Lindy Hop: Level 1 (4 Week Course)
Mondays, 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursdays, 7pm - 8:30pm
Fundamentals &
Classic Ideas
£30pp Prebook Only
Got the basics under your belt and looking for more? No partner or experience required!
Join us for our LINDY HOP: LEVEL 1 monthly courses, exploring the mother of all swing dances - the Lindy Hop. Created and pioneered by black dancers in Harlem in the late 1920s, Lindy Hop is a partnered swing dance which evolved alongside the swinging jazz rhythms of the time. Characterised by its rhythms and “breakaway” from conventional closed hold dances that came before it, Lindy Hop is joyful expression of the music that shares its history.
Lindy Hop Level 1 courses are all about building solid fundamentals, exploring classic shapes and building your skills as a social dancer. They are aimed at dancers who are familiar with Lindy Hop basic steps (6-count, 8-count and Charleston) and are ready for their next adventure (Ideally you’ll have taken our Intro to Lindy Hop course or have the equivalent dancing experience - the first week of each block will start with a quick refresh of the basics we’ll be building on). They are also ideal for dancers who are looking to refresh their fundamentals and practice classic dancefloor favourites.
Each four week block will explore a topic - 6 count, 8 count, Charleston and more- digging into classic shapes and Lindy Hop rhythms, expanding your Lindy Hop vocabulary, strengthening your skills for partner dancing and building your confidence for the dancefloor. All content will be taught within the context of the cultural history of jazz and swing, paying respect to the black originators and innovators of this art form. Each week, you’ll also receive an Info Pack featuring a recap of the week’s content along with resources to help support you in your learning off the dancefloor.
WHEN
We offer Level 1 Lindy Hop classes on both Mondays (8:30pm - 9:30pm) and Thursdays (7pm - 8pm) on a four-week rolling basis. The same material is taught on Monday and Thursday. At 8pm on both evenings there is half an hour of social dancing and practice time.
The Monday and Thursday classes are identical, so you can choose the night that best suits your schedule.
The next Level 1 blocks begin:
Monday, 3rd June & Thursday, 6th June 2024
Monday, 8th July & Thursday, 11th July 2024
Monday 2nd September & Thursday, 5th September 2024
Monday 7th October & Thursday, 10th October 2024
Monday 4th November & Thursday, 7th November 2024
WHEre
Classes are held at Chapter Arts Centre (Market Road, Canton, CF5 1QE), in a spacious room on the ground floor called “First Space”.
How Much
This four-week course is £30 per person.
If you sign up for multiple courses that run during the same four week period, you will get a discount. One course is £30, two courses is £55, three courses is £75.
A percentage of the proceeds from this course will be donated to organisations championing dances of the African diaspora as well as those supporting antiracism and social justice initiatives. Learn more here.
Terms & Conditions
Bookings are non-refundable unless this event is cancelled by the organiser. In the case that the event is cancelled, all attendees will be fully refunded or offered a chance to pass their booking over to a new date.
If you book on and find yourself unable to join the course, you are welcome to transfer your booking to the next month’s course, provided you let us know up to 24hrs before the start of the first session. You may postpone your booking twice, but after that your booking will expire, and you will need to re-book your place.
Safety Measures
From January 2023, we no longer require proof of a negative lateral flow test at check in for class. If you feel unwell or test positive for COVID, please do not attend class.
All classes have limited numbers, ensuring plenty of space for everyone to feel comfortable dancing. The room is well ventilated with windows and doors open where possible.
If you wish to wear a mask during class, please feel empowered to do so however it is not required. We encourage dancers to sanitise before, during and at the end of class.
“These courses have truly been an amazing opportunity to build some confidence on the dance floor and become part of an incredible community. Everyone is so supportive and the classes are made for dancers at all levels, and so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll thrive under the excellent tutelage of Jessie & Benjie. Give it a go - I’m certain you won’t regret it!”
“Jessie is a fantastic teacher and has a good way of layering her classes so there’s something for everyone. It has kickstarted what I feel will be a life long love of swing.”
“Jessie’s positivity and enthusiasm make the classes such a friendly and fun environment that even brand new dancers can take part and feel confident. It’s everything a class should be, supportive but not elitist. Even though I’ve been dancing a while, I learn something new every time from a great teacher.”
“I didn’t expect to find a community in my dance class - that’s been a lovely surprise! Our level 1 class is super friendly and supportive. We have lots of laughs and I love learning the history of lindy hop as well as the dancing. Our brilliant teachers create a safe, fun, team learning atmosphere and we’re definitely getting better!”
“What a find! After attending the intro, I’m now attending weekly classes at level 1. The classes are so well organised, and you always get an opportunity to practice before or after a class (if you want). Having never danced a partner dance before, I can’t tell you how much fun this is! It’s a wonderful opportunity to also learn about the history and to meet an amazing community of Lindy Hoppers in Cardiff. Thank you Jessie and Benjie.”
“I had a blast doing Lindy Hop Level 1! The courses were fun and engaging, Jessie and Benjie are brilliant instructors, and I felt confident dancing by the end of each block.”