Weekly classes descriptions

14 weeks
Teachers: Alice Mei and Aapo Kauppinen

Introduction to Lindy Hop, Swing, Social Dancing, New Friends and more!

This group starts with the very basics found in Lindy Hop and Swing Dancing. This class will cover the basic figures and introduce social dancing elements such as connection, rhythm and FUN!

Prerequisites
No previous dancing experience is needed. You don’t need to have a partner of your own to join this group – dance partners will rotate in the class. The teaching will be in English and Finnish so that at least the main points are explained in Finnish when needed.

Goals
The ultimate goal of this class is to give people the basic variations and tools needed to get out on the social dance floor. We will introduce people to Lindy Hop, Swing and Social Dancing elements such as connection, leading, following while keeping things simple and Fun.

Dax's Note
"Beginners, this is where we welcome you to the swing world. We wish to make this class a good mixture of fun with the underlining goal of getting you out on the social dance floor and hooked on Swing. In the beginning I thought swing was just a dance, but I soon discovered it was much more. We hope you also discover all the benefits of being a swing dancer. Things like a great community, Music, Friends, Fun, Opportunity, Exercise for Brain and Body, People, Travel Opportunities, Competitions, Parties and much more."

14 weeks
Teacher: Dax Hock

Dance, Laugh, Socialize and have some FUN!

Whether you are more or less experienced, if your dancing meets the minimum requirements and you are looking to have some fun, this class is one you will not want to miss! Each class will focus around learning some new variations and mixing them together with some fun stuff we all know to get a maximum amount of dancing and and a minimum amount of thinking.

Prerequisites
You should already be quite comfortable with dancing Lindy Hop and know the essential basic figures. You should also have experience mixing 8- and 6-count footwork, have knowledge of some other figures and feel comfortable social dancing. No partner needed.

Goals
Here the goal will be to learn some new fun figures that aren't going to drain your body and brain. We will focus on the social dancing element of swing at a nice enjoyable pace, learn a few new moves and spend lots of time rotating and dancing with everyone!

Dax's Notes
"For those of you who know us, you probably know we are famous for teaching challenging classes that are taxing on the body, mind and spirit. I can imagine that some of you might think an easy fun class by Dax and Alice... Impossible. HOWEVER, have no fear, the fun is here and we too will be looking forward to not having to focus so hard as well ;) "

14 weeks
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Learn to do your basics like the pro's!

This class will focus on increasing the quality of the various dance elements. Have you ever watched pro's dance? If you watch closely they don't do fancy patterns and a 100 different complex variations, but instead they dance powerfully, rhythmically, naturally and do it all in total synchronization with their partner. This class will use various exercises and connection techniques to train your body to dance more like the pro's. Don't expect to learn 100's of new complex variations, expect to learn 1000's of new dynamic ways to the simple ones.

Prerequisites
You should already be quite comfortable with dancing Lindy Hop and know the essential basic figures. You should also have experience mixing 8- and 6-count footwork, have knowledge of some other figures and feel comfortable social dancing. However, more important than dance level or experience, you should be eager to develop as a dancer and be willing to put in the effort. The good news is that the extra effort will pay off by getting extra good, extra fast!

Goals
Increasing the quality of your dancing! Here our goal is to become better at dancing Swing and Lindy Hop. We will focus on building a stronger physical and mental understanding of dancing and learn to apply that to create more rhythmical body movement, musicality and partner communication.

Dax's Notes
"I honestly believe that it should NOT take 7 years to become a good swing dancer. I also believe that you all have the physical ability to dance like a pro, if you are willing to put in the work. I promise to keep no secrets and show you exactly what the pro's do to dance the way they dance and if you work hard and practice the exercises your dancing is guaranteed to improve like never before."

14 weeks
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

If you are seriously serious about dancing, this serious class is for YOU!

Here we will train hard both physically and mentally and learn everything our body and brains can handle in 14 weeks. We will set weekly goals, create training programs and eventually learn how to teach ourselves how to dance better. Each couple will be required to put together a piece of choreography and perform a social dance as a final project.

Prerequisites
You are a highly motivated dancer who is not afraid of new challenges. You compete, or have competed, plan to start competing, perform, teach, or are otherwise particularly eager to learn. Your specialty can be any of the dances taught in Swing Team – Boogie Woogie, Lindy Hop or other. You need to have a partner to join this group.

Goals
The goal here is simple, become the best dancer that you individually can be and discover what you want to do with the knowledge once you acquire it.

