1. In The Mood

    October 30, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    • [Photo credit: Jazzy Lemon]

    I started Lindy Jazz classes back in 2007. A lot has changed since those early days, but when it comes to my teaching method, there’s one big difference.

    I no longer ask my class participants to practise. I simply help them to practise if they wish to. 

    Yes, you read that right. All I ask is that they arrive to class in a good mood. By that, I mean receptive and ready to try new ways of looking at their technique.

    That’s the secret to becoming a really good dancer, and it saves so much time!

    Why Being Receptive Helps Your Dancing

    So often, I see people coming to class feeling stressed from a hard day’s work or a stressful experience. They’ve been stuck in traffic. They’ve had an altercation with someone. Then they bring their bad mood to class and it makes it far harder for them to learn.

    It’s not easy when you’ve had a bad day, but a simple shift in mindset to a receptive frame of mind makes it more likely that you’ll take in what you’re being taught.

    Why Adult Beginners Don’t Learn as Fast as They Want To

    When adult learners learn new skills, whatever they are, there are a few reasons why they might not learn as fast as they want to;

    They Want to Run Before They Can Walk

    We all live such busy lives and we want results fast. Learning how to dance properly, with finesse and skill, takes time. It’s the time you invest in the learning that pays off. But if you don’t take the time to learn the foundation skills, you’ll have to spend more time unlearning bad habits that you’ve picked up.

    They Want to Be Perfect RIGHT NOW!

    You’ve probably heard the saying ‘enjoy the process.’ However, so many of us don’t. We should be taking the time to enjoy each stage of learning, but we get impatient because we want to dance and we want to be perfect right now.

    Get in the Mood and Be Receptive

    I honestly don’t mind whether someone has done their dance practice or not. What I often feel sad to see is when people who don’t have the time to practice expect their new skills to fall into place immediately. When they don’t, they spend time over thinking, over analysing, or getting stuck in self-doubt. What would be far better is if they were aware of their mood and shifted their mindset to ‘I will give this a go, I’m willing to be patient, and I’m not giving up.’

    Believe. Be Patient. Keep Going.

    In my 30 years of teaching, I have noticed that it’s the people who are able to relax and be in a receptive frame of mind that have transformed the way they learn. They have achieved skills beyond their wildest dreams by discovering the secret to learning well; relaxing, letting go of worries, and letting go of concerns about making mistakes. Try it, and you’ll be amazed at how it transforms your dance practice.

    Relax, Let go, and Learn to Swing Out with Lindy Jazz!

    Join our new Swing Dance course and learn to dance with style & confidence.

    Here’s What You Get:

    ✅ 6 weeks of live tuition with Joo-Lee & Andy;

    ✅ For all levels 19:30 -20:15 Lindy Hop Fundamentals;

    ✅ For Experienced Dancers 20:15 -21:00 Advanced Variations;

    ✅ Access to online videos to help you recap the moves in between classes;

    ✅ Access to private Facebook Messenger group so you can ask about anything!;

    ✅ Optional online feedback on your practice video.

    Ready for the step-by-step guidance you need to dance with style and confidence at social events?

    Yes, sign me up!

    Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  2. Who’s The Boss?

    October 16, 2022 by Joo-Lee


    I don’t normally start watching Strictly Come Dancing right from the beginning when they introduce the celebrities and their professional partners. This is because I am more interested in the dancing then the gushing, screaming, and endless talking!
    Listening and Letting Go
    However, this year I have decided to listen to what the celebrities and professionals have to say about themselves. Of course, most of them said that they were going to work very hard and that they’re excited. None of them mentioned that they were prepared to do lots of listening!


    Last year’s winner, Rose, was a great listener and I believe that this is the foundation for any student who wants to make the most of the expertise that’s being given to them.


    Another important thing you need to do when you want to learn something is to let go of the need to be in charge. This helps you be more open to receiving the learning. I listened to one of the new contestants this year who mentioned that he was used to being in charge and that he’d find it really hard to let go of being in control.


    In the past, the celebrities I’ve seen struggle have been the ones who are usually in charge in their family or professional lives. Having to let go and allowing someone else to take charge was just too much of a huge shift.

