Even though Lindy Hop is at its core a street dance, many dancers find it helpful to take classes to build their understanding of the dance as well as their vocabulary. Learning to dance is fundamentally about learning how to move your body to music and interacting with another human being in partner dancing.
Our class syllabus is organized into three progressive Lindy Hop levels (level 1, level 2, level 3), an elective class topic category and a Balboa category.
LEVEL 1
This level includes three different topics: 6-count Lindy Hop, 8-count Lindy Hop, Charleston. Each topic is taught over the course of one month in a 4-week progressive series. The 8-count Lindy Hop series is repeated every other month (it will be a bit different every time based on teachers’ choices). We encourage students to take our level 1 classes consistently during 4 months, and repeat the months as necessary to master the material. On month with an additional 5th week, we teach special one-off drop-in classes.
Level 1 focuses on personal body movement and rhythm.
Level 1A - 6-count Lindy Hop
Start dancing from day one! We will get you moving in this month-long series that introduces you to basic footwork, turns, breaks and jazzy stylin'. Covers the 6-count basics, also sometimes known as East Coast Swing, which is also used in Lindy Hop.
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Level 1B - 8-count Lindy Hop
Hop on the fast track to amazing swingouts! Journey through the 8-count world on the road to Lindy Hop. You'll learn some cool ways to move your feet to the rhythm, as well as some some flashy figures. But best of all, you'll gain more confidence with a widening swing repertoire, paving the way to even more fun with your partner!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Level 1C - Charleston
Come out and kick your way through Charleston! Once a separate dance born of the Roaring 20s, these high-energy moves became an integral part of the Lindy Hop dance floor and are frequently danced together in a single song. This is the best way to get your heart-rate up and your feet moving to the fastest tunes available!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Level 1D - 8-count Lindy Hop
We have added a second 8-count Lindy Hop class series to our level 1 curriculum.
The swingout is frequently known as a cornerstone move of Lindy Hop. This class will introduce you to the 8-count basic and even more swingout technique and variations to get you flying on the dance floor in no time!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
LEVEL 2
This level includes 6 different topics. Each topic is taught over the course of one month in a 4-week progressive series. We encourage students to take our level 2 classes consistently during 6 months so that they encounter each of the topics. To attend level 2, students must have attended all 4 months of level 1 and mastered the material. Students usually start taking level 2 while they are repeating the level 1 syllabus. On month with an additional 5th week, we teach special one-off drop-in classes.
Level 2 focuses on partnership, through connection and rhythm.
Level 2 - Charleston Everywhere
Learn to move seamlessly between your Charleston and Lindy Hop, and get some more tricks while you're at it! When the tempos go up, you'll be able to kick up your dance into high energy with these transitions and kicks.
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Classic Moves
Points, Chases, and Mini-Dips? Swing is one of the most playful of partner dances, and we'll explore some of its most entertaining classic figures together. Know this must-have moves that are danced all over the world!
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Flashy Charleston
Spice up your Lindy language with some fast-paced, flashy Charleston. Your trusty guides will navigate you through the ins and outs and all of the awesome variations in between.
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Learn all the Swingouts
The swingout is like a beanbag chair. It's not even really a chair until you're in it, and it's different for each person and each mood. Join us to play with the swingout and learn how it can be shaped by you, and you by it.
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Lindy Drift
In this series, we delve deep into the swingout, one of the cornerstone moves of the Lindy Hop! We will use a better understanding of technique and connection to create a relaxed, smooth rotation through even the hardest swinging beats.
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Lindy Stretch
Join us in an intensive look at the swingout! You will learn new and useful ways to think about your technique, improve your connection, and get exciting results.
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
Level 2 - Zen-count Basic
Did you know that 8-count moves could become 6-count moves and vice versa? Did you know you could mix 8-count and 6-count moves with impunity? Learn how to lead and follow the difference, and what to do when it all changes!
PRE-REQUISITES: Level 1A-D; twice through recommended. Execute a swingout, lindy circle, charleston and 6-count moves and transition between them in open and closed positions. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm!
LEVEL 3
This level includes a variety of topics that go beyond what is taught in level 2. To qualify for level 3, you must have taken at least 9 consecutive months of level 1 and level 2, and have one full year of social dancing under your belt. Eligibility should be discussed with the teachers. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals. Note that having attended the required amount of classes does not automatically qualifies you for level 3, everyone learns at a different pace. Nor does qualifying for level 3 automatically make you an advanced dancer.
