesday nights from 8PM to 11:30PM. read more

This is a rather unique club. Run by Rusty Frank an internationally renowned swing dance instructor, this place is normally an Elk's lodge. On Wednesday nights, however, you can find some of the hottest swing bands in the world playing the hottest swing music in L. A. The Rhythm Club has a full bar and a large dance floor. The crowd is cool and the music is hot. Never danced before? No problem. Come on the first Wed. of the month and get a free lesson. Check out Rusty's web site for more details and current band line-ups at www.swingontap.com read more

Fun place, great date idea. My girlfriend and I had a great time learning some moves and admiring the experts. Small bar, GREAT live music, and a mixed crowd of young adults through seniors. read more

Rusty's is fantastic and the best place to dance in the Southbay! Her club always has live music and a large dance floor. There are beginner classes in case you're new, and of course new people are always welcome! The interior is really nice with a great bar and tables. Rusty always celebrates birthdays and people traveling from out of town. She creates a unique and special social experience that is always the highlight of my week! read more

There are lots of places to dance all over Los Angeles, but coming to Rusty's Rhythm club is different. It's like coming home. At Rusty's I always see so many welcoming faces (familiar or new), seldom sit out a dance, and I get to be right up next to the bands, which are always talented and quite varied. Rusty collaborates with the acts she books to make sure the songs they play are danceable, so even brand new dancers won't find the going too difficult. The floor is smooth and not overly crowded, and there's a mix of seasoned and new dancers. There's also plenty of room to sit and chat and have a drink at the bar. The crowd is so friendly, I always know I will have an fun and memorable night, even if none of my friends happen to be going. I would recommend it to anyone! read more

This place is the best! The people who go there are so welcoming and friendly. Rusty is just the greatest, if you have questions she is always there to answer them. After finding this place I started taking lessons with Rusty at her Lindy By the Sea classes in El Segundo. I would say it's one of the best experiences I had living in LA. read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club has a reputation for being the friendliest swing dance venue in town, and rightfully so! The regular crowd there is eclectic, a wide variety of ages and dance experience levels. Because I lived nearby and took classes at Rusty's Lindy by the Sea, this is where I eased into the social dance scene -- everyone was welcoming and fun, and I often saw my classmates there (which was handy for practicing things I had just learned). It's a terrific place for beginners; no one gives off the "I'm too good to dance with the newbie" vibe. The Rhythm Club is all about perpetuating the joyous tradition of dancing to live music and keeping the spirit of swing alive. You will feel like a welcome member of the dance community, even if you're new. Rusty does her best to keep the atmosphere inclusive and lively; people really get into the fun theme nights she puts together for holidays, philanthropic causes and other special occasions (and sometimes just for the heck of it). Because on most nights the music is provided by live bands instead of DJs, you may even find people who've come just to listen to the kind of music you can't really experience anywhere else. Wednesday evenings can be tough, but I usually find that even if I have to drive a bit to get there, it's a fun midweek pick-me-up. Come out and dance, come out and listen, come out and meet a genuinely friendly group of people who will make you feel at home! read more

I've been going to Rusty's Rhythm club on and off for several years... As a matter of fact I was in the dance troup that performed there over a year ago... Anyways... I just wanted to say that Rusty's Rhythm Club is where it is at if you are into swing dancing. She always makes you feel welcome and so does everyone else. Their is always a good live band playing and they always have lessons at the beginning. If it takes a few drinks to get feeling brave enough to dance, there is a very reasonable bar to quest your thirst at before you hit the dance floor. I highly recommend this place to "Get into the swing of things"! See you on the dance floor! read more

Good music, good people, and lots of fun! Rusty's is the place to be on both Wednesday and Friday night dances. Everyone is very friendly and the music is great! They have a bar that sells all kinds of drinks and popcorn. On Fridays you will find awesome vendors and a vintage ice cream man! read more

I'm new to dancing - but going to Rusty's has been an all around wonderful experience. Whether you have been in the dance world for years or a beginner like me, the crowd is really truly welcoming, the music is awesome and I leave wanting more. Rusty is an amazing host and the vibe just makes you want to get out on the dance floor and have fun. And that is what everyone is doing there. They're having fun. I've been changing my plans to be free to show up on Wednesdays and the first Friday of the month. Try it. You'll become a regular. read more

Rusty's Rhythm Club is awesome! I honestly can't remember the last time I had so much fun. I recently got divorced and most of my friends are married or in relationships. Plus I had just broken up with someone I had been seeing. Boo hoo, right? It was Wednesday night between Christmas and NYE. I was about to settle in for a night of binging Netflix when I thought - screw that, I need a night of fun! I found Rusty's Rhythm Club on Yelp and it was super close to my house! I got all dressed up and went by myself. I am so glad I did!! Everyone there was very nice and not pretentious at all, what a refreshing change from so many other places in LA (and I'm a native!). They offer free beginner dance lessons so that you can learn basic steps. Then the rest of the evening is open dancing. Everyone dances with everyone, young and old, all skill levels. Some people wore modern clothes, some people dressed in vintage. All ages were well represented. It was so much fun, I laughed and smiled and danced all night and met some awesome people. I'm hooked and I'll be back! read more

Great swing dancing venue with live bands (mostly, check the schedule on their website to make sure)! Very friendly crowd, great music, good dancing, easy parking! read more

This is a wonderful venue. East Coast Swing/Lindy Hop, Live band, ample space, friendly people, wholesome environment. People come here for the love of dance and the great LIVE music. I feel safe as a woman just going by myself (FYI: the parking @back of the club is well lit and safe). I call it my Swing Gym and boy is it highly aerobic! I do not get hit on at this club and for me who just comes to dance I really appreciate that. I go, I get great exercise and have an absolute blast enjoying the dance, the music and keep improving my dance skills! There's always nice people asking you to dance, switching dance partners is encouraged (even if you come with a partner) and that's an excellent way to learn new moves. If you get there when it opens, a class is included in the admission price of $15. There is a beginner and an intermediate class that you can choose from. Dances are on the First Friday of every month and every Wednesday excluding that first Friday week. You can also sign up outside of the club for swing dance/Lindy hop lessons~ (which I did and loved)~! read more

Dance, dance, dance! Rusty's Rhythm Club is the most fun place to be on Wednesday nights and every first Friday! Rusty's smiling and infectious personality creates a positive, fun, high energy environment. Everyone is welcome. Each dance is preceded with a beginner and intermediate lesson. Every level of dancer is welcome and everyone who goes to the dances is very friendly. I have made many wonderful friends and have been cheered up on many a Wednesday night by coming to her club. I really appreciate the talented musicians that she brings to the club week after week-- and she is so good at mixing the styles of bands -- from gypsy jazz one week to traditional swing another week to rock-a-billy. Dancing is fun and great exercise and swing dancers are the nicest people you will meet-- especially at Rusty's. No partner needed! Plus it's a great deal! $15 for live music, classes and 3 hours of dancing! read more