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Exercises for L&F to make you always feel good, comfortable and cool while dancing
Maybe it will be a variation by Dean Collins and Jewel McGowan or Michael Jackson or Markus Koch and Bärbl Kaufer..
Clarity in your connection can open new possibilities in your dancing. This class will help leaders and followers feel the difference between linear and rotational momentum with some simple and fun flows.
We’ll work on those nice linear stretches from send outs and use it as a prep for playing around with slides and more.
Learn some classic 20's Charleston moves and put them all together to create a routine
We will cover some of the most famous figures and the techniques you need to master them, get the blues with us, or get better in your style,
Come learn the basics and see what all the fuss is about!
Learn and explore the classic solo moves of the 30s and 40s (e.g.Fall Of The Log, Boogies, Stomps). We will also work on a short choregraphy you can take home for practise.
Unconventional easy lifts and air to add to your aerial vocabulary
How can we deal with individual difficulties and create personal motivation in the group context of the classroom?
How amazing are the twists? Find out on our class, how to use them in couples to have much much much fun, because when twistin' everybody is feeling great!
Fun and easy alternatives to the regular basic steps
Take it up a notch with combinations that will help you bring shapes to your dancing and boost your confidence on the dance floor.
There are countless ways to play with tuck turns. Let's explore some of them through rotation, momentum, and other variations.
Lets indulge in the close embrace that was so common before the break away, and explore the possibilities within it and in and out of it.
Working on movement and technique needed to create a slow, smooth and flowing dance
Come learn the historic Slow Bal basic, ad-libs, and style of Dean Raftery.
The easiest ways to improvise even if you don't know jazz steps
Joe Lanza's trick from the movie Don't Knock the Rock
Practise alone does not make perfect. Understand the important additional incredients that you need to make your students improve and become bad ass.
How to execute the the 6-count sugarpush, and some variants of it
2 Texas Tommy variations created by us - totally leadable.
How I can lead some Solo Jazz steps in my Lindy Hop
Learn to incorporate jig walks into your lindy hop.
A fun 20's charleston routine - that will work on lead and follow and transitions from movement to movement
Rolling the following in and out and in again like a yo-yo.
Let's get comfy dancing to slow music
The Cake Walk is a must know ‘plantation dance’ for anyone who loves solo jazz and it's history, featuring a number of key steps in partner or solo. Originally performed by slaves mocking their slave masters, dancers would perform a variety of athletic struts, where the best dancer would achieve the prize of a cake. It’s believed that a number of dance styles including most swing dances such as the Lindy Hop, Charleston, Can Can, Morris dancing etc, have their roots in the Cake Walk, thus an important historical dance for all swing dancers to know.
By the end of this class you’ll learn the Cake Walk Routine, a line dance that you can dance with a group at social dances, just like the shim sham.
An aerial where the follower turns around the leader's arm.
Syllabus vs one weekend package: we think long term.
How to structure a class
Characteristic of a local class (same group, social aspect, learn how to deal with dynamics)
Synthesis in your explanation, lots of music
Working on the technique to be more comfortable on your fast swing out
The way you do is the things you do! Improve your understanding with your dance partners. Working under connection based on combo of figures.
’T ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it – Shim Shag time! (The Shag variation of Shim Sham)
You will learn the basic moves of Electro Swing (Charleston, Shuffle, Happy Feet, etc.) and put them in a small routine.
The famous routine was originally choreographed by Frankie Manning for the movie "Hellzapoppin'". It was a little part of the Hellzapoppin' Routine, but was also used in many other clips and routines of Whiteys Lindy Hoppers. It's danceable to many kinds of tempo. It's the standard routine every Lindy Hopper should know!
A fun routine where we will play both with swing and rock and roll music adapting our short choreography to both styles!
Learn the famous 1960’s line dance The Madison! The Madison is an amusing line dance that originated in the late 1950s. It probably has its origin in Chicago. Eddie Morrison was a disc jockey from Baltimore, who started to call dance steps to the dancers. Ray Bryant then had a hit tune with “The Madison Time”. He recorded the calling of the steps on the record. The basic consists of 6 counts. The different dance combinations consist of patterns that are run down or make playful references to the big stars of that time period. There were various successful versions, but “The Madison Time” is the most well known and famous one. A version of the dance resurfaced in 1988 in the John Waters movie “Hairspray”.
Learn basics of this Early Jazz Dance: Peabody. Originating from foxtrot, but done to ragtime music of 1910's and 20's, Peabody will teach you how to glide around the floor.
Learn one of the airsteps made during the famous Harvest Moon Ball Contest. Be ready to lift the "flyer".
