THEMATIC levels:

Thematic Levels are pop-up weekly classes and not a fixed or regular part of our semester classes. They cover a specific theme, typically another dance style, or a famous jazz routine from the Lindy Hop paraphernalia. Be quick to sign up, because they might not be offered again next semester.

The classes last 3-8 weeks, and the theme changes in accordance with the available teachers, their speciality or what they are excited about at the moment.

spring 2024 will offer the following:

BAlboa

With jannik & Chloe — 5 CLASSES

Balboa is a stylish, very up-tempo swing dance (can come up over 300 beats per minute) but doesn’t require such high levels of energy, due to the small steps and the close embrase of the partners. It started as early as 1915 in Southern California and gained in popularity especially during the 1930s. Like Lindy Hop it originated from the mother of all Swing dances: The Charleston. The art of Balboa is the subtle communication between the lead and follow, like weight shifts that most spectators cannot see.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE for this thematic class:

• You have attended the first Balboa thematic class or at least know both basics, out & ins, come around, toss out and lolly kicks.

Blues - For those who have tried it before

with jonathan and ida — 5 classes

Blues is a unique partnered dance style performed to blues music. It features a slower tempo compared to Lindy hop, ranging from energetic and upbeat to smooth and melodic.

Why should you join this class? First and foremost, because it's incredibly fun! In addition, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your musicality, connection, and improvisation skills, which will greatly benefit your overall swing dancing abilities.

This class follows an ELEF format (Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows), giving everyone the chance to experience both roles. We will explore various moves and their variations, allowing you to build a strong technical foundation. Regardless of your current skill level, we will ensure that the content challenges and engages you appropriately.

Blues dancing has a rich history, with the first written record dating back to the famous St. Louis Blues in 1914, although it likely began even earlier. Like other Afro-American vernacular dances, it has evolved alongside the music and continues to adapt, incorporating elements from various genres, such as Latin and country.

Note: Taster sessions will be offered for free throughout the semester. Stay tuned for specific dates and times.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE for this thematic class:

• You have attended a minimum of 3 taster sessions, possess some prior experience with blues dancing in another settings.

collegiate Shag

With Ruta & stine — 5 CLASSES

The Collegiate Shag (or "Shag") is a partner dance done primarily to up-tempo swing and pre-swing jazz music (185-250+ beats per minute). It belongs to the swing family of American vernacular dances that arose in the 1920s and 30s. It is believed that the dance originated within the African American community of the Carolinas in the 1920s, later spreading across the United States during the 1930s.

Because the basic step takes up such a small space, the Shag can also be danced to fast music (over 300 beats per minute). The shag is still danced today by swing dance enthusiasts worldwide.

The classes will be tailored for both beginner and intermediate dancers. The focus will be on the fundamental techniques while still keeping it playful.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE for this thematic class:

• Completed at least one round of shag classes in Aarhus or elsewhere (min 5 classes). This means:

  • you know the basic: slow-slow, quick-quick (6 count)

  • you can do basic figures: open, closed, side by side positions; travel across the floor in close, and side by side positions; pass by; inside/outside turns from closed.

  • understand lead or follow technique which can come from knowing other swing dance

If you have a burning desire to attend shag classes, but have no previous formal experience, we will try to create opportunities throughout the semester to learn the basic moves and techniques. We cannot guarantee this, but we will try our best. For that follow the news on our Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter.

Improv classes

With ida & thomas — 5 CLASSES

Lindy Hop is about more than simply stringing together a bunch of different moves you've learnt. It's about expressing yourself creatively through your movement choices. It's about interpreting the music through your timing, energy and styling. It's about collaborating with your partner through a wordless dialogue.
In these classes, we will explore the creative side of the dance through improvisation, expression, musicality and playfulness. We'll ask what makes dancing enjoyable - and hopefully find some answers to keep a smile on you and your partner's faces!

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE for this thematic class:

- This is a mixed level class, but you should at least be comfortable dancing Lindy Hop socially.
- Be open to being silly.

Time and Dates

5 Tuesdays from 20:00 — 21:30:

• Starting May 21st, 2024

• Ending June 18th, 2024