Class Levels

Level 1

This is the class for you if you have never danced before or if you have done some dancing but have never done swing.

Two primary rhythms are covered in these classes: Charleston and a 6 beat basic step. Lots of different combinations are covered each week and all taught at a beginner level. With lots of revision and combinations of things, these classes are huge fun. Someone who has never danced before would expect to remain in a beginners class for at least 3 or so months. This class is all about sharing some fun steps to fabulous music, starting to touch on the skill in controlling your body and the connection with your partner which feels weird and kooky at this stage.

If you have danced solo dancing before (jazz, ballet, tap) but not partner dancing, the steps will be easier and you’ll fast track to Beginners plus in half the time. If you have done other partner dances before (ballroom, latin, R&R) it’s a matter of picking up the base steps and styling, further developing and applying your partner dance knowledge.

Level 2

This is the class where you start to learn an 8 beat Lindy Hop basic step. This is the mainstay of material for this level class, building simple moves, variations and combinations as well as learning about lead-follow and fine tuning body control and technique for the dance. You’ll start combining charleson, lindy basics and some 6 beat together and will be beginning to venture onto the social dance floor. Your head will spin with all the combinations then one day the flow will "click!"

Level 3

You know a lindy basic, can combine 6 beat, partner and tandem charleston, have been dancing on the social floor for a while. Lead follow skills are developing and connection through the body and control through moves and surprisessurpirses are starting to flow. You’re thinking beyond the steps, to the styling and are ready to really develop HOW you dance; the technique of how the good dancers look good. This is the level where you’re building more steps to select from but with good foundations.

Level 4

A combination of solid tools of the trade and more difficult combinations, which call for control of balance, centering, momentum. Lots of work on the basic and simple formations done well at a greater level of dance intelligence.

Exploration of controlling momentum with the music, and working these into style. Understanding of needs of connection, timing and the essentials at a practical and philosophical level is a given. Much more of a "working" class than a social class.

Level 5 and beyond

You've been swing dancing at least 3 years and you not only understand dance concepts of balance, centering, weight change, lead and follow but can use them and manipulate them for your use. You're dancing is music and feeling driven rather than steps driven.

With all of that, you're ready to make the leap from dance knowlege to dance wisdom and you're ready to start from scratch. This level is pretty much the zen of Lindy ... it's the thinking dancers class.