Level 3 focuses on building awareness of fundamental concepts of the dance: flow & momentum, rhythm & footwork, connection, musicality, styling.
Level 3 - All that Meat and More Potatoes
Who doesn't love to play with their Lindy Hop? This series will teach you the basics of rhythm and micro-musicality and how to insert it into your partnered dancing without ruining flow. Learn to play with each other and create openings to both listen and speak in the partnered dynamic.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Better Together
When truly delightful moments happen on the dance floor, we think it's magic, but in reality these dancers have worked hard on prioritizing partnership and play through buildable skills. This class explores how connective, attentive partnering can take your dancing to the next level and open up worlds of creativity you never could have accessed alone.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Connection
In this social dance of ours, it is our connection with our partners that makes it MAGIC. In this series, you will learn to play and move with connection, to listen actively to both leads and follows, and how to use that connection to build increasingly complex and great feeling dances.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Fast Charleston
Fasten your seatbelts, and prepare to hit the track: Charleston shines when in its native element... the raceway. This series focuses on advanced Charleston technique, allowing clear and efficient leading and following at fast tempos, giving you the skills (and figures) to evolve your social dance game. These techniques apply to standard-tempos as well, so this class is for you if you're looking to speed things up, or looking to enhance your general Charleston understanding!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Fast Dancing
When the tempos start flying, your feet start foundering. Sound familiar? Experienced dancers will learn techniques to keep their dancing smooth and efficient at fast clips (180 bpm or above). This will enable you to dance to the most energetic, swinging music that our DJs can throw at you! PLUS, you gain access to our Fast Feet room to put your lesson into practice.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Flow and Momentum
When everything feels right, leaders and followers feel comfortable playing off each other by directing and redirecting energy and momentum. In this class, we will help you explore this flow and share a few ways to incorporate it into your dancing.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Footwork Variations, Styling, Lines
You've mastered all the moves and you're dancing confidently with all kinds of partners. Now you're considering the bigger picture: layering these complicated variations and styling with a solid partner connection, creating a two-body picture with great quality of movement and intentional aesthetics. This class will explore that heady level where theory meets execution.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Having More Fun
Join us for a class devoted to the serious business of having fun. We'll explore the role improvisation, partnering, connection, rhythm, and music at play in bringing joy to your partner and yourself.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Hello From The Other Side
If dance is a collaboration, do you know what your co-artist knows? This is intensive Level 1 curriculum highlighting where you might expect the experiences of leads and follows to diverge. Whether you become an ambi-dancer, or just want to sample the "other role", you will leave this class with a better appreciation of your partners and what you can make together.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Historical Clips
Thanks to YouTube, our generation has unprecedented access to clips of original lindy hoppers performing for the silver screen in addition to a constantly growing history of modern-era "famous" dances. No more shaky VHS tapes for us! We will showcase the lindy clips you absolutely have to know and teach you how to pull inspiration from the past into your present.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Musicality through Footwork & Styling
What does it mean to be musical? What does it mean to incorporate musicality into your own body? And how can you do any of that without totally throwing off your partner? This lesson focuses on developing a responsiveness to music using unusual patterns and rhythms that will challenge your connection, balance, and ear for improvisational jazz.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - NAILING It at Charleston
Call and response. Awesome variations. Rhythm changes. Intricate combos. What’s your advanced Charleston missing? In this class, Justin & Cari will go over a variety of techniques and moves which will take your Charleston to the next level. After this class, you’ll be NAILING IT at partnered Charleston.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Oh the Places You'll Go!
