Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is also referred to as the grandfather of swing. It originated in the late 20s in the ballrooms of Harlem. Lindy Hop was open to all people, age-groups and skin colours. It was danced to the big-band swing jazz music of the 20s to 40s. The music leaves a lot of room for improvisation. Accordingly, a lot of freedom in interpretation and movements is allowed as long as they fit the music. Depending on the rhythm of the music and the tempo, the dance can be wild and spontaneous or even cool and elegant. In the 1980s, the swing dance was "rediscovered" and gained more and more friends in Europe. Since 1998, Lindy Exchanges have been held regularly in many cities to get to know each other and the typical dance style of another city.
Participants of our Lindy Hop Courses can come with partner or alone. In Lindy Hop classes, it is common to change dance partners frequently to learn faster, to dance better, and to make getting to know each other easier. With the "Social Dance" also partners are changed, so that anyone can invite everyone. Mostly you dance two to three songs with the same partner, the first one often to "get to know each other".
The next round of classes is about to begin soon! Rhythm Tap will take a break! Swing Out is back again!
Each class has a limit of 50 participants due to space constraints. When we reach the limit, we will contact the participants that are on the waiting list explicitly. If you do not get a message indicating that you are on the waiting list, your participation is confirmed. If you change your mind and do not want to attend a class after registration, please let us know as soon as possible so we can give a chance to the people on the waiting list.
Group 1 - First Steps
for everyone who has occasionally attended the Monday tasters at Exil, has little or no knowledge of the leading and following techniques in swing dancing, or is interested in learning the opposite role. In this course, we will be taking our first steps in order get to know the fundamentals of Lindy Hop and experiment with some fun variations. In addition to the absolute basics, the exact contents in this course are different every time, so that it is possible to attend this course several times in order to deepen the foundational dance skills and get more comfortable with the essential technique and basic movements.
Group 2 - Vocabulary
for everyone who has attended a beginner's class and is familiar with the fundamental techniques of leading and following in Lindy Hop, and even for those that have longer experience. In this course, we will focus on expanding the dancing vocabulary, in order to have even more fun on the dance floor. The exact contents of this course are different every time so it is possible and even recommended to attend this course multiple times.
Group 3 - Swing Out
or everyone who has attended a beginner's class and is familiar with the fundamental techniques of leading and following in Lindy Hop, and even for those that have longer experience or want to revisit the Swing Out. In this course, we will find the way to the Swing Out, which defines the Lindy Hop, and explore some cool Swing Out variations.
Group 4 - Balboa 3
for everyone who has attended one or more Balboa classes. If you do not have any prior experience in Balboa, you should also take the Balboa Foundation Mini-Workshop. In this course, we will expand on the basics of Balboa so that faster music no longer feels like a challenge. The exact contents of this course are different every time so it is possible and even recommended to attend this course multiple times.
When?
Wednesdays, from 15.05.2024 to 03.07.2024
18:30 - 19:30 - Swing Out
19:45 - 20:45 - Balboa 3
21:00 - 22:00 - Vocabulary
21:00 - 22:00 - First Steps (Clubraum 1)
First lesson in the weekly classes is free to try!
Where?
Zentralmensa, Clubraum 5 and 1
Platz der Göttinger Sieben 4
37073 Göttingen
Fee?
Class fees (Early Birds):
40 Euro (Students) for 8 Lessons
45 Euro (Employees and guests) for 8 Lessons
65 Euro (Students) for 2 Courses
70 Euro (Employees and guests) for 2 Courses
Additional fees (Late Birds):
5 Euro from 25.05.2024
10 Euro from 01.06.2024
With whom?
Eric's specialty is Collegiate Shag, a high-energy swing dance, often associated with 1930s cartoons that allows for rhythmic oddities and stylish footwork variations. Eric brought shag to Göttingen together with Rowan, now an integral part of the Swing community.
Giulia began Lindy Hop dancing in Madrid in 2014, as the Swing dance craze in Spain was gaining momentum. Despite taking a few breaks, she continues to dance and is grateful to contribute to the Lindy Hop community in Göttingen. She relishes the connection and flow of the dance and feels a fusion with the music at times, as if the music is dancing through her.
Johanna has been dancing Lindy Hop since 2016 and also loves dance Solo Jazz, Collegiate Shag and other Swing dances. She is particularly enthusiastic about inspiring each other while dancing and developing her own ideas about the music.
Lulu discovered Lindy Hop in 2016 in Montpellier and knew instantly that she absolutely had to do that. Once started, she quickly realised that she never wanted to quit. Swing dancing and especially solo jazz is what makes her really shine.
Moonika has been active in the international swing dance scene for more than 20 years. Since 2007, she has been teaching regularly and with her skill and sense of humour she can get anyone to swing, regardless of whether they are 5 or 70 years old.
Rowan caught the Swing-bug in 2014, drawn to the playful nature of the dance. Although a Lindy hopper at heart, Rowan has a soft spot for the faster-paced dance styles, such as Balboa and Collegiate Shag.
Johanna, Klaus, and Viola will be supporting us as well.
Photo credits: Eric Bobrie (For Dancers Only) and Heiko Glindemann.
