How often do lessons meet?
Lessons are once a week for 6 weeks. We try to schedule sessions so that
the six lessons are uninterupted by holidays.
How do I sign up?
There is no "pre-sign-up". Just show up at the first lesson (or second if you
can't make the first) to enroll in the class.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are held at various locations on the University of Illinois
campus. We try to schedule things such that the same lessons meets at
the same time and the same place everyweek. Check for the Lesson
Schedule or the calendar for a particular class's places and times.
When do I pay for lessons?
Pay at the first lesson in either cash or check. The cost is typically
$25 for six lessons, or $20 if you've taken a class with us before. All
proceeds are used to buffer the cost of bringing in bands and promote
society functions. After all, what good are lessons if you don't get a
chance to show off your new moves?
Do I need a partner?
No. The instructors rotate partners regularly to insure proper lead and
follow techniques are established.
What if I have a partner and don't want to switch?
You can do that too. We won't force you to switch partners, but it has
been our experience that partners who don't rotate take more time
learning moves, don't dance as well to the music, and tend to drag the
class behind.
What should I wear?
This is just a class so wear something comfortable and not restraining.
Now remember, you're going to be moving around a lot, so wear something
breathable. Jeans might be a little heavy and can get hot and sticky
quick. Wear shoes that are comfortable. Sandals, chunky boots, and
platform shoes are not comfortable to dance in. An athletic shoe you can
spin in does nicely. As a courtesy to our hosts, please make sure shoes
have non-marking soles.
What is the difference between Swing and Lindy Hop?
Lindy Hop is the original swing dance born in Harlem circa late 1920s.
It's mainly made up of eight-count moves, but some six count moves can
sneak in. The Lindy is a partner jazz dance, based on improvisation and is
widely danced throughout the world today. Lindy Hop is more challenging
than six-count Swing, but is oh-so-very much more rewarding. The Swing,
also known as six-count or East Coast Swing, is the six-count variation
of the Lindy. It is simpler than Lindy, making it perfect for beginning dancers.
What class should I take?
If you have little or no dance experience, we would suggest Beginning
Swing. If you have taken a Beginning Swing course with us or another
swing organization, and you feel comfortable to move on, try Intermediate
Swing. If you have a firm understanding of lead/follow, frame/form,
style, posture, and technique of the Swing dance, try Beg. Lindy Hop. If
you are comfortable with the basic Lindy Hop movements such as the
swingout, the swingout to closed position (circle), and the swingout to
open position, try Intermediate Lindy.
Are classes going to cover the same stuff as previous sessions?
Yes and no. The Beginning classes will be much of the same, because the
basics stay the same. The Beginning classes will not be identical,
though, to the ones last session. The Int. classes are designed to be
taken two or three times. Some of the moves may be the same, only with a
different variation for example, but totally new moves and footwork will
be taught. Even though I say "moves" a lot, dancing to the music and
improving lead/follow roles will also be stressed. Don't forget, swing
dancing is a partner dance which means being able to walk up to any
guy/girl and dance without having some silly choreographed routine memorized.