‘Courses & Classes’ Category

  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

  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

  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.

    Learn to swing dance with Lindy Jazz courses. Easy basics for beginners and exciting moves for experienced dancers.

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

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

  4. 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

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

    July 2, 2023 by Joo-Lee

    Lindy Hop, Brass Festival Durham, Lindy Jazz
    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!

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

  6. 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: ,, | 2 Comments

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

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