1930s Charleston (Beginners and Level 2)

Want to learn to swing dance? York Lindy welcomes you to our Beginners' and Level 2 courses in the centre of York! 

Beginners (3-week course)

Our beginners course is the perfect place to start your journey with swing dancing! You don’t need a partner, any previous dance experience or special equipment - just sign up and our experienced teachers will get you dancing! Our beginners courses start from the very beginning, introducing you to dances from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Our friendly teachers will break down the footwork before introducing you to some fun moves! Focusing on 1930s Charleston, this 3-week course will build up your moves with dancers of a similar level. 

Come along to the pub (Ye Olde Starre Inne) after class to socialise with fellow beginners and our teachers!

Level 2 (3-week course)

Level 2 is all about giving you the confidence to social dance! It is suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about either lead or follow technique, and who feels ready to tackle some more challenging moves, variations and footwork.

Our expectation is that you feel comfortable with the 1930s Charleston footwork pattern you learnt in Beginners, as we will build on these. Participants are asked to sign up for one role for the duration of the course.

Dancers that are new to Level 2 classes may wish to also attend the beginners course to solidify the basic footwork - beginners courses run in the previous hour. We offer a discount if you are signing up for both Beginners and Level 2. Prices to do both courses are £27, or £21 for concessions.

Location: The Belfrey Hall, 52A Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

Price: Beginners - £18 (£14 concessions), Level 2 - £18 (£14 concessions), Both - £27 (£21 concessions)

Dates: Thursday 18th, 25th April, 2nd May 2024

7:30pm-8.30pm (Beginners) 

8.45pm-9.45pm (Level 2)

Six Count Lindy Hop (Beginners and Level 2)

Want to learn to swing dance? York Lindy welcomes you to our Beginners' and Level 2 courses in the centre of York! 

Beginners (3-week course)

Our beginners course is the perfect place to start your journey with swing dancing! You don’t need a partner, any previous dance experience or special equipment - just sign up and our experienced teachers will get you dancing! Our beginners courses start from the very beginning, introducing you to dances from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Our friendly teachers will break down the footwork before introducing you to some fun moves! Focusing on 6 Count Lindy Hop, this 3-week course will build up your moves with dancers of a similar level. 

Come along to the pub (Ye Olde Starre Inne) after class to socialise with fellow beginners and our teachers!

Level 2 (3-week course)

Level 2 is all about giving you the confidence to social dance! It is suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about either lead or follow technique, and who feels ready to tackle some more challenging moves, variations and footwork.

Our expectation is that you feel comfortable with the 6 Count Lindy Hop footwork pattern you learnt in Beginners, as we will build on these. Participants are asked to sign up for one role for the duration of the course.

Dancers that are new to Level 2 classes may wish to also attend the beginners course to solidify the basic footwork - beginners courses run in the previous hour. We offer a discount if you are signing up for both Beginners and Level 2. Prices to do both courses are £27, or £21 for concessions.

Location: The Belfrey Hall, 52A Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

Price: Beginners - £18 (£14 concessions), Level 2 - £18 (£14 concessions), Both - £27 (£21 concessions)

Dates: Thursday 23rd, 30th May, 6th June 2024

7:30pm-8.30pm (Beginners) 

8.45pm-9.45pm (Level 2)

Learn the California Routine - Level 3 Workshop

Calling all experienced swing dancers! Learn the iconic California routine, made famous in the Hellzapoppin clip, and enduring to this day! The California routine is a staple performance piece and a rite of passage for many Lindy Hoppers. Attendees will be invited to perform the routine at the World Lindy Hop Day event later in May.

The routine is structured around a series of moves that can be adapted or modified by dancers, making it both a structured choreography and a flexible framework for improvisation. Key elements often include:

• Swing Outs and Lindy Circles: Fundamental Lindy Hop moves that form the backbone of the dance.

• Charleston Variations: Incorporating both side-by-side and tandem Charleston patterns.

• Aerials and Air Steps (not in this workshop, sorry!): High-flying moves where one dancer is lifted off the ground by their partner. The California Routine is well-known for incorporating these show-stopping moves, though they are often adapted or omitted in social dance settings for safety.

• Dramatic Breakaways and Freezes: Moments where the dancers separate and then dramatically re-engage, often punctuating the music.

• Partnered Jazz Steps: Including moves like the "Suzie Q" and "Shorty George."

The event will take place in the historic city of York on Saturday 11 May. It will comprise 3 hours of teaching.

Difficulty level

To attend this workshop you should be a fluent social dancer, able to switch seamlessly between footworks. The material will assume knowledge of many standard moves including swing outs and tandem charleston.

Location: The Belfrey Hall, 52A Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

Price: £19 (£15 concessions)

Dates: Saturday 11th May 2024

11.30am-3.30pm (Workshop, including one hour for lunch)