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NO PARTNER REQUIRED for any class!
(Although there is a registration discount for signing up with a partner.)
Read about our class policies and pricing information here.
Lindy Hop is a dance that developed in the ballrooms of Harlem in the 1930’s and 40’s. In this class we will introduce you to the basic 8-count Lindy patterns: swingout from closed position, swingout from open position, the Lindy circle, and partner Charleston—everything you need for your “Lindy Hop Starter Kit!” We recommend LINDY 101 or LINDY 102 as the starting-place for those who are brand new to swing dancing.
Lindy Hop, although traditionally associated with 8-beat rhythms, actually mixes 8-count and 6-count rhythms together. This class is an introduction to some basic 6-count Lindy Hop patterns. It includes single and triple step timing, the 6-count closed-position basic step, the send-out, the side-pass, and the tuck turn from open and closed position. We recommend LINDY 101 or LINDY 102 as the starting-place for those who are brand new to swing dancing.
(Prerequisite: LINDY 101)
This aim of this class is to expand your 8-count Lindy Hop vocabulary and to introduce you to "styling" and variations--fancy movements and steps to spice up your basics. We will also continue to work on connection, technique, and partnership to make these moves really sizzle! LINDY 101 or prior Lindy Hop experience (please check with our instructors if you're unsure) is required.
(Prerequisite: LINDY 101 & 102)
Lindy Hop is made up of both 8-count and 6-count patterns. Now that you’ve learned some of the basics of each, it’s time to start mixing them up! This class will teach you how to transition between 6-count and 8-count patterns and footwork, as well as how to “tell” a 6-count from an 8-count move. We will also delve into understanding basic swing music structure and practice “finding the 1” in swing music. This class continues to build vocabulary in both 8-count and 6-count patterns.
(Prerequisite: LINDY 201 or by instructor approval )
You’ve been dancing for at least a few months now, and it’s time to start picking up the tempo! This class focuses on cleaning up 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. We will also teach tips and techniques for dancing to faster music without dying of exhaustion.
(Prerequisite: LINDY 201 or by instructor approval )
Having trouble getting your partner to follow that tricky move? Feel like you don't know what your leader is asking you to do? Then this class is for you! We will cover the basics of partner communication and work on improving your frame and connection. The best dances happen when you feel like you're having a "conversation" with your partner - and we'll show you just how to make that happen! (Fancy moves & styling included.)
(Prerequisite: LINDY 101)
IThis class is not for absolute beginners. You should at least know swing-outs and lindy circles (basic turns too). We'll be teaching a classic 8-count Lindy Hop choreography. A great way to learn new things and hone your moves!
(Prerequisite: LINDY 101)
Are you feeling a little frustrated with your dancing?
Do you hear cool stuff in the music, but aren't sure how to
express it with your body? This series will teach you stylings, footwork variations, and other
fun musical movements to make your dancing shine. This class is suitable for anyone
who is comfortable with basic lindy.
(Recommended, but not required: LINDY 101 or 102)
Charleston is the Granddaddy of all swing dancing. It developed in the dance halls of the 1910’s and 1920’s, and in the 1930’s became a natural partner to the Lindy Hop. At this time Charleston was danced with a partner as well as “solo.” This class will teach you basic partner Charleston patterns, including face-to-face, tandem, side-by-side, cross-hand, and strolling.
(Recommended, but not required: CHARLESTON 101)
No previous charleston experience required. There's more to the world of Charleston than you ever imagined! We'll initially focus on basic charleston footwork and partnering eventually moving on towards more complex partner patterns like tandem Charleston. We'll also be learning some good transitions between the different patterns.
(Recommended: CHARLESTON 102)
So you've got a few Charleston tricks up your sleeve, eh? Well, time to get that arsenal loaded! Each week, we'll focus on a different position in Charleston, starting with some new fancy tricks in side-by-side, moving on to some magic in tandem, following through with some sweet closed-position style and finishing with the powerful Charleston Swingout! We'll also give you some technique and style tips to make your Charleston uniquely yours and totally awesome.
This class will introduce you to the exciting world of dancing by yourself! That's right, you can still dance to jazz music even if you don't have a partner--and it's lots of fun! In this class you will learn the basics of solo Charleston and vernacular jazz steps. "Vernacular" jazz is a vocabulary of commonly-known jazz steps used in many choreographies both new and old. No prior dance experience is required for this class.
***Because this is a solo class, there is NO PARTNER DISCOUNT on registration.
This class series will be devoted to teaching you classic jazz choreographies. Many popular jazz choreographies come directly from Lindy Hop legends, Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, including Frankie Manning himself.
***Because this is a solo class, there is NO PARTNER DISCOUNT on registration.
This class will introduce you to the closed-position swing dance of 1930’s Southern California: Balboa Island to be specific. “Pure” balboa is a smooth dance where all of the fancy stuff happens in the footwork; the upper body stays mostly still. Balboa is meant to be a very relaxed dance, and it allows you to dance at high speeds without breaking a sweat. Wear slippery shoes for the classic shuffling experience--but NO HIGH HEELS; we need to protect the studio from shoes that leave marks or divets in the floor.
***Tango dance shoes or wedges with soft leather/suede soles are fine to wear.
(Prerequisite: BAL 101 strongly recommended)
This class is an introduction to the sister-dance of “pure” Balboa: the breakaway dance called Bal-Swing. Unlike Balboa, Bal-Swing is danced in an open position and involves lots of spins, turns, and kicks. Bal-Swing is a very elegant dance, yet it still shares the excitement and energy of other swing dances. Wear slippery shoes (fellas) or comfortable wedges/tango heels (ladies) for the classic Bal-Swing “look"----but NO HIGH HEELS; we need to protect the studio from shoes that leave marks or divets in the floor.
***Tango dance shoes or wedges with soft leather/suede soles are fine to wear.
(Prerequisite: BAL 102 strongly recommended)
This class will take you further into the world of Balboa with new pure bal and bal-swing moves, tricks, and technique. Prior experience with Balboa is a must.
***Tango dance shoes or wedges with soft leather/suede soles are fine to wear.
At house parties in Harlem in the 1930’s, people danced together to slower music, and blues dancing was born. This class is an introduction to blues dancing, including basic footwork patterns, introducing blues connection, and dancing to blues music. Blues can be slow, fast, and in-between—this class will get you moving to all types of blues music!
(REQUIRED: you must have a set partner; both partners must attend the first class of the series)
(Recommended, but not required: tennis shoes without black soles)
Aerials, or "Air Steps" were made popular in Lindy Hop in the 1930's by Frankie Manning. An aerial involves dance movement where one dance partner's feet leave the floor. Aerials are a fun way to jazz up dancing within contest and show dancing, but are not encouraged in social settings due to safety. In this class, we will cover spotting, lifting, proper use of aerials and, at all times, safe execution of the basic aerials moves.
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