Every dance class should have some element of history, particuarly dance styles such as Swing, Tap, Salsa etc. However, how do you add the history of Lindy Hop or other swing dance to your classes without having lots of knowledge or time to research, but keeping an exciting class happy?
This class will give you some key ideas of how to easily integrate history, without being a historian or boring people. In fact, you could have them gasping for more!
Triple Time Basic is the most used and versatile basic in Boogie Woogie. Learn your first basic steps in triple step timing and combine them with basic moves as under arm turn (tuck turn), changing places and back to closed position. This is all you need to be able to go on the dance floor and have a good time! Everything else is decoration of that foundation.
Some cool and easy spin and turn variations!
Selection of 8 count variations that easily works on the social dance-floor
Make improvisation a priority in your dancing :)
The funniest part of dancing is that we can decide which beat we want to hit and which rhythm we can give to our boogie woogie.
Keys for stressless music interpretation during your competition round.
As Lindy Hop was developed over a few decades (20s till 50s) it consists of a lot of different basics, figures and styles. In the beginning the music was mainly uptempo (it came out of Charleston) and therefore a lot of kick elements can be found in Lindy Hop. Start your first Lindy experience with 6-count elements as jig walk, under arm turn (tuck turn), change places, bring back to closed position and mess around. The music will be a bit upbeat which is necessary for that kind of basic.
Create rhythmical and visual connection with your partner.
Adding rhythms to your basics to spice up your dancing
Together we'll explore cool options how to deal with breaks in the music and how to hit them sharp while creating awesome shapes.
Intro to counterbalance through whips, send outs and swivels.
Playing around a swing out: rhythm variations, rhythm and footwork
We'll show you some of our fancy moves we use in competition
Pure Balboa is the origin of Balboa dancing. It’s danced in closed position with intricate footwork. Start easy with the single time basic to move around the dance floor. Get the right pulse, body position, basic rhythm, add a little slide to your footwork, and learn the come-around in closed position.
Upgrade your autopilot lolly into a step with unending potential and turn your spins into the best feeling in the world.
Come and explore how you can play with momentum in balboa and how it affects your musicality.
Shag is a fun and very easy to learn Swing dance and is characterized by a lot of hopping and kicking. Learn with ease the 6-count basic step with the hop basic and add some cool basic moves in closed, side-by-side and open position (e.g. travelling, separation, change places, tuck turn, turning on a spot). After you have mastered those steps, we will get your feet fast and off the floor with some up-tempo music. Come and learn how to make the magic happen! Bring some extra shirts! It’s gonna be hot! Slow-Slow-Quick-Quick is the rhythm of your day!
We will work on putting rhythms in your shag dancing
Let's work on some cool moves from The Black Bottom
Back to the roots of solo jazz, no counting but "singing" the rhythm
Stuff to impress without hurting each other and others.
Repeat the figures from your first class and extend your repertoire with easy and fun figures, e.g. changing places with different hand changes, the sliding door or other cool stuff.
how to do spins correctly for leaders and followers
Two nice and easy variations of Swing Outs. The feeling reminds Anna of soft bunny steps.
Simple answers to some fundamental questions: what is the frame and where to find it, how to connect and stay dynamic, how much tension to give and some more
Fine selection of variations where we play with tempo- and rhythmchanges
Use your body positions to create extreme dynamics in your figures & dance! Use each other to create more power like a Dynamo!
Have a short repetition of the figures of your first class and extend your repertoire with easy and fun figures: Frankie's promenade (6-count), under arm turn (tuck turn) and shoulder shake.
Some fun footworks that you can put in your dancing to spice it up
Learn some transitions and moves to keep the flow and understand the momentum
Learn some of the classic Lindy Hop steps done in the 1930's Harlem, with some unique cool variations, along with the history and styling to make you look and feel like a Lindy Hopper.
Rhythm awareness and more
How to dance to faster music in a clever way.
Unexpected transitions to augment your Charleston
The classic Californian dance of the 30s, Balboa is all about slick footwork. Come and learn how to make the magic happen! Improve your Pure Bal with variations and additional footwork by using ad-lib steps. Extend your quicks and slows in different counts and directions. In a short time, you will be able to glide around the floor doing some simple but cool footwork.
Work on refining, manipulating, and shaping one of the most versitile moves in Balboa.
Transforming our Pure Balboa and Bal Swing technique to better suit fast paced music. Learning master techniques to create flow and seamless transitions.
After the hot lesson before you deserved a break! Learn some cool breaks, e.g. break to the front and/or to the side, the side-by-side break or the hip-to-hip break. It’s going be fun!
