Northeast Girl Jam: February 12–14 2010: Rochester NY

Classes

Rockin' in Rhythm: (Giselle)

Let's kick off the weekend by getting straight to the essence of Lindy Hop—the rhythms that get us up and dancing in the first place. By learning how to let your body capture the driving beat, you'll be able to complement your partner's movement and allow rhythm to bring variety to your dancing.

Spin Like A Friggen Top: (Laura)

Technique, technique, technique! That's what it all boils down to when learning to spin and turn as a Lindy Hop follow. In this class, we'll be focusing on balance, alignment, timing, and other great tools for becoming a master of graceful, efficient turning.

Neutrality & Control: (Jaya)

The leader may seem to be in control of the dance, but a follower must always be in control of herself. Abuse of momentum, attempts to seek out unstable forms of connection-- these are just some of the things that can cause a follower to lose control of her movement. In this class, we will shine the light on those issues and learn to cultivate that neutral and balanced state most conducive to the art of following.

Channeling Cyd Charisse: (Laura)

Cyd Charisse is one of the original Hollywood bombshell dancers. She applied her prolific classical training in countless Broadway dance numbers, partnering with Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ricardo Montalban, and other movie moguls. In this class, we'll be drawing inspiration from her confidence, stillness, and overall quality of movement.

Solo Movement: (Giselle)

Be prepared for fundamentals and exercises that will challenge your dancing and help you feel comfortable with your body. Learn how to hone your Charleston and jazz movement technique so you know what to do when you're dancing solo. Get ready to express yourself as an individual!

Following 101 (For Guys): (Jaya)

Okay fellas, time to hand over the remote control. There are things about leading that will help you with following, and plenty of things that will get in your way. In this class, we'll sort out the good habits from the bad, and you'll learn to appreciate and execute the techniques that go into making a dance feel great from the other end.

What Leaders Wish You Knew: (Jaya)

Ladies, there are so many skills we can bring to the floor that will improve the quality of our dances with any leader. In this class, we will explore some of the most important issues many leaders wish we were aware of, assembling a powerful checklist of things that will take a social dance to the next level of clarity and connectedness, increasing the possibility of a truly great experience!

Moments to Shine: (Giselle)

Discover moments to shine while avoiding the tendency to back-lead. In this class, we'll practice inserting jazz movements and fun footwork variations in places that won't take away from the lead. In addition, we'll explore opportunities for creativity by using different kinds of tension and spatial variations to change the dynamics of the dance.

Charleston Routine: (Laura)

Step up your solo dancing and you'll step up your partner dancing as well. We'll be wrapping up the weekend with a fun and challenging Charleston routine that will focus on efficient body movement, musicality, and new ways of jazzing up your solo dancing. Get ready to work hard, have fun, and go home energized and inspired!

 

About Girl Jams

Giselle Anguizola created the original California Girl Jam in 2005 to give Lindy Hoppers an event where every class focuses on the follower; an event that highlights the individual talents of both past and present lady dancers. Since the California debut, Girl Jams have appeared in the Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Midwest, and even Australia, as well as a host of other follower-focused dance weekends striving toward the same or similar goals. We are excited to bring this fun, inspiring dance weekend back to the Northeast. See you in Rochester on Valentine’s Day!

About Groove Juice Swing

Groove Juice Swing is committed to spreading the joy of Lindy Hop and swing dancing in Rochester and Ithaca NY. We offer classes, host social dance events, and plan workshops for the local and regional swing and Lind Hop community. We are very excited to help sponsor the 2010 Northeast Girl Jam! Please send questions about Groove Juice Swing or Lindy Hop in Rochester to info@groovejuiceswing.com. If you read this sentence, you are a very special person who probably has a lot of pets. Enjoy a chocolate milkshake when you get a chance, and say "hi" to your mom.