Hurray for 2009, complete with all kinds of new excitement at SDC!

• Weekly 10th Street Stomp is back, every Friday!
• New class structure, making classes 4 weeks long and with more variety
• Open practice Wednesdays - next one is Feb 11 @ 6:30 (Carpenters’ Hall)
• Cabaret on Feb 6th, only 1-2 minute routines of your talent!
• We are hosting 9 Plex, March 20-22

Don’t forget to sign up for classes starting January 7 and 9!
Classes include Lindy 1.0 6-count, Lindy 1.0 8-count, Lindy 1.5 “The W Factor”, and open level Blues.  Don’t hesistate to email us if you’re unsure of your level.

CHECK OUT THE BRAND NEW CLASSES!
2009 is bringing all kinds of exciting changes, and a new class structure is one of them.  Please don’t hesitate to ask us how you and your dancing level fits into this new (and not set-in-stone) structure.
The new lessons are also now posted on our calendar, in case you find that format easier to comprehend. If you have any thoughts, feedback, questions about the new classes, please email us!

• 1.0 Lindy Hop - 6 Count
  This class will cover the basics of the 6 count Lindy footwork, how to lead and follow, social dance etiquette and also some 1920’s Charleston. If you have no partner dance experience, this is the class for you. It will get you spinning and swinging in to time.

• 1.0 Lindy Hop - 8 Count
  This class will cover the basics of the 8 count lindy footwork, principles of connection, social dance etiquette and also some 1930’s (Lindy hop) Charleston. Lindy Hop is the original swing dance; it’s energetic, social and a lot of fun!

Lindy Hop Essentials 1.5
You will learn plenty of new moves and tricks as well as how to solidify the basics. Prerequisites: Both of the 1.0 level classes. If you have some social dance experience but have not done Lindy Hop before, this might be a good place to start, just ask us. These classes can be taken in any order, each will be different from one another.
Note: The class titles are abstract and may not represent class content.

• 1.5 (Version 1) “Moves to show your Mom”
  An opportunity to review and improve upon what you learned at level 1.0 and then soar into some great moves that would impress anybody’s mom. You’ll also learn how to execute safe turns and dips that will get you a second dance!

• 1.5 (Version 2) “The W Factor”
  ‘W’ for WOW! Mix things up with more moves to add to your skill set. We’ll work on the concept of lead and follow and how to inspire the person you’re dancing with.

• 1.5 (Version 3) “Lindy Hop like Grandma used to make”
  This class will look at the classic lindy hop moves that have made people hungry for more since the 1930’s. Not to be confused with ‘boring basics’, there is a darn good reason these techniques are here to stay.

Intermediate 2.0
These classes will really push your dancing to the next level. Prerequisites: All 3 versions of 1.5. You will get the most out of 2.0 if you have been social dancing as well as taking classes.

• 2.0 Lindy Hop
  In this class you will learn to make your dancing look like as much fun as it already is. Swivels, big swing outs, subtle lead and follow and much more. This class includes some rhythm variations and styling options.

• 2.0 Charleston
  By the end of this class series you will be able to dance an entire song of Charleston! There will be some review of 20’s and 30’s basics like kick throughs, new variations and turns but the focus of the class will be tandem Charleston, Charleston swing outs and combinations.

Intermediate/Advanced 3.0
These classes are for the experienced dancers in the scene. You’ve had lots of social dance practice, taken some workshops and you’re looking to be (re )inspired and challenged. Prerequisites: Lots of social dance experience and all of the above classes.

• 3.0 Killer Lindy Hop
  Moves to make your follow scream, subtlety and inspiration that will knock him dead. This is the lindy hop that you have dreamed about (or seen on youtube) that you’ve been dying to do but had no idea how.

• 3.0 Badass Partner Charleston
  Let us know if you’re interested!

• 3.0 Performance with Style
  Let us know if you’re interested!

OPEN LEVEL
These classes are designed to inspire dancers of all ages, shapes, sizes and ability. Recommended: 1.0 or some other social dance basics (west coast swing, ballroom, latin, etc)

• Balboa
  This dance form came about on the crowded floors of the California Swing era ballrooms. It’s small, it’s fast, it slides and it’s danced very close. Instructors will do their best to cater to all levels of dancers. Get ready!