A combination of moves that has a nice flow
The musical "Running Wild" started in New York on Oct 29th, 1923 and created a world wide dance craze. The song "Charleston" that was composed for this musical became the theme song for the Charleston dance. Learn the classic steps that created this dance craze.
In this class we will make a combo based on different energetic moves with kicks that will bring dynamic and power in to your solo Charleston.
The Pizza is one of our signature moves. It's easy and fun and suites everyone!
The speed of the music at the parties vary a lot. Triple time basic is perfect for slow and medium speed, but hard to execute to fast music. We want you to teach you how to enjoy dancing to fast music with little steps. Single Time basic is the perfect solution for that. You can use all the figures you have learned in the Classes before. With all that foundation you will have the party of your life!
If your soul calls for action, but your body is lacking the moves - This class is for you :)
How to lead, and to be lead, with hips and shoulders
One for the money, two for the show.... go crazy with some new footwork variations and go go go!
Let's practice communicating with your partner through dance.
We will share our vision and experience on musicality collected through many years of dancing and competing. We consider musicality to be one of our strongest parts in competitions so we have a lot to share.
After learning the 6- and 8-count kick elements we will pack the content of both Classes into a nice exercise routine and extend your repertoire with the skip-ups, high kick, walk around and/or knee slaps. A lot of things to learn. You will have your party of the day!
8 count figures to improve connection with your partner to make your dance playful
Add some styling to your footwork to spice up your dance. Slides, rhythm breaks and cool variations.
A fun way to learn better how to lead and follow using a couple of tricky figures that seems basic but evolve in something more surprising!
Classic LA Lindy moves, footwork and stylings from the 40s and 50s.
Learn some of the classic rhythmns and moves Murha Dehn's Spirt Moves film, with some unique and cool variations, along with the history and styling to make you look and feel like a Lindy Hopper.
Lets explore how to bring inspiration from different sources: tango, blues, etc. This is not a slow class, but some figures that we created might inspire you to create your own ones.
Crab Walks & Paddles are two classic and eye-catching Balboa ad-lib moves. They got their names by the look of the movement. Enjoy learning and mastering these two cool steps!
Improving our transition technique to move seamlessly between our Pure Balboa and Bal Swing steps.
Break out of the confines of the “basic” Out and In and turn this simple move into a wide range of dynamics and textures.
Extend your vocabulary with some exciting figures and put them in a short and sweet musical routine, so you are ready to shag all night long! .
’T ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it - Do it smooth!
We will learn some typical 20s Charleston figures that we will put together in a routine
Cool lifts, drops and flashy moves than can be socially led (with your partners consent)
Some fun tricks to show off on the dancefloor!
Learn the famous Killer Boogie solo routine to join the cool bunch on the dance floor. Don't forget extra shirts and towels.
If you don't yet know this iconic line dance, you need to come and learn it! Originally a tap dance based on a standard swing structure, it was adapted by the Lindy Hop community and Frankie Manning made it a tradition to dance it altogether in big parties and festivals.
Learn one of our favourite tricks!
Learn the basic step and some cool moves for your first dance. For those who have never danced Shag before or want to brush up the basics.
A discovery in movement of the dances and nuances of Josephine Baker’s Dance vocabulary throughout her years. Taught by former artistic director of both Josephine Baker’s first Cabaret (2015) and Le Parc de Joséphine Baker.
Learn the first part of this classic routine choreographed by Frankie Manning so you can be part of it when it is danced in the evenings.
The famous routine was originally choreographed by Frankie Manning for the movie "Hellzapoppin'". It was a little part of the Hellzapoppin' Routine, but was also used in many other clips and routines of Whiteys Lindy Hoppers. It's danceable to many kinds of tempo. It's the standard routine every Lindy Hopper should know!
Starting with our basic Slow Bal fundamentals we will learn how to dance effortlessly to slower music while combining different styles to create our own take and flow on the dance.
Learn the classic Whitey's Lindy Hoppers routine "1st Stops" from two of the original members: Sugar and Barbara.
New in the world of Blues? Welcome! Come and check out the basic and the fundamentals of this beautiful dance. After this class you will know enough to enjoy a Blues night!
Get a taste of West Coast Swing for swing dancers.
Play with your partner’s balance during turns.
Learn the basics of St. Louis Shag, an up-tempo, highly rhythmic dance consisting cool kicks and triple steps!
Rotation in aerials !!!
Working on the technique of counterbalance and movement inspired by that technique
Learn the basics of the authentic, funny, scandalous and incredibly energetic 1920s Charleston while combining some funky soulful moves
Come to discover the basics movements of Burlesque.
A combo of moves to spark your dancing!
We will learn hot salsa moves and figures that can be easily used in Boogie. Original connections and stylish movements.