Special requirements
Participants of this group are asked to make a written plan about their goals on developing their dancing during the spring both as individuals and as a couple. Participants are required/expected to attend at least 2-3 of the other weekly groups taught by Dax and Alice. (Especially recommended are Lindy Hop Challenge, Boogie woogie Challenge, Solo technique, and other classes according to your personal preferences.)

This group meets weekly on a "group private lesson" basis. If the group is small, the participants will be offered private teaching within the limits of the lessons. If the group is big, the specific fee for this group will include 1-2 private lessons for each couple in addition to the weekly classes. To participate in this group, a "Dax&Alice full pass" is required, plus an additional fee of 50 EUR/person covering the private teaching.

Registrations
Pre-registration is needed for this group. Register by sending e-mail to Ms. Johanna Hakanen: firstname.lastname(at)swingteam.fi by January 23th! After registration you will get a template for your training plan for the spring. The lessons are started with a private lesson on 27th of January, where the training plan is gone through with Dax.

Dax's Notes
"We will use weekly video feedback, homework assignments and various supplemental learning tools during this class so get ready to work hard and make some serious improvement. You will be learning exactly what Alice and I do physically and mentally to dance the way we dance, minus all the years of bad information we have spent years trying to filter out. Be ready to be pushed, We expect 200% from you guys and in return will do everything we can to provide you with what you need to succeed."

14 weeks
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Take you Boogie Woogie to a whole new level without changing the style!

This class will focus on increasing the quality of the various dance elements found in Boogie Woogie. We will learn a powerful connection system and gain more control over our basics without changing your style. We will also strengthen our footwork and add more dynamics, contrast and rhythm into our dancing.

Prerequisites
You have been dancing Boogie Woogie for several years and are interested in discovering some new techniques that might help you take it to the next level. This group is equivalent to what used to be Swing Team’s BW Advanced group.

Goals
Here we are looking to improve our boogie woogie by improving our rhythm, connection, foot technique and body movement. We will primarily be using boogie figures and working to push boogie technique, rhythm and dynamics to a new level.

Dax's Note
"In this class I am not trying to change your style, or the way boogie woogie looks. My main goal is to get you to dance the style you like better. This means introducing advanced lead/follow techniques, and dance elements that I think would make Boogie Woogie much better. This class will be a bit of an adventure but I hope that everyone comes with open minds so we can hopefully do something great with Boogie Woogie in Finland."

14 weeks
Teachers: Dax Hock with Katja Tornberg

Dance to the best fast music all night long and never tire!

Here we will focus on making footwork totally leadable and increasing comfort dancing in the closed position at faster tempos. There will be a good mixture of technique, application and both modern and classic balboa variations in each class. We will also learn slides and discover a form of balboa where the ladies become more then just a pole for guys to hold onto while they do footwork.

Prerequisites
You know the basics of Balboa and dance quite confidently on the social floor, but you want to spice up your dancing with more technique, rhythm and figures. Dance partners will rotate in class, so you don’t need to have a partner to join this group. If anyone hasn't been in our balboa classes before, rest assured they will be a challenge for all levels but accessible to all levels at the same time.

Goals
Learn to dance faster, lead footwork, slide, and break from standard patterns, and increase musicality while staying completely relaxed.

Dax's Notes
"There is nothing better then being able to dance to all my favorite fast songs all night without sweating through my suit and getting tired. For me, this is the power of balboa! It is like blues, but for fast music and when it feels good, connected and in rhythm there is nothing like it. Except maybe a nice glass of scotch, leather chair and good swing music...;)"

7 weeks, starting 31st January
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

It's a bird...it's a plane...no, it's actually my partner!

Here we will focuse on learning swing dance specific air steps, lifts drops, and aerials. We will start with aerial fundamentals and basic lifts building the technique for more complex lifts. We will try to include a good mixture of lifts and difficulty levels to meet everyones interests. We will then be mixing these lifts into our dancing by learning intro's and exits to each lift.

Prerequisites
You should already be quite comfortable with dancing Lindy Hop and know the essential basic figures. You should also have experience mixing 8- and 6-count footwork, have knowledge of some other figures and feel comfortable social dancing to FASTER tempos. A partner is required and you should be physically able to lift and hold your partner in your arms for at least 20 seconds. We will be mixing these lifts into our dancing so please don't use this class as a replacement for the gym, this is still a dance class. ;)

Goal
The goal will be using these airsteps to enhance our dancing for Jam Sessions, Competitions and Performances.

