Curriculum/Syllabus
  • SWING 101 - East Coast for beginners

    "The perfect started dance ....Easy, fun and quick to get up and dancing with.  Total beginners...this one is for you!

        East Coast Swing (ECS) is a version of swing dancing that emphasizes turns and spins while keeping the footwork simple.  Patterns are generally 6 count with triple step footwork but can also be done with single step footwork.  Learning both types of footwork means you can easily handle all tempos of music.   It's a wonderful way to start swing dancing fast and building confidence! Learn your first 5 moves in no time! Also a great dance to mix with the Charleston..try both classes today.

    A little background...the name East Coast Swing was coined initially to distinguish the dance from other forms of swing dancing.  "Swing" is a category of dance with many different types of swing dancing to learn. Though there is a  "correct version" of East Coast Swing per the National Dance Council of America you may see various styles of this dance on any dance floor.   East Coast Swing actually evolved from the Lindy Hop( America's first swing dance) via Arthur Murray in the 1940's. This dance style can be called by different names depending on where you are.  Such names can include Eastern Swing, Jitterbug, American Swing, Lindy (not to be confused with Lindy Hop) and Triple Swing, Single Swing or "Single-step Swing" and Double Swing (using a tap-step footwork pattern).

  • SWING 102 - Int East Coast
    Int east coast swing moves to build your vocabulary and confidence! "

    East Coast swing variations that emphasize turns, spins and hand changes.  Develop Learn patterns with both single step and triple step rhythm for more usability on the dance floor.  Add 8 ct turning rhythm for ladies double turns. These moves will also develop mens' lead and ladies' follow skills.  Expand your horizons and become a true dancer.

    Also a great dance to mix with the Charleston..try both classes today.

    A little background...the name East Coast Swing was coined to initially to distinguish the dance from other forms of swing dancing.  "Swing" is a category of dance with many different types of swing dancing to learn. Though there is a  "correct version" of East Coast Swing per the National Dance Council of America you may see various styles of this dance on any dance floor.   East Coast Swing actually evolved from the Lindy Hop( America's first swing dance) via Arthur Murray in the 1940's. This dance style can be called by differnt names depending on where you are.  Such names can include Eastern Swing, Jitterbug, American Swing, Lindy (not to be confused with Lindy Hop) and Triple Swing, Single Swing or "Single-step Swing" and Double Swing (using a tap-step footwork pattern).



  • Beg Lindy - getting started Part A & Part B
    Beg Lindy Hop Part A and Part B  - 2 monthly sessions will complete the beginner program and move you on.  

    "Lindy Hop is the mother of all swing dance forms" 
    As a jazz street dance, lindy hop is done in a bent knee athletic posture.  It’s made exciting with ladies hip swivels, rhythmic footwork, jazz body movement, and lots of cool kicks steps and turns.  It is a playful dance and set apart from other partner dances by the "swing out" (when the lady moves into the man's arms and is sent back out).  Most lindy moves are based on 2 major rhythm structures.  These are covered in Lindy 1a and 1b which can be taken in any order.  If you east coast swing. you will still want to take Lindy basics as this dance has more to it.  

    Note to the wise: Because your technique on these moves can never be too clean, these classes are great ones to repeat.

    Lindy 1a covers
    6 weeks of 6 count swing [rock step, triple step, triple step]
    -basic in place
    -send out
    -underarm pass
    -cross body pass
    -pull to closed
    -side-by-side charleston
    -& more...

    Lindy 1b covers
    6 weeks of  8 count swing patterns [rock step, triple step, walk -walk, triple step]
    -swingout from closed
    -swingout from open
    -lindy circle
    -skip ups
    -side-by-side charleston
    -& more...

     

  • Int Lindy 2
    Int Lindy 2 
    Gain a workable command of the "Lindy language."

    Because of the vastness of Lindy material, level 2 is comprised of multiple sessions that introduce different material.   Stay in this class and keep learning. Through these sessions, you will expand your vocabulary of moves and improve your lead/follow technique.  We recommend that each student complete at least four - five sessions before moving on.  However, they need not be taken in order.  you can stay in this cvlass for a year and still be getting new material.  If you are beginner looking to move up "do not pass go...go directly to Int Lindy 2 an dget your swing on. 

    What you learn:
    Lots More Moves (It's time to "build your lindy vocabulary") 
    Focus on mixing your 6ct and 8 ct steps
    Learn to use 4ct fill steps
    Add some basic styling changes
    Learn to dance to faster & slower music 

    What you do to make a social dance go well
    How to finish a dance


  • Int/Adv Lindy
    Intermediate/Advanced Lindy
    "Be challenged, get better fast!"
    (level 2 and above accepted)

    In this class, we rotate through “hot topics”:  from “Dips & Tricks”, to “Musicality”, to “Charleston Shizam”, to “Fancy footwork” and beyond.  Expand your knowledge on a given topic and feel the improvement.

    To be in this class you should have a solid foundation of Lindy Hop basics and be comfortable dancing to various tempos of music. You’re looking for inspiration.