Triple Time Basic is the most used and versatile basic in Boogie Woogie. Learn your first basic steps in triple step timing and combine them with basic moves as under arm turn (tuck turn), changing places and back to closed position. This is all you need to be able to go on the dance floor and have a good time! Everything else is decoration of that foundation.
Boogie Woogie interpretations
The good old stuff still perfect for your social dancing.
Send out variations what will bring more variety and fun into your social dancing.
Working on our lead and following techniques with some redirections
Learn how to take it extra slow and explore the possibilities of dancing to slower tempos.
Focusing on smooth style movements
In the late 30s/early 40s the styles and steps have changed according to the music. The triple step was brought into the Lindy Hop and it suited well to slow and mid-fast tempi. Learn the 6- and 8-count basic first and then concentrate on 6-count basic moves for the first class: 6-count basic, send out, change places and bring back to closed position.
Learn some classic iconic and sweet moves with jig walks.
Classing charlestonmoves with a twist
Working on some sugar push to get a great feeling while doing it
Learn some transitions and moves to keep the flow and understand the momentum
How to improve your rhythm variations and change your rhythm accordingly to the changing of music
Awesome unique moves, rhythmns and variations that you can use on the social dance floor, emboding the spirit, energy, history and style of the 1930's Harlem swing dancers
The double time basic is the other very important basic step for Balboa. It’s helpful to dance to up-tempo music and a very essential basic step of Bal-Swing. Bal-Swing is the swing dance version of Balboa with a lot of open movements and turns. Learn the double time basic with kicks and tabs and how to combine single time and double time basic in one basic step as it is needed in the come around.
Rhythm changes in Pure Bal
As Bal-swing dancers we love to turn! In this class we are going to work on leading and following rotations in different ways. We are going to work based on a set of figures and challenge you!
Leveling up our Slow Balboa. In this class we will learn some fun steps and figures to increase our dance repertoire.
Shag has a lot of different footwork variations, but always in the slow-slow-quick-quick rhythm. Learn the basic in a kicking version and some fun moves in different dance positions. You should bring some extra shirts as we will have some up-tempo music for you, too.
Shag is full of hesitation steps that can be played with in so many different ways. Come explore both classic and contemporary stylings!
In this class we will explore the classic jazz steps, adding some cool variations and learn how to combine them.
Jazz steps can be done in so many different ways, come to learn the secrets to expanding your movements using the steps you already know and some new ones
Basics & Dance Figures
Boogie Woogie is enriched with nice turns and spins. Those are not easy to learn but super cool to do. Learn your basic right and left turns for leads and follows and some nice combinations as lead turns, open turns, right-left-turn combination.
Easy twist and Tacky Annie variations to practice and improve the connection while having fun with music.
You wanna dance boogie but there´s no space? We will show you opportunities to enjoy your dance even within almost no space.
Evolutive Sugar Push
Fun variations on the same theme, starting from the basic rock step going to something more challenging!
Play with your feet and with the rhythm
Jazz steps to use and tips on how to build good competition figures
Have a short repetition of the figures of your first class and extend your repertoire with easy and fun figures: Frankie's promenade (6-count), under arm turn (tuck turn) and shoulder shake.
We're going to practice improvising together and without partner to make the dance even more fun!
Key into lines, positioning and efficiency through a series of figures.
Learn a rhythm variation
Using technique and pacing we will more fully explore our Lindy Hop tuck turns. Creating new moves and footwork.
Working on energy changes in your lindy to create a more exciting dance
Some tools to practice your skills at rhythm
The Lollies are ad-lib steps consisting of slows only. Use your double time basic for the Lollie Kicks which look so gracious on the follows due to the rotating hip movement. Add turns in between (inside and outside turns – possible for follows and leads) and add the come around to start and finish up. You will love this class!
Improve your Bal Swing : add more flow and spice up your rhythm
Historically, SoCal dancing blurs the lines between different dance styles. Come explore different mixtures of Balboa with Lindy, Charleston, & Shag.
We are going to introduce you to Laminu - a style of Slow Balboa that was danced in the early 1950’s to slow swing music. We are going to cover the basics and inspire you to incorporate this style into your dancing.
There are so many exciting and easy to dance figures in Shag. Learn new moves and incorporate some turns.
We’ll share a combo of rhythms and moves we’ve put together to play with rhythm changes & dynamic flows. Instead of counting it – let's aim to feel it.
A super fun solo jazz routine full of classic steps from Frankie Manning' son, Mr Chazz Young who Charlotte has personally worked with on this routine. Expect juicy rhythms, elements of soft shoe and of course lots of fun!
Let's explore together a few ways to improve your improvisation skills. We will start with a couple of improvisation games in pairs and end with a Jazz Jam!
