Dance Courses 2023
Just as we love dancing we love teaching as well. We like to say that we can make anyone into a master dancer. The proof is our teachers as most of them started as our students in Swing Wings. Age is of no importance when it comes to swing dancing (look at a 90 year old Jean Veloz), and neither are talent and dance experience.
The next wave of courses will start in the week of 25 September. Registration will be open 3 September.
ATTENTION! One wave/course lasts for 12 weeks = 12 classes.
Basic information about courses
For our students:
- New level division corresponds to internationally recognized levels and differs from the current (previous) division into numbers. If you’re unsure about the level you belong to, talk to Janča or write to pilot@swingwings.cz.
What does one course mean?
- One course means 12 weeks = 12 seventy minute lessons – one lesson a week
THEME CLASS – 6 weeks (it’s not regular course)
How often do courses happen?
- Throughout the year we have three twelve-week waves of courses, starting in September, January and April.
- Attention, lessons will take place during public holidays too.
Do I need a dance partner?
- You can register for a course with a partner. In such a case both of you need to fill in the registration form. If you don’t have a partner, never mind. You can register on your own and the system will put you together with the first available dance partner.
- During all lessons partners change and we do not grant exceptions.
Where do courses take place?
- At Studio Kafka that resides in Franz Kafka hospital (Koliště 43) on the 3rd and 4th floor.
How do I register for a course?
- Registration opens two or three weeks before the start of the new wave. Current schedule and registration form can be found on the page down below. .
ATTENTION!
Registration closes a week before the start of the new wave.
Transition between levels
Are you registering for a course in the new form for the first time?
Have a look at the course description and try to rank yourself accordingly. If you’re unsure don’t hesitate to write to pilot@swingwings.cz and Janča will give you advice.
Have you already completed a course?
In such a case, you’ll remain on the same level with the same group till teachers decide that the whole group moves to the next level. Which most likely means that with the whole group you’ll remain on the same level and probably have lessons on the same day for the whole year, the only change will be your teachers.
Have you evaluated your level wrongly and you feel like you lag behind?
Talk to your teacher individually who will help you with possible transition.
Are you new to swing? –> NEWBIES is the right course for you.
Levels
Lindy Hop
| NEWBIES | The course is suitable for all who are starting with swing dancing. It is also suitable for those unsure with basics and would like to refresh them. You will learn basic techniques, rhythms, figures and improvisation elements. We’ll have a look at basic rhythms of Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa, Blues, so after a few lessons you’ll be able to dance through a social and in the next wave you’ll be ready for any of the dances we offer. | no experience |
| BEGINNERS (B) | This course is suitable for everyone who has completed at least one trimester of courses (newbies) or knows the basic steps (triple step, groove walk, changes etc.) You’ll have an opportunity to dance a lot during lessons and will learn new fun figures, the focus being on techniques that are important for comfortable dancing. step, groove walk, výměny apod.). We’ll also tell you how it works at dance socials, festivals and generally in the swing dance world. | you’ve been dancing for at least two months or more |
| BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE (B/I) | Have you been dancing for a while now, do you feel comfortable in triple steps, groove walk and kick steps? Do you go to dance socials and you enjoy dancing? This is the course for you! In the lessons, we will delve more into the secrets of lead & follow, we will deal more with the dance from the technical side, add a little solo jazz, learn the basics of Charleston and take a look at the popular figure – the swingout and its variations. Have you completed a swingout course yet? Does not matter! The basics of swingouts are never enough, and it is recommended to go through them several times. | you’ve been dancing for at least a year |
| INTERMEDIATE (I) | A course designed for those who have passed at least two trimesters of the B/I course or those who can do swing outs, Charleston variations and feel comfortable alternating basic rhythms (groove walks, kick step, triple steps) and dancing to a faster tempo of 180BPM is not a problem. In this course we will deepen our dance knowledge, you can expect more swingouts, Charleston and new fun figures. We will also delve deeper into the secrets of musicality. We recommend going through this course several times, the methodology is designed in such a way that you will not get bored. | you’ve been dancing for at least 2 years |
| INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED (I/A) | Are you interested in the essence of dance and the quality of movement more than figures? In this course, emphasis will be placed on musicality and the development of the individual style of each dancer. We assume knowledge of basic swing musicality, dancing to faster music (190-200BPM), Charleston figures (Hand to Hand, tandem,…). We also expect students of this level to have a deeper interest in Lindy Hop and swing culture, so we will stick to mastering the material discussed in the lessons. Knowledge of other swing dances is an advantage. You can also look forward to developing a solo performance. | you’ve been dancing for more than 3 years |
| ADVANCED (A) | The course is intended for all those who can handle the material of the previous courses without any problems and are interested in paying more attention to Lindy Hop. In lessons, we expect greater involvement of students, work in groups and own initiative. We will work on solos, routines, improvisation and working with our bodies. Look forward, etc. for an insight into music theory and history. You can do both roles. We assume knowledge of basic swing routines (Shim Sham, Big Apple, Tranky Doo, First Stop), swingouts to faster music are not a problem for you (200BPM) as well as charleston. Do you go to festivals or workshops abroad, do you know names like Johnny Hodges, Fletcher Henderson, Earl Hines, Leon James, Al Minns, Norma Miller, Jewel McGowan? | you’ve been dancing for more than 5 years |
Balboa
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BEGINNERS (B) |
The introductory balboa course is for anyone who wants to try this dance or to review the basics. No dance experience is necessary, although the basics of Lindy Hop or other dances are fine. During this course we will learn typical balboa elements, basic figures and specific signs for lead and follow. |
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INTERMEDIATE (I) |
