Let's dance

CLASS TIMETABLE

MONDAY

18:30
BLUES Beginners
with Shob & Andy

For dancers with no previous experience. These classes introduce the fundamentals of blues dancing, the basic shapes and some accessible moves you can use on the social dance floor. Each class will build up your blues vocabulary so you can start creating and improvising with your partner.

CLASS INFO CLOSE
19:30
BLUES Intermediate
with Shob & Andy

For students who have completed a number of previous beginners classes or one of our beginners workshops and have covered some basic concepts such as basic rhythm, groove and partner connection. A great chance to extend your learning, start playing with variations and build your confidence for the social floor.

CLASS INFO CLOSE
BOOK BLUES CLASS

THURSDAY

18:30
SWING Beginners
with Steph + Joel

For dancers with no previous experience. These classes introduce the fundamentals of swing dancing, the basic shapes and some accessible moves you can use on the social dance floor. Each class will build up your swing vocabulary so you can start creating and improvising with your partner.

CLASS INFO CLOSE
19:30 - 19:45
SOCIAL DANCING

A great chance to practice the basics and any new moves so you’re ready for the social floor!

CLASS INFO CLOSE
19:45
SWING Beginners Plus
with Steph and Joel

For students who have completed a number of previous beginners classes or one of our beginners workshops and have covered some basic concepts such as basic rhythm, groove and partner connection. A great chance to extend your learning, start playing with variations and build your confidence for the social floor.

CLASS INFO CLOSE
BOOK SWING CLASS

MONDAY

BLUES
Beginners

18:30 - 19:30
with Shob and Andy

BLUES Beginners

For dancers with no previous experience.
These classes introduce the fundamentals of blues dancing, the basic shapes and some accessible moves you can use on the social dance floor. Each class will build up your blues vocabulary so you can start creating and improvising with your partner.
BOOK THIS CLASS

BLUES
Intermediate

19:30 - 20:30
with Shob and Andy

BLUES Intermediate

For students who have completed a number of previous beginners classes or one of our beginners workshops and have covered some basic concepts such as basic rhythm, groove and partner connection. A great chance to extend your learning, start playing with variations and build your confidence for the social floor.
BOOK THIS CLASS

THURSDAY

SWING
Beginners

18:30 - 19:30
with Steph and Joel

19:30 - 19:45
Social dancing

SWING Beginners

For dancers with no previous experience.
These classes introduce the fundamentals of swing dancing, the basic shapes and some accessible moves you can use on the social dance floor. Each class will build up your swing vocabulary so you can start creating and improvising with your partner.
BOOK THIS CLASS

SWING
Beginners plus

19:45 - 20:45
with Steph and Joel

SWING Beginners Plus

For students who have completed a number of previous beginners classes or one of our beginners workshops and have covered some basic concepts such as basic rhythm, groove and partner connection. A great chance to extend your learning, start playing with variations and build your confidence for the social floor.
BOOK THIS CLASS

Class venue

STUDIO LOCATION

Moss Studios

101 Evans Street, Brunswick, Vic 3056

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What is

BLUES DANCING

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  • THE ROOTS

    Blues dancing was born in African American communities in the Southern USA during the early 20th century. Sadly this time was one of great oppression and hardship for Black people. Blues dancing was created by community for community and provided connection, celebration, healing and release. It’s founded on a range of classic rhythms and has a grounded aesthetic and a relaxed, authentic feel.

  • STYLES OF BLUES

    It is sometimes broadly divided into Juking styles and Ballrooming styles but also has many regional specific idioms such as Chicago triple, Texas Shuffle and Struttin’.

  • A CONVERSATION

    Blues dancing prioritises true conversation, with both partners having an equal voice in the dance. Dancers express the rich rhythmic layers of blues music not just in their feet but their whole bodies allowing the expression of every kind of emotion. Blues dancing is an incredible feeling, and the techniques you will learn about groundedness, body movement and musical expression will do wonders for all other styles of swing dancing you choose to try.

  • BLUES MUSIC

    Blues music and dancing are not a tempo, they can be slow or fast, subtle or dynamic, melancholy or joyous, intimate or feel like a party. We dance to the music of some of the greatest artists of all time from the 1920s to the 1960s as well as current blues artists keeping this living culture alive. Expect to hear the sounds of Muddy Waters, BB King, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Etta James… just to name a few.

What is

SWING DANCING

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  • THE HISTORY

    Swing dancing is a family of dances danced to “swinging” jazz music, the most famous of which is the Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop was first danced in the 1920s by African American originators in Harlem, New York City in the famous Savoy Ballroom. Luckily, some of these great original artists - such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller and Al Minns - were able to share this tradition and allow Lindy Hop's legacy to continue into the modern day.

  • RHYTHMIC EXPRESSION

    Swing dancing is founded on rhythmic expression with both partners improvising together to the music in the moment. Lindy hop can be danced to a range of tempos… it can be wild, exuberant, and high energy, or slow, chilled, and intimate.

  • SOCIAL DANCING

    Swing dancing can be choreographed and has a long tradition of performance art…starting with the greatest and most famous troupe of them all…Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. However, the first love of most dancers is social dancing and learning how to connect with any partner. It is inclusive of all ages, body types and abilities - as long as you’re feeling the music, you’re swinging.

  • GLOBAL PHENOMENON

    Swing dancing has become a global phenomenon with wonderful, enthusiastic swing communities all over the world. There are also vibrant swing scenes in almost every major city in Australia and New Zealand. If you are traveling and hoping to meet with local dancers, please reach out and we'll try to connect you.

Our dance classes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’ve never danced before. Is that a problem?

The beginner class is perfect for you. The teachers will start every class with the basic rhythms, footwork and connection you need to start dancing. We don’t assume any previous experience and specialise in people with 2 left feet.

Do I need a partner?

No, not at all! In fact most dancers started without a partner. The heart of what we teach is social dancing and we rotate partners throughout the class.  This allows you to learn to connect with a range of different people AND make new friends.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you feel comfortable! Flat shoes are probably the best way to start for beginners with a little bit of slip in them. But really, come just as you are.

Which role should I choose to learn?

That’s up to you. Swing dancing does have two distinct roles – leader and follower. The leader’s role is to initiate the main shapes and direction of the dance. The follower responds to these ideas, interpreting them in their own way and adding their own creativity and expression. This then influences their leader for their next idea and so the conversation begins.

The roles are not gender specific and many of our dancers learn both roles throughout their time dancing. Learning both roles is a great way to deepen your understanding of the dance.

Do I need to book?

You can pay at the door for our weekly classes or you can register online beforehand. This is especially useful for workshops and socials to secure your spot. All of our offerings are cashless and use Trybooking.

When and where can I start?

You can join our weekly classes anytime at the beautiful Moss Studios in Brunswick – 101 Evans St. You can register online before or drop-in on the day.
Workshops and social events are held in different venues across Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.

What if I miss a class?

Not a problem! Beginner classes are drop-in so you’ll learn the basics each week. Teachers also regularly revisit and revise concepts from previous weeks.