F. A. Q.

I'm new.  Where should I start? 
Our beginner classes, particularly Swing 101 & Lindy 111 are excellent places to start.  These classes are designed for the absolute newbie - and there are several other choices as well.  Every "100 Level" class has no pre-learned requirement for entry.  Everyone in these classes is either new as you or trying to learn the specific basics covered in that given class.  Be confident.  You are ready!  (Register Online)  We've taught many to dance who thought they never could.

I'm interested, but can't dance at all.  Should I bother? 
We were in that position too.  Alex couldn't even find the beat when he started.  Catherine, only able to dance about once per month as a beginner, kept going on adrenaline.  Like you, it was a glimmer of interest that got us started.  We feel that part of our skill as teachers comes from the fact that we were not born dancers at all.  We had to work quite hard to feel and understand the nature of this dancing before it became spontaneous expression from the heart.  We can make it easier for those who are not born dancers (yet) and even better for those that are.  If you still feel concerned that you may not be able to keep up with everyone else, you have many options... 

What if I can't keep up in class?
First of all, while class participants often range in level, most everyone does very well keeping up.  If you find you're not keeping up with others in the class, you have a few options.  The first is to check out the online review and practice, practice, practice at home (even by yourself, many of us did this and still do - Alex used to wear on the rug between his couch and dining table practicing the steps) until you can keep up with the class.  If that doesn't seem to make a difference, you can take a private lesson to figure out what you need to work on to make your practice, class time, and dancing more efficient for your learning process.  However; with all this said - we rarely have folks unable to keep up.  And.... 

I just finished an introductory class.  I had fun and want to keep dancing and learning, but don't think I'm ready for the next class.  What should I do? 
We offer reduced price for  retakes of classes.  Its not grade school.  You're not a failure for retaking.  Many people retake.  As a matter of fact, most of us have taken SEVERAL beginner classes in the past.  You are to be commended for wanting to learn to dance well.  (Plus by retaking you're paying less than the chump who is moving on to the next level!) Retaking is also a good idea for those who have already taken beginner class, but have been away from dancing for a while. Regardless of who you are, if you truly enjoy this dancing, the classes, and honestly listen to what we teach, WE WILL HELP TURN YOU INTO A VERY GOOD DANCER.  As long as you're enjoying yourself such that you feel your effort, time, and money are worth the satisfaction you feel, we promise you will develop into a fine dancer regardless of your original ability.  

However, in the end, we think you'll be very surprised with the dancing ability that begins to emerge from your body after a few classes.  Despite the fact that we have been offering this option for several years, it has only been taken less than 10% of the time, usually due to missing a week or two the first time around.  

I want to come!           ... but a may miss a week, and I'm afraid I won't keep up.
We highly recommend students attend class, but we realize that reality sometimes knocks on all our doors.  This is one reason we have the online review.  On these review clips we will break the moves & steps down first and then show how it looks all together.  It won't be quite as good as learning it in person, but it will help you stay in synch with the class should your pesky job, family, or friends take you away from dancing for a while. 

What kind of shoes should I wear dancing/to class?  
Lindy Hoppers / Swing Dancers will dance in pretty much anything- from barefoot, to sandals, to tennis shoes.  Generally speaking, lighter shoes with reduced traction work best.  When your dancing frequency increases enough to warrant spending money on footwear, you have several options available.  Some dancers wear Bleyers, others swear by certain brands of jazz shoes (like Capezio or Bloch), more alter (usually re-sole with some kind of leather) a current pair of shoes (Vans are popular), and the rest make due or search for 'regular' shoes to fit their dancing needs.  (Lots of womens or dress shoes work well because they tend to be lighter and have less traction).  If you are just learning, it is a good idea to make use of a current pair of shoes until you have an idea of what you want in a dance shoe.  Crazy people like us use street shoes with altered soles.  The best place in town to get it done is Cecil's Shoe Repair on Odana Rd.  But until you're a crazy person, the best bet is to just find a pair of shoes with lessened traction. 

How should I dress for dancing/class? 
We believe that learning is most productive when students are comfortable, relaxed, and having fun, so classes are quite casual.  Students usually wear anything from T-Shirts and jeans/ shorts to khakis or slacks for guys and dresses for the ladies.  It is mostly a matter of what you are comfortable and feel good (or confident) dancing in.  

My significant other refuses to learn to dance.  What can I do? 
Dancing with your sweetie should be fun and/or romantic, which will definitely not be the case if either of you feels too much pressure to dance or is forced into it.  Come and learn to dance on your own!  There is no need to bring a partner.  The dancing is social, not couples based.  We know lots of folks who dance regularly who are happily married to non-dancers.  Yes.  The marriages last!  While dancing is great for couples, it is not a necessity.  Dancing is a hobby and may be "your thing", but not your companion's thing.  If your concern involves your wedding, remember, you do not have to learn to dance for your wedding.  It is your day and you can plan the occasion any way you like.  You should enjoy it.  Parents, do not "order" the bride & groom to get lessons.  This often results in disaster.  Believe me.  I've seen it.

I'm nervous about learning in public.   
Nearly everyone is a bit nervous.  That's normal.  Nearly everyone we've taught, at first thought that dancing would be much harder than it turned out to be.  They're surprised that its not so hard after all.  Once they discover that it isn't too much work and they can find the beats in the music, they enjoy learning and actually want to do more.  If the nervousness is extreme or debilitating, you can try learning from video or take some private lessons to build up confidence. 

 What is the most important thing I can do for this class? 
Breathe, Relax, and have fun.  Dancing is a celebration of life and lindy hop is moments of uninhibited joy.  Think about other recreational activities in your life like fishing or playing tennis.  Be conscious of the dance steps in the same way you would be conscious of your tennis swing... but not self conscious.  How much fun and relaxation would we ruin for ourselves if we constantly worried about how we look?  What if you were constantly worried about how you look while watching a movie?  enjoying a good read?  It would ruin the fun   ... yet many of us do just that when it comes to enjoying the very natural phenomenon of dance.  Lindy Hop is about joy.  While we may indeed worry about how we look when first learning to dance -  rest assured - the more you dance... week to week... the less frequent this feeling stays and the more your natural joy emerges.  

got another question?    e-mail:  faq@downbeatdance.com