This course is for dancers who have already completed the introductory course and are able to dance the balboa at a decent tempo (up to about 200 bpm). We expect them to know basic figures like lollies, swivels and toss-outs and want to learn more. We will focus on balboa technique, variations and musicality. |
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ADVANCED (A) |
Advanced balboa is for balboa dancers who feel confident in balboa, can dance even at higher tempos (around 230 bpm) and have mastered the figures. With them, we will focus on different stylings, flavors and fun figures. We will try to find each individual’s personal and distinctive style and we will try to take their balboa beyond the known limits. |
Collegiate Shag
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BEGINNERS (B) |
The course is intended for complete beginners and for dancers who want to brush up or strengthen their basics. The content of the course consists of comfortable mastering of the basic step in its variations, lead and follow, simple musicality and basic shag figures. |
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INTERMEDIATE (I) |
If you can handle the basic step and most of the figures comfortably at a medium-fast tempo (200 bpm and above), sign up for this course. We will further develop the dance with more demanding figures and variations, speed it up and also discuss shag musicality in more detail. |
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ADVANCED (A) |
You regularly visit fast feet dance socials and have no problem dancing to fast tempos (230 bpm and above). Lessons will focus on more demanding figures and their variations, work with rhythm and musicality, and more complex footwork. Simple but effective airsteps will be the icing on the cake. |
Blues
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BEGINNERS (B) |
The course is intended for all those who just want to start dancing blues, have taken a few lessons or tasters and would like to improve their basics but learn something new. Since the basis for any movement in the blues is above all the dancer’s reaction to the music, whether solo or with a dance partner, the content of the course will be familiarization with different musical styles in blues and the possibilities of how to dance to them and what figures and movements to use. We will go through the blues music history (Chicago, Mississippi delta, New Orleans, Memphis, etc.) and learn dance styles and elements that we will use to the music (struttin’, juking, ballrooming, slow drag, shuffles). Both pre-intermediate dancers and beginners can certainly sign up for the course. |
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INTERMEDIATE (I) |
It is a continuation of beginners but it is not necessary to have completed the course (we advise talking to the teachers). In the course, we will expand the portfolio of figures and elements, we will work on follow/lead, communication in pairs, we will learn to dance more confidently, connect different figures and variations and incorporate them into the dance smoothly. We will work on using the whole body, practice and expand the possibilities in footwork. We will come up with different combos and short choreographies together. |
Special courses
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SOLO JAZZ |
More info soon. |
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AIRSTEPS A ACROBATICS BASICS |
In the course, we will learn the basics of dance acrobatics with an emphasis on technique and connection with a partner, so that you will be able to use the learned airsteps in dance. The course will start from the basics, but it will definitely be useful for those who have taken airsteps with us before. Important – You must register for the course with a partner with whom you will complete the entire course. It is ideal if you are used to dancing and you trust your partner. We do not change partners during lessons. Keep in mind that minor abrasions and bruises can be a byproduct of airstep training. Due to the nature of the course, we do not recommend looking for a replacement for a partner who will not be able to attend one of the lessons. Level: not essential, but you need to be comfortable with the basic dance figures. |
Course Prices
| Price | Discount | |
|---|---|---|
| for 1 course | 2300 Kč | |
| for 2 courses | 3680 Kč | – 20% from total price |
| for 3 courses | 4830 Kč | – 30% from total price |
| for 4 courses | 4830 Kč | 4 course for free |
| student discount | -15% from toatl price | |
| theme course (6 weeks) | 1150 Kč | discounts do not apply to this course |
Payment
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Courses can be paid for in two ways :
- Bank transfer to the account number 2600686754/2010. If you need IBAN, please contact us.
- QR code
You will receive the payment detail via email after the registration confirmation. Please make the payment before starting the courses.
SCHEDULE
REGISTRATION
FAQ
You don’t need to bring a partner.
It is always better to register with dance partner (not required for solo classes). Those, who register without partner will be on waiting list. Once someone in oposite role will register, you both will be “pair” and confirm. We have special group on Facebook for searching a partner for courses “Hledám tanečního partnera/partnerku – SWING WINGS“.
What is a difference between Swing, Lindy Hop a Charleston?
We at Swing Wings teach mainly Lindy Hop. But there is more of swing dances. Swing is jazz musical style, which was formed since 20th of 20. century. Charleston was danced on ragtime jazz. Lindy Hop is dance based of Charleston, which was developed in Harlem, New York. It is described as “the” swing dance. Swing dancer often dance also Balboa, Shag, Blues or Solo Jazz.
You don’t need to wear anything special
Although we do love a chance to get dressed up at balls and festivals, we’re a pretty casual bunch during the week. Just wear something you’re comfortable moving around in, and be aware that swing dancing can get pretty hot. As for shoes, any flat shoes that you’re comfortable will be fine – soft soled flat trainers or plimsolls are out favourite as they allow us to jump, kick and move easily.
Should we change a partners at the class?
Yes, we rotate partners throughout each class – not only is this a great way to get the most out of your learning, you’ll make plenty of friends too!
What do Leader and Follower mean?
When dancing with a partner, we talk about leaders and followers. Classically, the person dancing in the role of leader initiates movements and directions and the follower interprets and actively dances them. However, there is no hierarchy to the roles and throughout the dance both partners continuously make decisions on how and where to go.
In Lindy Hop, we don’t see the dance roles as gendered. Our scene welcomes anybody to dance either role. It is also common for Lindy hop dancers to learn both roles as their dancing ability advances, and at a social dance to change roles every dance or even within one dance. So it doesn’t matter how you identify, you can dance either one or both roles.