The first class of the Promenade group for absolute beginners on March 7 at 19.00 might be taken as a tryout.
Courses
Beginners’ track:
1 – Promenade
2 – Lindy Circle
3 – Swing Out
Charleston,
and go to the Savoy!
If you are new to lindy hop or have not had a lot of experience yet, you are expected to start from the ‘Promenade’ course followed by the ‘Lindy Circle’, and the ‘Swing out’. The ‘Charleston basics’ can be taken at any moment (also as the first course but preferably at least after the Promenade) because its content is not much connected to the other blocks. After completing successfully four blocks you should be ready to join the ‘Savoy’ group (named after the most famous swing dance club in Harlem in the 1920-50s).
However, if you don’t feel quite sure you are ready to move, you can take this or that block again (maybe with different teachers).
1. Promenade
This course is for absolute beginners. You will learn basic rhythms and moves/footwork of the dance, get acquainted with the classic jazz standards we dance to, and will get ready for your first socials.
2. Lindy Circle
In this course, we will give you more complex moves, more fancy turns, and combinations. If you want to join this course make sure you know 6- and 8-count basics, promenade, send out and bringing in, change places, can find the ‘1’ in music, and keep a steady rhythm.
If you have some partnered dance experience, you might consider taking this block as a first one and skipping the ‘Promenade’ (or maybe taking a private class before joining).
3. Swing-out
This course is dedicated mostly to swing-outs – the core and iconic move of Lindy Hop. We will review the moves of the previous courses and give you new rhythms and variations, developing your leading-following skills.
Before joining make sure you can differentiate between 6- and 8-count moves, know promenades and lindy circles, feel comfortable with your triple steps.
Charleston basics
We start learning partnered Charleston of the 1920s and 1930s from the scratch, anybody can join, however, if you have not had any dance experience we recommend you to take at least the Promenade course before joining. Charleston is quite an energetic dance but we will alternate tempos.
‘Savoy’ group
You can join this level after completing the basics courses and having about 8-12 months of dancing experience. Your triples are floor-connected and your bounce is steady, you are able to do swing-outs, circles, promenades, lots of 6-count moves, and some solo breakaways. We will enrich your repertoire of moves (and don’t let you forget what you have learned ) but not the complexity of them. If you are looking for a load of new figures, a relaxed atmosphere or maybe just weekly hanging out with nice people, you are in the right place. In each block you will get something new, so you can stay in this group for ages just having fun.
No audition or invitation is needed to join the group. Drop-ins are possible.
‘Tuxedo Junction’ group
This group is for more ambitious improvers and regular social dancegoers. To join this group, you need to get advice from your previous teachers or pass a little ‘audition’ dancing with a teacher. If your basics are not stable, even if you took intermediate courses before, please consider taking again some of the basics courses focused on the skill you need to work on, or the ‘Savoy’group. You are welcome to ask for advice and feedback from your teachers.
We will learn more complex combinations of the known moves, clear up the basics, work on partner connection, and refine leading-following skills, including some switching exercises. Each block we will offer you a theme-based course (like ‘Connection’, ‘Rhythms’ or ’short choreos), so don’t be afraid to get bored even if you stay in this group for a long time.
‘Frim Fram Sauce’ group
This group is invitational and arranged for dancers with at least 2-3 years of lindy hop experience (including social dance and self-practice) who would like to improve their dance technique and develop an individual style. Please contact us to arrange a try-out session or ask your current teachers for an invitation. Having some solo jazz experience is highly advised.
We expect you to be absolutely stable with your basics (lindy hop and charleston), be able to improvise, use different rhythms and footwork patterns, be attentive to music and partner’s dancing, switch between different tempos. We will be looking at technique, learn more complex combinations of the known partnered and solo moves, will play with different tempos and styles, work on musicality and improvisation. The curriculum is tailored to the needs of the participants.
Here you are encouraged to give some (polite) feedback to your partners, share your experience, and ask a lot of questions. We expect the students to like technical details and repeat the move until it is done properly.
Vernacular SOLO JAZZ
‘Shim-Sham’ group (beginners)
This course is for absolute beginners and those who tried just a tiny bit of solo jazz dancing. Every class we will have an easy-to-copy moves warm-up and a short combination of basic jazz steps. We will practice some basic rhythms, improve our body’s flexibility, and have fun moving to music.
Drop-in lessons are possible (just buy a drop-in ticket in our Shop)
‘Tranky Doo’ group
(beginners-intermediate, not offered at the moment)
This course is for solo jazz lovers who have already taken some beginner classes and know some solo jazz moves and routines. Every class we will practice some drills, rhythms, and footwork, and learn short choreos or part of the solo jazz routines (like Tranky Doo, Al and Leon Shim-Sham, etc) with variations. The course might be recommended for any lindy hopper who wants to improve their rhythms and footwork improvisational skills as well as solo jazz dancers who seek for new variations and technical clarity.
Drop-in lessons are possible (just buy a drop-in ticket in out Shop)
‘Trickeration’ group
(intermediate and up, not offered at the moment)
If we have enough people (at least 6), we will open this group for those who have already taken more than a year of solo jazz classes, learned several solo jazz routines. are able to catch the moves fast, dance the routines to different tunes, and want to work on their technique and style. We will work on polishing our skills to shine on stage, or on the dancefloor.
OTHER SWING DANCES
West Coast Swing – beginners
Experience the fun and excitement of West Coast Swing in this beginner’s course! This is the perfect opportunity to discover a new form of expression and build confidence on the dance floor. West Coast Swing is a versatile and improvisational dance that can be enjoyed to a wide range of music genres, from blues and R&B to contemporary pop. Our experienced instructors will take you through the basics of this unique dance, including footwork, timing, and connection with your partner. You’ll learn how to move in a smooth and relaxed style, incorporating musicality and creativity into your dancing. Whether you’re looking to improve your social skills, stay fit, or just have fun, this West Coast Swing course is the perfect way to get started!
Collegiate Shag – intermediate
Want to dance to fast music? Collegiate Shag is a super fun and highly energetic dance style that is danced to 180 BPM+ songs.
The Collegiate Shag intermediate group is for dancers with 8-12 months of experience in this style.
Minor Swing – Balboa beginners
(no offered at the moment)
Balboa is an elegant dance suitable for fast dancing.
