Hop to the Beat's blog

New HTTB Classes in Newton & Boston

Swing Dance ClassYes, it is August, but we still have some wonderful summertime left! We’ve been lucky this year with lots of great weather to keep us smilingSmile. Hope everyone has found opportunities to get out and enjoy! Life is so crazy busy these days and we can’t neglect to take some time to rejuvenate and relax.

We have been having a lot of fun with our Monday class session in Boston this summer. Although we are not quite ready to be concentrating on September, we did want to announce that our new classes are now up and we’ll be back to our schedule of Sunday and Monday classes. The new 6 week session starts Sunday nights on September 9 in Newton Lower Falls and Monday nights on September 10 at Ruggles Church (near Fenway Park). There are classes for all levels, no partners required.

Here’s what’s up for the next session:

  • Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1: For those who are brand new to Swing dancing, this is the place to start! Also ideal for those with some experience who would like to brush up on skills and build a repertoire of fun moves. Six count basics will be covered along with a different selection of steps each session providing a foundation of the basic elements of Lindy Hop such as rhythm, style and partner connection. There are 7 different sessions at this level building a good base for social dancing. Level 1 classes may be taken in any order. It is recommended that students stay at this level long enough to feel very comfortable with the material taught before moving to Level 2. Discount after 2 sessions. No experience or partner required. This class meets in both Newton and Boston.
  • Lindy Hop Level 2: Level 2 focuses on the core fundamentals of Lindy Hop, including a mix of 8 and 6 count basics. Emphasis is on technique, partner connection, musicality and building skills. No previous Lindy Hop experience required, although must competently social dance any style of triple-step Swing. There are 8 different sessions at this level which continually change over time and can be taken in any order. Each session includes a range of classic Charleston to newer variations, all with a touch of flash! Discount after 2 sessions. No partner required. This class meets in both Newton and Boston.
  • Interesting, Fun and Fancy Turns: This new class features a variety of moves from open and from closed which include the element of turning for follows, leads and sometimes both. We’ll be moving in and out, twisting and turning and passing while working on connecting with flow, stretch and momentum. (All that good stuff!) For experienced Lindy Hop dancers with solid basics, no partner required. This class meets on Sundays in Newton.

Full details and registration.

Uptown Swing This Saturday with The Love Dogs

The Love DogsWe are only hosting one dance this summer and it is this weekend! Come on out for a fun night of dancing!

Join us at Uptown Swing this Saturday, July 21 with The Love Dogs! It’s always a good night when these Dogs are playing and appropriate for all levels of dancers.

Uptown Swing is held at Brookline Tai Chi, which is our wonderful venue conveniently located directly across from the Washington Square T stop on Beacon Street. There’s AC, a fabulous floor for dancing, plus free street parking after 8:00pm. Beginners are very welcome and there is a lesson included at the beginning of the evening to get everyone started. You do not need to have a partner to attend. The music will be excellent for Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa and even some Blues. Bring your friends and introduce them to a fun night!

Beginners welcome, no partner needed
Location: Brookline Tai Chi, 1615 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Band: The Love Dogs
Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012
Time: 8:15pm-12:00am
Swing Lesson: 8:15-9:00pm
Admission: $15 ($10 with Student ID)

Uptown Swing Dance information.

Summer Class Session This Monday

Swing Dance ClassSummer is certainly here and we hope that everyone is getting out and enjoying the weather. This time of year we often get distracted with other activities, but there is still plenty of fun dancing to be had in the Boston area! Check out the regular venues which continue to run through the summer and the special outdoor concerts and events that may bring some different opportunities to get your groove on.Smile

Our new 6 week session of Lindy Hop classes started Monday and it is still possible to join in the 2nd week. Classes for this session include Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. They are offered on Monday evenings at the Ruggles Baptist Church near Fenway Park in Boston.

Both classes were close to balanced on the first evening. We have a nice mix of new and returning students and are looking forward to a fun session!

Please let us know if you are planning on joining either of the classes or submit an on-line registration. Thanks!

Class information and registration.

This will be our only summer class session. In September we’ll be back at Newton on Sundays and continuing in Boston on Mondays.

