Swing Spirit
Have you Got the Spirit?
Once again Swifle brings you the absolute best in Swing Dance with an exciting NEW workshop featuring World-Class Lindy Hop and Blues instructors Joe DeMers and Nelle Hatley.
Join us July 12th and 13th for two days of Lindy Hop, Blues and Aerials workshops and an evening dance at C-Jam Swing on Saturday the 12th. Take classes—beginning to advanced levels—from the world’s top swing dance instructors, Joe Demers and Nelle Hatley. Meet dancers from all over Japan at the evening dance parties featuring Tokyo’s best swing DJs and more…
Coming July 12th and 13th, 2008
Join swing dancers from all over Japan and other countries to celebrate Lindy Hop and Blues. Make new friends. Learn Blues dancing and Lindy Hop in two workshops with guest instructors Joe and Nelle. You do not want to miss this workshop!!!
World-Class Instructors
Joe DeMers and Nelle Hatley are known for being very versatile dancers ranging from modern jazz to vintage blues to performance lindy hop. Since they started competing together in May 2006, they have won over 35 national titles while also dancing on the 4-time International Championship team, 23 Skidoo. Their philosophy of dancing is that it must be felt and not thought, a flow in movement rather than an order of moves, a whole-body expression of dancing’s inherent energy and life. Through this idea they strive to find the methods and style of movement that gives dancing an organic look and feel that is natural and comfortable, and thus opens up the possibilities for creativity and self expression.
Swing Spirit Instructors’ Biography
Swing Dance Workshops
Workshops run from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Classes cover different material each day. Please look at the schedule to be sure of the classes you would like to take. Online registration starts 06/04. Check out the workshop schedule and location!
Evening Dance Party
Enjoy an evening with open social dancing to Tokyo’s best Swing DJs from 18:15 to 21:30 on Saturday night. The dance party will be located at the Den-en Choufu Fujimi Kaikan. Our World-Class Instructors, Joe and Nelle will teach the lesson at this event. For location details…
Join Us July 12th and 13th!
There are only few spots in the workshops, so hurry. To register online… (Starts 06/04).
NOTE
Nelle and Joe will also present a workshop in Osaka. If this is closer to you, we recommend the Osaka workshop by Mechakucha Swing. Details Here:
MecahkuchaSwing
Private Lessons with Joe and Nelle
Joe and Nelle will accept a small number of private lessons. This is a great opportunity to improve your Lindy Hop, Blues, Charleston, Aerials and your dancing in general. For more information about private lessons, click below:
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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!
We at Swifle completely agree. You will experience the true “spirit” of swing, blues and Lindy Hop at Swing Spirit with Joe and Nelle.
What are Aerials?
An “aerial” or “air step” is a lift or throw where a dancer’s feet leave the ground. It may involve a throw, flip or catch. Aerials can be anywhere from simple and calm to extreme and acrobatic (see the picture above!).
I’m a Total Beginner. Can I Join the Workshops?
You will get the most out of the Swing Spirit workshops if you are an intermediate Lindy Hop and/or beginning Blues dancer. But you’re welcome to join no matter what your dance level or experience. If you’ve been dancing swing for less than 6 months, we suggest that you take some classes before attending the workshops. For information on regular lessons….
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 weekend, you’ll be dancing the Blues and have moved your Lindy Hop up a notch and be having more fun than ever.
Do I Need to Bring A Partner?
There is no need to bring a partner. During classes, partners will rotate. At the evening dances, everyone dances together. Come with a group of friends, or come by yourself!
What Should I Wear?
For the workshops, 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.
At the social events, come dressed to impress. Although there is not a specific dress code, dancers come dressed in a variety of styles from Vintage to modern.
Ok. You have convinced me! How do I register?
Please register online here:
Online Registration
More Questions?
Send an email message to shawn [at] swifle.com. Or use our online contact form.
