Q. I can't do all those crazy lifts and throws. Is that what you teach in your classes?
Q. I can't make the full 8-week session. Can I drop-in for a few individual nights?
Q. Do I need a partner?
A. Wear what's comfortable! Our students come dressed to class in everything from zoot suit pants to jeans and khakies to sweats and shorts. Wear clothes that make it easy to move around and have fun. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes! Soft-soled shoes only at the Big Vanilla.
A. No. Don't worry! Our classes focus on dance moves that you will be able to do in social dance situations. We do not teach air steps in our classes. If you'd like some help with a lift, throw or aerial, talk to us after class and we'd be glad to give you some pointers.
A. Yes! If you'd like to drop in for an individual class during the 8-week session, the cost is $15. (Intermediate class only)
A. No! Couples are welcome, but we rotate partners throughout the classes so everyone has a chance to dance with different people. It's a good way of learning how to lead and follow.
Q. Do I have to complete the beginner class before I start the intermediate class?
A. Our beginner lindy hop class sessions cover all the basics of Savoy-style swing dancing. You will learn the basic swing out, side-by-side Charleston, swing out from the side-by-side Charleston, lindy circle, double turn, Texas Tommy, hand-to-hand Charleston, back Charleston and exit back Charleston with a spin.
Q. What do you teach in the beginner class?
Q. What do you teach in the intermediate class?
- The intermediate class builds on the fundamentals established in the beginner class. We teach a wide variety of steps that incorporate swing-outs, Charleston sequences, spins and a lot of other variations. We never teach the same steps from session to session in the intermediate class, so you will always come away with new material.
Q. My question isn't listed. Now what?
A. Send an e-mail to George and he'll be glad to answer your question.
Q. What style of swing dancing do you teach?
A. We specialize in 8-count, Savoy-style lindy hop in the tradition of Harlem lindy legend Frankie Manning.
A. Yes. A prerequisite for joining the intermediate class is sucessfully completing our beginner class or being able to show proficiency in all the moves covered in the beginner class. We do this so that you aren't frustrated by not knowing steps that the other dancers have mastered. All of the intermediate steps we teach incorporate the fundamentals taught in the beginner class. The first class of the intermediate session will be a review of all the beginner material. Anyone not able to perform those moves will be asked to join the beginner class before trying the intermediate level.
Q. May I register and pay at the door?
A. It makes it easier and faster if you pre-register, but you may register and pay at the door on the day classes begin. Try to come a little early if you plan to pay at the door.
Q. What do I wear?
Q. What if I miss a week or go on vacation?
A. We will work with you during the DJ dance to catch you up.
Q. What is your refund policy?
- A full refund will be paid to a student who requests it in writing before the first night of classes. A 50 percent refund will be given to a student who requests it in writing before the start of the second night of an eight-week session. No refunds will be given after that.
The second night of the eight-week session is the last chance to enter the beginner series. The cost remains $96 whether a student enters in the first or second night of the full session for both the beginner and intermediate sessions. Otherwise, the drop-in rate of $15 per night applies.
Learn to swing dance with Champion Lindy Hopper George Matysek
