Update on Lindy Hop on the Rock’s Response to COVID-19: All Activities Postponed Until Further Notice.

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In light of new developments surrounding COVID-19 here in the province, weekly Swing dance classes and social dancing held Tuesday evening at the Elks Club are postponed until further notice. PractiSwing practice sessions held bi-weekly on Fridays at the MMaP Room in the Arts and Culture Center are also postponed until further notice. 

New Developments on COVID-19

The first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador was announced Saturday evening by the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald. As the situation surrounding the pandemic continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly vital that we each take an active role in reducing the risk of transmission of the disease to protect each other and vulnerable persons from becoming sick. 

Our Response

Lindy Hop on the Rock as a social dance club recognizes the increased risk that social dancing may present in the transmission of COVID-19 to its students, volunteers, and organizers. As such, we feel that by postponing all activities and practicing recommended COVID-19 prevention methods are among the best ways we can protect our membership.

Our response to COVID-19 follows the recommendations provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and other institutions in the province to practice social distancing during this time. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), an educational organization with whom we have had closes ties in the past, have announced the cancelation of classes and are recommending the postponement of non-essential gatherings and events of more than 25 people. While our activities are often below this suggested limit, we appreciate the concerns of our members surrounding COVID-19 and the ease of transmission during social dancing and are taking preventative measures as a result.

Lindy Hop on the Rock will continue to follow the development of COVID-19 carefully. In the case where the suspended activity is extended far into the future, we will explore other options on addressing class postponement.  Please check your inbox, our website, and social media channels in the weeks to come for further updates. 

For the latest news and updates on COVID-19, you can reference the following resources:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/#resources

What Do The Postponements Mean for Me?

 For Currently Registered Students

If you’ve registered for the Winter 2020 session of dance classes with Lindy Hop on the Rock, you will be notified by email, our website, and social media once classes resume. We’ll continue where we left off with class materials for the remaining four classes of this winter session on Tuesday evenings. Date and location to be announced.

For Volunteers

For those that have volunteered as PractiSiwng instructors, teaching assistances, DeeJays, door shift or setup personnel, and warm-up leads, revised schedules will be published in the weeks to come that reflects volunteer availability and newly scheduled class and PractiSwing dates. Board meetings will also be postponed until further notice.

For Lindy Hop on the Rock Performers

For those participating in performances, you should have already received notification by the Lindy Hop on the Rock Performance Committee. All upcoming rehearsals and performance events are postponed until further notice.

For Instructors

Classes are postponed until further notice. Once classes resume, we will continue from week 3 of the current Lindy Hop partnered dancing curriculum for levels 1, 2, and 3.

Stay Connected

Practicing the Government’s recommended social distancing to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 can be frustrating and isolating – all the more for members of a social dance club such as Lindy Hop on the Rock. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected with us through our online community on Facebook and other social media channels; we’re in this together as we each do our part in preventing further transmission of COVID-19.

Now is also a good time to check out Lindy Hop content shared by our community whether it’s watching old dance clips, reviewing routines, or listening to Swing Jazz! These materials are an important supplement to Lindy Hop classes. Don’t forget you can also practice your footwork or solo Jazz routines in the comfort of your home too.

We look forward to seeing you all again out on the social dance floor someday soon! In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about Lindy Hop on the Rock’s response to COVID-19, please email us at lindyhopontherock@gmail.com, and we’ll respond to you as soon as we can.

Take care,

Lindy Hop on the Rock

Winter Formal Swing Dance Social - Friday, December 6th

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Hey swing kids!

Come celebrate the holiday season with Lindy Hop on the Rock at our annual Winter Formal Swing Dance!

This year we’ll be dancing the Lindy Hop at the fan-favorite Elks Club with ample parking available. There’s a bar on site (please don’t drink and drive), and we’ll have have a selection of St. John’s finest Swing jazz DJ’s spinning up memories of yesteryear with the likes of count Basie, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.

We hope to see our current dance students come on out and celebrate their progress. Also for those first-time dancers considering taking classes with Lindy Hop on the Rock (next session starts Tuesday, January 7th 2020) you can start on the right foot (or left foot if you’re a leader) with our 1-hour introduction to Swing dance lesson - best of all, no partner required to take part!

There will also be an opportunities to catch a few dance performances throughout the evening…and even a guest appearance by old Saint Nick himself.* Wear something nice!

For more details and to save the date visit our Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2508547642558213/

Cheers,
- Lindy Hop on the Rock

*Subject to availability

New Curriculum Details for Fall 2019

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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.

A New Year, A New Location: Lindy Hop on the Rock Moves to the Elks Club!

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Hey Swing cats! Hope you’re hanging in there. cuz we’re back in 2019 with a new year of swing dance classes in a brand new location. Thanks for the wait as we were working diligently behind the scenes to bring to you a new venue for 2019!