• Blues
  Learn how to slow dance in style. This dance plays off of connection and has a very basic step. Excellent for the beginner/intermediate level dancer who wants to dance at slower tempos and experiment with musicality. The music is soulful and the dance is simply wonderful.

• Also look out for more Solo classes in Vintage Jazz and Solo Charleston

Do I need to register with a partner?

No, you do not need to have a partner. However, we do have to keep our lead and follow ratio balanced in the class to ensure everyone is participating as much as possible. If you register individually, you will be put on a wait list and admitted to the class as balance allows.
You are much more likely to get into the class if you register with a partner.

What is a lead and what is a follow?

These are the two roles in all social dance. Leads generally direct the dance and the follows respond to the direction. Typically leads are males and follows are females but we’re welcoming of either choice. Often you are considered a stronger dancer if you can do both.

Do I have to dance with people other than my partner in class?

Yes, in swing dancing we rotate partners throughout the class. We believe that swing is a social dance and that classes should have a fun, friendly learning environment. In this atmosphere people learn as much from each other as they do from the instructors. Rotating partners is important in learning to lead and follow and we strongly encourage you to participate. If you are not willing to rotate partners in class you may wish to consider private lessons.

What should I know before I step on the dance floor?

See our Dance Etiquette post.

What is the dress code / what type of shoes should I wear?

For the regular Friday night dances, casual clothing is most common. You will see everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a fun twirly skirt, so dress in what you feel comfortable. For shoes we strongly recommend starting out with a well-loved pair of flat shoes. Often times, starting out with worn down runners or old dress shoes are best. You want to be able to slide a bit on the floor, but as you’re dancing you also don’t want blisters! High heels, unless dance specific high heels, are not recommended.

Do you have a repeat rate?

Yes. Once you have completed all the class variations within a level, you will receive 40% off repeat classes in that same level for the following year. For example, once you have completed 1.0 Lindy 6-count and 1.0 Lindy 8-count, you can retake these classes for 40% off. This will be refunded to you after your full-price registration is completed.

All of Swing Dance Calgary’s classes and the 10th Street Stomp happen here:

The Carpenters’ Hall
301 10 St. NW
Kensington, Calgary

This welcoming old hall in the middle of Kensington has become our home. With its hardwood floors and large stage it’s a great location for weekly dances and also live bands. It is block away from Sunnyside C-train station and close to many lovable pubs and restaurants. Parking is available on the north side of the hall, and can be reached from the back alley behind.

View Larger Map

Register here: http://swingdancecalgary.com/2008/04/10/register-pay-for-classes/

Thinking Lindy Hop sounds like the best thing since sliced bread? There’s another set of Lindy 1.0 and Lindy 1.5 classes starting this week, Friday May 23.

Check out Current Classes for more info, and Register!

The Beat Niq Jazz Club will be hosting lessons and live music

House Swing Band

Doors at 8, music at 8:30
$10 Cover

Wednesday May 7, 14, 21
Tuesday June 3, 10, 17
Wednesday September 10, 17, 24

Check out beatniq.com for more details!

Songs that the Shim Sham is usually danced to:

• Stompin’ at the Savoy
• Shim Sham Song
• ‘T’Ain’t What You Do

CHOREOGRAPHY: Each number represents one 8 count step

1. Stomp off starting to the right
2. Stomp off starting to the left
3. Stomp off starting to the right
4. Break

5. Pushes and crossover to the right
6. Pushes and crossover to the left
7. Pushes and crossover to the right
8. Crossover to left, Crossover to the right

9. Tacky Annie
10. Tacky Annie
11. Tacky Annie
12. Break

13. Half Break
14. Break
15. Half Break
16. Break

17. Stomp off starting to the right
18. Stomp off starting to the left
19. Stomp off starting to the right
20. Freeze

21. Pushes and crossover to the right
22. Pushes and crossover to the left
23. Pushes and crossover to the right
24. Crossover to left, Crossover to the right

25. Tacky Annie
26. Tacky Annie
27. Tacky Annie
28. Freeze

29. Half Break
30. Freeze
31. Half Break
32. Freeze

33. Boogie Back
34. Boogie Forward
35. Boogie Back
36. Boogie Forward

37. Boogie Back
38. Shorty George
39. Boogie Back
40. Shorty George

41 - end of song: Grab a partner and dance!