• Mendocino Swing Dance Classes
Currently in Gualala & Mendocino we usually have 2 levels of classes at the same time depending on the Students. In our small community we find that peoples schedules don't work with strictly progressive classes so we work with the individuals that show up from beginning to intermediate.
Swing dance has so much variation you can learn a little bit and have fun on the dance floor as you add your own flare into the dance. If you like to go further there are endless nuances within the dance. It is a good way to exercise the mind and body in a happy fun way. We have been dancing since 2009 and still take classes to learn more.
If you are new to Swing Dancing what some call East Coast Swing Dance is probably what we will start you with. It is a fun social dance that is instantly accessible way to enjoy dancing to swing jazz, blues and rock and roll music. On the social dance floor, the six count steps of the East Coast Swing can be mixed with more advanced eight count steps of Lindy Hop and Charleston as you progress. It is a perfect place to begin learning these vintage American dances.
The Lindy Hop you’ll learn the basics of Lindy Hop including the Swing Out, Charleston, and various follower and leader turns. There will be significant repetition to help work the rhythm into dancers’ bodies. No experience or partner is necessary, although it is highly recommended that each dancer complete at least one month-long of East Coast swing before enrolling in Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop is the original American swing dance, also known as Jitterbug, which was created in the late 1930’s and 40’s to really swing to the jazz music being played in the dance halls in Harlem. Danced to a wide range of tempos, a strong pulse drives the movement of the dance, and the music is traditionally big band swing from the Golden Era of Jazz though today Jump Blues, Rock & Roll, Blues, New Orlean's -- music with a "swung beat" can be used to Swing Dance. Lindy Hop is learned using 6 count and 8 count moves and characterized as a lively and happy dance.