This year, we’re happy to announce that we’re moving one of our favorite and familiar dance halls - the Elks Club! In a super convenient location near Downtown St. John’s, the Elks Club boasts a glorious wooden floor for you to dance upon!

Not only are such lovely floors hard to come by in the St. John’s, they’re also much gentler on the feet and knees after a night of dancing.

We are also now able to offer you with ample free parking, and happy to note that there is a bar on site for an after class sociable beverage!

Otherwise, you can expect the same faces, the same jokes, and the same enthusiasm towards teaching you to dance the Lindy Hop.

Head on over to registration today and we’ll see you all on Tuesday, January 15th at the Elks Club!

Tap Shim Sham Workshop - 7th July 2017

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Get your rhythm groove on and learn the Tap Shim Sham with Tanya Lasby. After the workshop there will be social dancing and a chance to practice your new tap moves. Please bring bottled water, towel and an extra shirt (if needed). Tap shoes are not required to do this workshop but if you do have tap shoes please feel free to bring them. 

Please register now to hold your spot:

Registration Document

Tanya Lasby hails from a small town in Ontario, called Elmvale. She started dance when she was 4 years old, fell in love, and never stopped. Tap has always been Tanya’s favourite style to dance. Competitions, scholarships, festivals, and Sheridan College for Music Theatre Performance, eventually lead her to become part of the Toronto based Tap dance company, Turn On The Tap, headed by Paula Skimin. Tanya has a strong background in improvisation and collaboration. She dances with passion and loves to encourage others to find their “voice” and to perform with their own unique flare. Tanya can’t wait to Shim Sham with all of you wonderful people! 

July 7, 2017
$15
MMMap Room, 2nd Floor, Arts and Culture Centre
All ages welcome! 
7:30pm-9:30pm - Shim Sham tap lesson
9:30pm- 10:30pm - Social Dance and/or tap jam 

Please arrive by 7:15 pm to check in and pay before the workshop. 

Payment: We will be taking cash payments before the workshop starts . Please feel free to email transfer funds to lindyhopontherock@gmail.com.

Swingin' In The Rain - Spring Dance - Friday 28th April

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Lindy Hop on the Rock are holding their Spring Dance, imaginatively title "Swingin' In The Rain" on Friday 28th April 2017 at the Elk's Club on Carpasian Road.

There will be a beginner swing dance lesson at 9pm followed by live jazz music featuring: Terry Campbell (trumpet), Brian Way (keyboard), Natasha Blackwood (sax), Graham Ellsworth (drums), Chris Davis (bass).

Details:
April 28
Elks Lodge 245, 31 Carpasian Rd
$15
19 +
No partner required

Doors 8:30pm
Beginner Lesson: 9pm-10pm
Formal attire encouraged

New Session Start - Tuesday 25th April 2017

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Hey swing kids! Join Lindy Hop on the Rock for the Winter session of swing dance lessons. Learn to dance, meet new friends, and have fun!

Preregistration opens on Wednesday, April 5 atwww.lindyhopontherock.com/registration/ 
SAVE 25% on class admission if you preregister!

WHERE
The Landing @ MUN, UC 2018

WHEN
Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration on the first day of class!
Classes take place every TUESDAY for 6 consecutive weeks, from Tuesday April 25th to May 30th. Each class is 70 minutes.

Registration: 8:00pm - 8:20pm (1st day of class only)
Beginner A & B class: 8:20pm
Intermediate class: 6:50pm (1st day of class only)
Social dance: 9:20pm ($3 entry fee, free when you register)

PRICE
$40/6 weeks of class ($30 if you preregister.)

PAYMENT
Registration fees must be PAID IN FULL at the beginning of the FIRST CLASS of each new session of classes. A registration table will be present at front entrance of the Landing where you can confirm pre-registration and discounted payment, or register at the door.

PAYMENT METHODS
-Lindy Hop on the Rock accepts payments by the following methods:
-Cash (at the door only)
-e-Transfers sent to lindyhopontherock@gmail.com (visit the pre-registration page for more information)

For more information about us check out www.lindyhopontherock.com or follow us on Twitter @lindyhoponrock. Contact us by email at lindyhopontherock@gmail.com

New Session Start - Tuesday February 28th

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Hey swing kids! Join Lindy Hop on the Rock for the Winter session of swing dance lessons. Learn to dance, meet new friends, and have fun!

Preregistration opens on Tuesday, February 14 at http://www.lindyhopontherock.com/registration/ 
SAVE 25% on class admission if you preregister!

WHERE
The Landing @ MUN, UC 2018

WHEN
Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration on the first day of class!
Classes take place every TUESDAY for 6 consecutive weeks, from Tuesday February 28th to April 4th. Each class is 70 minutes.

