Honestly, learning Lindy Hop isn't quite as easy to learn as the "club" dancing most people are familiar with — learning Lindy Hop requires an investment of time. It's not like what's seen on "So You Think You Can Dance" or "Dancing With The Stars". Not everyone learns at the same pace, nor in the same fashion.

I'll help you achieve at YOUR pace, not mine. It's far more important for my students to feel comfortable doing just one movement then struggling to grasp everything! I believe that once you're comfortable with that one movement, you can then move on, comfortably, to more movements. My goal is for you to have FUN while learning.

Review my schedule by selecting "Teaching Calendar" in the sidebar.

Click the titles below for detailed information.

Lesson Plans

I advise first-time dancers that I believe it takes four consecutive weeks of lessons to begin to feel comfortable with the movements, and by the fifth week things are making sense. With Lindy, you're training your body to move in an, initially, unnatural way with a partner holding your hand, and then coupled with keeping time to the music!

Learning to dance isn't about memorizing dance patterns, it's about training your muscle memory — the same as learning how to walk, tie your shoes, or ride a bike. Repetition is the key! My classes start with the Basic movement (a.k.a. a Swingout) and building every week by adding in a new movement or two.

Determining when you're ready to advance to Intermediate level lessons is tough. I suggest waiting until you're comfortable executing (not bored, because boredom can happen quickly) most of the Beginner-level movements first. This minimizes your potential frustration and thereby, helps you learn faster.

Beginner-level

Focused on teaching the Basic Lindy Hop movement (a.k.a. the Swingout) and approximately 15 fundamental, building-block movements used in Lindy Hop. Attention is given to defining your social dancing skills and enhancing your fun when dancing TO the music and dancing WITH your partner. Each week you refine your Lead or Follow skills through fun, easily executable and improvisional movements. You'll strengthen, naturally, the tools and framework YOU need to grow your fun of the dance. With patience and just a bit of practice, every student WILL dance comfortably at the end of the session.
If you've NEVER taken a dance lesson or if you've had East or West Coast Swing lessons, but not Lindy lessons, I recommend starting with here.

Intermediate-Level

Improve your connection and frame by breaking down 4 positions/techniques where approximately 16 movements are Leadable/Followable. Get a better understanding of how to move WITH the music. Expand your improvisational dance skills through movements that "work" because the Lead and Follow are "connected". Strengthen your muscle memory through consistent placement of your hands and the positioning of your weight in relation to your partner's weight.
If you've taken any Lindy Hop lessons previously, this might be the level for you.

Partnering Skills

Strengthen the connection and frame techniques used in Lindy Hop. You will improve your musicality, learn how to avoid mishaps on a crowded dance floor, and get tools & tips to make to your partner smile. This class has very few defined "moves/movements", as the concentration is on learning and understanding how your weight can AND does change what you and your partner do while dancing.
I recommend this for dancers of all skill levels. This has something for everyone.

Class Structure

It's impossible to cram everything taught in any class into your memory, and then have hopes of performing it expertly. Everything learned is through repetition. We'll repeat A LOT!
I ask all students to rotate partners. Dancing is a social activity and it's important to be comfortable dancing with several people, not just one person.
FRIDAY TURNVEREIN CLASSES: The first half hour always covers the Basic (Swingout) movement, and each week a new movement or two is added so you will gradually growing your "library" of movements.
SATURDAY DANCE FUSION CLASSES: Each series presents a common "theme" or movement. Rather than bombarding students with movement after movement, students learn more about the variations that are possible from a single movement - thereby giving more "options" when dancing and doesn't overload your brain.

Dance Lesson Etiquette

Look at your partner, not the floor or the surrounding area! This is a PARTNER DANCE and remember you're dancing with someone!!
Remember that it's "only" a dance, so there's no reason to be critical of yourself or your partner. It's far more important to work towards having fun with each other.
Always acknowledge and apologize whenever you or your partner bumps into someone, even if the other dancers "caused" the bump. Then always ask your partner if they are okay.
During classes it can be helpful to provide small amounts of KIND criticism, but NEVER offer on the social dance floor unless you're asked.
NEVER tell your classmates or partners that they are doing "it" wrong. Even experienced dancers have to adjust and learn how to dance with their new partners.
Remember that people learn at different paces. You may immediately understand a concept, others may need to practice it several times.
Leads should ALWAYS dance at the skill level of their partner, NEVER above it!

Friday Turnverein Classes

Progressive introductory classes
taught at the level of the majority of the class.
Every Friday at 7:00 pm
NO PARTNER REQUIRED!
(see map below for directions)

• Beginner @ the Turnverein - FREE
• Intermediate @ the Turnverein - $5

Click here to see who is teaching & DJing this week.
Comparing these to the other classes I offer:

Pros: A great way to try out Lindy Hop out (the beginner lesson is always FREE), no partner required, with rotating teams of teachers and styles, and venue has a dance immediately following the lessons.
Cons: Classes are drop-in so there are always more first time dancers, thereby a slower learning pace & curve.

Saturday Dance Fusion Classes

4-week progressive classes
Beginner & Intermediate classes
Saturdays 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
NO PARTNER REQUIRED!
(see map below for directions)

• Intermediate @ 4:00 pm - $45.00; $12.00 walk-in
• Beginner @ 5:00 pm - $45.00; $6.00 walk-in
• Practica @ 6:00 pm- FREE to enrolled students; $2.00 walk-in

Click here for detailed information on these classes.
Comparing these to the other classes I offer:

Pros: A great way expand your Lindy Hop knowledge, no partner required. Each week students have the chance to work on the concepts and movements at the hour long dance/practica that immediately follows the Beginner class.
Cons: None.

Private Lessons

Custom tailored instruction and feedback

• $45/Hour - For 1 to 4 People

Comparing these to the other classes I offer:

Pros: Personalized, flexible scheduling, discounts offered with multiple bookings
Cons: None