Classes

Classes & Levels

Classes will be starting on Thursday evening after dinner. The Thursday evening and Friday morning schedules will include Lindy Hop classes for all levels as well as some other options to choose from. You will not need to select these classes in advance. Check the detailed Schedule for more information.

Lindy Hop Track classes will be starting on Friday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday. There will be 6 different Lindy Hop tracks, from beginner to advanced. Each track will have two or three classes a day and include classes focusing on particular aspects that will enhance your dancing such as partnering, connection, technique, musicality and styling. Tracks will be balanced as best as possible for leaders and followers. You do not need to come with a partner as classes will rotate.

For those interested in taking a Balboa Mini-Track, there will be 3 levels to choose from. The Mini-Tracks will meet once a day from Saturday through Wednesday and are in addition to the Lindy Hop Track classes.

Optional Classes will also be offered during the Mini-Track time slots for those preferring to take a variety of different classes. Some of the Optional Classes will be offered during additional time slots, including Thursday evening, Friday morning, and a couple of other evenings later in the schedule, and so will be open to all, including those doing a Balboa Mini-Track. Check the detailed Schedule for more information.

When registering, everyone will be asked to select a Lindy Hop Track level based on the descriptions given. Those choosing to do the progressive Balboa Mini-Track classes will also be asked to select a Balboa Mini-Track level. Selections do not need to be made in advance for any of the Optional Classes.

Included with the registration is a short Questionnaire. The purpose of this is to determine the range of experience of those registering at each level as it tends to vary from year-to-year of camp. For example, the level in Track 3 may be overall higher or lower than the previous year. The instructors will be reviewing the tracks on the first day to help get everyone in the right place. Instructors look at the tracks as a whole and may move some people up and some people down. It is possible that changes will also be made after the first day. It is also possible that there might be a track split made depending on enrollment.

Once at camp, anyone wishing to switch to a lower track can simply ask to be moved. Anyone with other concerns about their track can speak to the instructors about moving. You may only take the Lindy Hop Track classes for your own level.

Please note that it is the camp instructors who ultimately determine final Lindy Hop Track placement! The goal of the instructors is to provide the best camp experience of all those attending. The process has evolved over the years, and we are pleased to say that we have received a lot of positive feedback about the handling of track placement as well as the uniformity of each track.

Other Classes

Stretch Class

Jennifer Coulombe will be back this year with her fabulous stretch class at the end of each day. A great way to take care of those well used muscles!

Practice Time

An open practice is scheduled each day just before dinner. This will be a good time to meet up with classmates to go over what you have learned in class. Some instructors will be available to answer questions.

DJ Forum

Mike Smith will be moderating a forum. All are welcome to come talk about music and DJing.

Special Movie Documentary Presentation
The Queen of Swing...Norma Miller

A 90 minute documentary by Florida filmmaker John Biffar, Queen of Swing premiered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in August 2006. Narrated by Bill Cobbs, Queen of Swing takes an inside look at Norma Miller's influence in the globalization of America's Jazz culture and her and her fellow artist's role in racial integration. It features interviews with Bill Cosby, BB King, Frankie Manning and the late Leonard Reed.

We are thrilled that Norma will be sharing her documentary with us this year. Don't miss this special opportunity!

There will be a Question & Answer session with Norma after the film.

Dance Spaces

All dance spaces have wooden floors and a change of shoes is required. Two of the class spaces (the Chapel and Aerobics Room) require either suede (or chrome leather) soled shoes or clean sneakers to be worn (no leather or hard soled shoes). If possible, it would be best to have more than one pair of dance shoes. You will want your shoes to be comfortable and no sharp heels please. Bring cool, comfortable clothes for classes. All dance spaces are air-conditioned.