    The Secret Sauce to Incredible Progress
    I have found parallels in our Swing dance classes. People often worry that they will struggle in class because have no dance experience. In fact, it’s often the people with no experience, an open mind, and a readiness to receive the tuition who are the most likely to make incredible progress.
    People who may have some dance experience, particularly experience of a different dance style they are used to being successful in, can often struggle in a beginner’s Swing dance class. This might be because they don’t think of themselves as being ‘new’ even though they are complete beginners in this dance style.


    Let Your Teacher Be the Boss!
    Whether you are new to dancing, new to Swing dance, or you’ve danced before and want to learn some new moves, letting go is the key to success. Releasing the need to be in charge or trying to figure things out for yourself means the pieces of the puzzle will slot into place a lot quicker. Let your teachers be in charge of the process, allow them to guide you, and you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make!
     

    Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Improvers, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  3. Have You Got 5 Minutes?

    October 7, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    It’s that time of year again, the nights are drawing in and Strictly Come Dancing is back on Saturday nights. Of course, I love watching it for entertainment, but it’s very interesting to watch it from a dance teacher’s point of view too.

    In Week 1, head judge Shirley Ballas had this to say to every contestant / celebrity:

    “The work is about to start! Work ethic is key. Pay attention to your teacher. And when you’ve done a long day, do some more. And the more practice you do, the better you will become.”

    Is Learning to Dance All About Hard Work?

    Learning to social dance is not the same as learning intensively in a short space of time for a reality TV contest or competition. Anyone watching Strictly might worry about how hard learning to dance might be. Or it might have the opposite effect. People who learn to dance for social reasons might think ‘well I’m not aiming to be on a show, so I don’t need to practise.’

    Well yes you can take small steps towards learning the moves by just turning up. But if you want to get a real buzz and a huge amount of joy from your dancing, it’s about more than just turning up.

    Bring an Attitude of Fun

    Shirley Ballas is right when she talks about hard work being the key to becoming a great dancer. But I think that getting the most from your swing dance classes is about prioritising fun.

    Is it fun learning to swing dance at Lindy Jazz? Yes! However, hard work is optional. It depends on how far you want to take your dancing. That’s the beauty of it, you choose your own journey!

    Always start with an attitude of fun, that is very important. The next layer of the foundation is PRACTICE. This does not mean you have to practice for hours on end every single day with a view to performing in front of millions every Saturday night like the contestants on Strictly. Though If you can set aside five minutes a day to practice, this will make a huge difference to your dancing progress.

    Have You Got 5 Minutes?

    Class members often tell me that they can’t remember what they’ve learnt in class. After a busy week of work and family commitments, and not a single minute of dance practice included in their busy schedule, that is no surprise.

    If you can find just 5 minutes per day to practice, the improvement in your confidence will be significant. That means you’ll arrive for week 2 ready to move your feet then when you learn about moving your arms in week 3, it will all feel so much easier!

    So an attitude of fun is desirable and hard work is optional, but practice is THE must do to get the most out of your Lindy Hop Classes.

    Why not take a small step to fitting more practice in to your schedule? Look at your diary, schedule in a 5-minute slot each day, and login to our online videos which are specially recorded to help you enjoy your practice.

    And as they say on Strictly, ‘Keep Dancing!’

    Want to join the next Lindy Hop course which includes practice videos and lesson recaps? Read more.

    Category Courses & Classes, Dance, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  4. Fudging or Improvising?

    August 7, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Improvising is a key skill in swing dances such as Lindy Hop. You learn a few key skills and you use these skills to communicate with different dancers or dance partners at a social event.

    It’s very much like learning a new language. Say you learn Spanish in the classroom before you go on holiday. You’ll start with learning some vocabulary and maybe before long you can read a menu or ask for basic directions. But you wouldn’t expect everyone you meet in Spain to speak in exactly the same way as the words appear in your textbook. However, you don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to go to Spain. Learning the language just helps with your confidence and communication.

    It’s very similar with swing dance. You don’t need to know how to dance before you go to a social dance event. But learning to improvise will help with your confidence to communicate and switch things up if something doesn’t go to plan.

