Description
This four hour workshop is aimed at swing dancers with an interest in learning Boogie Woogie and enriching their swing dance repertoire with the boogie groove. We will go over the basic principles with a specific focus on the differences and similarities compared to Lindy Hop, play with musicality and improvisation and teach you figures to confidently rock a rhythm and blues dance floor.
In the evening we will hold a social dance in the centre of town with mixed swing styles so you can try out your new skills.
Schedule
- 11.00-13:00 Workshop
- 13:00-13.30 Break
- 13:30-15:30 Workshop
- 19:30-23:00 Social Dance
Pre-requisites
For this workshop it is required that you already know the basic 8- and 6-count rhythm, basic figures and swingouts in Lindy Hop. It is recommended that you have been attending regular classes in Lindy Hop for at least 6 months, you are confident in dancing full songs at different speeds without losing the rhythm or connection to your partner, you can change between figures smoothly and are starting to include footwork and rhythm variations within your dancing. The classes will build on these concepts and the teachers will adapt the level fluently to the participants. The workshop will also be suited to advanced level Lindy Hop dancers.
Tickets are sold as lead/follow/switch - if you're happy to do either role for the full workshop, please select switch and we will manage roles on the day.
Access to Dance
We believe that everyone should have access to opportunities to dance and learn, no matter your financial situation. To that end, we are offering some discounted passes to this event for those who otherwise would be unable to afford to attend.
The codes:
- ACCESSTOBOOGIE will reduce the full ticket from £50 to £35
- ACCESSTOCLASS will reduce the workshop only ticket from £40 to £30
- ACCESSTOSOCIAL will reduce the cost of the evening social to £5.
Safer Spaces
Cambridge Swing Dance is part of the STEPS network. By booking, you agree to abide by the CSD Safer Spaces Policy.
Venues
- Workshop: Marleigh Community Centre, The Hangar Building, 2 Jubilee Square, Cambridge CB5 8BX
- Social Dance: St Andrews Street Baptist Church (1st floor), 0-43 St Andrew's St, Cambridge CB2 3AR
Teachers
Sondre Olsen-Bye is an internationally known Boogie Woogie dancer and teacher known for bringing joy, strong technique and infectious energy to the dancefloor wherever he goes. He has a natural way of connecting with people on and off the floor, creating an atmosphere that feels accessible, comfortable and inspiring for dancers of all levels. Together with his partner Tanya, he has won both European and World Championship titles in Boogie Woogie several years in a row. Today, they travel the world sharing their enthusiasm, encouraging creativity, and reminding dancers why they fell in love with this dance in the first place.
Paula is a regular jitterbug! She started dancing at the age of four and has been spinning around ever since. After dancing ballet, contemporary dance, jazz and tap, she finally discovered Boogie Woogie and other swing dances, such as Lindy Hop, Shag and Balboa. She has taught locally in Switzerland for ten years, inspiring students of all levels. Paula loves sharing her enthusiasm for swing dance and motivating her students with her energy and warmth.
Information
Swing Dancing is an active dance, please ensure comfortable clothing, some extra shirts to change in case they're sweaty. In terms of shoes, Boogie is a bit more active than Lindy Hop and flat soles are recommended (sneakers, dance shoes, rubber or leather soles). Bring your own water bottle/mug and something to eat for lunch. Snacks, water and tea for breaks will be provided.