After a first start you should be able to enjoy jiving on the dance floor. Let's smooth things out and move ahead - how far will we get?
After you have learned your basic turns we want to spice them up a little and put them into nice combinations, e.g. guys turn in changing places, right and left spin from the back, using different hands and other cool stuff.
How do we lead our turns when social-dancing
We can dance boogie woogie on different kind of music, it can be more swinging or more rocking, learning how to change our groove to suit the music!
Some people like to rock, some people like to roll... learn the way you can use some of improvisation skills in your dancing and have a party in your couple!
Rhythm footwork variation
Work on how to build on each others musicality
Let's make basic stuff cooler and more interesting!
After you have mastered your 6-count basic elements we will start to use the 8-count basic step you have learned in the first class for the 8-count circle. Learn how to rotate 360 degrees with your partner in one 8-count. For a fun finale you will learn Frankie' points - a favorite step of many beginners.
Learning the swing out and circle in the charleston way to apply it on fast music without using too much energy.
One of the most loved basic figures is the tuck turn. We are going to work on fundamentals, but also give you challenging variations that will make this beloved figure even more fun and interesting.
How I can break away from my partner and I re-connect and keep the flow
Little space in the dance floor? No worries!! We will give you ideas how to still enjoy your dance.
Inspired by "Swing Fever” movie (1943)
Different techniques and ways to over rotate your whip
It’s time to get a little break! Start with cross over breaks by using the single time basic step and go back to closed Balboa position. After you have worked on twist/swivel movements in the Lollie Kicks you are well-prepared for a little spice-up of the cross over breaks. Get the hips twisting and the skirts twirling in those exciting twist breaks.
Out and ins and transitions into various shapes.
Mastering your Balboa rhythms are footwork is the hallmark of any great Balboa dancer. In this class we will explore how to style, play, respond and punctuate with our partners on the dance floor.
Incorporate some spins and turns in your Slow Bal
Your Shag bag of goodies holds a lot of surprises and interesting stuff. Enrich your Shag repertoire with some ad-lib steps (extending quicks or slows) and decorate your footwork with some cool variations, e.g. click basic, camel kicks or other interesting surprises.
Skating variations, skate away, skate in, skate out, skate within and outside the basic
Learn the repertoire of the dances and movement universe that made The First Black International Movie Star Dance into the world’s heart. Taught by former artistic director of both Josephine Baker’s first Cabaret (2015) and Le Parc de Joséphine Baker.
We will slow down our Jazz in order to bring more focus in to our moves, pay more attention to arms movement, mimic, expression and enjoy the time the music give us for each move .
learn how to jive with the basic steps and turns (without previous knowledge)
Let it rock ! Learn some new rockin' dance moves and work on your style
Learn the basics of the authentic, the funny, the scandalous and incredibly energetic 1920s Charleston.
New in the world of Blues? Welcome! Come and check out the basic and the fundamentals of this beautiful dance. After this class you will know enough to enjoy a Blues night!
Learn the classic Whitey's Lindy Hoppers routine "2nd Stops" from two of the original members: Sugar and Barbara.
This English way of dancing makes you move quickly on the dance floor all the evening through. Get a first impression of this upbeat dance and learn how to move smoothly in a swift rockin’ and jivin’ dance style. Easy to learn for all levels of dancers, the basics will already make you move around on the dance floor that night.
Jazz Funk is a super fun African American solo jazz dance form danced to Jazz Funk music fusing soul with jazz. It was huge in the 1970s to 80s, having a huge influence on the development of Hip Hop, Breakdance and the current solo jazz movement.
In this class you'll learn a number of key steps, that you can put into a routine to dane just like the shim sham.
The dance itself was inspired by many dances such as 20’s Charleston and African dance and is often a missing piece of history in the swing dance community.
“Spice up your Basic” with some new shapes and a creativity exercise!
The dance craze of the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s! Rock‘n’Roll’s musical relative, solo, funny, limitless, with the characteristic twist of the waist and many enjoyable foot figures!
fun tricks
You want to fly, but close to the ground? We've got you covered! We will show you some nice and safe aerials!
If you don't yet know this iconic line dance, you need to come and learn it! Originally a tap dance based on a standard swing structure, it was adapted by the Lindy Hop community and Frankie Manning made it a tradition to dance it altogether in big parties and festivals.
Learn the second part of this classic routine choreographed by Frankie Manning so you can be part of it when it is danced in the evenings.
Learn the basics of the authentic, the funny, the scandalous and incredibly energetic 1920s Charleston.
Will work on "the flick" with some variation endings.
Carolina Shag basics and variations.