    Improvising is NOT Fudging

    So back to the learning Spanish analogy. You’ll get the best results if you don’t fudge. What I mean by fudging is if you didn’t know how to say something so you just guessed. Guesswork confuses you and it confuses the person you’re speaking to.

    It’s far better to take the time to learn what the words mean, how to pronounce them properly, and try to be clear.

    Fudging won’t get you very far at all. If you’re in Spain speaking Spanish to Spanish people, you’ll need to improvise as the person you’re speaking to might not respond to you in the way you expected them to from your textbook.

    It’s just the same with Lindy Hop. You learn new moves and your leading and following skills, but everyone is different. The more people you dance with, the more quickly you will develop your social dancing skills and you’ll realise that everyone responds differently to your leading or following. So being able to adapt and improvise as you go are key skills.

    How a Lindy Jazz Course Teaches You To Improvise

    In Lindy Jazz classes, we teach dancers of all levels how to improvise. Improvising is an essential part of building good foundations in your dancing. At social events, you will hear a range of music from the band or DJ. You will not be dancing to the exact same music tracks you’d practised to in class so having the skills to improvise and adapt is essential.

    On our courses:

    Beginners are taught how to improvise when things don’t go to plan;

    Improvers learn how to improvise when different partners respond differently;

    Intermediates are taught how to improvise so they can link different moves together to suit them, their partner, and the music;

    Advanced dancers are taught how to improvise so they can create different variations from the basic moves as an instant response to the different elements of the music e.g. the tempo, dynamics, or rhythm.

    With Lindy Hop,  every dance is different and every exchange between dancers is different. That’s what makes it an exciting improvised dance experience.

    Want to Improvise, Not Fudge?

    If you want to skilfully improvise rather than fudge your way through dances, here are my top tips:

    • Don’t ignore the rhythm as this is an integral part of swing dancing. If you hear your teachers count during practice, count along. Don’t just guess.
    • Don’t just look at your feet. If you see your teachers swinging their arms at the same time, pay attention to this detail.  
    • Don’t look down or you will miss out on the information in front of you. Observe details such as the teachers’ posture or energy during the class and pick up on these essential cues and clues.

    Want to Master Improvisation in Swing Dance?

    The difference between fudging and improvising is that fudging is guesswork. Guesswork leaves you and others confused. Improvising is a wonderful skill that’s worth taking time to master as it frees you from having to think while you’re dancing. Less thinking means more enjoying!

    Still Unsure About Some Of The Moves?

    Do you feel like you’re constantly fudging your way through dances?

    Imagine being able to take the guesswork out of your dancing so that you understand how to lead and follow with confidence the next time you go to a social dance event.

    Imagine getting crystal clear on your technique in classes that are taught with straightforward step by step tuition.

    How would it feel to dance more freely and confidently?

    It’s all possible!

    Sign up for our next Lindy Jazz course and learn the skills to own the dance floor!

    Book your place here: https://www.lindy-jazz.co.uk/weekly-classes

    Category Courses & Classes, Improvers, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  5. What If I Still Can’t Dance?

    July 22, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Do you long to dance with confidence at those swing dance events, weddings, parties, and other live music events?

    What’s stopping you?

    Do you just believe that you have two left feet and that’s how it will always be? Or have you tried classes in the past and somehow feel stuck?

    Well we’re here to tell you that everyone can absolutely learn to dance with confidence in our classes and on our courses!

    What If I Just Don’t Believe that I Can Dance?

    Everyone can dance. Usually the only difference between someone who can dance and someone who can’t is the person who can’t is being held back by fear and the belief that they can’t dance.

    The simple way we teach and the positive and joyful atmosphere we create in our classes and courses will help you overcome your fears in no time. Slowly but surely, you’ll learn to relax and enjoy the process of learning to dance.

    What If I Make a Fool of Myself in Class?

    Everyone was a beginner once. We can all be self-conscious and worry that others are watching us and judging us. But we’ve got news for you, they aren’t. Most of the time other people are too focused on themselves, their dancing, and their worries. They aren’t paying as much attention to you as you think!

