Though, admittedly, not quite as in luck as you are on just the swing dancing. The Merc also hosts classes each Thursday before the party, so you can learn how to move those hips and then apply what you've learned to actual hip-moving. The classes tonight, however, are not free. As always, you can show up at 7 p.m. and pay $10 for one class or $30 for a month of them, at the end of which you'll be jitterbugging like a pro. Or at least as well as David Hasselhoff.
You will, however, save the $6 on dancing. The party gets started at 8 p.m. at the Merc, 2199 California Street, and if you don't know how to dance and you're too cheapskate to pony up for the classes, just show up anyway -- there are always a lot of people willing to show you a few moves if you're willing to ask.
Besides, your old lady will thank you.