What happens at a dance class?

You’ll be met by a helpful person at the door, who’ll handle your check in. Your online registration will be checked, and you’ll be invited into the hall. You’ll wash/sanitise your hands. Most people feel a bit shy when they arrive, but most relax during class, and many laugh out loud. Many classes provide name tag stickers, or feel free to bring your own!

The venue will have a big clear dance floor for class, toilets/washrooms for all genders (with individual stalls), and somewhere to drop your bag and change into your dance shoes (if you have them). The lighting is usually bright enough for us to each see each other’s bodies and faces clearly, and can be fluorescent (it depends on the venue).

All our dance classes begin with a simple warm up, continue with fun dancing, and then end with a warm down or activity that brings us all together.

If it’s a partner dance like lindy hop, we rotate partners in class (in a big circle), and get to meet new people. Swing music is usually cheerful, and working with partners can be a lot of fun.

The solo jazz classes also do partner work, they may work on choreography, improvising, or playing jazz games.

We teach large classes (good fun if you like a rowdy session), and small classes (perfect for people who find noise or crowds difficult).

It’s ok (and a good idea!) to take a moment to sit down, take a drink, find a quiet space to chill out during class if you need it.

Your teachers are with you the whole way, keeping an eye out for difficulties, laughing at jokes, and handling the music and flow of class. They’re happy to answer your questions.

After class there might be social dancing or practice time, or you might all go off for a coffee or a snack (dancers loooove to eat!) They will usually offer an open invitation to everyone, and it’s ok to ask if you can join them. It’s also ok to say “No thank you” if you’d rather not.

We have two active face book groups for chatting and catching up (Jazz and Swing with 1929 Studios and North Side 1929 Studios,) and solo jazzers like to share their videos on instagram.

Remember that not everyone wants to give their phone number or facebook name to everyone, and it’s ok to just say “I’d rather not” if you want to keep it on the down low for now.

Clothes

Anything that makes you feel comfortable!

It’s worth keeping in mind that people will be touching your arms and hands, shoulders and back, and you’ll be moving about, having fun, and probably getting a bit sweaty.

Shoes

The most important part: avoid heeled shoes, and make sure your footwear stays on your feet when you’re moving about (flip flops will probably fly off).

• Your phone, so you can solve any check-in issues when you arrive at class (we don’t take cash for classes!),

• Personal hand-sanitiser and mask (just in case!),

• Drink bottle for water,

• Hand towel or hanky you can pop in a pocket.

Other things you might bring:

• Ear plugs or headphones, especially if you find lots of noise challenging,

• A buddy who doesn’t take the class, but comes with you to the venue, and provides support (we welcome buddies!)