Knowing how to dance is a practical skill, useful for wooing a prospective mate, having fun at a wedding, or standing out during law-school orientation. Distinguish yourself with today’s Groupon: for $20, you get four weeks of swing-dance lessons at Uptown Swing (a $35 value in advance, a $40 value at the door).

International instructor and dance champion Peter Strom created Uptown Swing to impart his swing-dancing know-how to rookie and pro rug cutters. Students can choose one four-week course, with classes meeting once a week for one hour. In Beginner A lessons, hip-shaking novices learn the basic steps, spins, and fire-breathing techniques of the Charleston and six-count lindy hop, an upbeat style of swing from the 1930s and '40s. During the Beginner B classes, aspiring Fred Astaires focus on the eight-count lindy hop, with its trademark swing-out and open and closed positions. Because students work together throughout, classes don't require partners, much like solo thumb-wrestling tournaments. Weekly recap videos make it easy for students to rehearse swing steps between sessions at home.