It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it. It's not where you're going, it's how you get there. We'll find ourselves in surprising places by cleaning up our connective technique but leaving room for variation and experimentation.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Quality Of Movement
Becoming a better dancer: quality of movement. How to use stretch, rhythm, balance in Lindy Hop and make your body move better.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Rhythm & Footwork Variations
So many times we dance creatively "safe" dances by sticking to the same old combinations or styling. We're afraid of boring ourselves and our partner, but we're also afraid of messing something up. Come to this class full of courage and leave it with some inspiration! With the limitless world of jazz musicality as our guide, we will explore new and fancy footwork and variations to spice up your arsenal.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Spins, Slides, and Dynamic Redirections
It's been said that a really sweet swingout can feel like flying. We will be harnessing the energy within the stretch, redirection, and release of the swingout to spice things up with spiffy spins, slick slides, and partnered pizzaz. If you're excited to add some flair to your individual style and amp up your partnering, come fly with us, first class!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Sweet & Slow: A Sugary Lindy Topping
The holiday season is upon us, which means the radios, department stores, and your grandmother's living room are tuning in to those classic Christmas ditties from the 30s and 40s. In this class, we will focus on crafting impeccable connection and technique to give you the gift of easy, lilting grace, and we'll dust it with juuuuuust a little heat for a creative glow. Let slow dancing show you everything that swing can be!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Swing is the Thing
Whether it's Hot, Gypsy, Trad, Big Band, Groove, or Small Combo, does it really not mean a thing if it ain't got that swing? We will take a historical look at the Jazz timeline, what makes them different, and how different music might affect what you dance and when. Pre-requisites: at least one year of dancing and classes.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Swing Physics
Get out of your grind! This class will focus on the connection points necessary for groovy decelerations and smooth accelerations that texturize your dance vocabulary. Students will be asked to focus on partnership and keeping their connection steady and comfortable even while making their dances more exciting!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Taking it Slow
Dance to that swanky slow jazz with style and pizzaz. Drag, pivot, turn, and dip! Promenade, embrace, lift, and lunge!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - The Alpha/Omega
The Swingout. Come dissect our most complex "basic" move. Find out how posture, balance, connection, stretch, timing, rotation, and orientation all get communicated between the advanced lead and follow and how this can open up creativity for each pair.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - The Big Apple (solo jazz)
The Big Apple was a national phenomenon that blended the circle formations of African-influence with the trendy jazz figures and rhythms of the time. Popular moves were called in a manner similar to square-dancing and each dance was new and the figures particular to the region. However, most lindy hoppers today will only recognize Whitey's Lindy Hoppers who displayed this dance as a choreographed routine in the film, Keep Punching (1939). This routine is long and complex, requiring a wide breadth of jazz vocabulary and rhythm, but most importantly, it's incredibly energetic and fun! Come challenge yourself to learn this famous choreo in only five weeks! (And for those familiar with the shout circle, but get lost during the line, please note that we will start with that second half promptly on Week 1. So don't skip any of the earlier classes!)
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - The California Routine
Have you ever swung-out three times and ended with a lindy circle? Then you already know how this routine starts! With its origins fabled to extend all the way to Hellzapoppin', the California Routine is a Lindy Hop staple. We will teach this famous partnered choreography over the course of 4 weeks and use it as a base for practicing both essential dance connection and performance skills. This series integrates seamlessly with the Elective Class, "California Flight School", which teaches the aerials for the California Routine. Take both series to learn the ultimate Routine!
Since this is a performance class, there will be the option to perform the routine at Wednesday Night Hop at the end of this series.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - The Final Frontier
Come to this class full of courage and leave it with inspiration and tools for making that inspiration come to life! With the limitless world of jazz as our guide, we will explore new rhythms and movement, and how to build our dance partnership through our mutual understanding of the music.
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
Level 3 - Turning and Redirects
Learn some unique redirects and turns, and integrate them into your swingouts! Learn the foundational technique that will let you do new and surprising movements in your Lindy!
PRE-REQUISITES: At least nine consecutive months of Level 1 and Level 2 including one full year of social dance, or discuss your eligibility with instructors. Under-qualified students will be asked to transfer to Level 2 in order to strengthen their fundamentals.
ELECTIVE
The elective category includes class topics that do not quite fit into the other levels such as solo Jazz, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, tap, classic routines (shim-sham, Tranky Doo, the Big Apple), blues… The pre-requisites for a class series vary by topic.
Elective focuses on developing other aspects of a dancer’s knowledge, to make one a more round dancer. Personal body movement through solo Jazz and tap, learning other swing area dances, learning choreography.
Elective - Al & Leon Shim Sham (solo jazz)
The most famous version of the Shim Sham was widely taught by the Ambassador of Swing himself, Frankie Manning. But there are many variations of this popular routine that will stretch your creativity and technical skill! Best of all, it can be done without a partner, and to the same songs as other shim shams, so there are plenty of opportunities to practice on the social dance floor! This month, we'll be decoding the Al Minns and Leon James Shim Sham.
