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 that happens quickly) with all the Beginner-level movements first. This minimizes your potential frustration and thereby, helps you learn faster.
Click here for my teaching schedule.
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.
If you've taken any Lindy Hop lessons previously, this might be the level for you.
I recommend this for dancers of all skill levels. This has something for everyone.
- 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.
- 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.
- The first hour of my CFU class focuses on instruction and the last half hour is dance practice. This allows you to immediately put any new movements into practial use. The first half hour of the Turnverein class covers the Basic (Swingout).
- 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!
Progressive introductory classes
taught at the level of the majority
of the class.
Every
Friday at 7:00 pm
•
Beginner @ the Turnverein
(see
map below for directions)
-
FREE
• Intermediate @ the
Turnverein
(see
map below for directions)
-
$5
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, venue has a
dance immediately following the
lesson, rotating teams of teachers
and styles.
Cons:
Classes are drop-in so there are
always more first time dancers,
thereby a slower learning pace &
curve.
A 4-week focused series to
gradually and comfortably grow your
skills.
Selected
Mondays from 7:00 pm to 8:30
pm
Beginner-level
@
Lowry
(see
map below for directions)
-
$35 CFU Member ($65
Couple)/$40
Non-member ($70
Couple)
Mondays 7:00 - 8:30 pm
October 8 to October 29 - Course
#2269Q
Mondays 7:00 - 8:30
pm January 7 to January 28 - Course
#2269R
Mondays
7:00 - 8:30 pm March 3 to March 24 -
Course #2269S
If
you've NEVER taken a dance lesson or
if you've had East or West Coast
Swing lessons, not Lindy lessons I
recommend starting with these
classes.
Comparing these to the other
classes I
offer:
Pros: A
smaller and consistent group of
students/partners, no partner
required, a faster learning curve,
scheduled practice/dance time every
week, resource sharing (i.e.
instructional videos), a better
teacher to student ratio, FREE dance
at the Denver Turnverein at end of a
series.
Cons:
None
Custom tailored instruction and
feedback
•
$45/Hour - For 1 to 4 People
• $80/Hour - For 5 - 8 People
• $120/Hour - For 9 - 12 People
• Contact me to
discuss -
More than 12
Comparing these to the other
classes I
offer:
Pros:
Personalized, flexible scheduling,
discounts offered with multiple
bookings
Cons:
None