Swing dance review
Hi Decathlon Dancers!
It was great working with you during the month of July – I hope you had a fun time learning different kinds of swing. We covered quite a lot, single time swing:
with lots of side, side, rock steps. This is a review of all the different steps we did for single time swing, categorized by which hand position it begins with. Thanks to my demo buddies for being brave!
triple time swing (also called East Coast swing):
with lots of triple step, triple step, rock step. We did get into a few variations (like the mooch) that change this rhythmic pattern, but for the most part if the lady follows the basic rhythm it will all work out! I also talked a little about what the hips and ribs should do for the proper “body action” for triple step swing, see here:
this body action can help the leader communicate to the follow when and where to go. And it can make your swing look better, too!
and even a little West Coast swing:
I can’t believe you guys learned so much in just 30 minutes of West Coast Swing!! This is a great dance but takes a sensitive connection to make it feel good, so ladys – make sure you’re moving all the way into the push and pull, and leaders, use your body weight instead of your arms to move yourself and give her directions.
I’m looking forward to seeing you next week for salsa!
Let me know if you have any questions left over about these swing steps – see you soon.
Intermediate Swing Steps
July is rolling along and we’re doing a lot of new swing steps in our Decathlon class.
Here are the intermediate steps we’ve covered:
Note that because the class is a small group, I am able to tailor the steps to each person or couple in class. There are some dancers who are new to swing who are not learning these steps yet. But because we have a small group and an hour and a half to work with, I can also give these steps to the more intermediate level dancers.
Next month will be salsa – sign up with Jenny now!
Swing steps to Tolouse Stomp
First off, shouts out to Rob and Diane, two great swing dance teachers who used to the premiere swing champs in this area. Sadly for the SF Bay Area, they’ve moved down to Santa Barbara. However, while they were up here they choreographed some steps to this song, the Tolouse Stomp.
We’re doing a modified version in “Around the World” class:
And here are the steps with the music:
If you want to go out swing dancing here, check out the classes at Swing Central or Lindy in the Park. Swing Central offers traditional classes and parties in Redwood City, while Lindy in the Park is a free outdoor event on Sundays in San Francisco’s Golden Gate park. See you there!
New Ballroom Format at Decathlon Club
If you would like to learn some ballroom dancing, come on out to Decathlon Club on Thursday evenings at 8 pm. For the past year we’ve been offering beginning level sampler series.
However, in June we are changing the format of the class. Each month will feature one dance style. You’ll have 4 or 5 weeks to work on just that dance, with lots of time to learn cool steps, review old steps, and over all “get it”!
I think this is really going to help beginning dancers turn into intermediate level dancers, and for intermediate dancers to have somewhere to grow as well!
June we will be doing waltz (got to get ready for all those summer weddings).
July we will be learning swing (All American dance for the 4rth of July).
August will feature salsa (Hot dance for a hot month).
Please email me if you would like to register, space is limited. You do not need a partner or ballroom dance experience to join the class. If you register at least one week ahead of time, I will make sure the class is gender balanced (ie I will bring in extra female or male students to balance an imbalance we have).
This is a great opportunity to have some fun, learn some cool dance steps, and meet some new friends at the Decathlon Club. You do not need to be a member of the Club to enjoy this class! So bring your friends – all are welcome!
