Fall 2024 Swing Workshops with Washington County Parks & Rec
Join Amanda on select Friday evenings from 6:30-8pm for an introduction to social swing and blues dancing. Class is $15 per person - register directly through Washington County Parks & Recreation. Partners are not needed, dancers are encouraged (but not required) to rotate during class to practice.
September 27 - Beginner Vintage/East Coast Swing
Swing dancing is an energetic social dance style characterized by rhythmic footwork and playful interaction between partners. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to jazz and blues music with any partner.
October 18 - Beginner Modern/West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is the contemporary descendent of swing, with smooth styling and low impact moves. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to contemporary pop, R&B or country music with any partner.
November 15 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
The swing-out is the most iconic of Lindy Hop move, with partners moving around each other at high tempo while turning, swiveling, kicking, and jumping. In this workshop we will focus on learning and improving swing-out fundamentals - for dancers who have already mastered basic 6-count moves.
Sign up via Washington County Parks & Recreation Only: Link to Program Guide
Contact Amanda if you need help signing up OR if you are interest in classes but unable to attend on FRIDAYS.
Join Amanda on select Friday evenings from 6:30-8pm for an introduction to social swing and blues dancing. Class is $15 per person - register directly through Washington County Parks & Recreation. Partners are not needed, dancers are encouraged (but not required) to rotate during class to practice.
September 27 - Beginner Vintage/East Coast Swing
Swing dancing is an energetic social dance style characterized by rhythmic footwork and playful interaction between partners. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to jazz and blues music with any partner.
October 18 - Beginner Modern/West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is the contemporary descendent of swing, with smooth styling and low impact moves. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to contemporary pop, R&B or country music with any partner.
November 15 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
The swing-out is the most iconic of Lindy Hop move, with partners moving around each other at high tempo while turning, swiveling, kicking, and jumping. In this workshop we will focus on learning and improving swing-out fundamentals - for dancers who have already mastered basic 6-count moves.
Sign up via Washington County Parks & Recreation Only: Link to Program Guide
Contact Amanda if you need help signing up OR if you are interest in classes but unable to attend on FRIDAYS.
Join Amanda on select Friday evenings from 6:30-8pm for an introduction to social swing and blues dancing. Class is $15 per person - register directly through Washington County Parks & Recreation. Partners are not needed, dancers are encouraged (but not required) to rotate during class to practice.
September 27 - Beginner Vintage/East Coast Swing
Swing dancing is an energetic social dance style characterized by rhythmic footwork and playful interaction between partners. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to jazz and blues music with any partner.
October 18 - Beginner Modern/West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is the contemporary descendent of swing, with smooth styling and low impact moves. This workshop introduces the basic steps you need to dance to contemporary pop, R&B or country music with any partner.
November 15 - Intermediate Lindy Hop
The swing-out is the most iconic of Lindy Hop move, with partners moving around each other at high tempo while turning, swiveling, kicking, and jumping. In this workshop we will focus on learning and improving swing-out fundamentals - for dancers who have already mastered basic 6-count moves.
Sign up via Washington County Parks & Recreation Only: Link to Program Guide
Contact Amanda if you need help signing up OR if you are interest in classes but unable to attend on FRIDAYS.
Current Location:
Classes are hosted at Pangborn Elementary School in Hagerstown Maryland.
195 Pangborn Boulevard, Hagerstown, MD 21740
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.
