Winter Blues - WCS & Blues at Give Rise Studio
January & February Only - Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Join Amanda for a series of drop-in lessons in West Coast Swing & Blues Dances in a cozy industrial space turned art studio. Our class syllabus will focus on fundamental techniques and moves from idiomatic social blues dance and (modern) west coast swing. Attend class for $15 per dancer or join for after class practice by donation.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Intermediate / Continuing Dancers
Class will focus on connection technique, 6 & 8 count patterns, and quality of movement
For dancers who already have knowledge of basic partnering, swing rhythm, and the 6-count trinity (open/closed positions, side-pass inside turn, outside/tuck turn)
$15 per dancer - stay for the beginner lesson and the open practice for FREE
7:30pm - 8:30pm | Beginning / New Dancers
Class will focus on partnering basics, jukin’ blues, and 6-count west coast swing basics
For new dancers, those looking to review fundamental moves
$15 per dancer - stay for the open practice for FREE
8:30pm - 9:30pm | Open Practice with DJ
Enjoy free time on the dance floor, get help with a new move or just a little social dancing time - it’s up to you
For all dancers in the community - class attendance is not required
By Donation; $5-10 recommended
Payment
Pay in advance (via website) to guarantee a spot in class
Pay at the door via CASH, Credit, Venmo, or PayPal
Dance Card Details
You will (probably) not be getting a physical punch card, your name will be added to a special will-call list.
Half-Season ($55) covers ANY 4 nights - sales end February 5th
Full-Season ($100) includes all 8 nights - sales end January 8th
Dance Cards can only be used for the dancer who made the purchase, i.e. you cannot use a half-season pass to pay for 4 dancers to all attend the same night.
Dance Cards are non-refundable. You may transfer your Dance Card to another dancer if you are injured or otherwise cannot attend the remainder of the season.
January & February Only - Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Join Amanda for a series of drop-in lessons in West Coast Swing & Blues Dances in a cozy industrial space turned art studio. Our class syllabus will focus on fundamental techniques and moves from idiomatic social blues dance and (modern) west coast swing. Attend class for $15 per dancer or join for after class practice by donation.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Intermediate / Continuing Dancers
Class will focus on connection technique, 6 & 8 count patterns, and quality of movement
For dancers who already have knowledge of basic partnering, swing rhythm, and the 6-count trinity (open/closed positions, side-pass inside turn, outside/tuck turn)
$15 per dancer - stay for the beginner lesson and the open practice for FREE
7:30pm - 8:30pm | Beginning / New Dancers
Class will focus on partnering basics, jukin’ blues, and 6-count west coast swing basics
For new dancers, those looking to review fundamental moves
$15 per dancer - stay for the open practice for FREE
8:30pm - 9:30pm | Open Practice with DJ
Enjoy free time on the dance floor, get help with a new move or just a little social dancing time - it’s up to you
For all dancers in the community - class attendance is not required
By Donation; $5-10 recommended
Payment
Pay in advance (via website) to guarantee a spot in class
Pay at the door via CASH, Credit, Venmo, or PayPal
Dance Card Details
You will (probably) not be getting a physical punch card, your name will be added to a special will-call list.
Half-Season ($55) covers ANY 4 nights - sales end February 5th
Full-Season ($100) includes all 8 nights - sales end January 8th
Dance Cards can only be used for the dancer who made the purchase, i.e. you cannot use a half-season pass to pay for 4 dancers to all attend the same night.
Dance Cards are non-refundable. You may transfer your Dance Card to another dancer if you are injured or otherwise cannot attend the remainder of the season.
January & February Only - Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Join Amanda for a series of drop-in lessons in West Coast Swing & Blues Dances in a cozy industrial space turned art studio. Our class syllabus will focus on fundamental techniques and moves from idiomatic social blues dance and (modern) west coast swing. Attend class for $15 per dancer or join for after class practice by donation.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Intermediate / Continuing Dancers
Class will focus on connection technique, 6 & 8 count patterns, and quality of movement
For dancers who already have knowledge of basic partnering, swing rhythm, and the 6-count trinity (open/closed positions, side-pass inside turn, outside/tuck turn)
$15 per dancer - stay for the beginner lesson and the open practice for FREE
7:30pm - 8:30pm | Beginning / New Dancers
Class will focus on partnering basics, jukin’ blues, and 6-count west coast swing basics
For new dancers, those looking to review fundamental moves
$15 per dancer - stay for the open practice for FREE
8:30pm - 9:30pm | Open Practice with DJ
Enjoy free time on the dance floor, get help with a new move or just a little social dancing time - it’s up to you
For all dancers in the community - class attendance is not required
By Donation; $5-10 recommended
Payment
Pay in advance (via website) to guarantee a spot in class
Pay at the door via CASH, Credit, Venmo, or PayPal
Dance Card Details
You will (probably) not be getting a physical punch card, your name will be added to a special will-call list.
Half-Season ($55) covers ANY 4 nights - sales end February 5th
Full-Season ($100) includes all 8 nights - sales end January 8th
Dance Cards can only be used for the dancer who made the purchase, i.e. you cannot use a half-season pass to pay for 4 dancers to all attend the same night.
Dance Cards are non-refundable. You may transfer your Dance Card to another dancer if you are injured or otherwise cannot attend the remainder of the season.
Current Location:
Classes are hosted at Give Rise Studio in downtown Frederick MD
What to Expect
Classes are suitable for all experience levels but aimed at dancers who are relatively new to partnered swing and/or blues dancing. Students with busy schedules or more experience may want to consider a private practice session for more personal attention.
Every weekly class includes:
warm-up & stretching
solo exercises to improve balance, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and musicality while practicing basic footwork.
partnered exercises to improve lead/follow connection and communication.
instruction and practice in common fundamental moves and patterns from lindy hop, six-count swing, west coast swing, Charleston and/or social blues dancing
discussion on social dance psychology, etiquette, and safety - plus learn music and dance history!
Dance Roles
In traditional social dance, men lead, and women follow. Fortunately, in contemporary Swing & Blues Dance there are no gender restrictions on dance roles. Dancers are invited to select whichever role they prefer, regardless of gender expression. See the brief descriptions below to help you decide which position is right for you:
Leaders are responsible for initiating momentum and managing floor craft
Followers are responsible for executing lead movements and inspiring musicality
Switch refers to experienced dancers who intend to practice both roles. Dancers who switch should contact Amanda for private class options that can address the unique challenges of this role.
Rotating partners is the best way to learn but dancers will NOT be forced to practice with strangers.
Staying Healthy
Proof of vaccination is not currently required.
Dancers are welcome to wear masks, but they are not currently required.
Please bring a face mask with you. If someone else is wearing a mask, assume that you need to wear yours when talking and dancing with them.
