THE LONDON
SWING CATS
Authentic Lindy Hop & Jitterbug
from 1940’s Los Angeles
Contact Us:
Tel: 020 8829 0919
Mob: 07790 762932
Tel: 020 8829 0919
Mob: 07790 762932
VIDEO LESSON
Learn the six count basic.
Rhythm pattern and footwork.
Rhythm pattern and footwork.
info(at)londonswingcats.com
SWING DANCE COURSES FAQFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Lindy Hop?
Lindy Hop was an original jazz dance from Harlem in the late 1920s. Initially, it was simply a partnered version of the Charleston but by the mid to late 1930s it had evolved in response to the “new” swing music that was taking America by storm. We specialise in “Hollywood Style” Lindy Hop a cool smooth styling that came from Los Angeles in the late 1930s.
Q: What is Jitterbug?
Jitterbugs were the young swing music fans who flocked to see the hot jazz and swing bands in the mid 1930s. They were so called because they just couldn’t sit still listening to the music. Jitterbug was the term used to describe the various dances that those Jitterbugs danced including Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag & other related styles.
Q: What is Collegiate Shag?
The fun and crazy college kids dance of the 1920s and ‘30s and now gaining a new popularity across the World. Shag was one of the most popular jazz dances of the Jazz/Swing Era before being overtaken by Lindy Hop in the late 1930s. It has a relatively simple basic (therefore very accessible), but can quickly build in complexity. It also looks incredibly cool on the dance floor.
Q: I’ve got two left feet are these courses for absolute beginners?
A: Every course that is described as “Beginners” is absolutely that! Also - don’t be afraid to repeat a course before moving on. Repetition is part of the learning process.
Q: What are your “Improvers” courses.
A:Improvers courses are the “next step”. Once you feel comfortable with the beginners level these courses reinforce the basics and add repertoire to your dancing.
Q: Do I need to come with a partner?
A: No. We endeavour to balance leads and follows on the courses. We then rotate partners so that all the leads dance with all the follows.
Q: What clothing do I need to wear?
A: Just turn up in something that you feel comfortable wearing. Swing dancing is aerobic exercise so we would recommend something loose fitting, that won’t restrict your movement
Q: Do I need special shoes?
A: When you first start to learn Lindy Hop we would advise you to wear comfortable footwear with a smooth sole. Trainers and tennis shoes are fine, but make sure the soles are not too sticky. Sticky soles can make turning and pivoting difficult and even lead to knee & ankle injuries. We would also advise against excessively high heels, sandals, flip flops & boots. When you become a little more experienced you may want to invest in some specialist vintage style dance shoes - please email us before purchasing and we may be able to advise you.
Q: If I have to miss some of the weeks on the course, will it matter?
A: Obviously, we have designed these courses to build from one week to another. For that reason it is important that you try and attend every lesson. However, the first half of the class each week will be spent recapping the material from the previous week, therefore if you do have to miss a class because of illness or work commitments it’s not the end of the world and you should still be able to catch up.
Q: I want to learn to dance with my partner and not anyone else is that OK?
A: As a matter of policy we insist on partner rotation. There are 3 reasons for this:
1) Lead and follow is a key element of Lindy Hop. If you learn to dance with only one partner you end up only learning choreography and therefore don’t learn the dance properly.
2) Coming to class and learning only with your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend can lead to rows and arguments. Take it from us - it really isn’t a good idea!
3) Rotation makes it easier for us to balance the classes and also means that everyone can take part equally.
Q: Your courses are 6 Count & 8 Count. What does this mean?
A: These are the two basic rhythm patterns of Lindy Hop. As you gain more experience you will be able to mix these two patterns fluidly. However, if you are a beginner it is better to learn each pattern separately.
Lindy Hop was an original jazz dance from Harlem in the late 1920s. Initially, it was simply a partnered version of the Charleston but by the mid to late 1930s it had evolved in response to the “new” swing music that was taking America by storm. We specialise in “Hollywood Style” Lindy Hop a cool smooth styling that came from Los Angeles in the late 1930s.
Q: What is Jitterbug?
Jitterbugs were the young swing music fans who flocked to see the hot jazz and swing bands in the mid 1930s. They were so called because they just couldn’t sit still listening to the music. Jitterbug was the term used to describe the various dances that those Jitterbugs danced including Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag & other related styles.
Q: What is Collegiate Shag?
The fun and crazy college kids dance of the 1920s and ‘30s and now gaining a new popularity across the World. Shag was one of the most popular jazz dances of the Jazz/Swing Era before being overtaken by Lindy Hop in the late 1930s. It has a relatively simple basic (therefore very accessible), but can quickly build in complexity. It also looks incredibly cool on the dance floor.
Q: I’ve got two left feet are these courses for absolute beginners?
A: Every course that is described as “Beginners” is absolutely that! Also -
Q: What are your “Improvers” courses.
A:Improvers courses are the “next step”. Once you feel comfortable with the beginners level these courses reinforce the basics and add repertoire to your dancing.
Q: Do I need to come with a partner?
A: No. We endeavour to balance leads and follows on the courses. We then rotate partners so that all the leads dance with all the follows.
Q: What clothing do I need to wear?
A: Just turn up in something that you feel comfortable wearing. Swing dancing is aerobic exercise so we would recommend something loose fitting, that won’t restrict your movement
Q: Do I need special shoes?
A: When you first start to learn Lindy Hop we would advise you to wear comfortable footwear with a smooth sole. Trainers and tennis shoes are fine, but make sure the soles are not too sticky. Sticky soles can make turning and pivoting difficult and even lead to knee & ankle injuries. We would also advise against excessively high heels, sandals, flip flops & boots. When you become a little more experienced you may want to invest in some specialist vintage style dance shoes -
Q: If I have to miss some of the weeks on the course, will it matter?
A: Obviously, we have designed these courses to build from one week to another. For that reason it is important that you try and attend every lesson. However, the first half of the class each week will be spent recapping the material from the previous week, therefore if you do have to miss a class because of illness or work commitments it’s not the end of the world and you should still be able to catch up.
Q: I want to learn to dance with my partner and not anyone else is that OK?
A: As a matter of policy we insist on partner rotation. There are 3 reasons for this:
1) Lead and follow is a key element of Lindy Hop. If you learn to dance with only one partner you end up only learning choreography and therefore don’t learn the dance properly.
2) Coming to class and learning only with your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend can lead to rows and arguments. Take it from us -
Q: Your courses are 6 Count & 8 Count. What does this mean?
A: These are the two basic rhythm patterns of Lindy Hop. As you gain more experience you will be able to mix these two patterns fluidly. However, if you are a beginner it is better to learn each pattern separately.