Which class level is right for me?
The same topics will be covered in each lesson level, but the pace and difficulty will vary. Additionally, the difficulty of each class will increase throughout the lesson set, so don't worry if the first lesson seems like review. Please be thoughtful in your assessment, as choosing the correct class will help ensure that both you and your fellow students get the most out of the experience.
Level I - Register for Level I if you do not have much/any experience with Lindy Hop, or if you have learned the basics but have not danced for very long, or haven't danced recently and want a good review. Level I classes will give you a great foundation, starting with basic footwork and good leading and following technique and then branching out into new moves and musicality.
Level II - Register for Level II if you are very comfortable executing basic Lindy moves (must have mastered the swing-out) and are familiar with good lead-follow technique. At least one year of experience (that is, actively dancing for one year) or equivalent is strongly recommended. Level II classes will help students expand and refine basic moves and technique and then build with new moves and musicality.
Building/Refining the Basics - This class will give Level I students a solid foundation in the basic movements of the dance with an emphasis on good lead and follow technique. Level II students will build on basic moves, such as the swing out, refining technique and adding in variations.
Fun Moves and Tricks - Add some fun new moves, dips, and other tricks to your dance vocabulary! These moves will be socially leadable, so you can look hot executing them on the floor.
Musicality and Creativity - Dancing is more than just moving your feet to the beat. Learn how to inject your own style and personal expression of the song into your dancing.
Picking Up the Pace w/Charleston - Learn how to maintain control at faster tempos and incorporate Charleston movements into your dancing.
Peter Strom
In the past five years, Peter Strom has become a pillar of the national Lindy Hop scene. He first learned to Lindy Hop on the social dance floor and quickly moved onto local and then national competitions, garnering such titles as 2000, 2001 and 2003 American Lindy Hop Champion, 2002 and 2003 North Atlantic Dance Champion, and 2003 New York Lindy Hop Open Champion (taking 1st place in both the Champions Strictly Lindy and Invitational Jack & Jill divisions). He has been teaching on the national circuit now for 3 years and has taught weekend workshops all over the country, as well as at national camps such as Lindy U, the Great Southwest Lindyfest and Beantown. Outside of the States, Peter has taught in Sweden and as far as Singapore, and this year he will be teaching at the Montpellier Swing Festival in France. His love of social dancing drives his teaching and in his classes Peter focuses on technique as the path to creating dancing that flows easily from the music and between both partners. (Bio from Lindymovement.com)
Danielle Eley
[Danielle is an awesome dancer from Houston and is a Carleton student. She is a 2000 and 2002 American Lindy Hop Champion. Her bio is coming soon.]
Jason Zabinski
Five years ago Jason took a swing dance class as a favor for a friend. When the class was over he never looked back. Jason has gone on to learn whatever he has been given an opportunity to, including: Balboa, Shag, Carolina Shag, Charleston and Jazz movement. He has traveled to New York to perform with Lindy Movement at Frankie Manning’s 88th Birthday celebration and at the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival. Jason’s particular style of Lindy-Hop focuses on intense lead and follow techniques. As a teacher he tries to bring his enthusiasm and joy of movement to his students. Jason's theory is that although you may be in a class to learn moves and technique, dancing is first and foremost FUN! (Bio from Lindymovement.com)
Karen Turman
[Karen is an awesome dancer from the Twin Cities. She was one of the winners in the 2005 Cat's Corner Competition (regional qualifier for the American Lindy Hop Championships). Her bio is coming soon.]