Solo Jazz*
Intermediate and Advanced
Combo possible with Bal II and Lindy II & III.
Teachers :
*Note: Solo classes start on Friday evening
Venues
Parties & Tasters
Karjalatalo, Käpylänkuja 1, 00610 Helsinki
Class venues for Solo Jazz on Friday
Koskela Primary School, Juhana-Herttuan tie 13, 00600 Helsinki
Yhtenäiskoulu Comprehensive School, Louhentie 3, 00610 Helsinki
Class venues for all classes on Saturday and Sunday
Pasila Comprehensive School, Savonkatu 2, 00520 Helsinki
Stadin ammattiopisto, Savonkatu 4, 00520 Helsinki
Black Pepper Swing, Karjalankatu 2, 00520 Helsinki, (back hall)
Social Jazz Lounge Saturday & Sunday
Black Pepper Swing, Karjalankatu 2, 00520 Helsinki, (front hall)
A place between classes to chill out, listen to vinyls, socialize, have your drinks or snacks and try out those new concepts and moves you learned in class. Fridge and microwave at your disposal.
All venues on the map.
Levels
Differently than in previous years, every couple/dancer purchases their full pass directly for a specific level. We expect you to pick your level based on an honest self-assessment.
LEVEL descriptions
If you don’t fill the requirement for Intermediate yet, read below about options for Beginners.
Solo Jazz
Intermediate
You are comfortable with basic Solo Jazz steps, have already learnt a few classic routines (Shim Sham, Tranky doo..) and collected some experience improvising.
Advanced
You’re comfortable improvising with a wide range of steps and have learnt longer routines like the Big Apple, Trickeration… Your understanding for the music allows you to not only sequence steps but also to add your own flavour, movements and rhythms.
Balboa
Intermediate:
You know the down hold and uphold basic and some bal-swing moves. You know the fundamentals of connection in Bal, leading and following and you can autonomously dance them socially.
Advanced:
Besides floating through Balboa repertoire in your dreams, you pick up new moves, variations and sequences quickly. You frequently add styling and variations within the flow of the dance and probably dedicate a lot of time to practise and social dancing.
Lindy Hop
Intermediate:
1 - 2.5 years
You have a good repertoire of movements in open and closed position, be it with 8-count, 6-count, triples or kick steps. You feel comfortable dancing to medium-tempo songs on the social dance floor. You often observe other dancers do moves you don’t know yet, and are here to learn them. You may not know the Hellzapoppin' scene, but you will check it on Youtube immediately after reading this.
Intermediate - Advanced:
2.5 - 5 years
Besides dancing the Lindy repertoire at any speed, you pick up new variations and sequences quickly and are able to improvise with the rhythm of the music. You frequently add your own styling and variations to the dance. You dedicate a lot of time to practise and social dancing. You have seen Hellzapoppin' and firmly believe that with some hard work, one day you will master swinging out with the speed and attitude of a Savoy cat.
Advanced:
5+ years
This level is for the most seasoned dancers. You have been dancing for more or significantly more than 5 years. In class, you no longer expect your dancing to be fixed, but to be broken. You adjust your dancing with ease to different tempos, partners and styles of swing music, and don’t get thrown off by drum solos, surprising tempo-changes, fake endings or long piano intros. You probably still don’t swing out Hellzapoppin' speed but instead, after trying for a few years, you have traded those aspirations for quality time at the bar.
Beginners’ track
Lindy hop Beginners’ Track 10. - 11.9.
Are you a Lindy hop newbie? This track is for everyone who has maybe never danced lindy before or is not yet comfortable with the basics. You don’t need any previous experience or a partner. You’ll learn both the leader and the follower roles at the same time. Together we’ll deep dive into the world of swing dancing and get you ready to party with us!
The pass also includes one party of your choice - either Saturday or Sunday!
Teachers: Adrian Ehrlich & Karri Rasinmäki
Saturday & Sunday: 16.30 - 18.30
Place: Black Pepper Swing Studio, Karjalakatu 2, Helsinki.
Price: 65€*
*incl. 4h of classes + Saturday OR Sunday party. Read more about the parties - here