Get a taste of Balboa and experience what makes it such a cool dance. Previous knowledge is not required.
Let's try to make some percussion with our body and mix it with some jazz steps during a choreo
Blues is not only slow, it has a big range of grooves and speeds. So come and groove with us, dancing to Chicago Blues Music
Learn the basic step and some cool moves for your first dance. For those who have never danced Shag before or want to brush up the basics.
Learn the basics of St. Louis Shag, an up-tempo, highly rhythmic dance consisting cool kicks and triple steps!
Learn the Stew routine !
In every swing dance you can use single time, triple time and double time basic. In Boogie Woogie they are mostly used in 6-counts. Triple time allows you to be very versatile; single time makes it easy to dance to fast music and double time allows you to use your body in a different way, e.g. more hip movement. Double time is not as flexible as triple time, but looks amazing in certain figures, e.g. side touches, rubberlegs, flirts. Learn your first basic steps in double timing (touch step) and add some basic moves as under arm turn (tuck turn), send out, changing places and back to closed position.
We're going to practice some easy variations
Do you know how many of your bodyparts can you shake? Thousands! Let's get loose and shake that thing! Warning: may cause extreme laughs!
An easy way to let our followers lead the dance and to challenge the leaders to use this as a chance to create something new!
How to move and swing in close position
Figures to vary the tempo while dancing
Variations of changing the rhythm in a smooth way.
Lindy Hop consists mostly of 6- and 8-count basic steps. The 6-count basic has been covered in the other track. Now it's time to concentrate on the 8-count basic. Starting with the Lindy position jockey (single time) to get into the 8-count basic step (triple time). Move around in your basic and add fun and easy moves as the flip flop, the 8-count promenade with pecking (leaders and followers in front) and he goes/she goes.
Introduction to integrating individual improvisation in your couple dancing.
Let's explore different variations of the Swingout!
Learn a cool rhythm and apply it to many moves. We will start simple and build up to finish in breakaway position.
Many people have seen Savoy Style Lindy hop, but come and learn this amazing style Central Avenue Lindy Hop with all it's fancy footwork, which was popular in LA, around the same time as the Savoy Style. Chester Whitmore and Charlotte Middlemiss will share with you the history, style and technique of this amazing dance style.
Learn the iconic vernacular step "The Chase" and some moves around it.
Leveling up our Lindy Hop. The ability to fully explore our basics on the dance floor is the hallmark of any great Lindy Hop dancer. In this class we will use our technique and pacing to create new moves and transitions.
The Outs & Ins are a very essential part of Bal-Swing. They allow you to put some breathing and momentum into the dancing. For the standard version of the Outs & Ins you will work with the single time basic. Use them for the transition step, cross over breaks and Maxi’s cross over step or rotate with them.
We love lollies but they can be tricky to lead and to follow in a comfortable way. By giving you variations and footwork, we will challenge you to both improve your basics, but also give you more options on the dance floor!
We will learn and apply directly différents tools to make your dance more musical.
Join and get some rhythmical tools to spice up your shag with walks and slides across the floor. Step out of your usual routines and slide right back into your basic.
Let's explore the dance through new and classic shapes and figures.
Putting some cool rhythms in your jazz.
Let it rock ! Learn some new figures and work on your style (with previous knowledge)
Repeat the figures from your first class and extend your repertoire with easy and fun figures, e.g. changing places with different hand changes, the sliding door or other cool stuff. NULL
Working on footwork variations in basic figures to make your dance more fun
Figures with different kind of turns
how to fit variations in the music
Let's look at technique and some cool, easy rhythm variations!
Be prepared to challenge your brain cells (and get happy in the end)!
How to play with you swingout-pattern and being the most interesting version of yourself
The Circle and the Swing Out are a very essential part of the Lindy Hop. They look "easy" but will be challenging the first time. Get your first experience! Learn to swing out from closed position and get back into the circle from the open position.
Let's add some Tap Dancing rhythms into your Lindy Hop!
Have you ever missed a song because it was too fast? Dont worry, we will explore how to dance to fast swing socially (not focussing on jams, competitions..etc)
What can I do with my S-Turn move
SoCal swing dancers Jenny Gray and Johnny Duncan were two hidden gems with a unique lindy style. We’ll explore some of their signature moves along with another SoCal classic: the Texas Tommy pass.
Working on some groove and connection to add some spice in your dancing.
In this class we will share with you what we think of when we dance. Learn what fuels our creativity and technique.
The Throw Out is the swing out of Balboa-Swing and the most eye-catching step of this dance. It’s a bit tricky at the first time but you will master it! Use the Outs & Ins to get the momentum for the Throw Out and return to the Come Around with an Inside Turn.