Uptown Swing Next Saturday with The Love Dogs

The Love Dogs

Speaking of getting out dancing, we’ll be hosting our next Uptown Swing Dance on Saturday, July 21 at our beautiful venue, Brookline Tai Chi. This month we are looking forward to welcoming back The Love Dogs! Summertime plus some Love Dogs equals a great night of dancing.Cool

BTC is conveniently located directly across from the Washington Square T stop on Beacon Street, has AC and one of Boston’s best floors for dancing, plus free street parking after 8:00pm. Beginners are very welcome and there is a lesson included at the beginning of the evening to get everyone started. You do not need to have a partner to attend. The music will be excellent for Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa and even some Blues. Bring your friends and introduce them to a fun night of dancing!

Uptown Swing Dance information.

Summer Class Session Starts This Monday

Swing Dance ClassWe are just back from Beantown Camp, catching up on sleep and sorting through the camp follow up. The entire week has once again exceeded expectations and we’ll have more to say once we’ve got our thoughts together.Smile

Our summer session starts this Monday, July 9 in Boston! The session meets for 6 weeks and includes Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. Each class is followed by a half hour practice time, a fun time to work with classmates on what you just learned. The location is the Ruggles Baptist Church on Beacon Street near Fenway Park (just at the Boston/Brookline border), close to several public transportation choices. Street parking is available as well as in the church lot.

Class information and registration.

This will be our only session this summer. Sundays in Newton will resume in September.

Summer Dances

The Love DogsOur next monthly Uptown Swing dance is coming up on Saturday, July 21 with The Love Dogs! A guaranteed fun night of dancing!

Uptown Swing is held at our awesome venue, Brookline Tai Chi, located on Beacon Street in Brookline, right across from the Washington Square T. It has an excellent wood floor for dancing and AC. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and beginners are very welcome. You do not need to come with a partner.

Uptown Swing Dance information.

Cupcake the Musical

Cup Cake the MusicalSome of you may know Guy Ben-Aharon from Uptown Swing, but you might not know that he is a producer/director of a brand new musical! We went to the show this past weekend with some friends and we all loved it! The cast is excellent and the show is full of laughs. It runs through June 24 at Club Café in Boston. Now that we are unofficially in summer, Cupcake will get you in that summertime spirit. Here is more info:

Cupcake is a flirty love-letter to Summertown, a free-spirited seaside resort where every mouth waters for Tom and his irresistible cupcakes. But rookie Officer Stone, looking hot in his spotless uniform, is on the prowl: the law clearly states that street sales of food are taboo. The locals, especially the hunky Lifeguard and the sexy-nerdy Librarian, relish Tom’s contraband cupcakes and help their adored baker boy avoid arrest. If anyone is going to get their hunger satisfied, they’d better hurry: this is Summertown, and the short, short season is almost at an end.

Guy Ben-Aharon (Israeli Stage) produced/directed the world premiere of this new musical by Bradley Seeman, Michael Wartofsky (CAR TALK: THE MUSICAL!!!), David Reiffel, featuring Karen MacDonald (A.R.T. Founding Member), Mark Linehan (New Rep favorite), Grant MacDermott (Lyric Stage favorite) and the up-and-coming talent Max Sangerman and Hallie Brevetti.

Cupcake is playing at Club Café Boston through June 24, 2012. Tickets at: www.cupcakethemusical.com

Dancing This Weekend

Frankie Manning leading Shim Sham at the Hop to the Beat Dance, Cambridge Friends School, February 2005
Frankie Manning leading Shim Sham at the Hop to the Beat Dance, Cambridge Friends School, February 2005

A reminder to HTTB students, we do not have classes this Sunday and Monday, however, there is still plenty of dancing available this weekend for everyone.

Not only is this a holiday weekend, this Saturday, May 26 marks what would have been Frankie Manning’s 98th birthday. It is hard to believe that 3 years have passed since we lost this most special person. The dances planned for this weekend will be celebrating his life and wonderful spirit.

This Friday at Boston Swing Central we’ll be teaching the Shim Sham at the pre-dance lesson. Later that evening we’ll all dance the Shim Sham in our best Frankie Manning tradition! Music for the evening will be provided by special guest DJ Gina Helfrich, featuring many of Frankie’s favorites. Check BSC site for all the details.

On Saturday night Blues Café will be hosting the Boilermaker Jazz Band, one of the most popular bands out on the national scene making a rare New England appearance! Here will be your second chance to learn the Shim Sham, this time with Abby Cohen, plus there will be a 2nd chance to dance another Shim Sham for Frankie! Check BC site for all the details.

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