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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
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!

Category Courses & Classes, Dance, Lindy Hop | Tags: | No Comments
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
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
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
Mind the Gap!

July 19, 2023 by Joo-Lee

If someone asked you, ‘how long have you been dancing?’, what would you say?

For me, it’s not an easy question to answer! I started dancing 30 years ago, but I didn’t dance consistently. But thanks to a local council that organised an incredible week-long dance summer school in 1993, I had the chance to learn to Lindy Hop. There began a wonderful journey that exploded my social life and helped me discover the joy of learning a fascinating skill.

From Botching Ballet to Loving Lindy Hop

It’s not conventional in the Lindy Hop community to issue certificates, so I am particularly pleased to have this certificate presented by Sedgefield District as it marks an important moment in my life!

When I started out on my dance journey, I had no dance experience at all, except for a couple of years of trying ballet back when I was a child, and discovering that it definitely was not my forte!

Ballet was not my forte!

So when the opportunity came along to try the Lindy Hop at a local summer dance school, I jumped in with both feet. Not least because it was being taught by the world famous teachers from the London based company, the Jiving Lindy Hoppers.

It was an exhilarating experience learning to dance the Charleston and Lindy Hop from 9-5 every day for a week. I will always remember this experience of living and breathing dance, and being completely immersed in the art.

That summer school reignited my passion again for all things dance and over the next 4 years, I tried out every social dance style available. But it was Lindy Hop, an incredibly social dance that influenced later dances like jive, that really captured my heart and led to an explosion in my social life.

The Gaps in My Learning

In 1999, in the days before virtual classes, I started following the Lindy Hop dance scene around the world in an attempt to learn to dance with flair and confidence, but my learning was haphazard. I’d go to a one-week dance camp in Sweden and have no dance class or anyone to practise with when I got home. Or I’d attend a one-off class in London or Edinburgh when I could take time out.

So for about 10 years, I stumbled my way through social dance events, feeling that I didn’t have the confidence I should have for someone who was so passionate about the dance.

But one day, I realised that I hadn’t had 10 years of consistent or progressive lessons, feedback to check on my unhelpful habits, or the opportunity to social dance or practise with a local scene. All the things I would have gotten if I’d attended great swing dance classes consistently.

So how did I fill these gaps in my learning and become the confident social dancer I am today?

The Basics aren’t Boring!

I spent time building strong foundations, working on my basic moves and seeking private tuition from patient and knowledgeable teachers. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the basics are boring and aren’t ‘fancy’ enough. When learning to dance, many people are often impatient to build skills and they just want to fast forward to the stylish or complicated moves. But learning to dance well is about substance, not just style. If you have good foundations, fancy moves can easily be learned so much more quickly.

Learn the Tools You Need to Dance with Confidence

I had gaps in my learning so it took me a while to build confidence. But now I’ve developed a proven system to teach the foundations of the Lindy Hop to anyone who wants to dance with confidence and flair.

Whether you are completely new to dancing or an experienced dancer who is feeling stuck or just can’t quite master something, my system can give you a clearer understand of technique and fill those gaps in your learning.

In our Lindy Hop classes in Durham, we specialise in teaching those all-important foundations skills, because we believe that anyone who wants to experience the joy of dance shouldn’t be held back by gaps in their skills.

Are you ready to learn the tools you need to dance with confidence?

Here’s a free online course to get you started.

Like what you’ve seen? Check out our next Lindy Hop course.

Great dancing starts with good foundations.

Category Courses & Classes, Dance | Tags: | No Comments
What To Consider When Looking for Private Swing Dance Lessons

July 2, 2023 by Joo-Lee

Swing Dance Teacher, Joo-Lee & Andy dancing at Durham Town Hall

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!

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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
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