Registration: 8:00pm - 8:20pm (1st day of class only)
Beginner A & B class: 8:20pm
Intermediate class: 6:50pm
Social dance: 9:20pm ($3 entry fee, free when you register)

PRICE
$40/6 weeks of class ($30 if you preregister.)

PAYMENT
Registration fees must be PAID IN FULL at the beginning of the FIRST CLASS of each new session of classes. A registration table will be present at front entrance of the Landing where you can confirm pre-registration and discounted payment, or register at the door.

PAYMENT METHODS
-Lindy Hop on the Rock accepts payments by the following methods:
-Cash (at the door only)
-e-Transfers sent to lindyhopontherock@gmail.com (visit the pre-registration page for more information)

For more information about us check out www.lindyhopontherock.com or follow us on Twitter @lindyhoponrock. Contact us by email at lindyhopontherock@gmail.com

PractiSwing - Friday 17th February

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A chance to practice your swing dance in an informal environment. It's not a class or necessarily social dancing, but a comfortable in-between. You can work on the things you've already learned and want to improve, share some new moves, play!

We'll provide the space and the music, and there'll be at least one experienced dancer to host and answer questions.

For beginners, we have a half-hour beginner lesson promptly at the start. This class will be a standalone class, and will work for people totally new to Lindy Hop as well as those in a beginner class already.

February 17
Admission $3
7:30 pm-10:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, MMMap Room, 2nd floor

PractiSwing - Friday 3rd February

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A chance to practice your swing dance in an informal environment. It's not a class or necessarily social dancing, but a comfortable in-between. You can work on the things you've already learned and want to improve, share some new moves, play!

We'll provide the space and the music, and there'll be at least one experienced dancer to host and answer questions.

For beginners, we have a half-hour beginner lesson promptly at the start. This class will be a standalone class, and will work for people totally new to Lindy Hop as well as those in a beginner class already.

February 3, Friday
Admission $3
7:30 pm-10:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, MMMap Room, 2nd floor

Fabulous 4! Dance - Friday 20th January

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We are turning 4! Come out and celebrate with us! Have a ball dancing the night away, all for FREE!!! There will be cake and even swing games. Kick up your heels and cut a rug as we cheer another year. Please invite any swing dancers that you know and/or that have danced with us currently or in the past. Everyone is invited! 

Fantastic 4! Celebrate our birthday! 
Friday, January 20, 2017
7:30-11:00 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, MMMap Room, 2nd Floor
FREE!

PractiSwing - Friday 6th January

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A chance to practice your swing dance in an informal environment. It's not a class or necessarily social dancing, but a comfortable in-between. You can work on the things you've already learned and want to improve, share some new moves, play!

We'll provide the space and the music, and there'll be at least one experienced dancer to host and answer questions.

For beginners, we have a half-hour beginner lesson promptly at the start. This class will be a standalone class, and will work for people totally new to Lindy Hop as well as those in a beginner class already.

January 6th
Admission $3
7:30 pm-10:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, MMMap Room, 2nd floor

New Session Start - Tuesday 10th January 2017

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Hey swing kids! Join Lindy Hop on the Rock for the Winter session of swing dance lessons. Learn to dance, meet new friends, and have fun!

Preregistration opens on Wednesday, December 28 at www.lindyhopontherock.com/registration/ 
SAVE 25% on class admission if you preregister!

WHERE
The Landing @ MUN, UC 2018

WHEN
Please arrive 10 minutes early for registration on the first day of class!
Classes take place every TUESDAY for 6 consecutive weeks, from Tuesday January 10th to February 14th. Each class is 70 minutes.
Registration: 8:00pm - 8:20pm
Beginner A & B class: 8:20pm
Intermediate class: 6:50pm
Social dance: 9:20pm ($3 entry fee, free when you register)

PRICE
$40/6 weeks of class ($30 if you preregister.)

PAYMENT
Registration fees must be PAID IN FULL at the beginning of the FIRST CLASS of each new session of classes. A registration table will be present at front entrance of the Landing where you can confirm pre-registration and discounted payment, or register at the door.

PAYMENT METHODS
-Lindy Hop on the Rock accepts payments by the following methods:
-Cash (at the door only)
-e-Transfers sent to lindyhopontherock@gmail.com (visit the pre-registration page for more information)

PractiSwing - Friday 16th December

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A chance to practice your swing dance in an informal environment. It's not a class or necessarily social dancing, but a comfortable in-between. You can work on the things you've already learned and want to improve, share some new moves, play!

We'll provide the space and the music, and there'll be at least one experienced dancer to host and answer questions.

For beginners, we have a half-hour beginner lesson promptly at the start. This class will be a standalone class, and will work for people totally new to Lindy Hop as well as those in a beginner class already.

Friday, December 16
Admission $3
7:30 pm-10:30 pm
Arts and Culture Centre, MMMap Room, 2nd floor