Lolly kicks and variations
Build contrasts based on music!
How to get into Collegiate kicks in open position, moves and exits.
Learn a musical and rhythmical short combo and then extract great ideas/moves from it.
Brian Scott Bagley dance historian will teach you the international dances that influenced Josephine Baker during her 50 year career in Europe and around the world. . Taught by former artistic director of both Josephine Baker’s first Cabaret (2015) and Le Parc de Joséphine Baker.
Dance Figures...Improvisation...Fun
The speed of the music at the parties vary a lot. Triple time basic is perfect for slow and medium speed, but hard to execute to fast music. We want you to teach you how to enjoy dancing to fast music with little steps. Single Time basic is the perfect solution for that. You can use all the figures you have learned in the Classes before. With all that foundation you will have the party of your life!
Musicality and structure
Working with timing in syncopation to get the groove going!
Put yourself into your partner´s shadow :)
Improve your dance playing with rhythm and directions
Maybe the best description possible for our style and understanding of Boogie Woogie basic step. How to feel comfortable and look cool even on fast tempos while using the least energy possible.
Work on slow round
Twist aka swivel steps are a very pretty styling for the follows. Exchange your rock step into twist/swivel steps. Learn to swivel on a spot and to twist around the leader. After managing the swivels, you can exchange almost every rock-step in open position into swivel steps. Use the swivels in open position to come back to the circle. You will love this class!
How can I be more free in my dance and think less about the next move
Some cool 4 count variations to change the energy of your dance.
Boost your basics with rhythmical concepts.
Let's practice some swingouts!
Challenging to lead and to follow, but also full of possibilities. Who doesn't love Sugar pushes? This is a figure that embodies many of the core techniques of the dance. The plan is to work on basics and to give you our favorite variations and stylings.
Learn the sequence danced by Marie Bryant and Archie Savage in the short film "Jammin' the blues 1944"
Dig deeper into the Throw Out. Add some spice and decoration with different handholds and leads. Super cool stuff!
Increase your Pure Balboa and Bal Swing repertoire. In this class we will get the most out of our uphold, half time and double time basics.
History, footwork and counterbody.
Get tips, tricks and techniques how to level up your fast shag dancing. Let's try and make it smooth, easy and fun at the highest tempos.
Doing crossovers in both open and closed positions with an inside turn come around exit
Inspired from the great John Bubbles - amazing jazz/tap artist and singer - we will learn some percussion breaks and some cool charleston rhythmical variations.
Still can't get enough? We'll show you some extra turns to build into that jiving of yours.
Let it rock ! Learn some new rockin' dance moves and work on your style
Learn the basic step and some cool moves for your first dance. For those who have never danced Shag before or want to brush up the basics.
Use the golden opportunity and learn about Swing Dance history first-hand from the original swing dancers and legends Jean, Sugar and Barbara. Prepare your questions!
Falling has never been so cool
Learn some jazz moves and improve your turns on the way.
During the class you will learn about the main differences between Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop and some common Lindy Hop moves. We welcome all the Boogie dancers to the Lindy Hop world!
Learning some few slides steps and combos that you could use in your dancing.
Putting our own Twist on the famous Nitty Gritty Routine. 1960’s solo movement, mixed with attitude.
Take the classic Charleston style, learn the basic House vibe, and combine that with some Electro steps creating your own style of Electro Charleston !
A spectacular looking trick. Jeans are not recommended. The trick involves lifting, requires basic body control and some core strength.
During the class you will learn about the main differences between Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop and some common Boogie Woogie moves. We welcome all the Lindy Hoppers to the Boogie Woogie world!
This English way of dancing makes you move quickly on the dance floor all the evening through. Get a first impression of this upbeat dance and learn how to move smoothly in a swift rockin’ and jivin’ dance style. Easy to learn for all levels of dancers, the basics will already make you move around on the dance floor that night.
Learn the very energetic dance that was born in the underground clubs of Melbourne. We'll start slow and get faster! Fast feet and amazing groove is only the beginning! The style we'll explore is called Cutting Shapes.
Explore the close embrace with us, lets learn how to walk together, creating a safe space, and a well connected embrace, "Dont push it, let it fall" Duke Ellington used to say.
Routine on "Do you love me" from The Contours, by Sophie and Thomas
Acrobatic figure - “Drum”. A classical acro with follower’s legs around the leader’s waist line, front dive and legs land with our special final twist - kick lift.
Deep figure - “Swan”. A circular beautiful and artistic figure mostly used in our slow rounds. Perfectly fits to the stretchy sounds in the music.
The show case from the idea to the composition. A lot of information that will help you to create your own choreo easily. And practice, practice, practice!
