Our new 6 week session starts this Sunday, April 22 at the Newton Lower Falls Community Center in Newton and this Monday, April 23 at Ruggles Baptist Church in Boston near Fenway Park. You do not need to attend with a partner for any of the classes. Here is what’s coming up:

• Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop: This class is for brand new dancers, those with some experience, and continuing students who would like to build a stronger foundation and gain more confidence on the dance floor. Six count basics are covered along with a different selection of fun steps each session. There are 7 different sessions at this level, which can be taken in any order, providing the opportunity to develop a good base for social dancing while continuing to learn new steps. If you have any friends who have been wanting to get started, please send them along! This class meets in both Newton and Boston.
• Lindy Hop Level 2: This class is aimed at intermediate level Swing dancers who can already comfortably social dance any style of triple-step Swing. It is not necessary to already know Lindy Hop to get started. The class focuses on core moves, including a mix of 8 and 6 count basics, emphasizing technique and lead-follow connection. There are 8 different sessions at this level which continually change over time and can be taken in any order. Each session includes a mix of classic Charleston moves and newer variations. This class meets in Newton and Boston.
• Jazzing up your Lindy Hop: This is a new class aimed at more experienced Lindy Hop dancers and meets in the Newton location only. There are a lot of fun Jazz steps which are great to dance solo which also incorporate nicely into our partner dancing. Jazz steps are an excellent way to work on varying the rhythm, musicality, as well as adding some new variety into your dancing. If you like to play with footwork, whether in a partner move or when you have a little space for your own individuality, this will be a great class for you!

If you are planning to attend any of these classes and have not already done so, it is very helpful if you would submit an on-line registration to speed up check-in. You can pay in advance through PayPal or at the first class by cash, check or credit card. Thanks!
   
Free parking available in both locations as well as near public transportation.

Full details and registration.

It’s Beantown’s 16th year and of course we have to make it the most awesome ever! With the stellar line-up of bands and DJs, it’s a can’t miss!

First, the return of Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander! Not just one night, but for two! There was no question after last year that we had to bring them back!

Can’t miss Gordon Webster’s Band featuring Naomi Uyama! A Beantown favorite. Camp would not be the same without them!

Rounding out the live music is Glenn Crytzer and his Syncopators featuring Meschiya Lake and Solomon Douglas! They will be joining us for our last evening as we celebrate the 4th of July and another amazing week of Beantown.

That’s a lot to be excited about! But there’s more…

Michael Gamble will be running our DJ booth with an excellent crew which includes Dan Newsome, Jesse Hanus, Erica Vess and Alain Wong! In addition, Peter Strom will be back hosting a late night Soul Party, a not-to-be-missed Beantown highlight!

Early Bird registration ends on April 30! Register now to get the cheaper prices. Most of the Endicott housing options are still available.

Camp runs from June 28 to July 5 with multiple registration options. If you have always wanted to come to Beantown, this will be a phenomenal year to do so. If you’ve never done the full week, do it in 2012. You will be glad you did!

The website continues to be updated with the latest info. Check out all the details.

Our next monthly Uptown Swing dance is coming up in Brookline on Saturday, April 28 featuring the Racky Thomas Band, always bringing a high energy, make-you-want-to-dance experience! The music will be great for Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa and even some Blues. Also this month we have a Hop to the Beat class performance of The Lindy Chorus in honor of the one and only Frankie Manning. This will be an excellent night to bring your friends and introduce them to the joy of dancing! The pre-dance lesson is included.

Uptown Swing Dance information.

As our current session is winding down, the new 6 week session is now up on the website. This will actually be our last session before Beantown! Sunday classes in Newton start on April 22 and Monday classes in Boston start on April 23 (near Fenway Park).

• Both locations include a class in Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1, appropriate for brand new dancers, those with some previous experience and continuing students. If you would like to work on building a solid foundation of dance skills, this will be an ideal class. Six count basics will be covered along with a variety of fun steps to build your repertoire and get you out on the dance floor!
• Lindy Hop Level 2 is also offered in both locations. This class is aimed at more intermediate level Swing dancers and no prior Lindy Hop experience is required. Eight and six count basics will be mixed along with a variety of classic Lindy Hop, newer variations, and a focus on partnering, technique and style.
• Also on Sundays we have a new class on Jazzing up your Lindy Hop. There are a lot of fun Jazz steps which are great to dance solo which also incorporate nicely into our partner dancing. Jazz steps are an excellent way to work on varying the rhythm, musicality, as well as adding some new variety into your dancing. If you like to play with footwork, whether in a partner move or when you have a little space for your own individuality, this will be a great class for you! Join us for this fun and challenging class. This class is aimed at intermediate to higher up Lindy Hop dancers and no partner is required.

We are always striving to bring new people into the dance community and classes are a great first step. Most of our new students come from recommendations and we really appreciate all of your help to keep our community growing and thriving! If you have any friends interested in getting into dancing, please pass on the info!

Registration is open. Check the website for more information.