Variations on the Theme of Blues (Beginner)
After learning the basic steps of blues dancing, now what? Add more flair and spirit to your movements by adding variations on your basic. With just a touch of isolations, holds & pauses, and an introduction to basic blues dancing styles such as the shake n' bake, grind, and slow drag, you'll open up to a wider range of possibilities for dancing the blues.
Introduction to Blues Ballroomin' Style (Beginner-Intermediate)
The style of Blues Ballroomin' is based from the Harlem dancers' interpretation of ballroom dancing. Coupled with the raw athleticism of Lindy Hop and their own vernacular dance, these Harlem dancers created their own style of blues dancing to big band blues. In this class we'll introduce the history and context of this dance style as it applies to the social dance floor (though it's also perfect for performing!). We'll cover basic posture, steps, hops, traveling across the floor, rhythm, turns and fancy dips that would make Fred & Ginger proud!
My Sweet Little Woman - A Follow Empowerment Class (Intermediate)
Even within the lead-and-follow dynamic, follows can have a strong voice and contribution to the dance. This class will push follows to "stretch" to their fullest potential while being more assertive and encourage the lead to "ask for more." We'll touch on connection, rhythmic isolations, musicality, solo movement, and examine opportunities to bust sweet moves that will leave a lasting impression on your lead and anybody else who's watching. As a follow, you'll be empowered to move with greater confidence on the dance floor. As a lead, you'll have a renewed appreciation for the follow that has transformed in front of your eyes. While this class is focused on follows, leads play an important and supporting part and are encouraged to participate in this class.
Connection Confection (Intermediate-Advanced)
Get to know the "sweet" connection that Dexter & Michelle have in their dancing with concepts of stretching, pulling, delaying, and absorbing each movement in your dance. For this class, we will apply these concepts to the style of Ballroomin'. We'll also have fun learning lifts, skips, and shuffles in the "sweet" connected way of Dexter & Michelle's style. With just the right ingredients, you'll be savoring the delightful conversation in your dance.
Sunday Group Critique
Dexter and Michelle will be offering a free informal session in architecture building 5 room 225 designed to allow students to get feedback and minor critiques on their blues dancing the hour before Swing Lessons.
Privates
Privates are the perfect opportunity to ask about concepts and techniques presented over the course of the weekend as well as time to get feedback on your dancing. $50 for an hour of 1 to 1 time with an instructor or $25 for half an hour. To sign up for a space contact Chelsea Lessard 