    Does the thought of joining a dance class excite you and scare you at the same time? Have you taken part in a dance class before and were left feeling lost with no idea if you were ‘doing it right’?

    Well in our Lindy Jazz classes, we guarantee that you won’t be left feeling lost and confused.

    Firstly, we tell you exactly what to expect, namely that you don’t need to know anything before you join!

    • You don’t need any dance experience because everything will be explained from the beginning;
    • You don’t need to bring a partner. You can come on your own, with a partner, or with friends;
    • You don’t need to attend every single week because you can practise with free access to our lesson videos online if you miss a class.

    Secondly, Lindy Jazz classes are thoughtfully planned so that dancers of all levels have the best experience. We provide thorough training on the foundation skills and offer options for different levels of challenge if and when you are ready to progress your dancing.

    What If I Pay the Course Fee and I Still Can’t Dance?

    Let us start by saying that it’s possible for everyone to dance with confidence.

    When you join a Lindy Jazz course, you will get CONSISTENCY. You’ll have the same teachers every week who’ll help you build a strong foundation and give you the tools to dance with confidence.

    You don’t need any dance experience at all to join a course, but you do need;

    • Good health;
    • A good mood and positive attitude (which makes learning far easier);
    • Patience. Be patient with yourself and don’t expect to be an amazing dancer after one class;
    • The willingness to practise. This is not compulsory, but if you can find 5 minutes each day to practise, you will remember the moves more easily and accelerate your learning;
    • A willingness to go with the flow, do what you can, and follow the teacher’s instructions. Just relax, enjoy the experience of learning to dance, and let the teachers take care of you.

    The Lindy Jazz Guarantee

    For some people, trying something new is exciting. For others, trying something new may feel uncomfortable. Generally, doing something that takes us out of our comfort zone is uncomfortable, at least at first.

    We want you to know that you may or may not see immediate results after the first class. If you don’t, quieten down those mind monkeys that are telling you that you can’t dance!

    We really recommend attending the whole course before making up your mind about how well you can dance, as some aspects of the classes might just take a little while to ‘click.’

    We are confident that if you attend all 6 classes in-person or virtually and practise for 5 minutes a day, you will definitely be a more confident dancer and have a few fun moves under your belt!

    However, we do know that some people may find this promise hard to believe, so if you can show us that after attending all 6 classes in-person or virtually and submitting your 5-minute practice videos every week  that you are still not making progress, email us and we will offer you a refund!

    We care that you are spending your valuable time with us, and we want you to feel clear and not confused about dancing.

    What Have You Got to Lose?

    Think you can’t dance with confidence?

    Let us change your mind!

    Sign up to a Lindy Jazz course and get;

    • Live tuition with the opportunity to ask questions;
    • Carefully paced lessons that are not rushed;
    • Access to lesson recordings;
    • Access to practice videos;
    • Optional feedback on your practice;
    • Optional chat group where you can ask questions, and more!

    Everything on our courses is designed to give you a strong foundation so you can dance with confidence.

    See you on the dancefloor!

    Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  6. No Longer Thinking About It

    July 14, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Lindy Hop, Brass Festival Durham, Lindy Jazz

    No Longer Thinking About It

    Often when you learn something new, it’s tempting to want to fast forward past the bits you don’t find so entertaining to the bits that you do. Swing dance is no exception.

    Many members want to skip the repetition and practising on their own so they can dance with a partner straight away because it’s more fun.

    But I would say for best results, train yourself, don’t just entertain yourself! If you find some time to practise on your own first, you’ll enjoy partner dancing even more.

    This is because the more solo practice you do, you’ll find that the steps come automatically when you dance with a partner.

    Don’t Skip the Practice and Repetition

    When you first discover a new move, technique, or concept, you’ll find that you have to think about it. Partner dancing is like that. If you’ve never danced with a partner before, it can feel very unfamiliar. When something is unfamiliar, we can feel uncomfortable, confused, and anxious.

    Even if you have danced with partners for a long time, if you’re a follower, dancing with a different leader will always be an adventure. Leaders have a bit more control, but if you dance with different followers, you don’t know how well they’re going to be able to follow you.