Dax's Note
"I believe that swing aerials were invented because dancers naturally became so excited and passionate in the of great swing music that the guy just threw the girl instead of swung out. I could be wrong, but with some hard work and training you can discover that connection based aerials can feel just as good as dancing."

7 weeks, starting 3rd April
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Learn the routine, polish the routine, perform the routine!

This class will revolve around learning a full choreography and then polishing it to performance quality. We will learn to work as a team, rehearse and perform! We will discover the non-social dancing side of the dance and gain confidence as a performer and be part of a performing show group. Where it goes from there is up to you.

Prerequisites
You are already a somewhat experienced dancer and able to dance to faster music. We encourage you to find a partner and we can try to partner up everyone who is interested to join if possible.

Goals
Our goal will be to showcase our routine at one of the swing events.

Dax's Notes
"There is honestly nothing like working hard, and finally getting to show all that hard work to your friends and family. When you are on stage, it is a truly rewarding experience and I encourage those interested to take up the challenge."

7 weeks, starting 2nd April
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Discover Old School Style and dance like never before!

Charleston is where it all began. Get back to the roots of rock and swing dances by studying the charleston and its various different styles. We will cover 20s, 30s charleston styles, and learn to lead and follow these movements to create a full charleston repertoire. Discover the basic Charleston forms and then the multiple ways they can be pieces together. This class will be high energy, fun and a great addition to your swing dancing.

Prerequisites
You don’t need to have a partner of your own to join this group – dance partners will rotate in the class. Some social dancing experience is recommended but not required.

Goals
Besides learning to let loose and dance your heart out, we will focus to build Charleston vocabulary, rhythm and soul to last not only one whole song but a whole night if one so desires. Also, learn to break from Charleston patterns and discover the socially leadable side of the dance.

Dax's Note
"The charleston is genius! It is so easy to learn for beginners and yet offers so much potential for advanced dancers as well. The music is high energy and the dance is a perfect fit. I remember years ago, I didn't like charleston because I thought it was just a bunch of patterns but when I discovered how to actually lead and follow it I couldn't stop! Besides, Lindy wouldn't be what it is today without the charleston and by studying this dance I have really come to understand why we do what we do!"

7 weeks, starting 31st January
Teachers: Dax Hock & Alice Mei

Not until you learn to connect to your own body can you truly connect to a partner!

Here we will focus on connecting to our own body, dancing alone and movement that applies to all flavors of swing music. When we remove the partner element, we can free our minds from lead/follow and begin to really work on our own bodies. We will develop body awareness, confidence, rhythm, strong footwork, undulations, and musicality. There will be no hiding behind partner dance variations so be ready to move, it's just you and the music!

Prerequisites
If you can walk and like music, then you are ready for this class.

Goals
The ultimate goal here is to learn how to express in our body what we hear in the music, i.e. Dance.

Dax's Notes
"In this class we will learn the main element I feel is lacking in Swing Dance lessons worldwide. The focus often becomes so oriented around patterns and leading and following that actual "dancing" is forgotten. The truth is we can not learn much about lead follow technique or how to dance patterns until we learn how to dance rhythmically with our own bodies at the optimal point of relaxation. When you you gain body control and awareness learning to dance becomes so easy you will almost think it is a joke. This class is a must for anyone looking to dramatically improve in any dance style."

7 weeks, starting 3rd April
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Never miss-out on another group jazz routine again!

This class will focus on solo vernacular classic jazz dancing jazz routines. You will gain the tools and confidence for interpreting music and learn lots of variations to match old school swing jazz. During this course we hope to cover a few classic routines like the Trankey Doo, Big Apple, and Shim Sham Stylings. We will also learn how to dance solo charleston, do some slides and put it all together with some fun social jazz dancing games and choreographies.

Prerequisites
The group is suitable for all dancers regardless of their background. It is recommended that you take the solo technique class to get the most out of this class.

Goals
Learn classic swing jazz routines, body movement and solo dance styles of the 20s, 30s and 40s and bring this excitement to the social dance floor.

Dax's Note
"I absolutely love vernacular jazz dancing. It is great to get ride of your partner and just dance freely with no one but yourself to worry about. In fact, one of the main reasons American's became so good at swing dancing in the last 2-3 years is because of the big solo dance craze. The style and authenticity of the body movement really made a huge improvement. I think that when you guys in Finland learn some of these routines, you can eventually develop your own style and discover what swing is all about."

