Level Descriptions
Below, please find our general descriptions for class levels. We intend these descriptions to be guidelines to help dancers get the most out of the classes, not barriers that stifle.Approximate time-frames are listed only to give you an idea of the amount of effort involved and assume that you are actively working on improving your dancing through lessons, workshops, and practice. The important thing is that you have mastered the appropriate material before moving on.
If you have any questions about your level of ability when selecting a class, go ask a LaB Tech or email lab@lindyandblues.com
Novice
Pre-requisites: There is no pre-requisite for novice classes. Come with an open mind and comfortable shoes!Approximate time-frame: 1-4 drop-in lessons + one 4-week novice series.
Description: The novice level is the very beginning when you’re still trying to learn the basic rhythms and steps. This is the period in which your muscle memory for the steps starts to form. During this period, you should be working on familiarizing yourself with the basic steps and moves of the dance.
Beginner
Pre-requisites: 1-4 drop-in lessons + one 4-week novice series (4-12 hours of instruction in a single dance style).
For Lindy, the pre-requisite is knowing the steps of a swing-out, basic moves like a tuck turn and under-arm turn, and the basic rhythms/footwork of the 8-count and 6-count.
For blues, the pre-requisite is being at ease with open, closed and close-embrace positions; basic blues vocabulary like fishtails and grinds; and both ballroomin’ and jukin’ styles of blues.
For blues, the pre-requisite is being at ease with open, closed and close-embrace positions; basic blues vocabulary like fishtails and grinds; and both ballroomin’ and jukin’ styles of blues.
Approximate time-frame: Beginner dancers generally have 3 months to 1 year of consistent dancing and lessons under their belts.
Description: Dancers should spend the beginner period on moves and patterns, building up the vocabulary of the dance. During this time, you should be working on honing connection and the basic, 'vanilla' moves and footwork with the intention of mastering them.
Intermediate
Pre-requisites: Mastery of the basics and being able to smoothly and comfortably integrate them
through an entire song. You have started to focus on your movement quality and aesthetic sense of the dance.
For Lindy, the pre-requisite is having complete understanding a basic swing-out and other basic moves like a tuck turn, etc. You should have done at least 5,000 swing-outs before taking intermediate Lindy classes.
For blues, the pre-requisite is understanding what it means to have clear, consistent connection throughout your dancing. You should be comfortable leading or following transitions between Ballroomin’ and Jukin’ before taking intermediate blues classes.
For blues, the pre-requisite is understanding what it means to have clear, consistent connection throughout your dancing. You should be comfortable leading or following transitions between Ballroomin’ and Jukin’ before taking intermediate blues classes.
Approximate time-frame: Intermediate dancers generally have 1-3 years of consistent dancing and lessons under their belts.
Description: Intermediate dancers have solid foundations and are now striving to learn variations to their moves, discover the full dynamic range of the dance, find different ways of connecting, and work on style and aesthetics. Mastery of the basics is critical because this is where we break it all down and show you how to do it in multiple new ways.
Advanced
Pre-requisites: Fluency with the dance. You stopped thinking about the steps and patterns ages
ago. Now you just react with your body to the music and your partner at any tempo.Approximate time-frame: 4+ years of consistent dancing and lessons.
Description: At this point, you should realize that it’s all about connection with different layers of styling and aesthetics. You not only have conversations with your partner, you sing duets. What are you gonna sing about?