Beginner Swing Dancing
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
Bees’ Knees Dance has been specializing in the dances of the Swing Era since 1999. Our re-creative swing dance classes include both partnered and solo classes:
Swing Dancing – Lindy Hop
Learn Lindy Hop, the original Swing Dance! No experience or partner required.
Swing dancing is joyful, free spirited and infectious. Fall in love with Lindy Hop, the original dance of the swing era. Sometimes known as Jitterbug, Lindy Hop evolved in the 1920’s and dominated dance halls throughout the Great Depression until World War II. It is an unabashedly joyful dance, with a solid, flowing style that closely reflects its music — from the late 20’s hot Jazz to the early 40’s Big Bands.
Lindy Hop is a partnered social dance but you don’t need to bring your own partner. We rotate during the class so that you have a chance to meet and dance with many different people. Partners are connected in a playful lead/follow relationship. The dance evolved along with the new swing music, based on earlier dances such as the Charleston and the Black Bottom, by the African American community in Harlem. Absolutely no experience or partner are required.
The name Lindy Hop was inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris in 1927, when the newspaper headline read: “LINDY HOPS THE ATLANTIC”.
As re-creative Swing Dance specialists,
Bees’ Knees Dance has a particular passion for original swinging jazz which is closely tied to our dancing and teaching. Our original artistic mandate – to study and promote the culture of the swing era including classic jazz music, history and vintage jazz dances – continues to be paramount. Though we have grown to include many other fantastic forms of dancing on the Bees’ Knees menu, Lindy Hop is especially close to our hearts. We know that you’ll love it too!
Levels
Beginner (Level 1)
Absolutely no experience or partner required! These classes are designed for the complete novice. A new beginner session starts every month so that you don’t have to wait to get started. The new session begins with the new calendar month so for example, if the first of the month falls on a Wednesday then Wednesday night classes will begin on the 1st, Thursday night classes on the 2nd, and then Monday and Tuesday night classes will start on the following week which would be on the 6th and 7th of the month.
There are 2 months (8 or sometimes 9 lessons) of rotating material – Introduction to 8 Count Steps and Introduction to Charleston steps. These steps are all part of Lindy Hop and Swing Dancing. The 2 months of material are designed to be a completely welcoming to adults with no previous dance experience. There is no particular advantage to learning either one or the other month of material first; these courses have been designed so that you can conveniently take your first lesson when you’re ready so there is need to wait. Please feel welcome to check it out – try a free class, meet people, get in shape and have fun!
Students can take the Beginner course for 2 months/8 lessons and then move to the Transitions level or they are welcome to repeat the same course for more practice.
Transitions (Level 1.5)
The Transitions level will help Beginner students who have completed 2 months of Level 1 to build confidence for the social dance floor and prepare for the Intermediate level. This class reinforces all of the basic steps as well as adding more sophisticated fundamentals to the repertoire. Some students find it beneficial to continue attending Level 1 for review while they are taking the Transitions class but it is not mandatory. Most students take the Transitions level for approximately 2 months, combined with social dancing practice, before moving to the next level.
Intermediate (Level 2)
Beyond the basics. At the Intermediate level we are no longer focusing on the fundamentals though we will always continue to put the basics to use. Now we are integrating new moves into our dancing and taking the connection and musicality to a more advanced level.
Dedicated/Experienced (Level 2.5+)
For dedicated social swing dancers who are really ready for a push, these special opportunities are for you! Note that these classes and mini workshops run as special opportunities only. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter using the Hear The Buzz Box on the left-hand sidebar to stay up to date on the latest opportunity. The various opportunities will guide you to become more stylish in your dancing while continuing to polish and master the basics. It’s time to learn some new fancier moves but at this stage it’s also understood that moves are a third priority; connection to their partner and the music are paramount.
Advanced (Level 3)
Our Advanced swing dance class takes the form of our Lindy Hop Training and Performance troupe. Enrollment opens up by season. Stay tuned for the next enrollment date by signing up for our newsletter using the Hear The Buzz Box on the left-hand sidebar. Experienced Lindy Hoppers will also take interest in our Solo Vintage Jazz & Charleston troupe.
In Toronto, our Swing Dance classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday so you can attend the day and time that suits your schedule best.
Please see the Dance Lessons page for more schedule and location details.