This class will cover several popular animal dances from the early jazz era (1910s-20s).
Step variation of the shim sham routine
Spin technique carefully collected from other dance styles and modified to fit to Boogie.
Connection for slow dancing
Couple dancnig is all about teamwork. Use your bodies, your connection, your FLOW, to dance like a one and only King of The Road.
Suggestions for your music interpretation
Gliding around was how Frankie Manning advised to start a social dance. Using the close embrace to connect with the music and your partner. Let's explore this and have fun with gliding.
Learn some fun moves, that was learnt directly from Frankie Manning, along with some exciting variations that you can use on the dance floor the same night.
One of the trickiest partnership moves in our repertoire is the Dean and Jewel double spin out of a rhythm circle. Join us as we break down the techniques we use so you can upgrade your pop turns and add this fun combo to your rotation of moves!
If you're looking to improve your spins and turns in Balboa through a variety of moves, this is the class for you.
Movement that embodies Fabien and Lisa's distinct style
During this class we will share our ideas on how to introduce new people to the dance by including its main values and creating a welcoming environment. Expect this class to be mostly a talk with some dancing.
Tips to help you raise the calibre of your local swing scene. This talk will be part lecture part discussion. Participation is welcome.
Open up for the whole new chapter of Boogie Woogie.
Work with easy figures adding variation to make it a cool dance
Focusing on rhythm and footwork variation
Twisting and turning thoughts and ideas
We're going to do a short, cool choreography with some space left for improvisation.
Awesome variation! Come! Come!
We all know the texas tommy, in this class we are exploring different kind of it from the basic to the very difficult one!
Spice up your balboa with jig trot, hangman and similar variations.
Some people calll it "black balboa". We will learn this idiom from Memphis in the 40s and 50s.
Playful exercises for becoming a good dancer with focus on L&F
Anyone can hire a DJ, Teachers or Band and advertise an event. But how do you make an evening exciting? In this class you'll learn the 5 key principles, gained over 30 years experience of events, that if applied correctly, will create a memorable party, that no-one wants to leave.
Leader leads the Follower, but always? Learn some new transitions and the way Leader can move the Follower, or.... Follower can move the Leader!
Where and when can you improvise? Let's explore our dancing together with a few tricks.
Possibilities to fill your dance with some vernacular jazz moves.
Dancing fast tempo can be easy, but doing it with smoothness and without efforts in a competition requires practice, logic and method!
Easy 8 Count sequences which is perfect to add into your social dancing.
In this class you'll find some fun options how to start a dance with a partner and stylish ways how to finish the song.
Work on creativity in dancing
In this class we will inspire you with ideas of call and response in your Bal-swing. We are going to work with a set of figures to give you ideas on how you as a lead or as a follower can become more playful.
Using grapevines in basic moves to give your dancing more flare
Constructive conscious control of the dancer (Alexander Technique)
What makes dancing look natural? Elegance requires cooperation with our reflexes, for example breathing, balance and orientation in space. This class teaches you to unlearn interfering with your inner source of elegance and swing.
Gudrun Lehn has been teaching this work for 30 years, 2002-2016 as the director of Münchner Ausbildung für F.M.Alexander-Technique (teacher trainingcourse). Teaching dancers for her is joy and fascination.
Why do you organize? motives
The pyramid (organizers, teachers, supporting net group, students)
The importance of the socials, concerts
How to inspire with culture
Learn to recognize the different phrases in jazz music and learn some cool breaks to finish in style.
Level up your spins and turns through solo drills and lots of practice.
Music from A capella to Z ouk, exercises to let our move with every kind of music.
We will help you to better hear, interpret and move to the music, by sharing our thoughts on how we arrange a horn section in a jazz band and explain the role of each instrument in different jazz styles. There will be a lot of live playing and exemplifying.
If you think Balboa looks fun, but diving into a new dance seems like too big an investment, this class is for you! We are going to give you a quick introduction on how to survive a Balboa dance and even have fun doing it!
Learn how to control your follower’s spin and how to balance during turns.
You know what's best at the end the crazy festival? Go even more crazy on last class! Let's dance together this crazy solo routine to the music everybody loves - EVERYBODY CUT FOOTLOOSE!
it's all about emotions"
Music gives us different feelings, come to discover how to use them even by making simple movements
In this class you’ll learn an African Dance inspired routine, featuring a number of classic African Dance movements and exciting rhythms ranging from the Juba, Wing Dancing and some percussion. You’ll gain an insight into the history and relationship between African dance and Swing dance.
How we choreograph Lindy and Shag routines for ourselves, for our teams and for other couples.
Points to consider when organizing an event
