Class descriptions

ZEN AND THE ART OF LINDY HOP w/Chad & Melanie

Join Chad and Melanie for their signature workshop. integrating thousands of years of martial arts principles with lindy hop. Both leaders and followers will learn to make smooth, seamless, transitions, between patterns. Understand what it means to move from "center". as well as develop a feeling of grounding and connection. This workshop will move your dancing to a new level where your dancing is fluid, graceful and effortless. (all levels)

THE ART OF STEALING PARTNERS w/Chad & Melanie and Ken & Jennifer

Learn the Art of Stealing Partners in Lindy Hop on the social dance floor. We will show you how to steal or constantly switch the lead or follow from your partner or another couple without missing a beat. We will also explain the stealing and switching etiquette, skill and philosophy that is a uniquely a San Francisco art form. (intermediate, advanced)

Charleston Turns & Transitions w/Carla & Ben

This class will focus on learning how to transition from one Charleston idea into another. Make your Charleston look more dynamic and fluid by adding control, momentum, good technique to your Lindy!  A great class for Intermediate and up dancers who are looking to expand their Charleston Vocabulary and add some spice into their Charleston dancing.  Ben & Carla are ready to add some zip, twist, and jump into your Charleston. Intermediate and up -- Please already be comfortable with basic Lindy Charleston (side-by-side and face to face 20's Charleston).

Dynamic Moves to WOW your Mama! w/Carla & Ben

Feeling like your dancing needs a little bit more of an edge and or a little more variety to it?  Feeling like you are ready to push your own limits and your partner's too!  Feeling like you need a challenge to really excite you in your lindy hop these days. Hey, we feel it too : ) Join Ben & Carla for an exciting class that will surely "make your mama proud!" (Intermediate/Advanced)

The Dean Collins' Shim Sham w/Steve & Heidi

The Shim Sham originated as a tap dance choreographed by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant in 1928. The non-tap version was made popular when Frankie Manning and others began teaching it at many swing dance camps and workshops all over the World. The Dean Collins' version dates back to the late 1930's and is based on the original non-tap version of the Shim Sham with Collins spicing up the footwork and incorporating fun and exciting additional steps.  (all levels)

Collegiate Shag w/Johnny & Jenna

Learn how to Collegiate Shag with Johnny & Jenna from the San Francisco Jitterbugs. Class starts off with the six count basic, style, and feel. We will then move on to some intermediate moves and styling. Johnny and Jenna have been teaching to SOLD OUT Collegiate Shag classes for the last two months, so this will be a great opportunity to learn or improve upon this dance. (all levels)

Blues Ballrooming w/Damon & Heidi

Blues Ballrooming Ballrooming, some times called the Savoy Walk, or just the Walk, is the style of Blues Lindy Hoppers at the Savoy in its later years created to dance to Big Band Blues. The dancers mimiced the dancing of Fred and Ginger but with the raw athleticism and sense of musicality that only Harlem's best Lindy Hoppers could bring. Damon and Heidi will teach the not only the basic rhythms and moves of this amazing dance but some flashy and classy moves and styling that are sure to wow spectators and your partner alike. (all levels)

Swingout Versatility w/Jean & Bromley

Showcase the cornerstone of Lindy Hop, the swingout, in its various forms. Learn the technique behind different swingout leads. Send her forward, to the side, backward or circular. (all levels)

Soulfull Swing w/Manu & Nicole

What good is swing if it doesn't have a foundation of groove, bounce, rhythm, peace, love and soul?  This class will focus on what is sometimes missed if all you think about are the steps. Oh yeah, we'll give you some steps, but more importantly we'll give you the tools to move and groove even without an eight-count pattern. Soul. If you ain't got none, come git some. (all levels)

Kickin' It w/Manu & Nicole

Come learn some fun ways to add kicks to your lindy hop.  We'll touch on cool charleston variations, as well inserting kicks into your overall dancing.  In doing so we'll focus on balance, timing, creativity, style, and center.  A great class for intermediate dancers and above. (Intermediate)

Swing Rueda w/Trevor & Andrea

Get ready for some partner passing fun!  Swing Rueda was adapted from Casino (Salsa) Rueda by Jeff Miller and Elaine Hewlett from Dallas, Texas (www.swingrueda.com).  Rueda is danced in a circle with two or more couples. There is a dancer who calls the moves which the entire circle executes in unison. Some moves require partner changes and that's when the fun begins.  Some of the moves' names are the same in both the Swing and Salsa versions of the dance, such as "dame" (give me), yet others, such as "sushi" or "amoeba", have been created specifically for Swing Rueda.  No matter what is being called, though, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this very social and dynamic form of Lindy Hop. (all levels)

more descriptions to come as they become available...