LINDY SMILE
We bring Lindy Hop to the World
SWING DANCE
Is a vintage partner dance that evolved in Harlem in the Savoy ballroom in the 1930s during the Big Band heyday. Today, the term “Swing” encompasses styles such as East Coast Swing, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Shag, Balboa, Blues and probably a few other evolving forms.
Swing (Jitterbug) is also a wonderful dance form in all it's versions that fits all types of music, personalities, finances etc. Calling yourself a swing dancer means you can at least do the basics in many forms of swing and a few well. So learn to swing dance whatever style, you're unique and your dances should be varied and your style should represent your knowledge of dance that other, newer dancers (and they are the majority) don't possess, and not limited to only one.
However you will eventually find you like them all and soon you will understand the importance of them all as well as understand why there are different styles to begin with. So enjoy them and mainly smile, laugh and have fun.
Charleston
The Charleston is a dance that became popular in the 1920’s, during the era of jazz music, speakeasies and Flappers. The Charleston was danced to ragtime jazz music in a quick-paced 4/4 time rhythm, the dance quickly become a craze around the world. It was a physical representation of the uninhibited enthusiasm many of the young people of that generation wanted to express.
The Charleston dance can be danced solo, with a partner, or in a group. While there are many variations on the dance, the basic steps involve kicking the legs and swinging the arms. The Charleston is done with large, loose motions in four basic steps. The arms also play a large role in the Charleston and move in the opposite direction to the legs.
Did you know that the Charleston dance was banned from many dance halls during the 1920’s because it was too scandalous and exuberant?
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is a very happy social dance ;)
Partners are connected smoothly and gently to each other, while relating closely to the music, in feeling, improvisation and phrasing.
It is an unabashedly joyful dance, with a solid, flowing style that closely reflects its music, from the late 20's hot Jazz to the early 40's Big Bands.
The embracing hold, and the turns from Europe, the breakaway and solid, earthy body posture from Africa.
If you want to have fun... You have to try it!
Blues Dance
Is an American vernacular dance with a rich history growing up along side jazz, blues and swing music.
If you like Blues music, you will love to dance it!
In essence, it is a street dance, with its
own lexicon that dancers use to communicate with their partners as they interpret the soulful blues music that’s such a rich part Chicago’s history. Learning to Blues dance is a great way to begin partner dance as the emphasis is on connection and musicality rather than footwork or complex patterns.
You’ll be dancing by the end of your first class.