PRE-REQUISITES: Having completed 4 months of Level 1. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa & Beyond
Want to make your balboa even more shuffley, flowy, and musical? We've spent all year building up our fundamentals, so now let's see what we can do with them! We'll be covering higher-level technique, moves, variations, as well as classic combinations. Get ready to be challenged and have fun!
PRE-REQUISITES: Completion of Balboa Level 1 & Balboa Level 2 at least once. Should know & feel comfortable with: uphold, down hold, come around, ad-libs, toss outs, lollies, swivels. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa Basics
Originating in the Balboa Peninsula of Orange County, the Balboa combines intricate footwork with smooth body movement, to create a dynamic and fast-paced dance that is fun to watch but even more fun to do! Great for beginners or if you have taken Balboa Fundamentals. This series class will add on basic vocabulary to your Pure Balboa and Bal-Swing foundations.
PRE-REQUISITES: 3 months of Level 1 and/or Balboa Fundamentals. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa foundations: Out n In's Inside and Out
Come learn balboa, or refine your fundamentals in this foundations class that will go through basic rhythms, patterns and connection. We will cover the primary basic steps in balboa, with a particular emphasis on linear bal-swing movements, out and in's, crossovers, and promenade. Come learn the art of walking with a partner, with style!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa Fundamentals
Originating in the Balboa Peninsula of Orange County, the Balboa combines intricate footwork with smooth body movement, to create a dynamic and fast-paced dance that is fun to watch but even more fun to do! For everyone who wants to learn – or revisit – Balboa fundamentals, this four week series will get you up to speed with basic vocabulary and connection techniques, and get you out on the floor dancing Balboa socially. We'll be covering the basic Balboa rhythm and core Pure Balboa and Bal-Swing figures.
PRE-REQUISITES: 3 months of Level 1 and/or previous Balboa experience recommended. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa Growth
Ready to twist? This class will harness the rotational basics of Balboa Plus to send energy out and back and around in all sorts of creative moves!
PRE-REQUISITES: Balboa Plus or equivalent mastery. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes.
Elective - Balboa Plus
Originating in the Balboa Peninsula of Orange County, Balboa combines intricate footwork with smooth body movement, to create a dynamic and fast-paced dance that is fun to watch but even more fun to do. In this 4-week Beginner/Intermediate series, we’ll explore the rotational energy of Balboa and Bal-Swing, adding some new vocabulary focused on Lollies and toss-outs to really get you spinning!
PRE-REQUISITES: Beginners are welcome, but some prior experience with Balboa and Bal-Swing will be helpful. (If you took our "Balboa Crash Course" series and are ready for more, this class is for you!) No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes.
Elective - Balboa Transitions
Starting to feel solid on your Bal basics, but still intimidated by the idea of dancing a whole song (or night!) of Balboa? Fear not! We will show you some smooth transitions to incorporate Bal into your Lindy and Charleston, and vice versa.
PRE-REQUISITES: Students must know and be able to demonstrate up & down hold basics, come around, toss outs, lollies, and swivels (recommended completion of WNH Balboa Levels 1 & 2 at least once). No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Balboa: Out and In variations and extensions
End your year with a few new tricks, learn new variations both independent and partnered that will stretch your experience with out and ins. We will cover classic out and in variations along with some of our favorite ways to play with one of the most fundamental movements in Bal Swing.
PRE-REQUISITES: Beg-int Balboa, comfortable with out and ins and crossovers. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Body Movin'
Like a spoken word poet or hip hop rapper, the true beauty and skill of improvised solo jazz comes not from staid, neutral steps, but from your own, unique FLOW that allows you to choose from a variety of movements at any given moment. This class will encourage you to think about your momentum, body shape, and natural movement to hone your skills as an improvisational solo jazz artist.
PRE-REQUISITES: Minimum completion of 3 months of Level 1. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - California Flight School (PARTNER REQUIRED)
Prepare to soar! Fly with us and learn classic and dynamic airsteps such the Pancake and Lindy Flip. The class progresses from basic concepts of basing and flying, with an emphasis on safety and fun. These are the aerials for the California Routine, so this series integrates seamlessly with the Level 3 California Routine performance class; take both series to learn the ultimate Routine!
Note for those who took the Flight Academy classes last summer: this course will cover different aerials.
