ANYONE who has ever overcome their trepidation about joining a group dance class will immediately identify with elements of “SWING”.

Gene Rooney is May. A graphic designer, approaching forty, and a first-timer at the swing dance class. She nervously and none-too-subtly prepares herself for the class to begin.

Arthur Riordan is Joe, who arrives for class wearing a bike helmet – complete with flashing lights, a backpack and hi-viz vest. It felt suitable for a Canberra audience.

The Irish duo play May and Joe for the most part, but at times they also portray the over-zealous, squabbling dance teachers and a myriad of colourful characters, universally present in any dance class, that punctuate May and Joe’s developing friendship.

These characters are hilariously familiar, including the gossip, the count-out-loud-er, the pining lovelorn and the man with the body odour to make your eyes water. As they attempt to dance around each other both metaphorically and literally, the regular call of “Change partners!” causes a moment of dread or brings sweet relief. These personalities and exchanges provided many laugh-out-loud moments, as did Joe’s light-hearted humour.

Director and writer Peter Daly and his team of co-writers use the dance class and the dancing itself as the backdrop for exploring humour and a plethora of stereotypes as well as the primary storyline, rather than as a vehicle for a dance display. The dialogue briefly and lightly touches upon topics of recession, migration, loss and relationships, hopes and dreams as demonstrated by Joe’s recent history and May’s current situation.

Joe and May simultaneously become comfortable with the basic dance steps and each other before a revelation threatens their partnership and friendship. The awkward situation is reflected in the ungainly new dance steps. The situation is further inflamed by the devastating consequences of the gift of a panpipes CD.

“SWING” is melodramatically acted, more than a bit corny, perhaps even dated. The storyline, unfolding over several months, is fairly predictable. The likeable leads and laughs made the show enjoyable, entertaining and sweet, gaining its gravitas from slightly uncomfortable truths and familiarities. It also makes us wonder why the heck anyone would endure a social dance class, but the empathy and companionship gained, as well as the oft sub-par social dancing skills, usually makes us glad we did.

“SWING” is a story of giving something or someone a go, sometimes in less than perfect circumstances, whether it takes years or the duration of a dance class.

In the words of Joe, “I’m dancin’ and I’m smilin’.” That was the mood upon leaving the theatre.

The show will keep swinging until May 14 as part of the Segue Festival at The Street.