Lindy Jazz

Social Dancing at The Cartologist!

March 30, 2025 by Joo-Lee
Exciting News – A New Twist for Our Final Class!

We have something exciting to share with you! For a while now, we’ve been thinking about how to create a more sociable atmosphere for our social Lindy Hop classes. While the church hall is a great space with a lovely smooth floor, and our Week 6 meet ups at Fram Ferment are always fun, we want to offer you even more!

So for the final Wednesday of this course, on 9 April, we’re trying something new, and we’d love your thoughts! For our final class, we invite you to The Cartologist, a beautiful bar close to the station, where we’ll have exclusive use of their stunning Summer Room. The staff will clear the space so we can hold our usual two classes, followed by an extended Social Dancing session from 21:00-21:45—at no extra charge!

This will be a perfect chance to dance with each other, practise your moves, or just enjoy your favourite swing tunes. If you have friends who are curious about Lindy Hop or just want to soak up the atmosphere and Andy’s fantastic playlist, they’re welcome to join us too!

Good news for drivers: There’s plenty of on-street parking nearby, and it’s free after 18:00, making it even easier to join us for the evening.

Andy and I will be arriving early to have a bite to eat at 18:15, so if you fancy grabbing some food or just popping in for a chat before our classes start at 19:30, you’re more than welcome!

With the lighter evenings, we hope this will be a great opportunity for those travelling from outside Durham to stay a little longer and fully enjoy the experience. Of course, you’re free to leave at any time that suits you.

After we try this out, we’d love your feedback! Would you like this to be a special Week 6 event for future courses? Would you prefer to keep things as they are? Or could this even work as a venue for all 6 weeks of a summer course?

We want to strike the right balance between structured learning and a relaxed, social dance environment—so your input is invaluable!

We can’t wait to hear what you think and, most of all, to dance with you at The Cartologist on Week 6 – that’s 9 April.

A summary:
- This coming Wednesday 2 April is Week 5. We’re dancing at St Aidan’s as usual
- Wednesday 9 April is Week 6. We’re dancing at The Cartologist (in a private space!) and afterwards have a chat to find out everyone thinks!
Questions & Answers – Week 6 at The Cartologist
❓ Will this new format be permanent?
➡️ No, this is just a trial, mainly for the summer months.

❓ Do I have to book separately for Week 6?
➡️ No, it’s included in your course. Just turn up and enjoy!

❓ Can I bring a friend who doesn’t dance?
➡️ Yes! They’re welcome to watch, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the music.

❓ Will there still be a structured lesson?
➡️ Yes! We’ll run our usual two classes before the social dancing.

❓ Is there parking nearby?
➡️ Yes, plenty of on-street parking, free after 18:00.

❓ Do I have to stay for the social dancing?
➡️ Not at all—stay as long as you like!

❓ Could this be a venue for future courses?
➡️ That depends on feedback. Nothing is fixed yet. So, let’s check it out and talk about it. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Let us know if you have any other questions! 😊

Booked up for the next course? Click here.
Category Courses & Classes, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments
Why Lindy Jazz Courses Are Different

February 18, 2025 by Joo-Lee

Many dance classes let you drop in and out, but that often means forgetting what you’ve learned or picking up bad habits. At Lindy Jazz, we do things differently! Our structured courses give you the support, consistency, and guidance you need to build confidence and dance with ease.

Here’s What You Get:

✅ Swing Dance Fundamentals (19:30 – 20:15) – Perfect for all levels, covering essential moves and technique.
✅ Extra Class (20:15 – 21:00) – For experienced dancers who want to refine their skills and add flair.
✅ Online lesson videos – Recap moves anytime, so you never feel lost.
✅ Private Whatsapp group – Ask questions, share progress, and stay connected.
✅ Optional video feedback – Get personalised tips to improve your dancing.

Lindy Jazz is More Than Just an Evening Class!

🙌 Everything is explained step by step—no stress, just fun.
🙌 Join on your own, with a partner, or with friends—everyone is welcome!
🙌 If you miss a class, catch up easily with our online videos.

Ready to dance? Secure your spot now! Book Here

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How Do The Lindy Jazz Courses Work?

September 30, 2023 by Joo-Lee

We’d like to thank Vivienne, one our Lindy Jazz members for her views on how it all works!