PRE-REQUISITES: Partner required, as you'll be working as a team together for the full series. Any combination of guys and gals are fine. Clothing should be comfortable, with no large buckles or other hard objects; bases and flyers should both wear level sole shoes (no heels please). We'll cover more details in the first class. No dance experience needed, but a sense of adventure required:) See you on the tarmac!
Elective - Dean Collins shim-sham (solo jazz)
Want to level up your shim sham? Learn this slidey, smooth, syncopated version by that old-time So-Cal dancer, Dean Collins. You will not only learn a new version to rock on the dance floor, but also investigate variations that you can add independently to your own movement, whether social or solo.
PRE-REQUISITES: Familiarity with the "basic" shim-sham routine and/or experience with solo jazz movement recommended.
Elective - First Stops (routine)
Ready, set, THROWDOWN! The First Stops routine (which showed off both partnered and solo dynamism) was used by original Savoy dancers to wow onlookers in competitions and jam circles. This fast-paced choreography is full of rhythmic challenges we'll add to your social dance vocabulary, and by the end of the month you'll know this classic routine forward and back!
PRE-REQUISITES: 8-count and 6-count basics, swingout, inside/outside turns, understanding of stretch, compression, relaxed connection, pulse.
Elective - Fluid Movement
Swing dance can be powerful and explosive, or sharp and defined, but by far the most felicitous connection comes from smoothing the edges of your movement until there's little boundary between you and me, follow and lead, your ideas and my ideas. Come and work on creating a solid foundation of movement that will both improve your most basic triple-step and also give you the body awareness to build complex rhythms and patterns of your own.
PRE-REQUISITES: 8-count and 6-count basics, swingout, inside/outside turns, understanding of stretch, compression, relaxed connection, pulse.
Elective - Introduction to Air Steps
Flight Academy, class of 2015! Time to soar from the deck and fly high! In this elective series, you'll be trained from the ground up to be pilots and flyers with super fun, flashy, and safe lifts and aerials for swing or other dances. We'll build from solid fundamentals to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. Top Gun ain't got nothin' on you all after this series, get ready for some action!
PRE-REQUISITES: Partner required, as you'll be working as a team together for the whole series! Any combination of guys and gals are fine. Clothing should be comfortable, with no large buckles or other hard objects; bases and flyers should both wear level sole shoes (no heels please). No dance experience needed, but a sense of adventure required:) See you on the tarmac!
Elective - Introduction to St. Louis Shag
St. Louis Shag is a rhythmic, high energy swing-era dance that has been rapidly gaining devotees in the modern, global swing dance scene. Originating from the rebellious youth of St. Louis in the 1930’s, it is characterized by a bouncy pulse and quick triple steps. This class will introduce the fundamental technique and shapes of St. Louis Shag, as well as ways to incorporate these movements into other partner dances. Learn more about the history of St. Louis Shag here.
PRE-REQUISITES: Some partnered swing dance experience preferred. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Jam Steals
Learn to steal like Bonnie and Clyde! This month, Richard and Margot will show you some fun and flashy moves to break into your next steal jam -- burlap bag and stripey tee not required.
PRE-REQUISITES: This series is for intermediate level dancers and above; you'll need to be able to dance a variety of standard 6 & 8 count patterns in both Lindy and Charleston to get the most out of this class. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - Jazz Up your Partnered Basics
They say you must learn to play by yourself before you play with others, so how do you make that jump to partnered playtime? This class will teach you new solo jazz moves for every level of learner and also how to execute them in slick partnered moves. Adding jazz roots to your movement will make any partnered dance more fun, authentic, and playful!
PRE-REQUISITES: Having completed 3 months of Level 2. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes.
Elective - Solo Jazz Basics
Balance, rhythm, shapes, and technique! Solo jazz is a great way to groove with your friends in circle, entertain yourself to the max without a partner, and even incorporate into your social dance variations for extra flair. Learn the skills necessary to jam it out wherever you are, whoever you are with!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - The Hard Stuff: an intermediate/advanced Balboa workshop
For experienced Balboa dancers only! This class will challenge you to keep your balance, your speed, and your form with fun figures and new ideas. Come prepared!
PRE-REQUISITES: 3-6 months of Balboa instruction or at least 9 months of continuous Balboa social dancing.
