Curriculum
How it works
Class Order
- You can take the series within each level in any order. Example: Start with Level 1: Charleston, then take Level 1: Lindy Hop.
- Complete all Level 1 series before moving to Level 2 (unless you have instructor approval).
- Classes rotate monthly (with the exception of Level 1 Lindy Hop, which is 2 months long)—if you miss one, check the schedule for when it returns or email anthony@saltcityswing.org.
Retaking Classes
- All students benefit from taking a series several times through to really absorb the material as well as learn the opposite role.
- We offer a “Retake” rate—less than half price—if you’ve already taken that series before.
- Retakes help you improve faster, retain material, and build confidence.
- Note: Retake pricing does not include a dance pass.
Lindy Hop
*No experience or partner required!
Level 1 Lindy Hop: Fundamentals
This 8-week series starts from the very beginning, focusing on partner connection and 6-count 8-count patterns that are essential for any Lindy Hopper. This is a longer 8-week course because there are some basics in here that can be fairly challenging. If you have to miss a week or two, let us know and come early the next week so we can catch you up. Let's get you out on the dance floor!
Level 1 Charleston
This class will get you moving on the dance floor, and here we're focusing on the dance that started it all. This dance is often interspersed within any social swing dance, or can be danced standalone. Charleston is the jelly to the Lindy Hop peanut butter. This basic also helps you dance to faster music, without feeling like you're working too hard--but you'll never feel like you're getting this much exercise when you're having so much fun!
*You must have taken both Level 1 Lindy Hop and Charleston series classes or have prior instructor approval to register for this class.
Level 2 Lindy Hop: The Swingout
This is the Lindy Hop basic, and yet one of the most complicated moves to master. We could spend a year (or more) working on this, but we're going to condense it down to the most important parts for this month. We'll work on technique of the swingout, stylizations, and moves based on the swingout.
Level 2 Lindy Hop: Phrasing & Connection
In this class, we will take a deep dive into the lead/follow aspects of swing and mix up some of the different rhythmic structures that make up Lindy Hop! We'll work on getting your dancing dialed into the music AND with your connection to your partner.
Level 2 Charleston
We will be starting from the connection and aesthetics of the basic, and moving quickly on to build on the technique and connection of other patterns in hand to hand charleston as well.
Level 2 Tandem Charleston
All things Tandem Charleston! The focus will be entirely on getting comfortable and confident with this move, some entrances and exits, as well as some fun variations.
Level 2 Lindy Hop: Classics
It's important to know where this dance came from. In this class, we will explore some classic, must-know, vintage Lindy Hop vocabulary as well as the history behind them.
Level 2 Lindy Hop: Musicality & Tempo
There's a wide range of tempos Lindy Hop is danced to and it's important to be able to adapt to any situation.
*We recommend that you complete all level 1 and level 2 classes multiple times and be confident with all previous material before moving on to level 3 classes. If you are unsure about whether or not you're ready to move up to level 3, please ask one of your teachers.
Level 3 Lindy Hop Classes
- Musicality and Creativity
- Connection Kaleidoscope
- Momentum and Flow
- Expression in Social Dancing
- Classic Moves
- Slow Dancing
- Fast Dancing
- Spins and Turns
- Rhythms and Variations
Balboa
Level 1A Balboa
In this new 2-part class we will work on the foundation of Balboa and some classic moves! Balboa is a close embrace swing dance from Newport Beach in the 1940s, characterized by smooth shuffling footwork, kicks, and turns. This is a great elegant dance to know especially for those faster tunes! Keep an eye out for part 2 of this series titled Level 1B Balboa. No partner or experience required.
Level 1B Balboa
This is part 2 in our new 2-part class where we will work on the foundation of Balboa and some classic moves! Balboa is a close embrace swing dance from Newport Beach in the 1940s, characterized by smooth shuffling footwork, kicks, and turns. This is a great elegant dance to know especially for those faster tunes! We also highly recommend more experienced dancers take this class as a way to brush up on your basics. Prerequisites: must have taken Level 1A Balboa or have some experience in up hold basics, down hold basics, come arounds, out and ins, lolly kicks, and toss outs.
*You must have either taken both Level 1A and 1B Balboa series classes to register or have decent proficiency with pure-bal basics, come arounds, toss outs, out and ins, lollies, and promenades.
Level 2A Bal-Swing
In this class, we will continue to build on the foundations of Balboa, learn some more classic moves, and work on the flow between sequences!
Level 2B Bal-Swing
In this class, we will continue to build on the foundations of Balboa, learn some more classic moves, and work on the flow between sequences! Prerequisites: must have taken Level 2A Balboa.
Level 2 Pure-Bal
This class will have a focus on building vocabulary and comfortability in Pure Balboa, as well as flow between moves.
*We recommend that you complete all level 1 and level 2 Balboa classes multiple times and are confident with all previous material before moving on to level 3 classes. If you are unsure about whether or not you're ready to move up to level 3, please ask one of your teachers. You must be proficient with all basics and adding variations: pure bal, come arounds, toss outs, out and ins, lollies, swivels
Level 3 Balboa: Classic Moves
You're comfortable with your fundamental Balboa vocabulary, and now it's time to expand your comfort zone! In this series we'll work on classic moves, variations, and tuning up your Bal!
Level 3 Balboa: Toss Out Variations
Description coming soon.
Level 3 Pure Balboa
Description coming soon.