Swing Dance Lessons in Brooklyn, NYC
Welcome to the vibrant world of swing dancing! Movement, rhythm, creativity and music come together creating one of the most popular social and competitive dance styles. Generations of people around the world have enjoyed this African American dance form that originated in the 1920’s in the ballrooms and jazz clubs in Harlem, NYC. As a historical dance, the Lindy Hop emerged here and later other styles developed such as the Jitterbug, Jive, East Coast Swing and many more. Join our highly trained and experienced instructors at Dance Connection who are always excited and passionate to introduce this iconic African American dance and its many forms to eager students.
Why Choose Dance Connection for Swing Dance Lessons?
Expert Instructors
With over 35 years of experience teaching all styles of Swing your feet will be in excellent hands at Dance Connection. Laurie Shayler the Director has a degree in Dance from SUNY Brockport and was a professional modern dancer with extensive training in Ballet & Jazz before studying Swing and other Social Dance forms. The other instructors have also trained and studied for many years and enjoy working with new dancers.
Fun & Engaging Classes for All Levels
Dance Connection offers several levels of classes from very new dancers to beginner and more intermediate advanced levels. We limit our class size to smaller groups allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. We also emphasize changing partners in all our group classes (unless specified) to work on developing a strong lead and follow social dance connection which accelerates the learning process and builds community.
Convenient Location in Brooklyn
We offer group and private lessons in several neighborhoods in Brooklyn – Boerum Hill and Park Slope. Both are easily accessible by subway and bus and are surrounded by many restaurants and shopping. We also offer instruction in Prospect Park or can travel to you for an additional fee.
Our Swing Dance Classes in Brooklyn
Beginner Swing Dance Classes
Our beginner level classes include – East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston & Balboa. Each class provides a solid foundation in the basic patterns, turn combinations in both 6 & 8 counts, proper footwork and understanding the various rhythms. We emphasize developing technique in the upper body dance frame, including arm tone and placement and the nuances of the hands and various grips.
Intermediate Swing Dance Classes
Our intermediate level classes include – East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston & Balboa. These classes will focus on more advanced patterns, multiple turn combinations, stylistic variations, musicality and alternate rhythmic possibilities as well as continuing to improve the dance frame by leading and following many different partners. Longer choreographic sequences will also be introduced.
Private Swing Dance Lessons
Private instruction allows each dancer or couple to move at their own pace and design their own lessons. Swing has many styles to choose from and our private lessons will focus on the details, styling, technique and any challenging areas. At Dance Connection we are very in tune to each students’ goals and needs. In a private session, not only will you determine the flow of the lesson spending as much time as you need on a pattern or combination, you will also be the only dancers in the studio with full control of your music. We do not offer multiple lessons in one space. This personalized attention with our patient instructors accelerates your learning process and you will be amazed at your rapid progress on the dance floor!
Benefits of Swing Dancing
Fitness and Fun
Depending upon the tempo, swing dancing in all its forms is an excellent aerobic activity improving your cardiovascular system. If you dance regularly, your muscles get more toned as you use all your major muscle groups, burning calories in the process. Swing dancing helps foster creativity, motivation and overall energy. Dancing to swing music relieves stress and increases your sense of well-being and happiness!
Social Connection
Swing dancing has numerous social benefits! Meet new people and friends who share your same interests. Spend time away from your devices and on the dance floor and interact with people at parties, clubs and dance events. Surrounding yourselves with creative, energetic people can make learning to dance very rewarding. You will build confidence that will translate to other areas in your busy life. Discover the joy of Swing dancing with Dance Connection!