Street-Lindy Workshop

Supported by London Arts, we created Street Lindy for an end of term special activity

It's fast, furious and fun! This workshop fusing classic Lindy Hop, or 'Swing', and modern Street Jazz is a dynamic way to introduce dance to teenagers at your school.

Who is it suitable for?

Teenagers - we recommend Year 9+.

The style makes it ideal for getting boys involved in dance, although the workshop is equally suitable for girls.

Tell me more about 'Street-Lindy'…

'Street Lindy' is an upbeat, challenging workshop combining different elements of jazz dance, from authentic moves of the 1920s-40s 'swing' era to more recent Street Jazz rhythms and footwork. It aims to highlight the parallels between early and modern jazz and show why traditional jazz dance had and still has such explosive success socially.

'Street Lindy' is great for teenagers: it's got attitude, style and energy, with kicks, spins, slides and jumps! It requires strength, stamina, coordination, a sometimes competitive spirit as well as teamwork, musicality and creativity.

What will happen during the workshop?

The workshop will start with a musicality warm-up to prepare the body/ avoid injury and to familiarise students with some of the rhythms and moves that will be used during the class. The rest of the time will be spent learning new steps as part of a jazz routine and will include some improvisation and teamwork. Exact content will vary depending on the age, experience and gender mix of the group.

How was London Arts involved?

London Arts funded the original research period leading up to the series of school 'Street-Lindy' workshops.

Who are the main artists/ teachers?

The collaboration is primarily between Simon Selmon, founder of the London Swing Dance Society and specialist in authentic jazz dance, and Irven Lewis, Artistic Director of Urban British Dance Company, whose work is strongly influenced by Street Jazz.

Simon is a well-known figure in the UK Lindy Hop scene and is also regularly invited to teach and judge internationally. He leads the longest running weekly Lindy Hop classes in London and has led numerous workshops for those aged 7-70 years at festivals, schools and community events in most parts of the UK. He has choreographed and danced for stage, film and TV, including Swing, the ITV film Back Home, War Brides, and Journey Through Jazz (performed at both the Lillian Baylis Theatre and South Bank Centre). He also directs the Sugarfoot Stompers jazz dance company.

Irven is a choreographer, dancer and teacher. He graduated from the Urdang Academy of Performing Art and went on to pioneer his own unique of style of jazz dance called 'Be Bop', incorporating jazz, contemporary, ballet and urban forms of movement. He founded Urban British Dance Company in 2000, which last year presented 'Heritage' as part of 'the mission tour' with 17 performances across the UK and 'Pulse' at the South Bank Centre and Sadler's Wells. Irven is also a freelance teacher and his work includes schools, youth groups, dance companies and a regular slot at Morley College (teaching street jazz and performance).

Other teachers from the London Swing Dance Society and/or Sugarfoot Stompers jazz dance company may be involved in leading the Street Lindy workshops depending on dates/ availability.

How long are the workshops?

The Street Lindy workshop is designed to last approximately two hours, although this is flexible if mentioned when booking.

What is the cost?

Each workshop requires two teachers to cover the modern and traditional forms of jazz dance, costing £70+VAT per hour per teacher. So, the recommended two-hour workshop amounts to £280+VAT.
In addition to this, we ask schools outside of London to cover our teachers' travel expenses.

For details of grants possibly available to help fund dance workshops, try:
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/a-z/GRANTS_FOR_SCHOOLS.html

For a quote and availability contact Simon at the London Swing Dance Society