7 weeks, starting 30th January
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Swing meets Tango in a rhythmical fusion of undulated and isolated body movement!

Swango is a combination of swing and argentine tango. What exactly does this mean? We will take the rhythmical movement, dynamic movement, undulations found in swing and mix them with tango looking figures and lyrical expression.

Prerequisites
Tango will not be a pre-requirement, but if one has experience it might help. We will use mostly swing music in these classes though we might try to use some other types of music as well. You don’t need to have a partner of your own to join this group – dance partners will rotate in the class.

Goals
Improve closed position dancing skills, and learn to lead and follow individual body parts though a mixture of undulated and isolated body movement. We will also learn about the difference between rhythmical expression used in swing and lyrical expression in tango and open up a whole new world of dance possibilities.

Dax's Note
"I personally love to watch tango and think the movement is beautiful, however dancing swing and tap have permanently forced rhythm into my body and I seem to feel like the lyrical movement is just not enough. Mixing tango and swing is very interesting because you are taking the two most intriguing partner dances and really pushing the limits of lead and follow and adding an element of bounce and rhythm that you would never find in conventional tango and tango music. On the other hand you are using tango based figures that don't require bounce making it easy to discover the more lyrical side of some swing music. The possibilities are really endless if you think about it."

7 weeks, starting 30th January
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Break free from the basic patterns and gain full control over your social ballroom dancing!

This class will give you new perspectives on closed-position dances. We will work on valuable technique that can be used to drastically improve your Finnish social dancing, connection and rhythm and ability to lead/follow footwork. Most of the application will go towards ballroom like movements, found in Fox-trot, Waltz, Tango and various social ballroom dances.

Prerequisites
You know the basics of the most common (Finnish) ballroom dances. You don’t need to have a partner of your own to join this group – dance partners will rotate in the class.

Goals
Here the goal is to increase our connection skills and rhythm for social ballroom dancing. This will hopefully free us from the basic patterns and allow us to improvise, lead/follow and move freely within this genre mixing various dance styles.

Dax's Note
"Last time I was in Finland, I went to a Finnish Social Dance club. It was actually quite fun but every time I tried to break from the basics and get creative I ran into a lot of problems. It was like everyone was on auto pilot instead of connected to their partner.. If we could bring some more technique and creativity to the social ballroom dances in Finland we could totally rediscover a whole new level of excitement and fun."

7 weeks, starting 2nd April
Teachers: Dax Hock and Alice Mei

Take control of those slower tempos and learn to lead at a whole new level!

Blues is a slow closed-position dance that is very popular particularly in America. Here we will learn about various different styles of blues and slow dancing including Undulations, Ballrooming, Slow-Drag, Dynamic-Blues, and Stepping-Blues. The teaching starts with the basics of Blues but it provides challenges to more experienced dancers as well. This groups gives you new perspectives for (Finnish) ballroom dances as well.

Prerequisites
No previous dancing experience is needed. You don’t need to have a partner of your own to join this group – dance partners will rotate in the class.

Goals
The goal for this class is to get everyone dancing comfortably slow and learning to take up the time with various different styles of body movement. This class will really widen your dance vocabulary and introduce a lot of new elements to your dancing.

Dax's Note
"When you slow music down, the possibilities become endless. I feel like I can really discover my creativity and listen to parts of the music could never hear at faster tempos. Blues dancing will not only help you build a larger dance vocabulary but also really help you with musicality and body movement."

14 weeks
Teachers: Alice Mei and Aki Luoma

We all wish we could have started at this age, so juniors lets SWING OUT!

This group starts with the basics of Lindy Hop and will build at a pace that is best suited for the group.

Prerequisites
No partner required. You can be new to Lindy Hop or have attended a beginners’course. The teaching will be translated into Finnish.

Goals
Have some fun, exercise and get the kids dancing the Lindy Hop.

Dax's Note
"For me, there is nothing cooler then seeing some your kids who can swing out. We have a great opportunity hear to get a strong young dance scene going so we look forward to having some fun with you guys!"

14 weeks
Teachers: Dax Hock and Mia Helin

This class will introduce technique and various elements necessary to improve our connection, rhythm and body movement for competition. We will spend time the all of the various swing dances, learn about style and learn some cool new variations for the competition floor.

Prerequisites
This group is meant for juniors who compete in one or more swing dances or plan to start competing. Partner Required. The teaching will be translated into Finnish when necessary.

Goals
Become a better competitor and build stronger technique and body movement all at a young age before its too late ;)