    What you'll learn/where you're going:

    improved connection with your partner

    New, harder moves & patterns

    learn to dance more in tune with the music

    syncopation, "body-lead and follow"

    Body control, centering and spin technique.

  • Beginning Balboa

    "Balboa is a sweet close embrace shuffling swing dance!"

    (from wikipedia)
    Balboa is a form of swing dance that started as early as 1915 and gained in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. It is danced primarily in close embrace, and is led with a full body connection. The art of Balboa is the subtle communication between the lead and follow, like weight shifts, that most viewers cannot see. As a result, Balboa is considered more of a "dancer's dance" than a "spectator's dance".  

    Balboa involves chaining two-step movements together while shuffling the feet on the floor. The leader often wears leather soled dress shoes, while the follow often dances in heels.

    The dance was originally a response to overcrowded ballrooms where the break away (a move popular in lindy hop at the time) was often difficult, if not banned by the venue. Balboa is often perceived as a restrained or introverted dance, with most movement below the knees.

    Balboa 1a covers
    -balboa basic
    -body lead/follow
    -side scoots
    -ad lib runs
    -lollies
    -paddle turns

    Balboa 1b covers
    -balboa basic
    -body lead/follow
    -break turns
    -throwout
    -crabwalk

    Balboa 1c covers
    -balboa basic
    -body lead/follow
    -transition
    -crossovers
    -variations on crossovers
    -serpentine

  • Intermediate Balboa

    "Taking your balboa to the next level."

    Intermediate balboa takes your solid foundation and quickly builds upon it.  Expand your vocabulary with both intricate "pure balboa" variations and exciting "bal-swing" moves.  Master intricate syncopated footwork variations, develop super-smooth lead/follow skills, and execute the hardest turn sequences with ease.  It is said that balboa is a "dancer's dance."  Hang with us for a bit and we're sure you'll agree.  Experience the joy that is a perfect balboa connection.  Focus and syllabus vary session to session. 
  • Int/Adv Lindy 3
    Int/Adv Lindy Hop 3
    Challenge yourself with advanced moves, routines and concepts.

    This level requires teacher approval.  We tackle advanced patterns, footwork syncopations and flashy,trickier moves. Students are pushed to truly master the dance form and express themselves more fully.  We learn to execute with consistent technique and personal style.  Ther is even a student performance season where you learn a choreography and can participte in a student performance. 

    What you learn:
    Advanced moves (fancier spins, more momentum and greater dynamic)
    Heavy duty technique. 
    Lots of footwork and body stylings. 
    Choreographies (routines)
    Musicality
    Bertter spin combos
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 30 min Lindy Connection
    The is a "not to miss" mini- class for Beg/Int to Int/Adv level lindy dancers.  A 30 minute intensive  to really get it. This is what keeps it all together...the workings of partner dancing.  Learn to love the feeling of really hooking it up with another dancer.  Develop use of  leverage and compression to give and recieve signals and flow though movement together.  Make it  a smooth ride and enjoy the  momentum of it all. Class focuses on great lead/follow exercises and body position using the Lindy basics ... great fun to feel it in a new way. Awesome second class that allows you to focus on the all important connection. 
  • Balboa - Master partnering at your level
    This a limited attendance Balboa class where you can attend and work with one partner for the majority of the time.  It is designed to help you really get the details of lead/follow down and develop your footwork.  

    You need to find a partner to take this class with.  Contact 2toGroove if looking for a partner or post you r request on  facebook.  Partners should sign up together and be a similar level.  Class format will be a dance study basis where couples of similar skill level will be grouped to work with their partners. It is open to beginners through intermediate.  A limit of 8 couples will be registered to allow for more specififc instructor feedback.  Don't miss it.  
  • Swing Charleston for east coast, jitterbug and lindy dancers
    Too much fun...learn the kick step patterns that originated from the 20s Charleston and became part of the Lindy Hop.  Today East Coast Swing, Jitterbug and Lindy dancers all mix thiese great kick patterns in their dancing.  Open to all swing dancers/all levels.  The vocabulary is extensive.  You can stay in this class multiple times and still keep learning great new patterns.  Another must do class to enhance your swing dancing and have this great vocabulary for those medium to faster songs
  • Int Adv East Coast Swing
    Int/Adv  East Coast swing ....(Take this after Swing 101 and 102 class on Fridays) 

    The fanciest moves, more footwork changes and more challenging patterns.  A class to master your speed and variety in.   Also a great dance to mix with the Charleston..try both classes today.

    A little background...the name East Coast Swing was coined to initially to distinguish the dance from other forms of swing dancing.  "Swing" is a category of dance with many different types of swing dancing to learn. Though there is a  "correct version" of East Coast Swing per the National Dance Council of America you may see various styles of this dance on any dance floor.   East Coast Swing actually evolved from the Lindy Hop( America's first swing dance) via Arthur Murray in the 1940's. This dance style can be called by differnt names depending on where you are.  Such names can include Eastern Swing, Jitterbug, American Swing, Lindy (not to be confused with Lindy Hop) and Triple Swing, Single Swing or "Single-step Swing" and Double Swing (using a tap-step footwork pattern).


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