Jason’s topic for Saturday:

Queering learning: A Lesson of Unlearning Ourselves.

 In this class, we are going to split into 2 groups: participants and observers. The participants will be taking a culturally-oriented, beginner-friendly crash course led by Jason, and the observers will be taking observation notes throughout the lesson. At the end, we are going to have a guided group discussion on participants’ experiences and observation notes to see what they can learn and what’s good for their own dancing.

Katie’s topic for Saturday:

How to Dance like YOU! – Let’s talk about personal style and self expression. How can we use the language of Swing Jazz to express our own individuality? We will be doing some reflecting and some chats about what we love about our dancing and how to make that shine. Open to all levels and both partnered and solo movement, this class is extra fun if you have friends in the room so bring your buds!

Sonnie’s topics for Saturday and Sunday:

Two classes on gendered movements. One will focus on masculine-read movement, one on feminine-read movement. It makes sense to take both to properly appreciate both ends of the gender spectrum, and how one informs the other. 

In these classes we examine how to find such movements in our own bodies, and how they fit into solo and partner dancing. Suitable for all levels and dancers – come expecting to be challenged on lead/follow archetypes, and more.

Saturday’s topic will be on feminine-read movements. Sunday’s topic will be on masculine-read movements.

Adam’s topic for Sunday’s class

Hot take! A “Switch” is just a move…

When “Switch” first emerged, it was all about – the switch – the move that allowed you to change sides and “roles,” often while maintaining binary power dynamics. In this class, Adam will explore Open Role dancing beyond simply switching.

You’ll spend time practicing how to suggest, respond, and empower from either side of the partnership, using music and rhythm as our primary lead. Rather than asking, “Who is leading?” We’ll explore how feeling the music itself primarily guides the dance, and how both partners can actively shape what happens next.

Katie and Jason’s topic for Sunday

From Observation to Adaptation

In this class, we are going to put on our “observation glasses” to actively look out for nuances in the classic and simple movements with Katie’s and Jason’s individual styles, and together we will adapt and personalize to your body in the dance.

Jamica’s topic for Sunday

In case you missed it : blues and jazz are political.

This choreography invites students to critically reflect on their own identities and their roles in social justice movements. If you’ve been feeling angry , sad , or even hopeful about the state of the world , come let it out to the blues! Students will have an opportunity to perform Sunday evening..