    This is why the key to feeling uncomfortable when things are unfamiliar is to have something that is familiar to you. Something that you can control, like your own footwork.

    That’s why practice and repetition is so important because it’s the only way you will be able to dance with ease and no longer think about it. So not just constant practice but the right kind of practice will help you build muscle memory, and once your 8 counts are automatic, you won’t be thinking about them all the time.

    Practise Until You’re No Longer Thinking About It

    I often say that it’s a bit like driving. It’s hard to focus on the traffic if you are thinking about where the gears are. It’s hard to react to unpredictable drivers if you are in an unfamiliar car and you don’t know where the indicators are. When you drive your own car, you’re not even thinking about anything. You just get in the car and sometimes, you don’t know how you got home. It’s because you’re no longer thinking about it.

    This is the point you need to get to with your Swing dancing. If you find you’re still thinking while you’re dancing, then you have some more work to do!

    Want to dance with style and confidence?

    Join me for the next course, packed with useful practice tips and supplemented with easy to follow videos that break things down step by step. Over 6 weeks, you’ll get the tools you need to excel in Swing dance, whether you’re dancing solo or with a partner.

    Find out more.

    Category Health & Fitness | Tags: , , | No Comments

  7. Lindy Hop is a Skill

    July 1, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Lindy Hop is a Skill

    Lindy Hop is a skill and just like with any skill, the more you practise the better you get.  You might find this hard to believe at first. When you first attempt to put the moves together, you may feel a little uncoordinated, not unlike Bambi on ice! But I promise that you will get better and better over time. We got so much better over time and you can too!

    Putting together your rock step, triple steps, groove walks, arm swing, turns, and partner connection is a SKILL. And that means you’re not going to master it overnight. But you will master it over 6 weeks if you follow our courses step by step. Be patient and embrace the process, it just takes time. Our course members all tell us that the 6 weeks seem to fly by as they’re having so much fun. After all, fun is what dancing should be all about!

    We don’t just get you to copy us in class and leave you feeling confused. We teach you the skills you need and we answer all your questions to help you get clear on the Swing Out so that you can dance with style and confidence.

    At last you can stop fudging your way through these exciting Lindy Hop moves!

    If you expect to be able to acquire a bunch of moves or ‘fast track’ to becoming a great dancer after just one class then this course is probably not for you.

    Mastery comes from action, repetition, and practice over time. Sometimes, people don’t like to hear this, but it’s true. So the question is, is this something you want to do?

    If you can find the time to attend weekly classes (or catch up online) over the next 6 weeks, then this course is for you!

    Are you ready to learn a new skill and experience the joy of Swing Dance?

    Check out our next course: Click here for details.

    Category Courses & Classes, Dance, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments

  8. Who’s Watching You?

    June 27, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Whether you’re a new Lindy Jazz member taking your first steps towards learning to dance, or you’re a more experienced dancer, your number one fear is probably that everyone in the room is looking at you. Your mind will tell you this, but the reality is that everyone in the room has their own worries and concerns, and they’re actually worrying that everyone is looking at them!

    To Any New Dancers, This is My Message to You

    There are a few situations where people will look at you;

    If you are an extremely good dancer and you’re showing off a bit and performing;

    If you are trying to attract attention.

    Otherwise, people are probably not looking at you, I promise!

    So Where Does This Fear Come From?

    We might have seen someone drunk and dancing at a nightclub or a wedding. They might have made a fool of themselves and you saw people sniggering. Then that implanted the fear and thought in your brain, “ I MUST not put myself in a position where I make a fool of myself.”

    However, a swing dance class is a completely different situation. Everyone is there for the same reasons; you’re all like-minded people who want to take your first steps to learning to dance.

    Explore, Practise, Dance

    When you take a Lindy Jazz course, there is no need to actually dance, believe it or not.

    There are 3 stages in the course:

    • Explore
    • Practise
    • Dance

    People often worry that they have to be able to dance immediately. In fact, on our courses, you’ll notice that we don’t seem to be dancing as such, particularly in the first two weeks. The aim is that you’ll be able to dance by week six, the final week.

