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NEW TEMPORARY LOCATION as we re-start classes during the COVID-19 pandemic:
an open-air garage at 95 Hoaloha Street, Hilo.
Group Classes
Until we are ready to go back to our indoor studio, we are offering "outside" classes in a garage with a smooth, concrete floor. Please wear running shoes or other footwear which provides a cushion.
Until we are ready to dance with partners again, we will offer classes in solo jazz steps, an important part of our Lindy Hop tradition. Many moves can be incorporated into partner dancing, either during breakaways or while connected as a couple.
Beginners welcome. Drop-ins welcome. Each class $5.
Jazz Movement Vocabulary - 4 Classes - Mondays, July 6 - 27, 2020
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Learn from the universe of vintage solo jazz steps which is part of swing dancing’s heritage! Some of these moves evolved from tap dancing. Many of them are widely used in popular routines such as Shim Sham, Big Apple, and Tranky Doo, so if you later learn one of these routines, you will already know the footwork. You might already be familiar with fun solo moves such as Boogie Back, Shorty George, the Box Step, Kick-Ball-Change and Fishtails….
Solo Dance Creative Technique - 4 Classes - Mondays, July 6 - 27, 2020
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Learn how to organize jazz steps into your own full-length solo dance! Using jazz vocabulary you may already know (and yes, I’ll teach some fundamental moves as well), arrange them to express the music and leave room for innovation and improvisation. We’ll explore the three tempos of swing: quicks, slows, and syncopation. Add your own touches to established moves, and even create your own if the mood suits you. If you’re ever at a social dance and don’t have a partner, this class will let you dance to the music on your own. This class will complement the earlier class; feel free to take them both!
Private Lessons
Privates with the Hep Cats' instructors
Our primary swing dance instructors, Andie Gill , Angela Beck and Michael Connelley, offer private lessons by request. If you would like to take private lessons please use the Contact Form.
Privates with our workshop instructors
Almost all of our workshop instructors offer private lessons when they are in town. If you are interested in a little one-on-one time with some of our award-winning, nationally- and Internationally-acclaimed workshop instructors, please check the current workshop registration forms for information on how to schedule private lessons.
Resources for Students
If you're a Hep Cats student, click here for additional class resources.