Is everyone in the class really good already?
When I was a beginner, my main goal was simply to learn to swing dance to fabulous music. I wasn’t concerned about whether others were better dancers than me—I just wanted to gather the courage to go on my own. It was a personal achievement I aimed for, and thanks to Joo-Lee, Andy, and my fellow dancers, I felt incredibly welcome.

Will I be the oldest or the slowest in the class?
Personally, I didn’t worry about the age of my fellow dancers. When I first attended, the class had a diverse range of ages, so I never felt uncomfortable.

How long does it take to be able to dance?
There isn’t an exact timeframe for this. We learn foundational steps that serve as building blocks for more complex routines and moves. Personal attitude plays a role too—learning to relax, not being too critical of yourself if things don’t go perfectly, and embracing the freedom to express your own personality through dance. With Joo-Lee and Andy, there’s no pressure to get it right immediately. Dancing is an exciting, ongoing journey.

Are the Lindy Jazz courses suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Lindy Jazz courses are specifically designed for beginners. The learning pace is relaxed, breaking down everything from basic steps to counting beats, rhythm, and the unique style of Lindy Jazz. Supportive videos recap the steps, and Joo-Lee and Andy are excellent, approachable teachers who are always happy to help with any dance-related questions.

If I can’t attend every class in the course, will I fall behind or miss out?
Not at all! We provide recap videos via an online link that you automatically gain access to when you start the course. Additionally, there’s a Messenger group where you can watch videos or share supportive messages with other dancers. You’ll also receive emails about upcoming workshops and social events, ensuring you stay connected even if you miss a class.

Sign up here to receive occasional emails from Lindy Jazz with updates and upcoming courses.

Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Dance, Lindy Hop | Tags: , Lindy Hop, Lindy Hop beginners, Swing Dance Durham | No Comments
One Small Step

November 30, 2022 by Joo-Lee

I didn’t get the chance to Swing dance when I was young. I only learned to Swing dance in my 30’s. I know that if I’d told myself then that I needed to be a natural born dancer or have dance experience before I turned up to my first Swing dance class, I wouldn’t be having so much fun Swing dancing let alone teaching Lindy Hop today.

When you see me dance, it may look as if I have always found dancing easy. However, my ‘trade secret’ is that I make time for dancing, learning, and practising.

The power of ‘keep going’

40 years ago (yep! I feel old) I taught my first music lessons.

I’d just passed my diploma & my piano teacher gave me the opportunity to cover her lessons. This changed my life!

Suddenly, I had the opportunity to have first-hand experience of teaching, a glimpse at a career in music, and the self-belief to pursue my dream.

The best part of all of it? I am blessed to have known wonderful students from across the globe who still keep in touch with me. I’ve been part of their musical journeys and I’ve seen them blossom, what a fantastic privilege!

But music didn’t always come easy to me. Although I had a genuine passion for it, I got mediocre exam grades. I wasn’t considered to be ‘talented’ and was repeatedly told how much better other students were than me. This made it so hard to believe that the hard work I’d put into hours of practice would actually come to anything.

But I kept going! Even though at times my heart and head were saying different things. My heart said “But you want this, you want to teach music” and my head said “I am not sure if I am any good at all!”

But I kept going! I kept going by taking One Small Step each day. The One Small Step could be doing 5 minutes of practice or listening to the music I was studying. That One Small Step stopped me wasting time worrying about things I had no control over.

The importance of building strong foundations

Fast forward a few decades and I now specialise in something I never expected to! I teach advanced level music students at diploma and degree level to overcome performance anxiety by teaching them to build strong technique.

How did that happen? Most super talented musicians who teach do not necessarily break down their technique as they already have a natural finesse. But as I had to work out the gaps in my own technique, I am now able to identify the gaps that I see over and over again in advanced level music students. Just like me, they were rushed through ‘the grades’ to pass exams at the expense of building solid foundations in their technique.

What’s your One Small Step going to be?

So how do you keep going when learning new dance skills feels hard?

Keep attending class. Show up by being present, energetic, and positive.

Ask yourself, “why do I want to learn to dance?.” Listen to your heart’s desire. Go with what you truly want and believe in and take your ‘One Small Step’ towards your dream. See what a difference it makes to your dancing and confidence.

And if you miss a class? Don’t worry. Just log in to the Lindy Jazz course videos and you’ll catch up in no time!

Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Lindy Hop | Tags: , Beginner dance, Lindy Hop beginners, Swing Dance Durham | 2 Comments
The Secret to Happy Dance Partnerships: Encouragement, Not Instruction

March 13, 2025 by Joo-Lee

When couples decide to take up Lindy Hop together, it can be a wonderful shared experience—full of fun, laughter, and new discoveries. But as with many things in life, learning to dance as a couple comes with its own unique challenges.

At Lindy Jazz, we recognise that many beginners feel safer sticking with their own partner, and that’s completely understandable. The thought of not knowing if you’ll keep up or do well in class can feel uncomfortable—or even terrifying. But we want to assure you that the culture of our classes is friendly, welcoming, and supportive. We are here to dance and to help one another.

That said, one of the best ways to make the most of your dance experience is to consider the idea of dancing with different partners. This teaches you to listen through movement, respond to different styles, and develop the essential skill of improvisation. But we also want you to feel comfortable—so while we encourage it, we never insist on it. You are always welcome to learn in a way that feels good for you.

The Good Intentions That Backfire

If you’re the more experienced partner, it can be tempting to help your other half by offering tips, corrections, or explanations. After all, you just want to make things easier for them, right? But in reality, this often has the opposite effect.

By stepping into a ‘teacher’ role, you may end up presenting the material differently from the class instructors, causing confusion or even contradicting what’s being taught. This can disrupt the lesson, overwhelm your partner, and—most importantly—take away their chance to learn and progress at their own pace.

Many beginners find being corrected by their partner frustrating or discouraging. They might feel self-conscious, pressured, or simply exhausted by the constant feedback. In fact, this kind of ‘help’ is one of the most common reasons why new dancers hesitate to return to class.

The Best Way to Support Your Partner

If you truly want your husband, wife, partner, or family member to enjoy learning and stick with it, the best thing you can do is give them space to learn.

✔️ Smile warmly and encouragingly—your partner is already trying their best.
✔️ Let them make ‘mistakes’—it’s all part of the process & we all make mistakes anyway.
✔️ Allow them to stumble and discover things for themselves—this builds confidence.
✔️ Trust the teachers to do the teaching—that’s what they’re there for!

And most importantly, if you really want to help, encourage your partner to dance with others. This may feel counterintuitive, but dancing with different partners helps them develop adaptability, connection, and confidence much faster than only dancing with you.

Dancing Together, Learning Independently

If you love dancing and want your partner to keep learning and enjoying it too, remember that the best support you can offer is patience, positivity, and a willingness to let go of control.

At Lindy Jazz, we’re here to help you both on your dance journey—without any ‘dance domestics’ getting in the way! 😉

💃🕺 Want to join a class where you both feel supported? Come and dance with us!

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What Makes Me a Confident Social Dancer

March 9, 2025 by Joo-Lee

Last weekend, Andy & I were teaching a private lesson, and one of the biggest advantages of private lessons is that students can ask for specific tips, tricks, and techniques based on their own goals. One common concern that comes up, especially among Lindy Hop dancers, is feeling nervous or inadequate when dancing with someone more experienced. Yet, they also know that to improve, it’s important to dance with partners of all levels.

For followers, a common worry is not being able to keep up with every single move, improvisation, or decoration their leader introduces. My advice? If you want to be a confident dancer—be yourself. You don’t need to mirror, or creatively respond to every movement. The reason I feel confident as a dancer is that I keep my movements simple, with a strong foundation in the basics. I focus on the music and the feeling of the dance rather than overthinking every step. If you’re constantly thinking instead of feeling, your dancing can become less spontaneous and less responsive.

This applies especially to Lindy Hop, where social dancers often improvise to different songs, including unfamiliar ones, and dance with partners they’ve never met before. For leaders, a similar concern arises—feeling pressure to lead a vast repertoire of moves. My advice? You guessed it—keep it simple. If you want your partner to enjoy the dance and follow you comfortably, focus on solid fundamental techniques and clear movement.

Confidence Comes from Strong Foundations

Confidence doesn’t come from knowing endless flashy moves—it comes from having rock-solid fundamentals. These techniques may seem basic, but like any foundation, if they’re shaky, your confidence will be too.

That’s why at Lindy Jazz, we focus on building strong foundations so you can feel confident, relaxed, and free to enjoy social dancing.

💃🕺 Ready to build your confidence on the dance floor? Our next Lindy Jazz course starts on 30 April—join us and dance with ease!

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Adapting in Social Dance: The Best Way to Support Beginners in Class

March 2, 2025 by Joo-Lee

If you’ve been dancing for a while, you’ve probably been in a class where a new beginner is struggling with the steps. Your instinct might be to step in and offer some guidance—to explain the move differently, correct their footwork, or give them extra tips. After all, you just want to help, right?

I completely understand your good intentions, but here’s something to consider: when an experienced dancer starts ‘teaching’ a beginner in class, it can actually have the opposite effect. Instead of feeling supported, the beginner often feels overwhelmed, confused, or even discouraged. They might worry they’re doing everything wrong, feel pressured to get it ‘right’ immediately, or even dread coming back.

Focus on Your Own Learning Instead

Instead of focusing on the new person’s learning, shift your focus to your own. How well can you adapt to your new partner? Social dancing isn’t about perfecting steps or performing—it’s about adapting. Adapting to different partners, different energy levels, different interpretations of the music.

Each time you dance with someone new, challenge yourself to adjust your movement to connect with them. Can you match their timing? Can you sense their comfort level and create a dance that feels good for both of you? Instead of trying to ‘fix’ their dancing, see how well you can adapt to the moment.

Why ‘Helping’ Can Be Counterproductive

When you correct or explain things in your own way, you’re introducing a different perspective than what the teacher is presenting. This can contradict the lesson, disrupt the flow of the class, and leave the beginner unsure of who to listen to. It also takes them out of the natural learning process—making mistakes, experimenting, and gradually improving at their own pace.

The Best Support You Can Give

Instead of instructing, correcting, or ‘helping’ during class, try these instead:

✅ Smile warmly and encouragingly – Let them know it’s okay to stumble. Every dancer has been there!

✅ Allow mistakes to happen – It’s all part of the learning process. Trust that they will improve with time, just like you did.

✅ Be a friendly presence – If you want to support a beginner, the best time to do so is before or after class. A simple chat, a kind word, or a shared laugh about the learning journey can make them feel truly welcome.

Dancing is All About Adapting

At the heart of social dancing is the ability to adapt—not just to different music, but to different partners and even to your own energy levels, which may change from week to week. The best dancers aren’t the ones who execute perfect moves; they’re the ones who can adjust, connect, and make every dance enjoyable for themselves and their partner.

So next time you dance with a beginner, resist the urge to teach—simply enjoy the dance, offer a warm smile, and let them discover their own way. Your patience, encouragement, and ability to adapt will do far more to support their learning than any technical tip ever could. 💛

Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Dance, Improvers, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments
Train Your Feet, Train Your Mind – Dance for Joy!

February 19, 2025 by Joo-Lee

Dancing isn’t just about learning steps—it’s about letting go and enjoying the moment. But sometimes, our minds get in the way. We compare ourselves to others, worry about making mistakes, or feel embarrassed when things don’t go as planned.

Here’s the truth: embarrassment is self-inflicted. Your mind creates fear where there is no real danger. No one is judging you, and no one remembers if you fumble a step. But if you let that fear take over, you’ll miss out on the joy of dancing.

Your mind loves problem-solving. So, instead of letting it convince you that you are the problem, give it something useful to focus on—like a dance move, the rhythm, or simply having fun. Or better yet, shift the focus away from yourself entirely. Look around—see someone sitting out who looks like they’d love to dance? Take a moment to invite them onto the dance floor. Getting past your own fears to help someone else can be just the thing to remind you that dancing is about connection, not perfection.

Often, our fears come from linking dancing with performing. But at Lindy Jazz, we are not performing—we are social dancing. There is no audience, no pressure to impress, just a shared love for swing music and good company. That’s what we mean when we say we dance for fun.

Let’s put this into practice on 12 April at our Swing Dance Night with the Bright Street Big Band and DJ Andy. Step onto the dance floor, focus on the music, and remind yourself—there’s nothing to fear, only fun to be had!

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Seize the Dance Floor: A Holiday Lesson in Swing Dancing

January 5, 2025 by Joo-Lee

Imagine this: you’re on holiday, and every evening, you see a couple swing dancing to a live jazz band. Their energy and connection are captivating. What would you do?

Would you head to the bar for a bit of courage before asking them to dance? Watch in admiration but decide not to interrupt because they’re a couple? Or maybe, after a few nights, you’d finally muster the bravery to give it a try—if others were already on the floor.

Now add this twist: there are six nights of live music left, you know a few swing moves, and the dance floor is empty. No one is watching too closely—you’ll likely never see these people again. Would you take the chance?

Our Swing Dance Holiday Experience

We danced every night on our recent trip without a care in the world, soaking up the joy of live music. By the sixth evening, a lovely young woman, brimming with enthusiasm, approached us. She asked if we’d dance with her and even sought my permission to ask Andy for a dance—a sweet and thoughtful gesture.

When a lively tune started, I invited her to join me for some solo jazz. Although she had never tried it before, she jumped in, copying my moves with a radiant smile. Afterwards, she asked Andy for a Lindy Hop, explaining how rare it was to swing dance back home. Her joy was infectious, and the three of us shared a wonderful moment of connection through dance.

She later told us about her holiday with her family, where this brief escape into swing dancing had been a highlight. It was a reminder of how much joy simple, shared moments can bring, even among strangers.

What We’ve Learned from Dancing on Cruises

Over the years, we’ve discovered a few truths about dancing on holidays:

1️⃣ The perfect moment might not last. A band might play incredible music one night and shift styles entirely the next. Or, as we experienced, a lead singer could fall ill, changing the group’s vibe entirely.

2️⃣ You might not see that couple again. Ships are big, and people’s schedules rarely align.

3️⃣ No one is judging your dancing. Most people are simply impressed you’re dancing at all!

4️⃣ Opportunities are fleeting. That perfect mix of music, mood, and moment might never come around again.

Our Blissful Moment

On this cruise, we stumbled upon the best jazz band we’ve ever encountered on a ship. For one magical 45-minute set, we danced to every song they played, fully immersed in the music and the moment. It turned out to be their last performance of those songs.

That experience reminded us of an essential lesson: seize the moment when it comes. Whether it’s dancing, trying something new, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, don’t wait.

So next time you see a dance floor calling your name, even if it’s empty and the band is playing just for you, take that first step. Who knows? You might inspire someone else to join in—or create a memory that will last a lifetime. 💃🕺

What about you?
If you were on holiday and saw a couple swing dancing, or you’re thinking of asking someone for a dance at a swing dance social, what would you do? Share your thoughts!

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Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: Learning to Ride a Bicycle

July 25, 2024 by Joo-Lee

How did you feel as a beginner? What advice can you give me? For the past 12 weeks, I’ve been gearing up to learn to ride a bicycle. With just one week left before I push myself even further by cycling with others in Bordeaux, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s one thing to practice on a spacious, empty running track, but the thought of navigating real-world scenarios makes my heart race and my mind conduct a constant risk assessment.

Learning to ride a bike as an older adult has been both challenging and enlightening. It’s made me reflect on what it feels like to be a beginner again, and how our fears can sometimes be exaggerated. This experience has also reminded me of when I first started dancing. Many of us felt awkward and self-conscious, worrying about making mistakes or looking silly.

However, just like with dance, each wobble on the bike is a step towards gaining confidence. It’s all about persistence and allowing ourselves the grace to be imperfect. Our fears often stem from the unknown and the pressure we put on ourselves to get it right the first time. But remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – that’s how we learn and grow.

In dance, as in cycling, it’s important to focus on the joy of the activity rather than the fear of failure. When we let go of our fears, we open ourselves up to new experiences and the chance to build wonderful memories. So, whether you’re learning to ride a bike, starting a new dance routine, or trying something completely different, embrace the journey and the lessons it brings.

I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have! What advice can you share about overcoming the fear of being a beginner? Let’s support each other in stepping out of our comfort zones and discovering the joys that lie beyond.

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Embrace the Full Experience: The Value of Committing to a 6-Week Lindy Jazz Course

July 7, 2024 by Joo-Lee
We’re all excited about our upcoming cruise this summer! Just as this holiday promises an all-inclusive experience where everything is taken care of, our 6-week Lindy Jazz courses offer a complete and rewarding learning journey. Here’s why committing to our courses can be just as wonderful as our all-inclusive holiday!