Elective - The Shim Sham (solo jazz)
Everybody SHIM SHAM! More popularly known as the tap dancer's anthem, swing dance ambassador, Frankie Manning, is well known for instilling a non-tap version in the lindy hop community. Play a proper song in any dance venue in the world, and you'll see dancers of all levels break apart to perform this iconic solo routine. We'll cover the ENTIRE ROUTINE in one fun, intensive session.
PRE-REQUISITES: Having completed 3 months of Level 1. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - The Tranky Doo (solo jazz)
"The dipsy doodle is the thing to beware
The dipsy doodle will get in your hair
And if it gets you, it couldn't be worse
The things you say will come out in reverse
Like 'You love I and me love you!'
That's the way the dipsy doodle works."
If you've ever heard this song and wished you could join the rush to do this wacky dance, now is the time! Join us as we break the Tranky Doo down, learn the technique behind the moves, and perform it every time the DJ plays it during the dance!
PRE-REQUISITES: Having completed 3 months of Level 1. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - The Trickeration (solo jazz)
Not just a jazz move, the "Trickeration" solo jazz routine is rhythmically challenging and exciting. The Queen of Swing, Norma Miller, used it to audition candidates for her professional jazz troupe, the Jazz Men, and separate the wheat from the chaff. Come learn a routine that will inspire your musical understanding and quality of movement.
PRE-REQUISITES: Basic solo jazz (like the shim-sham).
Elective - Vintage Movement
Celebrate African-American history this month by taking a dive into the vintage dance scene of the early 1900's. Our expert panel of instructors will teach a new dance each week to help you understand the origins and siblings of Lindy Hop at the start of the Jazz Age, including Blues, Charleston, and Solo Jazz.
PRE-REQUISITES: This series is for intermediate level dancers and above; you'll need to be able to dance a variety of standard 6 & 8 count patterns in both Lindy and Charleston to get the most out of this class. No partner required, just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Elective - We Cats Will Swing For You (solo jazz, int. level)
We Cats Will Swing:
You've learned the Shim Sham, and maybe even the Tranky Doo or Big Apple, and you want more! Solo jazz movement is a great way to learn rhythm and musicality, to train your body's reflexes, and teach yourself how to hold on to choreography. We have put together a special routine for intermediate+ dancers that can be busted out whenever you hear this special song played. Come out and learn this fun performance piece choreographed by Cari, Hannah, and Lori!
PRE-REQUISITES: One month of solo jazz experience.
BALBOA
Balboa A1 - Balboa Foundations: Pure Bal
Starting with the chest to chest pure balboa foundation, we'll show you the moves and techniques that make balboa a unique and fun swing dance! We'll cover pure bal, ad lib steps, lollies, out and ins and more! Come learn the dance that California gave to the swing era! Attendance required for advancement to Balboa A2 class series.
PRE-REQUISITES: 3 months of Level 1 and/or previous Balboa experience recommended. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Balboa A2 - Pure Bal Improvisations
Pure Balboa is a sweetheart swing dance that focuses on an incredibly subtle closed connection and intricate footwork. This course builds on the Balboa A1 beginner class by adding more rhythms and connective tissue for new variations that will allow you to add improvisational flair to your dances!
PRE-REQUISITES: Balboa A1 – Balboa Foundations: Pure Bal class series. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Balboa B1 - Bal-Swing Fundamentals
Learn how the rotational energy of Balboa and Bal-Swing can propel you into the classic moves of the era, including lollies and toss-outs.
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Balboa B2 - Bal-Swing Comes Back Around
Ready to twist? This class will utilize your rotational fundamentals to harness energy between partners and send you back and forth and around again!
PRE-REQUISITES: Bal-Swing Fundamentals, OR must be competent in up-holds, down-holds, ad-lib steps, lollies, tossouts. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Balboa C1 - Out N In Fundamentals
Come learn balboa, or refine your fundamentals in this foundations class that will go through basic rhythms, patterns and connection. We will cover the primary basic steps in balboa, with a particular emphasis on linear bal-swing movements, out and in's, crossovers, and promenade. Come learn the art of walking with a partner, with style!
PRE-REQUISITES: None. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!
Balboa C2 - In N Out Secret Menu
In Balboa, the secret menu is where you can really customize what you want from your dance. Using the solid out 'n in fundamentals from the previous class, you will learn to mix in more complexity to your patterns and explore creativity to the music.
PRE-REQUISITES: Balboa C1 or must be comfortable with a pure balboa basic, out n ins, lolly kicks. No partner required; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothes!