Swing dancing is a fun, social activity and as such, we think classes should be fun and social, too! Our classes are from 8 to 30 students of all ages and backgrounds, with one thing in common: Happy Feet! During classes, we rotate partners, allowing you to meet the whole class, dance with a variety of people and form new friendships. We often go out dancing as a class, and after the last class of Swing 101, we have a really fun Graduation Dance at one of the local swing spots.
Aside from the rich social network that group classes foster, the rotating format of a group class actually allows you to become a better dancer, faster, by practicing with many people. This practice hones your lead and follow skills faster and with more permanence. We highly encourage you to try rotating, even if you are signing up with a partner. Trust us. We're doctors. Ok, we're not doctors, but we've been doing this a long time, and we promise, it's good for you!
How often do classes meet? How long are they?
Swing 101 and most of our 101 level classes are four week courses, meeting once a week for 55 minutes. Specialty classes and workshops are usually 1 hour 50 minute mini-workshops. For descriptions of all our class and workshop offerings, see the class descriptions.
Where do classes meet?
We have several studios that we use: Garden Hills Community Center, Firefly Studio, CORE Studio and others. Please check the class listing on the calendar or registration form to see which location we are using.
What is taught in Class?
Here's the content of our current mini workshops, scroll on down for more info!
April Minishops
Continuing Learners :: 6 Count Moves!
Saturday, April 20
4:30-5:25 Firefly Studio
$15 ($13 students/AJDPS)
Ready, set, GO! Get a whole new battery of moves in this fast-paced workshop! Start building your vocabulary with these must-have moves:
-Send out (followers' fave for X-tra sassiness)
-Dairy Queen turn (This is Evin's super ridiculous made up name for this turn)
-Tuck Turn (maybe the most important turn EVAR)
-Kick Ups (for in-your-face-awesome)
Continuing Learners Lindy 102: The Essentials
Saturday, April 20
5:30-6:25 Firefly Studio
$15 ($13 students/AJDPS)
Now that you have the three basics of Lindy Hop (you know, the swing out from closed, the swing out from open and the lindy circle) you need to add some spice! Get your first round of essential moves right here!
No pre-requisite. This basic swing class will cover the 6-count patterns in Swing Dancing. Sometimes called “East Coast Swing,” 6-count swing is a versatile partner dance done to classic Swing-Era music, Rockabilly, and many other types of dance music. We'll cover single and triple step timing, the 6-count closed-position and open position basic step and lots of turns! We recommend Swing 101 as a starting-place for those who are new to swing dancing. In addition to the fabulous class, your Swing 101 tuition also earns you four free passes to Hot Jam, Atlanta's longest-running swing night!
No pre-req. Lindy Hop is an amazing, energetic dance that developed in the lively ballrooms of Harlem in the 1930's and 40's. In this class you'll learn the three basic 8-count Lindy patterns and how to combine 8- and 6-count moves. This exciting, dynamic dance has loads of improvisation and creativity! Along with four fabulous weeks of classes, your tuition for Lindy 101 also includes a fun graduation night party at Graveyard Tavern, Atlanta's weekly live music event for swing dancing!
Although there is no pre-req for Lindy 101, we do recommend Swing 101 as a starting place for new dancers! Also note that Lindy 102 will have a pre-req of both Swing 101 and Lindy 101, as we build on a foundation of having both steps in your repertoire.
Recommended pre-req Swing 101 and Lindy 101.
Really flesh out that arsenal with a whole smorgasbord of great moves. You'll be mixin' it up with a little 6 count, a little Charleston, a little Lindy and a whole lotta fantastique! This class is designed to be taken 3-4 times before moving on to 200 level classes. The four topics covered are Charleston, continuing 6-count, classic Lindy Hop and Styling. Take some now, save some for later, or bang 'em all out in one month. It's up to you! Pricing is $25 for each minishop or take a full month for $75...that's like getting one minishop for FREE! Please note that you will need to have working knowledge of both 6-count swing and the basics of Lindy Hop for Lindy 102
Pre-req: Lindy 102. Spice up that Swing-Out! Kick your Charleston into overdrive! Sauce up your 6-count! With some new moves, some technical refinement, some awesome new footwork and some stylish variations, the Lindy 200 level workshops will give you the amazing vocab and tools to make your dance even more exciting! We recommend taking these workshops at least 3 times before moving on to 300-level classes.
