Frequently Asked Questions
- What class should I take?
- Um, Charleston? What's that? Who does it?
- How long do I have to take classes before I can go out social dancing?
- How do I sign up?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- Do you have student/low-income discounts?
- Can I try a class?
- Do I need to bring a partner?
- What kind of shoes should I wear?
- Should I lead or follow?
- What if I'm a klutz?
What class should I take?
Here is a handy chart to figure out where you belong!| Class | You may... | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Swing 1 | ...have never taken a dance class. | None! |
| Beginner Swing 2 | ...know the Charleston basic or East Coast. | Charleston basics or a private lesson |
| Beginner Swing 3 | ...be looking to brush up your Charleston or learn some variations. | One month of Charleston experience |
| Lindy Hop 1 | ...have danced a little Lindy Hop already. | 1-3 months of Charleston or knowledge of East Coast with triple steps |
| Lindy Hop 2 | ...want to make your Lindy work better. | Can perform a working swingout (aka Lindy turn or whip) and Lindy circle. |
| Lindy Hop 3 | ...know basic Lindy and want a different approach. | Knowledge of basic Lindy Hop patterns |
| Beg+/INT Lindy | ...be ready for musicality, variation, and more detailed technique. | 6 months of classes or instructor permission |
| Performance | ...secretly want to take over the world via Lindy Hop. | Instructor permission |
Each class is a 4-week series. Beginner Swing 1-3 is specifically designed to (a) make entry-level swing dancing as fun and easy as possible, and (b) teach you foundations to learn Lindy Hop with as few hassles (and again, as much fun) as possible. Each series of 3 starts over about every 3 months. Check the calendar for details.
Um, Charleston? What's that? Who does it?
Charleston is the beginner swing dance. Here's a Youtube example of what's normally taught in a beginner Charleston class. Charleston was originally danced to the jazz music of the 1920's and 30's and was the precursor to Lindy Hop. Today in our scene, it is danced especially often by those who frequent the weekly swing dance at Loafers Beach Club in Raleigh and the Vintage Swing Dance at Triangle Dance Studio in Durham. However, you can find many people to dance with at any swing dance!How long do I have to take classes before I can go out social dancing?
The great thing about this dance is that it is both easy enough and fun enough to do out socially almost immediately. See the Dances page for where to dance.How do I sign up?
For classes at Legacy Studios, either show up a few minutes early to register and pay, or register and pay online. For classes at Loafers Beach Club in Raleigh, please pay before class at the club.What types of payment do you accept?
For classes at Legacy Studios, I accept cash or local checks on site, and credit cards through Google Checkout (see online registration). Loafers accepts cash, check, and credit card.Do you have student/low-income discounts?
Yes, though not explicitly advertised. It's $31 per 4-week series.Can I try a class?
Sure. Single class pricing is $11 at Legacy or $12 at Loafers. If you decide to pay for the 4-week series immediately after class, your initial payment will be deducted.Do I need to bring a partner?
Definitely not! Often singles learn to swing dance in order to meet people. But of course I encourage you to bring friends. We rotate partners in class so everyone has a chance to dance with each other.What kind of shoes should I wear?
On the Legacy studio floor, dance shoes (or socks) are required. A "dance shoe" is one that has not been worn outside and has a non-marking sole. Heels are not recommended. For more exhaustive recommendations, please email me.Keep in mind that socks are a perfectly acceptable alternative if you're not ready to dedicate a pair of shoes to dancing. On the Loafers' floor, any comfortable shoe will do for beginners.
Should I lead or follow?
That's entirely up to you. Most men lead; most women follow. In class we'll do exercises where both roles practice initiating movement; you may realize you prefer something other than what gender norms dictate. You can try both, though you will probably find it difficult to learn to both lead and follow concurrently if you've never done any partner dancing.What if I'm a klutz?
That's just your insecurity speaking. Though you may think your klutziness is an objective reality, the truth is that most anyone can be taught confidence on the social dance floor. The emphasis of my classes is fun, not perfection. If you're not ready for partner dancing, try my Vernacular Jazz & Solo Charleston classes. I also offer private lessons for those who would like more focused instruction.