by Tam Francis
What do moonlit swing dances and desolate dystopian cities have in common?
More than you’d think.
If you’ve read my vintage fiction, you know I’m obsessed with the rhythm of swing music, the swish of a gored skirt, the romance of a well-dressed man, and of danger behind a flirtatious glance. But for as long as I can remember, I’ve had an affinity for dystopian fiction, the idea of finding light in the dark and hope in dysfunction. I’ve always wanted to marry my love of vintage fashion, passion, and dance (historical fiction) with a post-apocalyptic landscape.
I finally came up with not one, but two ideas. I’m working on a young adult dystopian travel adventure romance trilogy (second book almost done) called Luminous Glow and an adult speculative fiction called Engendered.
Below are some of my thought processes with the Luminous Glow mash-up of these two beloved genres and why I feel vintage vibes belong in dystopia. See if you agree.
Vintage Vibes Belong in Dystopia: Fashion as Identity
In many of my stories, clothes do more than just look pretty. Ruby red lipstick. A handmade dress. Ankle-strap heels. Tailored vests and oxford shoes. These are reflections of identity, confidence, and sometimes rebellion. In a dystopian world where conformity is enforced and individuality erased, vintage fashion can becomes subversive. It can also form the basis of that society’s fashion. Imagine characters that defy uniformity or a society that bends their fashion to the preserved 1940s and Victorian collection that was untouched and rediscovered after society rebuilt. Imagine what fun I could have with teens exploring and creating their own style that may or may not piss off the authorities.
Vintage Vibes Belong in Dystopia: Dancing in the Ruins
In a society rebuilt after collapse, where emotion is regulated and joy is rationed, swing is one of the few cultural remnants allowed to survive. Officially, it’s heritage—preserved for its “discipline, order, and partner coordination.” Unofficially, it’s so much more.
Every spin strengthens the core. Every lift builds trust. Footwork patterns double as evasive maneuvers; aerials as combat throws. From a young age, teens are taught to move in rhythm—not just for art, but for survival.
In government-run academies, they learn the official forms. But after hours, in sweat-slicked basements and rooftop hideouts, they learn the real stuff and find romance and friendship through dance.
Vintage Vibes in Dystopia: Passion Still Burns
In a dystopia, love is still dangerous, still bold, still necessary. What better way to explore that than through the lens of retro dance. And of course, there’s them, friends to lovers, two partners with undeniable chemistry, locked in a push-pull of miscommunication and coming-of-age angst. Off the dance floor, their disagreements and indifference are legendary, but on the dance floor, their connection is electric, sexy, and everything they didn’t know they needed. Passion doesn’t die in dystopia, on the dance floor, it sharpens, intensifies, and demands to be felt.
Vintage Vibes in Dystopia: A New Kind of Danger
So, what happens when swing kids are thrown into survival? When victory-rolled bangs, a-line skirts, and sword-fighting collide and where it takes courage to rebel and love in the dark? That’s the story I’m writing now. That’s timeless. And if you’ve ever loved dance and vintage with a pulse, you’re going to want to come along for this wild ride. Stay tuned for sneak peeks, cover art, and how you can help shape this crossover project.
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Tell me below: Would you dance in the ruins? Would you survive the dystopia in heels or boots? What vintage items or accessories would you take into the apocalypse?
Tam Francis is a writer, blogger, swing dance teacher, avid vintage collector, and seamstress. She shares her love of this genre through her novels, blog, and short stories. She enjoys hearing from you, sharing ideas, forging friendships, and exchanging guest blogs. For all the Girl in the Jitterbug Dress news, give-aways, events, and excitement, make sure to join her list and like her FB page! Join my list ~ Facebook page