Upcoming 5-Week Lindy Hop Series!
*April 17th - May 15th 2025*
Registration opens on Friday, March 15th
*We are offering 3 levels for this series*
Please read the descriptions and sign up for the appropriate one :)
Each level is the same price ($95) and all levels include: five hours of class and five social dances at the 418 Project in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Note: all classes are focused on East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, NOT West Coast Swing.
Level 1: Intro To Swing
REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR LEVEL 1
This class is ABSOLUTELY FULL. Please check back soon for the dates for our next level 1 class.
If you are new to swing dance (or returning after a hiatus) and want to have fun and meet people, this class is for you! We start with the basic 6-count footwork and the class quickly picks up from there. You will learn to connect with your partner to achieve the tension and compression that makes swing dancing feel so good!
You will learn a variety of moves, including various tuck turns, pass by's, send outs, and more! Our goal by the end of class is that you are familiar with the fundamentals of Lindy Hop and can incorporate both 6-count and 8-count moves into a single dance, with and without triple setps!
This class will feel challenging at certain points, but is sure to get you dancing!
** PRE-REQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS **
Just read the guidelines at the bottom of this page and you're good to go :)
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Swing
This class is for building upon the foundation you received in Level 1. In Level 2, we will further develop our Lindy Hop fundamentals (swingouts here we come!), learn new moves, and increase our understanding of connection and lead-follow technique. We will also start to add some playfulness and variety into your dancing.
** PRE-REQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS **
You should already have taken the Level 1 class (at least once).
You should be able to comfortably dance everything you learned in Level 1 on the social dance floor.
You should have an understanding of lead-follow technique and connection.
You should be able to dance both 6-count and 8-count moves, with and without triple steps.
You have read and understood the guidelines at the bottom of this page.
Level 3: Intermediate Swing
This class is for you if you want to move beyond simply learning the moves and are ready to start adding expression and musicality to your swing dancing. While this series will further explore Lindy Hop moves, fundamentals, and variations, we will also focus on expression — styling, playing with rhythms, improvisation, musicality, and solo jazz — as well as playfulness and conversations with your partner.
Note: Level 3 will not be held at the 418 Project.
This class will happen at the nearby Vets Hall (upstairs in the Post Room), and then after class we will walk (5 minutes) over to the 418 Project for the social dance.
** PRE-REQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS **
You should already have taken the Level 2 class (at least once).
You should be able to comfortably dance everything you learned in Level 2 on the social dance floor.
You should already be able to do swingouts, Lindy circles, and basic Charleston on the social dance floor.
You should have a firm grasp on lead-follow technique and connection. You should likely be able to switch easily between groove walks, triple steps, and charleston inside of a dance.
You have read and understood the guidelines at the bottom of this page.
Guidelines
Everyone of all ages, colors, and genders is welcome at these dances! We value a respectful and safe atmosphere. Please talk to one of the teachers or administrators if something happens that feels uncomfortable.
Some additional helpful notes:
Wanna dance with someone? It's usually best to start by simply asking if they'd like to dance :) And you can follow up to ask if they have a preferred role – Lead, Follow, Switch – or to let them know yours.
Don't wanna dance? Feel free to say "No thanks!". No other explanation needed :)
Don't sweat it if someone says "no". There are plenty of reasons to decline a dance, and often folks just are taking a break. Plus, there are always plenty of other people to dance with.
Speaking of sweat... the dance floor can get hot! Not a bad idea to bring an extra shirt or two to change into when the first one gets soaked.
This dance can also get close...so, it's also a great idea to freshen up before coming to class or social dance in whatever way you do that: e.g. showered, deodorant applied, teeth brushed, etc.
Be safe: look around when you are dancing to make sure you aren't crashing into folks. And for moves that are inherently a little riskier – e.g. dips – Leads, please be extra cautious about where you are moving your partner's head. Often, another head is getting dipped at the same time in your vicinity, and head knocking is no fun.
Aerials: we highly discourage aerials on the social dance floor. If they are ever done, it should be in a context where:
You are dancing with a partner you have already practiced the specific aerials you are doing
You both are aware that you are planning to do an aerial
You are in a jam circle where there is plenty of space around so you don't hit anyone else