What is beginner and what is advanced?
Skill level is NOT objective. But we try to abide by some basic standards.
Please review the classroom objectives below.
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DISCLAIMER: If you have never heard of Lindy Hop, take Lindy 1. We expect you to know nothing for that class.
Lindy 1 Learning objectives - You can start in any session/module/month. But we recommend starting with Building Blocks if you can.
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Building Blocks - Follows & leads alike will be able to verbalize & physically identify the specific patterns they are using when constructing a dance.
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Swing-outs & Circles - Follows & leads alike will be able to swing-out from open & closed, and close the movement with safe 'Lindy circles'.
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Charleston - Follows & Leads alike will be able to integrate this critically important dance in its own right into your Lindy Hop when tempos increase.
Lindy 2 Learning objectives - You can start in any session/module/month. But we recommend starting with Building Blocks 2.
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​​​Building Blocks 2 - TBD
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Swing-outs & Circles 2 - TBD
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Charleston 2 - TBD
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Musicality 1: TBD.
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Second Nature: Leading & Following introduction TBD
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"Hollywood" style & "Savoy" style: TBD
Standards & Objectives
+ Notes on our values
Always refer to the class descriptions for additional context.
Level Testing & Graduation Expectations:
If you are coming into class with Lindy Hop experience you must be able to demonstrate the Lindy 1 learning objectives as criteria for admission to L2. See above. Or you can just take LH1 if you are unsure.
If you are trying to attend LH2. Be prepared to be subjected to a casual interview and physical demonstration of your abilities if we do not already know you. Lindy Hop 2 is our intermediate class, designed to add more moves to your repertoire. We expect you to be "dancing" at the end of L1. If you can't, we'll suggest you take Lindy 1 again. But, we have structured L1 to equip you to be basically capable, not perfect.
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Course durations:​
​Where LH1 is 3 sessions (months) long. L2 is 6. LH1 is 12 weeks. LH2 is 24 weeks long.
For the first quarter LH2 follows the same 3 module format as LH1, but with greater depth of concept, increased student participation, and additional time to integrate, but with less leeway to falter on technique. The first 3 months (modules) cover additional building blocks, (more non-s/o moves) the three types of S/O's, and 'intermediate' Charleston.
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Expectations & Standards:
We HIGHLY suggest you SOCIAL dance to get repetitions in addition to your classroom time so you'll be ready for L2.
Social dancing throughout the week will add critical integration to the moves you learn throughout LH1.
​You will not learn how to 'lead' or 'follow' in Lindy 1. You will not hear the word frame either to describe what we are doing to "connect" with each other. Connecting in LH1 means putting a hand here, and an elbow there and don't be afraid to let it slide around. ​
You cannot get anywhere in this dance without footwork. We teach a footwork driven technique that emphasizes healthy body mechanics to achieve the desired movement outcomes. If we are harping on a specific issue YOU are having. It's for your safety and not because we're seeking stylistic or technical perfection. Technical pass-ability is all we're seeking in LH1.
We expect follows to know what they are doing, decide where they are stepping and where their weight is. We expect leads to not push, pull or demand where their partners move to. Leads ask for movement, and follows respond to that request. In Lindy 1, we do not expect perfection from follows response time, or leads clarity. We do however ask that you be patient with yourself.
We value physical and emotional safety above technical achievement. Do not think we are going to degrade or insult you for trying. All that matters is if you are having fun, being safe with your body, your partners body and your own emotional wellbeing in class. ​
12 weeks is a long time to work on a new skill. Especially as an adult. Each class is dense with information. But we have structured it to be as concise as possible. If you can't make it to every class. That's fine. But you'll quickly fall behind your classmates and the content. Life happens and we'll do our best to catch you up!
Lindy Hop 1
Session A
Building Blocks
- 4 weeks
Think of LH1 as choreography. The dance is broken into blocks, memorize each block and then you can mix & match at will. You are going to learn how to move in a way you have probably never moved before. You will be dancing with somebody by the end of class. But the first day class is primarily solo work. Do NOT be dismayed.
Session B
Swing Outs and Circles - 4 weeks
The most iconic movement in Lindy. We'll show how the building blocks connect seamlessly with session B is the toughest. The most technical and we are going to spend a lot of time making sure you are moving healthily and safely both as leads and as follows. You cannot get anywhere in this dance without footwork.
Session C
Charleston - 4 weeks
Charleston is essential. Charleston is essential to rounding out your Lindy Hop learning experience. Lindy Hop is a collection of dances in the first place. Charleston is the most prominent addition and grants you invaluable skills and moves which integrate perfectly with everything covered thus far. But, you can start in any session.