Who we are:
Ragtag Empire is a dance organization devoted to swing and jazz social dancing education in Philadelphia. We offer lindy hop classes in 4 week progressive curriculums, as well as jazz workshops, performances, and special events.
How it Started:
Ragtag was started by Heather Houde and Lily Kind in 2017 as a monthly social dance that migrated around the city of Philadelphia. It has morphed into Philly’s main source of vernacular jazz dance education. Lily and Heather, coming from swing scenes in Baltimore and Buenos Aires respectively wanted to create a social dance space that was gritty, funky, queer, like the other DIY art spaces they called home. The dances turned into Guest Workshops with Big Name Instructors who had a certain sauce. Lily and Heather, both educators in other capacities, soon felt that in order to grow and support the Lindy scene in Philadelphia, they needed to offer regular, progressive classes, and find new ways to integrate the black history into their curriculums. Things started to bloom in partnership with Urban Movement Arts, and organization where Lily worked and they both trained in other Afro-diasporic styles. In 2018, Ragtag began expanding it’s teaching team and focusing on how to serve as a gateway for curious dancers to explore jazz dancing and find their groove.
How it’s Going:
After hibernating during the pandemic, Ragtag returned in 2021! Mary Margaret, a long-time Ragtag teaching instructor stepped up to lead of the teaching team and support organizational growth. Heather has moved on to other professional and artistic endeavors, including publishing her own writing and full time language instruction. Lily is focused on history, pedagogy, and operating the business in collaboration with Mary. Ragtag continues to grow in partnership with UMA, and with renewed support form Jazz Attack, Philly’s weekly swing dance!