Adult and Teen Workshops

Photo by Dan Crawford

Solo Jazz Workshop

Authentic solo jazz refers to dances developed in Black communities in the United States in the early 20th century, including in Harlem, New York City, during the swing era of the late 1920s to early 1940s. Today, solo jazz refers to dancing without a partner. However, solo jazz steps are also an important aspect of partnered swing dancing, including in the Lindy Hop. In this workshop, we will cover basic solo jazz steps, such as fish tails, knee slaps, Suzy Qs, and more. We will also discuss musicality, phrasing, and improvisation, time permitting. Both beginning and experienced dancers are welcome..

A note on shoes: Shuyi recommends comfortable shoes with a small amount of traction, but not too much. Light sneakers usually work well. Avoid wearing shoes with overly-high heels, stiff boots, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes that are not secure on your feet. Participants should feel free to bring more than one pair of shoes to try out on the floor.

Summer Session 2023
Saturday, June 24, 230-4:30pm REGISTER NOW FOR JUNE 24 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Shuyi Oei
Fee: $22 per person

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Argentine Tango (for Pairs)

Join us in a 2 hour deep dive into Argentinian Tango. Learn the various key elements, including: the embrace, simple linear and rotational movement, and hearing the difference between the 3 major rhythms of a typical social dance. While this is a lead and follow dance style, people of all genders can lead and follow (just not at the same time!).  Tango is a very open, accepting and friendly dance for every walk of life.  Dance shoes are preferred, but socks are fine to learn the basic movement.  Rubber soled shoes are not recommended. This class is for pairs; please register both participants.

Summer Session 2023
Sunday, June 25, 3:00-5:00 pm REGISTER NOW FOR JUNE 25 WORKSHOP

Sunday, July 16, 3:00-5:00 pm REGISTER NOW FOR JULY 16 WORKSHOP

Sunday, Aug 13, 3:00-5:00pm REGISTER NOW FOR AUGUST 13 WORKSHOP

Instructor: John Singletary
Fee: $44/pair (Please register both members of the pair. Single person registrations are not possible)

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Let’s House!

This beginner/intermediate teen/adult workshop will cover the history, dance technique/styling of House Dance. Participants will learn House steps and choreography that will culminate to a class “House Party”. Open levels; no prior experience necessary! Check out a video clip of Teacher Ife Michelle Presswood showcasing some House steps: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ZU0-IHExEdrB2aWVVagaesqnp0Zhg4i/view?usp=sharing

Summer Session 2023
Saturday, July 8, 2:30-4:00 pm REGISTER NOW FOR JULY 8 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Ife Michelle Presswood
Fee: $20

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Peruvian Festejo Workshop

Peruvian Festejo is one of the most popular dances in Peru. Its an Afro-Peruvian dance which means “to celebrate.” It’s a courtship and festive dance from African origin and influence that were introduced by descendants from African slaves that were brought to Peru back in the early 1700’s. This dance re-emerged in the 1960’s as what we know today as “Festejo” which is an energetic and joyful dance. It’s also become a widespread genre for Afro-Peruvian musical artists.

Comfortable, light tennis shoes are best. Socks can also work. Nice, but optional: A long and flowing skirt is the traditional attire (loose, so as to not restrict movement). See video for examples. Check out this video clip to get a feel for the style: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TKzzJZupM-ksqRy_HYDlnhSJT3zjFYe7/view?usp=sharing

Summer Session 2023
Saturday, July 15, 230-4:30pm REGISTER NOW FOR JULY 15 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Cristal Chinchayan
Fee: $22

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Femme 101

Summer Session 2023
Description coming soon!

Saturday, July 29, 2:30-4:30 REGISTER NOW FOR JULY 29 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Otto Nelson
Fee: $22/person

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Line Dancing Workshop

Line dancing teaches fun, easy-to-learn choreography, danced as a group and in lines. This workshop will focus on soul music, including rhythm and blues and hip-hop. All levels are welcome.

Summer Session 2023
Saturday, Aug 5, 2:30-4:00 pmREGISTER NOW FOR AUG 5 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Nykki Sims
Fee: $20

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Lindy Hop Workshop

The Lindy Hop was developed in the Black community to jazz music in Harlem, New York in the 1920s and 1930s during the Harlem Renaissance, and was danced in the Harlem ballrooms, most famously the Savoy Ballroom. The dance still has a large and active following throughout the world today. There are other swing dances out there, but virtually all of them evolved out of the patterns and rhythms of the Lindy Hop. In this workshop, we will cover the fundamental movements and moves of the Lindy Hop, such as the 6-count and 8-count basic steps, the swing out, the Lindy Circle, and some turns and variations. We will also briefly explore musicality, partnered connection, and the history of the dance.

We are experimenting with allowing single registrations for this workshop. Lindy Hop is danced in pairs, with a designated “leader” and “follower” roles. Please choose the registration link for either LEAD or FOLLOW to help us ensure we have complementary pairings (any person can do either role!). Pairs of all kinds are warmly invited and it is possible to only dance with your invited partner, if you prefer. Students should be 13+, please.

A note on shoes: Shuyi recommends comfortable shoes with a small amount of traction, but not too much. Light sneakers usually work well. Avoid wearing shoes with overly-high heels, stiff boots, flip-flops, or other open-toed shoes that are not secure on your feet. Participants should feel free to bring more than one pair of shoes to try out on the floor.

Summer Session 2023
Saturday, August 12, 230-4:30pm REGISTER NOW AS LEAD ROLE FOR AUG 12 WORKSHOP REGISTER NOW IN FOLLOW ROLE FOR AUG 12 WORKSHOP

Instructor: Shuyi Oei
Fee: $22 per person. Please register as a LEAD or FOLLOW

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