Solo swing and jive: beginners
Time: 11:45 - 13:15
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: DDM042
- Dates: 13/01/24 - 10/02/24
- Time: 11:45 - 13:15
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rosaria Sativa
Course Code: DDM042
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will learn original retro party dances such as the Shim–Sham, 50s Strolls, the Electric Slide, the Twist and other group dances. Part of the course will give an insight into social dancing etiquette and solo dancing, space awareness, improvisation skills. Each class will include a circle dance and freestyle session. The course is fun, a great all-round body workout, and an excuse to dress up in your favourite vintage attire!
What will we cover?
- warm up and stretch, foot work exercises, upper body posture and arms
- basic foot-work sequences and steps of authentic jazz dancing and Rhythm & Blues Strolls, progressing to faster pace flick kicks and turns for jive and Rock ’n' Roll dances.
- solo dance sequences and formation group dances with the jazz sound of big bands and rhythm & blues
- history and origin of social group ances such as swing, 40s-style jive rock’n’roll, modern jive and the Twist.
The last class of the course will have a retro party atmosphere focusing on freestyle and performing the group dances in a fun and inclusive environment. All welcome to wear their best vintage style outfit.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Demonstrate learning solo dance styles and group party dances
• Perform the Shim Sham, 50s Stroll and the Elettric Slide dance routines
• Confidently use Swing & Jive steps in solo dancing contexts.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners class but all are welcome. No dance partner is needed to enjoy this course.
A beginners dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginners dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
- Follow spoken instructions in English
- Use numbers to recognise musical phrasing within dance.
- Work within groups and pairs safely.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There is no work outside the class. The course will be taught verbally, through demonstration and with the use of music. The teacher may video record parts of this session for assessment purpose.
HEALTH CHECK
You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please wear clothing that does not restrict your movement and allows you to adapt to changes in your body temperature. The classes are best undertaken in jazz shoes or comfortable shoes with non-grip sole.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue with this class or try one of our many other dance courses.
Rosaria di Giovanni Sativa: Charleston, swing and jive dance tutor Born in Italy and resident in London, Rosaria studied at the Laban Centre for Movement & Dance and at the London Contemporary Dance School. On completion of her training she established herself as a versatile and dedicated dancer, choreographer and teacher. Her great passion for authentic jazz and retro social dances such as swing, Lindy hop and Charleston brought her to study and work with many world famous dance artists such as Frankie Manning, Chazz Young, Chester Withmore and Norma Miller. With good practical ability in music and a variety of dance styles and techniques, Rosaria is one of the most versatile dance artists working in London today. As a dance teacher, Rosaria has experience in both community and professional settings, with the ability to teach to all ages, motivating and encouraging all students to succeed and be passionate about the many benefit of dancing. Rosaria have been teaching at City Lit since 2012, and currently teaches Charleston and Swing and Jive Solo courses.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