Pre-req Lindy 200s. Get ready to get some Fancy slapped onto those Pants! You'll uncover a whole new crop of awesome moves. Some of them are so fresh, so tremendous that they even defy naming! Be ready to work at a faster pace and really get your vocabulary popping!
Pre-req Lindy 200s. We feel the need.....the need for speed! This class focuses on refining your Lindy Hop technique to enable you to dance at blazing fast speeds. We'll focus on connecting with your partner and understanding how to generate and control momentum and energy. You'll also get tips and techniques for dancing to faster music without dying of exhaustion. Feel the burn!
Pre-req: Lindy 200s. Are you starting to express the music, but getting stuck in a rut? Needing a shot in the arm and some flash in your cache? Learn to use your whole body as an extension of the music! This class will get you out of your box and give you some sweet styling, footwork variations, and other fun musical movements to up your eye-candy quotient!
Pre-req Lindy Hop 200s or instructor approval. Partner required. Aerials and drops are a fun way to jazz up dancing within contest and show dancing. In this class, we will cover spotting, lifting, proper use of aerials and drops and, at all times, safe execution of the basic aerials moves. Air steps are not encouraged in social settings due to safety.
Pre-req Lindy Hop 200s or instructor approval. Move beyond 6's and 8's into the world of 2's 4's and 10's! This class will help you get out of the zone of "what do I know?" and move you into the zone of "what can I CREATE??" Super fun and game-changing for every Lindy hopper!
Charleston 101 and 201 are required for any Lindy Hop 300 level class or higher. Charleston is incorporated into all upper level Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz classes. Charleston is that "kicky dance" you see people doing, and is tons of fun! Powerful and popping, Charleston was at its peak of popularity in the 20s and 30s and is the proud parent of Lindy Hop. So get in on some hot Charleston and see your dancing BOOM!
Basic blues dance classes are offered before every Last Call Blues dance. Occasionally, we offer standalone classes as well. Click here for Blues Workshops
No pre-req. Not sure what to do when the music slows down? This class is an introduction to some basic blues connection, some footwork patterns and embellishments. Whether it’s Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, or Buddy Guy, finding your bluesy soul will set you free!
Pre-req Blues 101 or instructor approval. Building on the material from Beginning Blues, we'll work on some creative movement and moves to accentuate the unique feel of blues music. The class content changes with each workshop, so we recommend taking this class at least 3 times before moving on to level 300
Pre-req Blues 201 or instructor approval. Moving on in blues to incorporate styling, musicality, and more varied forms of blues dance, this class takes the tools you've acquired and makes them shine while adding a whole new dimension to your dance.
No Pre-req. This class will introduce you to the classic closed position swing dance of the 1930s. Balboa allows you to dance at high speeds while looking cool and without breaking a sweat! Tango shoes, lindy wedges or chromed shoes are best for this class.
Pre-req Balboa 101. Bal-Swing is a dance from the 1930's, a combination of Balboa and a dance called California Swing, and involves exciting breakaways and fun turns. It is a great dance for all ages and music tempos. We'll cover good technique, transitions into and out of Bal-Swing from pure (closed) Balboa and the basic moves used by balboa dancers everywhere.
Pre-req Balboa 101. A great way to build your bal vocabulary, we build on the foundations you've already learned to give you some fancy footwork and other cool stuff you can do in closed position. Many balboa competitions now require you to dance at least one song of strictly pure balboa in the prelims, so you've got to be able to Bring It! in closed position. Spice up your pure bal and learn different ways to move around the floor.
No Pre-req. All the dancers in the room taken? Still gotta cut a rug? Do it to it with some sweet Vernacular Jazz! Vernacular Jazz is an important and integral part of our Lindy Hop vocabulary and will really help you to feel comfortable with different rhythms. You'll learn your Boogie Backs from your Apple Jacks, your Suzie Q's from your Tacky Annies and and everything in between! Come get crazy with the jazz!!
No pre-req. Classic choreographed jazz dances from the Swing Era, these classes will get you into the mix when these dances bust out on the floor! Fun to do together, and equally fun to pick apart and spice up your Lindy footwork, come take a Pimpwalk down Applejack lane!
Pre-req Jazz 101 class or prior experience (such as the Shim Sham.) Move your body into some delicious solo and partner styling with a dash of solo Charleston, a sprinkling of some gourmet vintage steps and topped with a swirl of spinnability.
