Summer Swing Workshop 2009
Summer Swing Workshop 2009
2 Days. 7 Classes. Evening Event.
Summer Swing Workshop 2009 is a progressive series of 7 classes over 2 days which will help you to improve your body and your dancing. The instruction will be provided by Tokyo’s Top Dance Instructors and will cover body positioning, stretching, alignment, Lindy Hop connection, the basics and variations of swing outs, musicality, styling, fast dancing and slow Lindy/Blues. Wow! All that for one low price and dancing in the evenings!
Coming Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th 2009
On Saturday, SSW 2009 will hold 2, 1.5-hour classes in Body-Alignment/Stretch and Basics/Variations on Swingouts and 8 count moves. The next day (Sunday) holds 5, one-hour classes in Styling, Musicality, Movement, Fast Dancing, and Slow Lindy/Blues. These classes will give you a chance to experience new moves, teach you to think differently and explore areas of dance you have not yet experienced. Come and join dancers from around Japan, make new friends and get better at dancing with us at the Summer Swing Workshop 2009.
Evening Events
On Saturday Evening, our good friends at Swing Gigolo will hold the dance party “Chocolate Shake”. This event is separate from SSW 2009 but we think you should go and dance! Please pay at the door.
On Sunday Night, iSwingTokyo will host Swing Time . Entry is included in the full pass. Otherwise, please pay at the door. There will be no lesson on this night.
The Instructors!
SSW 2009 is extremely pleased to bring you the best instructors from Tokyo and Yokohama.
SSW 2009 will feature:
- Diana
- Takumi
- Shawn
- Sachiko
Each class is an individual lesson unique to those instructors. We are sure that you will have a great time! Click the schedule below to see who is teaching what!
The Schedule of Classes and Location of Workshops and Party
Click the link below to see the schedule of classes and course descriptions
Schedule and Class Descritpions
Registration for SSW 2009
Register today for early discount!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of body movement and dancing will be taught at these classes?
Franklin Method, Lindy Hop, Slow Lindy/Blues
Q: What is the Franklin Method?
The Franklin Method teaches you how to make the most out of the body/mind connection. There are 3 things you always do as a human:
- you relate to gravity in posture and movement
- you breathe
- you use your brain to think and dream.
The Franklin Method teaches you how your body is designed to function. Body posture and movement are imagery driven, and if the image doesn’t match the way the body is designed, you will not move well. By contrast, the best way to improve your posture and movement is to start with an image that matches how the body is designed.
The Franklin Method is used by The Royal Ballet School London, the Juilliard School of Arts New York, the Music Conservatory of Vienna and world-class athletes and dancers.
Q: What is Lindy Hop?
Lindy Hop is the Grand-Daddy of swing dance. The very first “Swing” dance was probably the “Texas Tommy” around 1913. This later became the “Break-A-Way.” In the 1920’s, when Charleston was becoming all the rage, dancers in Harlem, New York City were inventing a fusion of these dances which was given a name and called the “Lindy Hop” around 1927.
This dance swept the world by storm. Danced to jazz music, Lindy Hop features pair dance elements in closed position and break-aways to open position. There are also solo and aerial (flips and throws) elements in the dance. Lindy Hop is considered by many to be the most difficult pair dance to master. It is also considered by many to be the most fun pair dance ever invented!
Q: What Is Blues?
Blues is a historical jazz dance associated with and danced to blues music.
Early Blues dances often contained very simple one-step or two-step patterns; some examples of such early Blues dances are the “Cake Walk” and the “Black Bottom.” Other Blues dances such as the “Slow Drag,” and the “Mooche” have also been passed down to us relatively unchanged from the original forms.
These days, blues dance incorporates many aspects of these original dances as well as incorporating ideas from modern concepts and other pair dances (Argentine tango, waltz, west coast swing, etc.). Blues dancing focuses in on partner connection, improvisation, and natural body movement.
Blues is also an emotion that you bring to your dancing. Your emotional reaction to the music drives the dance. Blues is an amazing and exciting dance. Your other dancing will also improve by learning how to dance blues!
Swing dancing is fun, energetic, and social. It’s a great way to exercise and meet people at the same time.
Q: I’m a Total Beginner. Can I Join the Workshops?
You will get the most out of the SSW 2009 workshops if you are an intermediate Lindy Hop dancer or an intermediate/advanced dancer of another genre (ex. Salsa). But you’re welcome to join no matter what your dance level or experience. The classes are progressive (they get harder towards the end of the weekend). If you’ve been dancing swing for less than 6 months, we suggest that you take some classes before attending the workshops.
Some classes before the workshop:
This is for people who want to learn fundamental before the SSW 2009.
Beginner’s Intensive Lesson 6-count – 6/27(Sat)
Beginner’s Intensive Lesson 8-count – 7/12(Sun)
Intermediate Intensive Lesson A-class – 7/11(Sat)
Group Lessons – 6/25(Thu), 7/2(Thu), 7/9(Thu), 7/16(Thu)
Q: What Are Classes like?
You’ll be immersed in an energetic and intense learning environment. You’ll laugh. You’ll sweat. And by the end of the day, you’ll be dancing better and enjoying yourself more on the social dance floor.
Q: Do I Need to Bring A Partner?
There is no need to bring a partner. During classes, partners will rotate. At the evening dance, everyone dances together. Come with a group of friends, or come by yourself!
Q: Can I just watch a class?
Yes, if you have paid for the class. However, we feel that you will learn better by DOING. You will use all of your senses that way. No one will force you to do anything beyond your ability. You may opt out of a movement at any time. We will always try to insure as much safety as is possible.
If you have not paid for the class, we are very sorry, but you may not remain in the hall when the class is in session.
Q: What Should I Wear?
For the workshop, wear loose comfortable clothing or gym wear. Expect to sweat! Also bring an extra t-shirt, towel, and bottle of water. For shoes, we recommend sneakers with smooth soles, dance sneakers, or swing dance shoes.
Although there is not a specific dress code, dancers come dressed in a variety of styles from Vintage to modern.
More Questions?
Send an email message to ｓｈａｗｎ＠ｉｓｗｉｎｇｔｏｋｙｏ．ｃｏｍ. Or use our online contact form.
