Introduction to lindy hop (swing)

A great way to stay healthy, meet people and enjoy music and movement. Learn the basics of this fun and energetic, lead and follow, partner dance that evolved during the swing era of the 1940s-50s.

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Key course information

Dates
16/09/11 - 21/10/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
16:00 - 17:30

Fees
Full fee: £50
Senior fee: £28
Concession: £27

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DD074

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

Lindy hop, or swing dancing, is a fun, energetic and improvisational partner dance that evolved in America in the late 1920s from the Charleston and early solo jazz dances. The predecessor to the jive and rock and roll, danced in the 1950s, lindy hop is a lead-and-follow dance, danced to early jazz and music from the big-band swing era of the 1930s-40s. Lindy hop has been enjoying a revival since the early 1980s and is now one of the most popular forms of social partner dancing across the world today.

What topics will we cover?

Basic repertoire of partnered moves; lead-and-follow technique and ‘connection’ with your partner; musicality and dancing ‘to the music’; improvisation; and body awareness.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Lead and follow a dance with a partner.
Dance socially with confidence to a range of music.
Understand basic steps and figures in order to build upon these and improve your own dancing.
Have confidence in dancing with musicality and using improvisation.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Beginner level. No previous dance experience necessary. No partner is required as we will rotate partners in class. Basic level of fitness is required but the dance is not strenuous.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Follow spoken instructions
• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

As a group, with individual attention as needed. No work is required outside of the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Flat, flexible but supportive shoes are usually most comfortable with not too much grip on the sole to allow ease of movement on the floor (turning etc.).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Summer Lindy Hop.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.