- Blues Dancing
"We Got the Blues and That Ain’t Bad" -
Blues Dancing is a style of movement applied to blues music, both
historical and contemporary. This great improvisational form is danced
to slower tunes from the 30’s and 40’s. Songs from the 50’s and 60”s
such as Gene Pitney’s “Town Without Pity’’ and Percy Sledge’s “When a
Man Loves a Woman” are also expressed with Blues Dancing.
Because it is so highly variable, Blues lends itself to tremendous
individual interpretation. Besides being danced to slower music, it
often keeps close contact with a partner. Among Swing dance
competitors, the dance takes on a more flashy quality. This course will
get you started with the basic partnering system and common moves of
traditional Blues Dancing .
- Swinging to the Music of the 50's and 60's
"Bop, Be-Bop, Rock and Roll, and Jive Don’t Mean a Thing if they Ain’t
got that Swing"
Swing Dancing, called Lindy by most New Yorkers, continued to develop
after the 1940’s. Before partnered dancing was shoved aside by the
Twist, the Frug, the Jerk and all sorts of solo dance forms, Swing
showed a lot of variation. Dancers used steps of 6, 8, and 10 or more
beats. This course will continue to develop a traditional Boston style
of Swing dance that can be applied to a wide variety of music, from the
music of the 30’s and 40’s as well as the post Lindy Hop rhythms of the
50’s and 60’s. Elements of technique and body rhythm will also be
addressed.
- Teen Ballroom
You've seen it on So You Think You Can Dance & Dancing with the Stars - now
your child can learn partnered dancing! Back in style and fun for all. This class will teach
basic rhythm, technique & partnering for several popular ballroom and latin dances, such as
Waltz, Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha & Quickstep. Also, we'll explore historical and cultural background
for each dance.
- Lindy/Swing Footwork Improvisations
Feel like you're maxed out on dance figures, but still want to do something new
with your Swing dancing? Then this is the class for you! Join Nancy as she
expands your footwork repertoire. Experience with basic Lindy/Swing is required.
- Dance Technique for the Social Dancer
"I don't turn well" "I have terrible balance" - if these are things you've been
heard to utter, here's a class that will help change that. After a warm up, we'll
go through a series of exercises designed to enhance general dance skills, including
flexibility, balance & turning. The emphasis will be on areas of dance that are
common in social dancing - be it Swing, Ballroom, Salsa or others. The course will
be working on the individual's dancing - no partner necessary.
- Argentine Tango
Beginning Argentine Tango:
This course introduces the fundamental techniques and movement elements
characteristic of the Argentine Tango. The basics of salida, caminar, and
el ocho are presented. The traditional hold and the principles of leading
and following with the body are developed.
Intermediate Argentine Tango:
Fundamentals presented in level 1 are reinforced and the back ocho, boleos
and vueltas are introduced. Working on the same foot (contrapaso) and cambio
are developed.
Advanced Argentine Tango:
As we continue the development of caminar and the ochos both forward and
backward, we begin working outside partner on the left. Also introduced at
this level are pasadas, sacadas and molinete. Because the content varies from
session to session, this course presents students with the opportunity for
continued study.
Composition, and the development of Traditional and individual style,
partnering skills and musicality are addressed at all levels.
- Lindy/Swing
We teach a versatile form of Swing, a lounge style, which uses both 6 and 8
count moves, with a basic triple-step rhythm. This form supports a great
variety of improvisation.
Level 1
This course presents a basic dance of the most common 6 count swing moves.
Also introduced is the 8 count lindy turn. The techniques of leading and
following, footwork and improvisation are addressed.
Level 2
Continuing the development of the basic dance as presented in level 1, this
level introduces a variety of new 6 and 8 count figures. Because of the
great number of moves at this level, the program is divided into three
sections designated a, b & c. The sections are not sequential, i.e., it is
not necessary to begin study at level 2 by taking 2a. Level 2b could just
as easily follow level 1.
Each section is self-contained & includes a set of figures taught in all
sections of level 2, and a set of figures presented only in the designated
section. It is suggested that the student take all three sections before
progressing to level 3.
Level 3
The emphasis in level 3 is on the creative and improvisational techniques of
the dance. The figures presented in each section of this level are used to
address advanced topics in Swing dancing, such as splicing and breaking.
The techniques of alternative rhythm and syncopation are developed.
- Social Dance 1 (Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba)
Learn the fundamentals of ballroom dancing and take the floor with
grace and confidence. This course will introduce fundamental rhythms,
movement techniques & partnering for Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Rumba.
If you've never danced before, this is an excellent place to start.
- Waltz II
This course will continue to add dance figures and refine technique in
the Waltz. Material added this session will augment what was presented
last session.
- Foxtrot
Using the fundamental elements of Foxtrot presented in Social
Dance 1, we'll add more dance figures and refine technique. Prior
experience with Foxtrot is helpful, but not necessary.
- Rumba
This course will present fundamental elements of this popular latin
dance. Especial attention will be paid to developing the body action
characteristic of Rumba.
- Viennese Waltz: This brisk turning dance may be danced to the
Blue Danube and other Strauss Waltzes.
- Cha Cha & Rumba: These Cuban dances are now found in ballrooms
worldwide. Cha Cha, Rumba, Mambo, and Salsa form a family of related
dances.
- Salsa:
This is a Latin club dance based on the Cuban Mambo.
- Quickstep:
Some songs like the Fred Astaire dance number "Cheek to Cheek" are played
a bit faster than the average Foxtrot. The dance that is done to this
music is QUickstep. This is a beginning level course, but experience
with Foxtrot helps.
- Basic Ballroom: The basic movements of waltz, foxtrot, and
quickstep.
