Curriculum
Our class structure allows for a beginner with little or no
experience to start off with our Beginner level and continuously
progress to a higher level, eventually reaching our Advanced level
of classes. Generally, each class series is four weeks long, with
one class per week, and is scheduled to begin the first week of the
month.
Groove Juice Swing teaches classes in all of the major swing
dance styles of the Jazz Era, including Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz,
Charleston, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and more! We recommend that
new students start with our Beginner level even if you've learned
other styles of swing dance elsewhere. As you move through the
rotation of your classes, you will get all the essential experience
and moves you need to get out on the dance floor and feel confident
in your dancing.
Beginner Level
Our Beginner level consists of a cycle of four rotating class
topics designed to teach you the fundamental steps and movements of
Lindy Hop and Charleston. If this is your first time taking classes
with us, simply sign up for the upcoming beginner level class
series. There is no order to the cycle, and all of the topics are
taught to be accessible to new dancers from week one. Once you've
taken each of the topics at least once, you're ready to move on to
the Improver level.
Students taking Beginner level classes also receive free entry
into Lindy Jam for any week in which they are taking class. We
highly encourage you to take advantage of this perk - social
dancing is the best way to lock in the skills you learn in class!
See the Package
Deal page for more information on discounted Beginner level
package offerings.
Improver Level
Our Improver level consists of a cycle of six rotating class
topics that will hone your technique, expand your vocabulary of
moves, and explore concepts such as musicality and creativity.
There is no order to the cycle, and all of the topics are taught to
be accessible to dancers who have completed the Beginner level.
Once you've taken each of the topics at least once, you're ready to
move on to the Intermediate level.
See the Package Deal page for more information on
discounted Improver level package offerings.
Intermediate Level
Our Intermediate level classes are designed for Lindy Hoppers
with at least 1 year of experience. Unlike our Beginner and
Improver classes, there is no set rotation of topics at the
Intermediate level. From Solo Jazz to Tap Dance, Charleston to
Balboa, Slow Dancing to Lindy Hop, there is a wide world of swing
dancing that can be explored through focused classes and social
dancing. Class topics include connection, musicality, partnership,
rhythm, moves repertoire, choreography, and more!
Other Classes
Groove Juice also offers other classes that may vary in level
and topic. These include classic solo jazz routines, dance and jazz
music history classes, and dance styles such as Balboa and
Collegiate Shag. The prerequisites (if any) will be listed in the
class description.
Not sure which level is for you?
See the chart below for a summary of the typical experience and
skill requirements for the different class levels. If you're still
not sure, feel free to contact us with an explanation of your dance
experience and background and we'll be happy to provide a
recommendation!
| Class Level |
Years of Lindy Hop Experience |
Skill Prerequisites |
| Beginner |
0 - 4 months |
Be a human! |
| Improver |
4 months - 1 year |
- Know 6 and 8 count Lindy Hop footwork and how to execute basic
partnered moves.
- Know Charleston footwork and how to execute basic partnered
moves.
- Know the Swingout.
|
| Intermediate |
1+ year(s) |
- Be comfortable mixing 6 and 8 count footwork and moves with a
partner on the social dance floor.
- Be comfortable leading/following the swingout on the social
dance floor.
- Be comfortable integrating Charleston with Lindy Hop on the
social dance floor.
- Be comfortable dancing in connections other than open and
closed, such as sweetheart, cuddle, cross hands, and linked
arms.
- Know vernacular solo jazz moves and how to integrate them into
your partner dancing.
- Understand musicality concepts such as phrases and song
structure.
|
What if I Miss a Rotating Topic?
If you are taking the Beginner or Improver level classes and
miss a topic, there are several options to continue learning while
waiting for the next class session of the missed topic:
- Re-take classes of the same level in the same role (lead or
follow) for half the listed price.
- Take classes in the opposite role at the skill level
appropriate for you.
- Take classes without a level requirement, if available.
- Talk to an instructor to see if you meet the prerequisites for
upcoming classes in the next level. This is dependent on the topic
you missed and the content of the upcoming class, and is subject to
instructor approval.
Example: Al has completed three of the four Beginner level
classes as a lead, but missed the Swingout! series because he was
out of town. The next Swingout! class series doesn't start for two
months. Al talks with his instructor about upcoming Improver level
classes he might be able to take. The next two Improver topics are
Intro to Solo Jazz and Musicality. The instructor agrees that Al
can take Intro to Solo Jazz, but the Musicality class will expect
students to know the swingout. Al decides to take the Improver
level Intro to Solo Jazz series the first month, re-takes the
Beginner level Goovin' in 8 series as a lead the second month, and
then takes Swingout! the third month to complete the set of
Beginner level classes. Al is now ready to move on to Improver
level for good!
Social Dancing
Another essential part of your Lindy Hop education is social
dancing! You can learn a lot in class, but if you don't put it into
practice it won't have a chance to sink in. The best place to
practice is at our weekly dance, Lindy Jam.
Private Lessons
We also offer private and small group lessons. Private lessons
are an especially valuable way to learn, as they allow you to work
directly with an instructor at a pace that is perfect for you.
If you have any other questions about our classes, please read
our FAQ or contact us.