There sure is. Check out this great article on Swing Etiquette and Floorcraft on the Swungover blog.
Do I need a partner?
No way! There are experienced and new dancers alike at Swing Dance Sunday Jacksonville. Thanks to the nature of social dancing, you'll likely meet someone new every time you come out! And us having a lesson from 7-8PM (courtesy of The Dance Shack) is a great way to meet new dancers.
Can I do aerials?
No. Aerials are not allowed at The Volstead. We understand that you want to try throwing your partner across the room. But we're not cool with that. Sorry!
Where can I park?
There is ample street parking on Sundays in Downtown Jax. Even on Jags game days! You won't have to pay the meters either. Don't let parking be a reason not to come — or an excuse!
How long does it take to learn to swing dance?
East Coast Swing (aka 6-count swing) basics can be learned in the span of an hour. But, like learning an instrument, the sky is the limit! Few people master an instrument in an hour. The same holds true for swing dancing. Learning the Lindy Hop can take time and patience. Don’t get discouraged! Be patient with yourself, enjoy the journey. Social dance a lot!
East Coast and Lindy Hop? I’m confused. What’s the difference?
East Coast swing (aka 6-count swing) is a simplified version of the Lindy Hop that was arranged and propagated by the Arthur Murray dance studios. Lindy Hop was the principal form of swing dancing back in the 1930s but was too complicated to learn in a single lesson. Arthur Murray recognized that the 6-count steps were an easier version that could be taught easily in an hour, so he simplified the Lindy Hop and there you have it, East Coast Swing was born.
What is Lindy Hop then?
Lindy Hop is a dance based around an 8-count basic step, that incorporates all of the elements of East Coast Swing, as well as some Charleston, Fox Trot and other ballroom dances. It is a wholly American dance; its vernacular is dictated by the dances of the 1920s and 1930s, which were in turn derived from the music of the time. Bottom line: the Lindy Hop is mixture of ballroom, Charleston and African dance.
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast swing is a modern evolution of Lindy Hop/East Coast Swing that is danced to more contemporary pop music and blues. The footwork is based on a 6-count basic, but has evolved in a stylized way to fit to modern music, with a ballroom-esque feel. While it is its own dance, it is still considered a distant cousin of Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing.
Do I have to dress all vintage-y?
No. But if you want to, we encourage it! The style of dress varies a lot. Other than not looking like a slob, you should dress how you feel most comfortable. One piece of advice: you'll probably want to wear comfortable shoes for dancing. Want some kickass dance clothes and shoes? Check out dancestore.com!
What is a leader? What is a follower?
In any partner dance, there are leaders and followers. Traditionally, these roles have been divided along gender lines, with men being the leaders and the women being the followers. That being said, you should dance in the role you feel fits your interest. One thing to keep in mind is that some traditionalists will not feel comfortable dancing with a member of the same sex. But hey, we're about breaking some traditions. There's no wrong or right way!
Where can I learn more than the beginner lesson?
This is where we plug The Dance Shack, who provides Swing Dance Sunday patrons free beginner dance lessons. They are the premier North Florida dance studio, teaching swing, salsa and ballroom lessons. Check out their site for their schedule and pricing.
Who is this guy Frankie Manning? Who is Norma Miller and Dawn Hampton?
You might often hear experienced dancers refer to Frankie Manning -- invoking his name in some way. You might also hear the names Norma Miller and Dawn Hampton thrown in the same conversation. These three are all dancers from the original swing era who have done a lot for today's Lindy Hop dance scene. In the case of Norma & Frankie, they are both original Lindy Hoppers from the 1930s Harlem Ballrooms.
Frankie Manning was was a dancer, choreographer, performer and innovator of the Lindy Hop. And guess what folks? He was born in Jacksonville! Frankie was a member of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a performance troupe that appeared in several movies and in Life Magazine. After his storied career as a professional swing dancer, Frankie disappeared from the public eye and went to work at the Post Office where he worked for years. Very few if any of his co-workers knew he was a dancer, let alone an amazing one who had invented airsteps (or aerials).
In 1986, Frankie was brought out of retirement to teach the Lindy Hop. Since his re-discovery, Frankie spent the remainder of his life teaching, performing and promoting the Lindy Hop becoming the dance’s Grand Ambassador, and it’s spiritual leader. Frankie died in 2009 right before his 95th birthday. Today, we keep his memory alive by spreading the joy of swing dancing.
If Frankie was the King, Norma Miller is the definitely the Queen. She too was one of the Founding Lindy Hoppers who has spent a great deal of her time inspiring, teaching our current generation of swing dancers.
Dawn Hampton is a little younger and was from the next generation of swing dancers. She was also a jazz musician and a cousin of famous xylophone player, Lionel Hampton. If you ever get to hear her speak or watch her dance, she will lift you up with her presence-- truly an inspiration to us all!
Where else can I dance Lindy Hop or East Coast Swing?
There's a great local not-for-profit organization — First Coast BLS — that hosts a monthly dance on the first Saturday of every month, unless a holiday weekend conflicts. Currently, the dance is held at The Monarch Ballroom. Make sure to check their website and follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on their dances.
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