    In the first two weeks, it’s all about following our instructions step by step and trying out moves. This is what we mean by exploring. You follow the instructions without the need to assess yourself or get it right.

    Stop Assessing and Start Enjoying

    The thing that stops us from being able to dance or enjoy learning to dance is constant assessment. We constantly assess ourselves because we are imagining that people are assessing us.

    We should simply turn up to a class and be students. We shouldn’t be wearing the hat of a student and the hat of an assessor because that gets way too complicated!

    My advice for brand new dancers is don’t be afraid because there is no tiger in the room. What you do have in the room are like-minded people who simply want to learn.

    Dealing with the Unfamiliar

    A lack of familiarity is also a common trigger for fear. If something is new or unfamiliar, it’s very natural for us to fill that gap or lack of information with the worst scenario possible.

    So if you are feeling afraid when you first join a class, write a list of questions and send them to me. They might look like;

    What if I make a fool of myself?

    What if I don’t catch up?

    What if I don’t understand?

    What if my feet won’t move?

    What if I can’t get it right, ever?

    Make a list and get it all out of your head!

    To The More Experienced Dancers, I Want to Say This

    If you’re a more experienced dancer, you may feel more familiar with everything now however, a new situation could trigger some fears. It could be something like dancing in a new environment. We recently went to a picnic and danced to a live band. How did that make you feel?

    If you are an experienced dancer who feels at ease in the safe environment of our local community centre, did you feel safe getting up and dancing when there were strangers milling around?

    Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Experiencing the Joy of Dance

    I used to think that I had to dance well when I was in the presence of others. But after years of dancing for fun, I no longer worry about that.

    I know that I’m not attracting any attention because everyone is there to enjoy themselves and after the event, they have to go home and deal with life and all of their commitments and concerns, just like me.

    So whether you’re a newbie or a more experienced dancer, I want to say that no one is looking at you, they are looking at themselves and worrying about themselves.

    Don’t let this fear stop you from learning to dance or learning to dance in new places.

    Having the skills to dance and being clear on the moves will add to your confidence. In all of our classes, the aim is to give you step by step clear instructions so you are left in no doubt about the moves.

    At Lindy Jazz, we take the mystery out of dancing and we aim to build your confidence. If you are looking to build confidence and to enjoy Swing dancing, then sign up for our next course!

    Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Improvers | Tags: | No Comments

  9. What to Expect On Your Lindy Jazz Course

    June 16, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    So you’ve signed up to a Lindy Jazz course and you’re really excited to get started. Or maybe you’re a little nervous, which is completely natural. What often helps get rid of the nerves and helps you feel prepared for your first live class is knowing what you need to know beforehand.

    I’ve put together this blog as a ‘what to expect’ guide for everyone (beginner or experienced dancer) who enrols on one of our courses.

    Before You Get Started

    You don’t need any dance experience to join this course. However, you do need the following;

    Good health– Just like you wouldn’t want to go for a run or go the gym when you don’t feel 100%, don’t attend class if you’re unwell. Rest up and come back when you’ve recovered.

    Good mood– Sometimes you’ll be coming to class after a stressful day or getting stuck in traffic. Take a few moments to centre yourself and prepare your mood and mindset before you start dancing.

    A lot of patience– Be patient with yourself if things don’t go the way they should. Be patient with your teachers if something doesn’t make sense. Be patient with other class members if they are not on the same wavelength as yourself. Things don’t always click straight away, but you’ll find that they will fall into place gradually over the course of the 6 weeks.

    Good hygiene– Wear a fresh top / shirt for class and sanitise your hands before dancing. This keeps things hygienic, safe, and pleasant for everyone.

    Try to Find Time to Practise

    You’ll get online videos that you can practise along to in between lessons but this is not compulsory. I do encourage people to try and find 5 minutes a day to practise so they remember the moves more easily.

    But if you don’t have time to practise, don’t beat yourself up about it.  Just turn up to class with an open mind and a relaxed mood. This will help you to take in the information more easily. Worrying or ruminating on the fact that you haven’t practised can slow down your learning and stop you from taking things in.

