Hey dance enthusiasts! Week 2 of our Swing, Carolina Shag, and Lindy Hop classes was a blast, and we dove headfirst into some exciting new territory. This week was all about building on the foundations we laid in week 1 and adding some serious flair. Let's take a look at what we covered in each class:
General Concepts (Across All Classes):
No matter which style you're learning, some fundamental principles apply across the board. This week, we reinforced the importance of solidifying the basics. All classes kicked off by revisiting patterns from week 1 – you know, those catchy 6-count patterns, those essential 6 and 8-count rhythms, and of course, the triple step patterns. Practice makes perfect, and revisiting these core moves is crucial for building a strong foundation for more complex steps. We also continued to emphasize the importance of warming up before each class to get our bodies ready to move. And, of course, week 2 marked a clear progression, introducing more intricate patterns and concepts compared to our first week.
Swing Class: The Magic of Connection
Our swing dancers explored the magic of connection this week. It's not just about knowing the steps; it's about truly feeling the music and communicating with your partner, moving as one cohesive unit. As our instructor put it, "It's not just about the steps; it's about feeling the music, communicating with your partner, and moving as one." We also focused on seamless transitions between open and closed positions, adding fluidity and dynamism to our dancing. Learning to navigate the dance floor together as a duo was another key focus. Remember, practice outside of class makes a huge difference, even just a few minutes a day! Listen to your partner, work as a team, and don't be afraid to ask questions. And most importantly, have fun! Swing dance is all about the joy of movement.
Carolina Shag Class: Styling and Unique Steps
back in place" movement. Once those basics were down, we explored variations of the triple step, including the sailor step, kick-ball-change, and stutter step, which adds a personal touch to your dance. We even introduced some "Elvis Leg" styling – talk about adding some flair! It's amazing how a little stylistic choice can bring so much character to the dance. We grooved to a lively Beach music beat, connecting the dance to its rich cultural heritage.
Lindy Hop Class: Mastering the Swing-out
Lindy Hop lovers tackled the swing-out this week – a foundational move in this energetic dance. We explored different entries and exits of the swing-out (closed to open, open to open, open to closed, and closed to closed), learning how to create variety within this essential pattern. As our instructor mentioned, "These make the swing-out super fun and you can use them in almost any partner dance." We also talked about how Lindy Hop adds its unique flavor to that classic swing beat.
Summary & Takeaways:
Week 2 was a whirlwind of learning and fun! All three classes followed a structured, progressive approach, moving from fundamental steps to more complex patterns and stylistic elements. Partnering was a key theme, especially in our swing class, highlighting the social aspect of partner dancing. And both the Carolina Shag and Lindy Hop classes emphasized individual style, encouraging dancers to express themselves within the framework of the dance. Remember, repetition and practice are key to improvement, so keep practicing those moves! We can't wait to see you on the dance floor next week!
