Swing/Lindy Hop & Balboa Classes

Hop to the Beat Dance Studio regularly holds Beginner Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa and other classes taught by Tony & Aurelie Tye for the Boston, Massachusetts area in Newton. Periodically we also have classes in other locations in New England and at local colleges. Private lessons are also available. Get on our mailing list to receive information on these and future classes.

Check the separate Hip Hop Classes page for information on Hip Hop classes.

We teach regular classes in 6 week sessions throughout the year. Each class consists of a 1 hour lesson per week for 6 weeks. Our Newton location is easily accessible by car and T. It is possible to join a class in its second week. No partner required, singles and couples welcome. These are adult classes, but teens are welcome to attend. In general, partners are rotated during classes, which is helpful in learning, plus a fun way to meet classmates. For couples who would prefer not to switch partners, that is fine as well. Classes emphasize lead/follow, rhythm, musicality, technique and styling, and are taught in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Our currently announced class schedules are above and an on-line registration form is available. To get notified about these or future classes, please ask to be added to our mailing list.

Regular Sessions: On Sunday evenings we offer a full line-up of Lindy Hop style Swing classes for all levels, including beginners, plus various other classes that change each session and usualy include Balboa, at the Lower Falls Community Center in Newton Lower Falls. See the Class Levels section for a description on the various levels available.

Summer Session: For the summer session classes are on Monday evenings at Ruggles Baptist Church on the Brookline/Boston border, MA.

July-August 2010 Summer Session:

Classes include Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. All classes are on Monday evenings at our summer location at Ruggles Baptist Church on the Brookline/Boston border, MA.

 

September-October 2010 Session:

Get on our mailing list to be notified when the schedule is available. All classes will be on Sunday evenings at Lower Falls Community Center in Newton Lower Falls, MA.

Registration: Please pre-register to ensure a spot (Registration Form). Registration is not complete and a place is not secured until payment is received. If pre-registered, please arrive 10 minutes before class time on the first day to allow time to check-in. If not pre-registered, please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to register and pay. If you are not able to pre-register, please still submit an on-line registration form to help speed your registration on the first day. No partner required unless mentioned otherwise. It is possible to join the session at the second week. If you are new to our studio and would like to try out a class, you may register and if you decide not to take the session, contact us before the start of the second lesson for a refund (less $13). We are always happy to help in deciding which Class Level is the best fit, and adjustments can be made in the second week of the session. Check the directions for parking information and note that the classes are held at different locations on different days.

SHOES: Please be sure to bring clean comfortable shoes. Please change shoes on the entrance mat to help prevent outside wet and grit from getting on the wooden floor.

Class Levels

Our classes are organized into different levels, with each level having multiple classes (signified by the letter after the level number). These classes can be taken in any order, and are cycled each session. This allows you to become proficient at a particular level while expanding vocabulary each session before moving up to the next level. We are always happy to answer questions on which level to take.

Beginner Swing/
Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1

This is the place for beginners with no (or little) experience to start. Each session covers new material in addition to the 6 count basics. There are seven sessions of Level 1 and classes may be taken in any order, no partner required. There is a discount price for those that have previously taken two full sessions of Level 1, and you may choose to start with the new steps by joining in the 2nd week.

 

Lindy Hop Level 2

For those who can comfortably social dance any style of triple-step Swing. There are seven Level 2 classes that cycle each session. They may be taken in any order and cover different material in addition to the 8 and 6 count basics. These classes allow students to concentrate on all aspects of Lindy basics including technique and partner connection. This level is also attended by more experienced dancers who want to continue to refine basics. No partner required. There is a discount price for those that have previously taken two full sessions of Level 2.

 

Lindy Hop Level 3

For those who are comfortable social dancing the material taught in the Level 2 sessions. Each session is new and different material is covered. In these classes we work on more advanced partnering concepts and footwork variations, emphasizing lead-follow connection. A mix of classic and more contemporary material is included suitable for a variety of tempos. No partner required.

Periodically we also offer other classes which focus on particular aspects such as technique and partnering, footwork and syncopation, dancing fast, dancing slow and performance.

Besides Beginner Swing and Lindy Hop, each year we also offer classes in Balboa and the popular Swing line dances including Shim Sham, Jitterbug Stroll and Swing Stroll. There is also a regular schedule of Hip Hop Classes.