1. 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

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2. Dancing is like Speaking

   March 26, 2024 by Joo-Lee

   

   One thing I’ve found when people are learning to partner dance is they want to do everything amazingly well straight away. They’ve seen the performances on ‘Strictly’ and the brilliant dancers on YouTube who make it look so effortless, and they want to fast forward to dancing like that.

   Everyone thinks about the process of learning to dance very differently. For me, I think of the learning of dance as being exactly the same as learning language and communication skills. When you’re little, you don’t go from not being able to talk to suddenly having clever conversations. You start with the basics and then you advance over time; first you have to master the alphabet, then you form words, then basic sentences, and eventually, you master the clever conversations.

   Start with the building blocks-learn the alphabet

   So for example when a brand new beginner comes to learn to partner dance, we would normally teach them the alphabet; those basic moves and steps like the rock step, walking, or swinging your arms. Just like when learning to talk, before we put words or sentences together and learn higher level skills, we need to learn the basic foundations.

   Don’t expect to run (or dance) before you can walk-form the words 

   When our dancers are right at the beginning of their dance journey, we encourage them to manage their expectations. It’s important that they don’t expect to be able to lead and follow or display those higher level skills just yet. Using the learning to talk analogy, when we learn the alphabet, it doesn’t teach us how to have a coherent conversation or join words together. We need to practise the alphabet then eventually form words. So when learning to partner dance, you need to practise the basics on your own, whenever you get the chance. Repetition and patience is the key.

   Forget the clever conversations-begin with short sentences

   If you’re doing a 6-week Lindy Jazz course, by week 3 you might be at the point where a few moves are coming together. But we will always encourage you not to stray from getting the basics right and expecting to master higher level skills too soon. This is the same as expecting to go from learning a few words here and there to having a clever conversation. This puts far too much pressure on you way too soon and it can take the fun out of learning to dance. Be patient; the clever conversations will come. Focus on mastering the basics, repetition, and having fun. The clever bits will come in time.

   Dance is not performance, it’s communication

   That’s why we run the 6-week courses. Sometimes when people drop into a single class as a one-off, they expect to be able to master things straight away. Others may see dance as merely a performance, like an actor learning a new language so they can perform in a French play. This is because we see so much dance on social media and television, it’s easy to think that learning to dance is a means to an end. The end goal being a performance.

   Here at Lindy Jazz, we think of dance as learning a skill and using that skill to communicate.  We don’t teach our dancers to memorise choreography, we teach them the alphabet, the words, the sentences, and the structure so they have the freedom to express themselves and communicate with those who are on the same wavelength and speak the same language.

   Learn to speak the language of dance-the right way

   You can’t learn a language by reading a book or watching videos. You have to speak it and be immersed in it. That’s why we create a friendly and relaxing environment for everyone to learn a few dance steps, stumble, feel uncoordinated, and make mistakes along the way. Just like when you’re learning a language. It takes time to be fluent, and mistakes and feedback are all part of the learning process.

   So book a place on our next 6-week course and learn the language of dance the right way. Join us for fun, relaxing, and enjoyable experience that will help you build some solid foundations for the next steps on your dance journey.

   Category Beginners, Courses & Classes, Dance, Lindy Hop | Tags: | 2 Comments

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3. 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

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4. What To Consider When Looking for Private Swing Dance Lessons

   July 2, 2023 by Joo-Lee

   

   Introduction:
   Swing dance is a vibrant and energetic form of dance that has captivated people for decades. If you’re interested in learning this exciting dance style, private swing dance lessons can provide you with personalised attention and focused instruction. However, finding the right private swing dance lessons that align with your goals and expectations is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the key considerations to keep in mind when searching for private swing dance lessons that will help you gain confidence and flow on the dance floor in a short amount of time.

   Define Your Goals:
   Before embarking on your journey to find private swing dance lessons, it’s essential to establish your goals. Determine whether you want a crash course in swing dance or a more comprehensive learning experience. If your aim is to gain confidence and flow quickly, finding an expert instructor who can provide clear foundations and guide you through the mechanics of the dance is paramount.

   Expert Instruction:
   Look for private swing dance lessons taught by instructors with extensive experience in swing dance. An expert instructor will possess in-depth knowledge of the dance style and be able to break down complex moves into easy-to-understand steps. Their expertise will ensure that you receive proper guidance, allowing you to grasp the rhythm in a clear, non-jargon way. This will accelerate your learning process and give you the ability to swing dance confidently by the end of your lessons.

   Personalised Attention:
   One of the significant advantages of private swing dance lessons is the individualised attention you receive. Unlike group lessons, private lessons allow the instructor to tailor the curriculum to your specific needs and learning pace. Ensure that the instructor you choose is committed to understanding your goals and adjusting the lessons accordingly. Personalised attention will give you the opportunity to focus on areas where you need improvement and progress at a pace that suits you.

   Clear Foundations:
   To become proficient in swing dance, it’s crucial to have a strong foundation. Look for private swing dance lessons that emphasise building a solid understanding of the basic steps, posture, and technique. With clear foundations, you will develop a strong base upon which to build more complex moves and variations. A well-structured curriculum will provide you with a step-by-step approach that gradually introduces new concepts while reinforcing the fundamentals.

   Confidence and Flow:
   The ultimate goal of private swing dance lessons is to instil confidence and flow in your dancing. A skilled instructor will not only teach you the technical aspects but also help you develop a sense of rhythm and musicality. By the end of your lessons, you should feel comfortable on the dance floor, moving with grace and fluidity. Ensure that the instructor emphasises the connection between movement and music, enabling you to express yourself through the dance.

   Fees:
   Considering your budget is an essential factor when looking for private swing dance lessons. It’s important to understand how instructors structure their fees and what you’re paying for. Some instructors may charge based on the time they spend with you during lessons, while others may focus on delivering results.

   If you’re on a tight budget, instructors who offer lower rates might seem appealing. However, it’s crucial not to solely base your decision on price. Take the time to enquire about what you can expect to achieve through their instruction. Don’t hesitate to ask the instructor for more information regarding the value and benefits they provide.

   You might be surprised to find that experienced instructors who charge higher rates can offer a more efficient and effective learning experience. Their expertise and knowledge can help you achieve your goals more quickly, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run. Investing in a skilled and experienced instructor can significantly impact the quality of your learning journey.

   Keep in mind that while fees are an important consideration, they should not be the sole determining factor in your decision. Consider the overall value, expertise, and benefits you will gain from the private swing dance lessons before making your final choice.

   Conclusion:
   When selecting private swing dance lessons, it’s vital to consider your budget and the fees associated with the instruction. Remember that lower-priced lessons may seem appealing initially, but it’s essential to assess the value and benefits offered by each instructor. Don’t hesitate to ask about the potential results and achievements you can expect from their tutelage.

   Keep an open mind when considering instructors who charge higher rates, as their experience and expertise may lead to quicker and more effective results, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run. Striking a balance between cost and quality will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and expectations.

   By carefully considering all the factors mentioned in this blog post, including goals, expert instruction, personalised attention, clear foundations, confidence and flow, and fees, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect private swing dance lessons that will enable you to dance with confidence and grace. Embrace the journey and get ready to swing your way to an enjoyable and fulfilling dance experience!

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

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5. 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

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6. In The Mood

   October 30, 2022 by Joo-Lee

   • 

   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

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7. 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

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8. 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

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9. 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

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10. 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

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