Classes
Which class should I take?
If you've never taken swing dancing before, take Swing I! If you're comfortable with Swing I, or you've taken swing dancing in another school, try Swing II! Swing III and IV are recommended if you've taken the previous classes in the Series, either at Swing Dynamite or with one of our partner schools, Studio 88-SWING or Red Hot Swing. Pre-requisites for specialty classes will depend on the class.
Swing as a Wedding Dance?
We've often had people ask us, "can I do swing as my wedding dance?" The answer is a definite yes! We've seen many of our students and friends dance swing at their wedding for their first dance! Here's one example of a swinging' wedding dance. There are many options available to you--private or group lessons, combining swing with other traditional wedding dances, and more--so either give us a call at 613-262-2956, or fill out the online form in our private lesson section.
New - Aerials classes
A first in Ottawa for many years, Swing Dynamite offers swing aerials classes! To see when the next sessions are coming up, check out the registration page! The goal with our aerials classes is to be able to dance the acrobatics, not just throw each other in the air, so we require an absolute minimum of Swing I or equivalent in order to take an aerials class. Note that we show some basic acrobatics starting in Swing I!
The Swing Series
Our Swing Series takes you from absolute beginner to well-rounded swing dancer. Using an approach pioneered by partners Studio 88-SWING in Montreal and Red Hot Swing in Victoria, our method has been refined since 2001 to offer the most effective swing dance instruction!
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Swing I
Never done any swing dancing before? Maybe never learned to dance at all? No problem! We'll take you by the hand — literally — and within one lesson you'll be able to enjoy yourself on the dance floor! We'll teach you how to dance to slow and fast music, how to connect with your partner for a more enjoyable dance, and a bunch of moves to keep you having fun! For the dance geeks: in Swing I we teach moves in 6 and 8 counts taken from basic Lindy Hop and Charleston.
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Swing II
If you're comfortable with Swing I, you're ready for Swing II! You'll refine your technique to make your movements look and feel better, and learn a lot of new moves for both slow and fast music. We'll look at technique for leading and following turns, some cool moves and styling inspired by the Lindy Hop of Dean Collins and Jewel McGowan of 1940's Hollywood fame, a number of of Charleston variations, and some other funky moves you haven't seen before. You'll also develop your musicality - the ability to understand and interpret the music through your dancing. Prerequisites: We strongly recommend taking Swing I before trying Swing II. If you haven't taken Swing I but have taken a few months of swing classes elsewhere, it's usually better to take Swing I with us first, but we'll let you try Swing II. We expect you to be familiar with the different footwork patterns of Lindy Hop in at least 6-counts and 8-counts, including Jig walks, triples, and Charleston.
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Swing III
In Swing III we focus on mastering the classic movements of Lindy Hop, such as the swingout, as well as learning some even more impressive Charleston moves. You'll learn some of the elements that make connection "yummy" on slow music, and you'll learn ways to dance to faster music as well! Prerequisites: Swing II or explicit permission of the instructors, usually by a brief audition.
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Swing IV
Now you're ready for some advanced dancing. You'll learn some new Lindy Hop moves that require more advanced technique to work well — or at all! In order to be ready for this class you'll need to be very comfortable with Swing III, and to be going out dancing every week! Prerequisites: High level of comfort with Swing III, or explicit permission of the instructors, usually by audition.
What other classes do you offer?
We offer a range of specialty classes.
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Balboa I
Six weeks introducing both pure Classic Balboa and Bal-Swing, focusing on mastering basic movements with some cool variations. -
Balboa II
Six weeks. Moving on from Balboa I, we'll take the basics and variations from Balboa I and explore more challenging intermediate-level moves. -
Blues I: Hot Blues
A six-week class in dancing to slow blues, slow jazz, and other forms of blues. -
Fast Lindy A/B
Three weeks. -
Crazy Charleston A/B/C
Three weeks. -
20's Charleston
Three weeks. -
Solo Charleston and Jazz Movement
Three weeks. -
Aerials A/B/C/D/E
Three week sessions over which you master one challenging yet safe aerial! -
Collegiate Shag
A three-week session covering the basics and some cool moves!
