Changes to Swing Dance Curriculum
Starting Tuesday, September 10th, 2019, Lindy Hop on the Rock is happy to introduce a new and improved partnered Swing dance curriculum based on our students’ feedback.
The curriculum adds content including more Swing dance fundamentals to better prepare beginners and beginner/intermediate students to take the next steps towards higher level dancing with brand new class material to learn.
This new curriculum also offers greater flexibility for students that already have Swing dance experience from another dance studio in another city or who have taken a break from dancing for some time and want to get back into the swing of things.
If this is your first time registering for classes with Lindy Hop on the Rock, you can simply head on over to the Classes page for class descriptions and registration.
For students who have taken classes with Lindy Hop on the Rock in 2018/2019 or earlier, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new structure before registering for the Fall classes.
Curriculum Changes Overview
Lindy Hop on the Rock now offers partnered Swing dance instruction across a total of three skill levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Each of the three levels is broken down into multiple blocks of learning materials centered around a concept, a theme, a learning objective, etc.
Each block is made up of six consecutive weekly classes taught over a six-week period.
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 classes take place on Tuesday evenings at the Elks Club.
Each class is 70-minutes in duration.
Class material covered within a block of classes is designed to be suitable for a swing dance student of the corresponding level. For example, if a dance student is currently registered for Level 1, then they can expect that each block of the classes will present a suitable challenge whether they just entered the level for the first time or are continuing to the next block at that level.
Class Progression
The new curriculum is designed so that a typical student, having complete all available blocks from a level, should have the requisite skills to move to the next level. It is possible that you may be ready to move to the next level earlier if, for example, you have learned the prerequisite skills, and concepts through another Swing dance studio, workshops, private lessons, lots of social dancing, or obsessive practice :- )
Others still may need to work on certain aspects from a particular level longer or take the same block more than once – that’s fine too. Keep in mind it’s the amount of time spent social dancing after class, and not necessarily class time alone, that will typically affect your progress.
Okay, So Which Level Should I Register for?
If you’ve danced with Lindy Hop on the Rock in the past and are familiar with the older progression system, we’ve outlined a helpful conversion to help you choose the appropriate level for Fall 2019.
If you’ve taken Beginner A once then register for Level 1 this Fall.
If you’ve taken Beginner A twice or Beginner B at least once then register for Level 2 this Fall.*
if you’ve taken Beginner B three or more times, or Intermediate any number of times then register for Level 3 this Fall.
*Those who have done A twice, please note that the September 2019 session is being tailored to this transition, so please sign up for Level 2.
New Curriculum Level Descriptions
Check out the level descriptions below and in particular the requirements for each level. It’s your familiarity and comfort with aspects of the dance that matter most when choosing the appropriate level. The expectation is that students will do all the blocks in a level before registering for the next level.
This is a guideline. How much social dancing you do will affect where you should be, so check the requirements. If you are unsure, register for the lower level and check with your teachers in the first class.
During the first class, teachers may suggest moving to another level. This is so that you will be in the best class for you, so please respect their decision.
We will publish information about which blocks are being offered each session so that students can get a sense of what is going to be taught. This is currently a work in progress, so bear with us, and check back to the Classes page in the weeks to come.
Level 1: Introduction to Partnered Swing Dancing
This level is for those new to Swing Dance. You’ll learn some basic moves, rhythms, and footwork of Lindy Hop and get a sense of why we love this wonderful dance. Over two six-week sessions you should be comfortably able to dance in a social environment.
Blocks
1a: Lindy Hop basics, eight-count focus
1b: Lindy Hop basics, six-count focus
September 2019 session: 1a: Lindy Hop basics, eight-count focus
Level 2: Grow as a Dancer
Deepen your understanding of the dance with an introduction to the underlying concepts and techniques. You’ll get comfortable with a broader repertoire of moves and be introduced to Charleston and Solo Jazz, which are related dances whose moves we freely incorporate into Swing dancing. Topics include improvisation; style; floor craft; connecting to the music; what constitutes leading and following; variation of rhythm, steps, and connection.
Requirements
Can consistently do basic six- and eight-count footwork
Gliding in both counts
Basic move repertoire: Swing-out, circle, promenade, send-out, pass-by, tuck turn
Can find the first beat of an 8-count in the music most of the time
Are comfortable dancing socially and can do so safely
Blocks: Three blocks (2a, 2b, 2c)
September 2019 session: 2a: mixing six- and eight-count moves
Level 3: Get a Deeper Understanding
Here we’ll work on each element of technique, learning moves and variations that exemplify them. You’ll learn how these elements fit together, and how to improvise within them.
Requirements
Regular social dancing
Swing-outs and circles from open and closed, promenots, basic Charleston
Reasonable form: Posture, frame, pulse, footwork, connection, rhythm
Can recover without disrupting social dance when something goes wrong
Leaders: not too forceful, able to lead direction and rotation
Followers: Aware of continuing momentum, following the line, not over-anticipating
Body awareness: In control of their limbs, safe to dance with.
Blocks: Five blocks (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e)
Blocks will follow a theme, with classes of varied material built around one or more key concepts.
September 2019 session: 3a: Varying rhythm, footwork, and style
Fall Registration is Now Open!
So there you have it! A shiny new curriculum, new class materials, and new people to meet all make for happy feet. Head on over to the Registration page to register for Fall 2019 Swing dance lessons today.
