Swing (Lindy Hop) - Weekly Group Lessons via City of Frederick Parks & Rec

$0.00

Join Amanda on Sunday afternoons from 5-6pm for an introduction to social swing and blues dancing.

Lindy Hop is a style of swing dancing. It’s an energetic social dance style characterized by rhythmic footwork and playful interaction between partners. This course introduces a flexible smooth/LA/Hollywood Style swing-out with basic variations and teaches how to combine these moves to survive an entire night on the social dance floor.

Every two months a new class series starts, meeting weekly for 6 (nearly) consecutive weeks. These classes are progressive, so you will be behind if you miss class. Please check the refund policy so you know what to expect.

Please register directly through the City of Frederick. Classes are hosted through the City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Department at the William P. Talley Recreation Center in downtown Frederick, Maryland. Register for classes through the links below or browse the entire catalog here: Parks & Rec Programming (link). You do not need to be a city resident to attend classes. The rate is $75 for city residents and $90 for non-residents.

Drop-Ins are for experienced dancers and returning students. Please contact Amanda before your first class to confirm drop-in pricing (usually $10-20 per single class) and availability.

‘Purchase’ this class for free to get help with registration or start a Q&A with Amanda.

Join Amanda on Sunday afternoons from 5-6pm for an introduction to social swing and blues dancing.

Lindy Hop is a style of swing dancing. It’s an energetic social dance style characterized by rhythmic footwork and playful interaction between partners. This course introduces a flexible smooth/LA/Hollywood Style swing-out with basic variations and teaches how to combine these moves to survive an entire night on the social dance floor.

Every two months a new class series starts, meeting weekly for 6 (nearly) consecutive weeks. These classes are progressive, so you will be behind if you miss class. Please check the refund policy so you know what to expect.

Please register directly through the City of Frederick. Classes are hosted through the City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Department at the William P. Talley Recreation Center in downtown Frederick, Maryland. Register for classes through the links below or browse the entire catalog here: Parks & Rec Programming (link). You do not need to be a city resident to attend classes. The rate is $75 for city residents and $90 for non-residents.

Drop-Ins are for experienced dancers and returning students. Please contact Amanda before your first class to confirm drop-in pricing (usually $10-20 per single class) and availability.

‘Purchase’ this class for free to get help with registration or start a Q&A with Amanda.

Current Location:

Classes are hosted at the William P Talley Recreation Center in Baker Park

Learn more about the Rec Center

What to Expect

Classes are suitable for all experience levels but aimed at dancers who are relatively new to partnered swing and/or blues dancing. Students with busy schedules or more experience may want to consider a private practice session for more personal attention.

Every weekly class includes:

  • warm-up & stretching

  • solo exercises to improve balance, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and musicality while practicing basic footwork.

  • partnered exercises to improve lead/follow connection and communication.

  • instruction and practice in common fundamental moves and patterns from lindy hop, six-count swing, west coast swing, Charleston and/or social blues dancing

  • discussion on social dance psychology, etiquette, and safety - plus learn music and dance history!

Dance Roles

In traditional social dance, men lead, and women follow. Fortunately, in contemporary Swing & Blues Dance there are no gender restrictions on dance roles. Dancers are invited to select whichever role they prefer, regardless of gender expression. See the brief descriptions below to help you decide which position is right for you:

  • Leaders are responsible for initiating momentum and managing floor craft

  • Followers are responsible for executing lead movements and inspiring musicality

  • Switch refers to experienced dancers who intend to practice both roles. Dancers who switch should contact Amanda for private class options that can address the unique challenges of this role.

  • Rotating partners is the best way to learn but dancers will NOT be forced to practice with strangers.

Staying Healthy:

  • Proof of vaccination is not currently required.

  • Dancers are welcome to wear masks, but they are not currently required.

  • Please bring a face mask with you. If someone else is wearing a mask, assume that you need to wear yours when talking and dancing with them.