Beginners Class

We are very mindful that this may be the first dance class you have ever undertaken and that some of you may feel anxious or self-conscious at such a prospect. Going to the first class is often the biggest hurdle. We can promise you that once you are there we will do all we can to put you at ease. Remember, you are there with like-minded people who are probably just as nervous as you are! We can assure you it will be fun and in 10 week’s you will be able to Jive! This course introduces you to ‘The Jitterbug’ as danced by the American G.I’s during World War II. This cool style of dance incorporates four-count footwork. Please don’t worry if you have never danced before, Surrey Jive will take you right back to the very basics. Here you will learn how to take up the basic hold, follow the timing of this great dance and most importantly execute the footwork correctly. Each week you will learn two new dance moves. The following week, the first part of the class is devoted to revision of the previous two weeks (this can prove useful should you have to miss a class). In this way you will have plenty of time to fully understand what you have been taught and to gain in confidence. We are patient teachers, so in the unlikely event that we do not pick up your difficulties at the time, you can always bring this to our attention before or after class and we will gladly help you on a one to one basis. At the end of the class we provide you with a handout that breaks down that weeks moves. This will compliment the class input and assist any practice you might undertake later.

Intermediate Class

This 10-week progressive course builds on the dance moves you have learnt at beginner level. There is no requirement for you to complete the beginners course first as we do appreciate that some students already know how to dance and may have taken classes at other schools. That said, a certain amount of knowledge would be assumed by us. Leads should be able to direct their ladies with some degree of confidence and the followers should be able to turn confidently and return. During this class you will be introduced to ‘The Lindyhop’, the original form of jive from the late 1930’s in Harlem, New York. Here Surrey Jive will teach you both six and eight count footwork. You will learn two new dance moves a week and these will include moves such as the Reverse Charleston, Texas Tommy, The Catapult and many more. At the start of the following class we will revisit the previous weeks moves to ensure you fully understand them (this can prove useful should you have to miss a class). Handouts accompany this class and these break down the week’s moves through illustrations and editorials.

Intermediate Plus Class

This 10-week course takes your dancing to a higher level. You should now be confident with four, six and eight count, footwork and know how to dance the main ‘Lindyhop’ disciplines. This class is more physical than the Intermediate class and does include some low level lifts and drops. You will learn two new dance moves per week together with variations to some of the dance moves you have already learnt with Surrey Jive. More emphasis is placed on styling and musicality during this course. At the start of the following class we will revisit the previous weeks moves to ensure you fully understand them (this can prove useful should you have to miss a class). Handouts accompany this class and these break down the week’s moves through illustrations and editorials.

All Surrey Jive classes are held in a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere. We want you to enjoy our classes and we will go to great lengths to ensure that you leave not only with a newfound skill but newfound friends.

We hope to see you at one of our classes soon!