The All-Inclusive Holiday Experience

Think about the cruise where your room, food, drinks, activities, and excursions are all included. You can choose to enjoy as much or as little as you like. Some might eat and drink more, while others might join in more activities. The best part is having the freedom to balance your experience, making sure it’s enjoyable and not overwhelming.

Remember, you don’t need to eat and drink everything on holiday or attend every class in the course or learn every move. You have choices!

Our 6-week Lindy Jazz courses are similar. When you commit to the full course, you get:
- Consistent Learning and Skill Building: Just as you wouldn’t want to miss any part of an all-inclusive holiday, the continuity of a 6-week course ensures you don’t miss important learning moments. Each week builds on the previous one, allowing you to improve steadily.
- Dedicated Community: Being part of a group that commits together enhances the learning experience. You grow and improve alongside your peers, creating a supportive and motivating environment.
- Comprehensive Resources: Our courses are not just about attending weekly classes. You get access to online videos to recap moves, a private Facebook Messenger group for any questions, and optional online feedback on your practice videos. This complete approach ensures you have everything you need to succeed.
The Drawbacks of Dropping In and Out

In the past, we offered drop-in classes where dancers could come and go as they pleased. While this might seem flexible, it didn’t provide the same level of improvement that our 6-week courses do. Dropping in and out disrupted the flow of learning, making it harder to build a strong foundation and progress consistently.

The Power of Commitment

Those who have committed to our 6-week courses have seen big improvements in their dance skills. Here’s why:
- Structured Learning Path: Each class is part of a well-planned curriculum that ensures you learn the basics and build on them week by week.
- Reinforcement and Practice: With access to online materials, you can practise between classes, reinforcing what you’ve learned and coming back stronger each week.
- Personalised Feedback: Our private Facebook Messenger group and optional video feedback provide chances for personalised guidance, helping you refine your technique and overcome challenges.
What You Get in Our 6-Week Courses

To remind you of the fantastic value included in our 6-week courses, here’s a breakdown of what you receive:
- ✅ For all levels: 19:30 – 20:15 Swing Dance Fundamentals
- ✅ For Experienced Dancers: 20:15 – 21:00 Extra Class
- ✅ Access to online videos to help you recap the moves between classes or catch up in case you couldn’t attend
- ✅ Access to a private Facebook Messenger group so you can ask about anything!
- ✅ Optional online feedback on your practice videos
Final Thoughts

Just like the cruise, our 6-week courses are designed to be an all-inclusive experience where you get the most out of your time and effort. Committing to the full duration allows you to truly immerse yourself in the learning process, ensuring you walk away with significant improvements and a deeper understanding of Lindy Jazz.

We encourage each of you to embrace this commitment. Whether you can attend every class or master every move, the journey itself will bring about amazing results.

Click here to see the details of the next Lindy Jazz course.
Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Dance, Improvers, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments
6 or 8 Count?

July 1, 2024 by Joo-Lee

Are you a fan of ‘6-count’ patterns, ‘8-count’ patterns, or do you love to mix it up a bit? Remember, you always have options, especially if you’re leading the dance. If you’re following, we encourage you to let go and enjoy the flow. Forget about thinking ahead and just bounce in sync with your partner, feeling the rhythm and movement. My motto for following is simple: “Feel more and think less.”

For those leading the dance, ‘6-count’ and ‘8-count’ patterns are great for practice, but remember that Lindy Hop is based on a 2-beat count.

If you wish to be in 6 or 8 count for the entire dance, that’s perfectly fine. If you have no idea whether you are dancing in phrases of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 beats when social dancing, that’s fantastic as it doesn’t matter!

In class, just count along or scat with your teachers and fellow dancers. Don’t overanalyse as too much thinking can be distracting.

A crucial tip: resist the urge to assess your own dancing skills (and that of your partner’s 😉). Self-assessment and being assessed can be incredibly distracting. The best way to improve is to simply show up, enjoy the classes, and immerse yourself in the dance.

If you have musical skills from other genres, try not to overthink how jazz phrasing fits with the 6 or 8-count practice patterns. And if you’re more familiar with melodies than rhythms, focus on tuning into the rhythm.

Above all, keep moving, keep counting, and keep smiling. Enjoy every moment on the dance floor and remember to think less and feel more!

Happy dancing!

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