    Different People, Different Levels

    Everyone’s dance experience is different so don’t compare yourself with others in the class. Everyone learns differently, so you may find that some of the lesson material suits you but it doesn’t suit others. All we ask is that you be patient with others if things aren’t quite clicking for them, just as you would expect them to be patient with you.

    On the other hand, if it’s you that’s new to dancing or new to the topic, don’t try to keep up with others if they’re doing something fast or fancy. Just focus on what you’re doing, do what you can, and follow the teachers’ instructions. Don’t ask your dance partner for advice during the lesson as you both might end up missing something important.

    What If I’m an Experienced Dancer?

    If you’re an experienced dancer, it’s important to keep your mind open to learning. Don’t assume that your muscle memory is 100% consistent. You may have come across some of the concepts before, but working on your foundational skills will prevent you from forgetting them as you advance.

    Everyone may have different levels of dance experience but we all have the same goal, which is to have fun learning to dance. So relax and enjoy, and let the teachers take care of you.

    Keeping Things Safe

    For this course (June 2022), we are asking everyone who comes to a class in the hall to do a Lateral Flow Test on the day of the class and to share your results in the Messenger chat or via email at joolee@lindy-jazz.co.uk

    Dance Class Etiquette

    There are some simple social dancing rules of conduct to remember to keep things flowing and pleasant for everyone.

    • Before dancing with someone new, introduce yourself;
    • At the end of a dance or a practice, say ‘thank you’ or ‘high five’ your partner before moving on;
    • We all dance with each other as this is a social dance. However if you prefer to stay with your partner and not dance with others, we encourage you to smile and say ‘hello’ when others move past you to change partners.

    The Lindy Jazz Course- Summary

    • You don’t need any previous dance experience to join this course;
    • Everything will be explained from the beginning;
    • If you forget something, you can check the videos in between class;
    • If you don’t understand something, you can ask in class, pop a query in the Messenger chat or email info@lindy-jazz.co.uk.

    How Can I Progress My Dancing?

    After each 45 minute live class, you can stay to watch or try out the Advanced Class to see if this might be for you in the future.

    I hope this blog has told you everything you need to know, but if you have any more questions, we’d be happy to answer them. Just drop us a line at info@lindy-jazz.co.uk.

    Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Dance, Improvers | Tags: | No Comments

  10. Am I Turning the Right Way?

    June 14, 2022 by Joo-Lee

    Our members often share videos of themselves dancing so they can get individual feedback. What’s great is if they pop the videos in the group chat, along with any questions they have, the feedback can benefit everyone.

    Asking the Right Questions

    One of the most common questions we get is about the direction for turning.

    “Am I supposed to turn  clockwise or anti-clockwise?”

    That is a closed question, which means I have only 2 options; clockwise or anti-clockwise. Neither would be a good answer.

    I would always say if you want a better answer, ask open questions like;

    “How should I turn?” Or,

    “What is your feedback for me regarding my turning?”

    This opens up more options for a better answer.

    Focus on Rhythm, Not Direction

    We all tend to ask questions according to our own focus because we are so influenced by what we think is important. For example, if you think that everything should be uniform, you might ask, “For the sake of uniformity, should I turn clockwise?”, but the focus is not necessarily about uniformity in terms of steps.

    Our focus is usually about rhythm. The reason we sometimes turn in a different direction or get confused is not because of steps. It’s because if the rhythm is slightly off this can result in our weight being shifted onto the other foot and we then turn in the other direction.

    Remember, Lindy Hop is mainly about rhythm. If your rhythm is a little inaccurate or if you are slightly ahead or behind the beat you may feel confused. Then it’s tempting to think that it’s all to do with the direction of the turn when it’s really about the rhythm.

    If Your Rhythm is Off, So is Everything Else

    So bear in mind, it’s not always to do with which foot or which direction. It’s more to do with our basic understanding of rhythm. So in you are ahead or behind the beat, you may end up on the wrong foot and this may cause you to turn in a different direction.

    So what should you do? Check your rhythm and focus on the rhythm. Keep bouncing, keep counting, and everything else will come!

    Category Courses & Classes, Dance, Improvers | Tags: | No Comments

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