Learn Solo Jazz

Learn the popular Authentic Jazz moves from the golden era of jazz

Level description

Description

A beginners course to the wonderful world of Solo Jazz dancing, where we will look into the basic Authentic Jazz and Charleston moves. You will learn moves such as Suzy Q, Shorty George, Boogie Back, Boogie Forward, Fall of the Log, Tacky Annie, Bees Knees, Itches etc., and you will learn how to mix them together into short solo routines.

Focus points in Round 2, 2024 (March-May):

This coming round of Solo Jazz Beginner will be taught by Jordan, a teacher-member of Lindy Hop Greece group. You will focus on learning how to learn basics, become comfortable in repetition, as well as find joy in small and big physical and mental achievements within class and social dances.
You will also learn to do the legendary jazz routine by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant : The Shim Sham.

Level Guidance

You don’t need any prior dance experience to join this course. But if you have danced swing or another dance before, then that’s of course an advantage.

Description

Solo Jazz Improvers is a continuation course for those who already know the basic solo jazz moves. You will be introduced to more advanced moves and variations, as well as transitions between them.

Focus points in Round 2, 2024 (March-May):

The goal of Solo Jazz Improvers next round will be to master the legendary Big Apple Routine!
 
The Big Apple routine is one of the most famous solo jazz routines, dating back to the 1930s. It was choreographed by Frankie Manning, and became famous in modern time, because it was featured in the movie called Keep Punching, where it was performed by Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
 
The routine has kept its popularity over the years, and it is known and danced all over the world today. Like the Shim Shim, when the right music comes on, people spontaneously begin to dance the routine. Which of course means that it’s a great routine to have in your dance vocabulary! So come learn the routine with Kuno in the coming round, so that you are ready to join the fun and dance the Big Apple!
 

Level Guidance

You need to have completed the Solo Jazz Beginners course to be able to join this class. However, it’s strongly recommended to take the Solo Jazz Beginners course a couple of times before moving on. You should be comfortable with basic solo jazz moves and ready to explore some more technical variations and syncopated rhythms.

If you come from another school, you should have at least 2 months of solo jazz experience to be able to join this class.

Next round of classes
6th of March – 4th of May

Next Round of classes

May 6th – June 27th

Registration for Beginner Courses in Lindy Hop
in this round is open

Registration for all other courses will open on the 18th of April

What is Solo Jazz?

Solo jazz, also called Vernacular Jazz or Authentic Jazz is often referred to as dancing without a partner, as opposed to dancing with a partner (as traditionally done in i.e. lindy hop, shag and blues). The dance itself has had many influences, mainly from dances invented and danced from the 1920’s – 1950’s: from cakewalks to Charleston, Lindy Hop, Blues and beyond.

Classes will focus on increasing your body awareness, improving quality of movement while appreciating musicality and rhythm. Working on your solo movements goes a great way towards improving your partnered dancing.

Recommended shoes for Solo Jazz

Flat shoes will be the best choice, preferably with a bit slidey sole and with a padded/cushioned insole, for better comfort. For beginners, regular sneakers would often be enough (just check if you can slide and turn in them without getting stuck or making a squeak sound on the floor).

If you want to invest in proper dance shoes,
try one of these brands:

They are all based in  Europe, and they all have options for women and men.

Open Practice

Come and practice material from your class during Open Practice. It’s free  and open for everyone! Consider bringing a partner to dance with though. 

Swing Music

We have collected some of our favorite swing  songs, which are good for  practicing, and we put them together in a Spotify playlist 

Teachers

See our full teachers team consisting of almost 40 teachers, all very passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you!