My goal is for YOU to
have FUN while learning.
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I advise first-time dancers that I believe it takes four consecutive weeks of lessons (free or paid) to begin feeling comfortable with the movements, and by the fifth week things are really making sense.
Just think about this: with partnered dances you're training your body to move in an, initially, unnatural way with a partner holding your hand, and then coupled with keeping time to the music! You HAVE to let your body learn! Learning to dance isn't about memorizing dance patterns, it's about training your muscle memory — the same as learning how to walk, tie your shoes, or ride a bike. Repetition is the key! My classes start with the Basic movement (a.k.a. a Swingout) and building every week by adding in a new movement or two. ![]() ![]() ![]() • I ask all students to rotate partners. Dancing is a social activity and it's important to be comfortable dancing with several people, not just one person. • THURSDAY CLASSES: Each series presents a common "theme" or movement. Rather than bombarding students with movement after movement, students learn more about the variations that are possible from a single movement - thereby giving more "options" when dancing and doesn't overload your brain. ![]() • FRIDAY CLASSES: The first half hour always covers the Basic (Swingout) movement, and each week a new movement or two is added so you will gradually growing your "library" of movements. |
![]() ![]() ![]() Thursdays 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm NO PARTNER REQUIRED! (see map below for directions) • Intermediate @ 7:00 pm $45.00; $12.00 walk-in • Beginner @ 8:00 pm $45.00; $12.00 walk-in • Practica @ 9:00 pm FREE to enrolled students; $1.00 walk-in Click here for detailed information on these classes. Cons: None. ![]() ![]() Attention is given to defining your social dancing skills and enhancing your fun when dancing TO the music and dancing WITH your partner. Each week you refine your Lead or Follow skills through fun, easily executable and improvisional movements. ![]() If you've NEVER taken a dance lesson or if you've had East or West Coast Swing lessons, but not Lindy lessons, I recommend starting with here. |
![]() Progressive introductory classes ![]() ![]() Cons: Classes are drop-in so there are always more first time dancers, thereby a slower learning pace & curve. ![]() ![]() Get a better understanding of how to move WITH the music. Expand your improvisational dance skills through movements that "work" because the Lead and Follow are "connected". Strengthen your muscle memory through consistent placement of your hands and the positioning of your weight in relation to your partner's weight. If you've taken any Lindy Hop lessons ![]() ![]() |
![]() Custom tailored instruction and feedback • $45/Hour - Up to 4 People Private lessons focus on the specific goals of the student(s), bringing attention to the points of the dance they seek expansion on and helps set new objectives as they expand their abilities and confidence. Comparing these to the other classes I offer: ![]() Pros: Personalized, flexible scheduling, discounts offered with multiple bookings Cons: None ![]() ![]() • Remember that it's "only" a dance, so there's no reason to be critical of yourself or your partner. It's far more important to work towards having fun with each other. • Always acknowledge and apologize whenever you or your partner bumps into someone, even if the other dancers 'caused' the bump. Then always ask your partner if they are okay. • During classes it can be helpful to provide small amounts of kind criticism, but never offer on the social dance floor unless you're asked. • Never tell your classmates or partners that they are doing 'it' wrong. Even experienced dancers have to adjust and learn how to dance with their new partners. • Remember that people learn at different paces. You may immediately understand a concept, others may need to practice it several times. • As long as you're not throwing your partner off-balace, you're likely to notice your dancing mishaps more than your partner because he/she is concentrating on their dance. Don't call attention to yourself, it's okay really. |