Classes & Workshops
all classes & workshops will be at:
You Should Be Dancing...! Dance Center
37 West 26th Street (2nd fl) NY, NY, 10010
between 6th Ave. & Broadway
October 2026 door code is “2826#”
All classes are 60 minutes long, unless specified otherwise. Please arrive 15 min before class start time!
Discounted Advance Packages now on sale!
Friday, October 9th
2:30pm
by RAFAL & ADRIENNE (Lindy Hop)
ITS YOUR TURN NOW
We will take you through individual exercises & partnered moves to build & unlock YOUR TURNS. You will learn to turn faster and control your spins by practicing turn mechanics, focusing on centering & balance. We will use 8-count & 6-count rhythms. (You should be comfortable with your swing out).
3:45pm
by GABY & NATHAN (Lindy Hop)
Jammin’ The Blues (Lindy Hop)
We’ll dive into the iconic Lindy-Hop clip from “Jammin’ The Blues,” featuring triple-threat star Marie Bryant, and Katherine Dunham company’s Archie Savage.
5:00pm
by ELENA & BRANDON (Lindy Hop)
NOTE: class is 90 min long
Lindy Hop Crash Course - JOIN THE WORLDWIDE SWING COMMUNITY!
Lindy Hop burst onto the scene at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem NY in the 1920s/30s. It was created by young African American dancers who were groovin’ to the new swingin’ beat of big band music! It was a sensation then, went on pause in the 60-70s, was revived in the 80s, and has been influenced by dancers of all ages and backgrounds since then. Today, after nearly 100 years, it’s at the height of its popularity, embracing dancers from every corner of the globe. Learn the original style and technique of Lindy Hop! We’ll review the fundamentals and add on fun moves perfect for the social dance floor!
Saturday, October 10th
10:15am
by BREONNA/ SAMUEL (Lindy Hop)
Echoes of the Past, Movements of the Present: Storytelling Through Lindy Hop
Our focus will be on the art of storytelling through the lens of social dancing. We will delve into how dance serves as a powerful means of communication, fostering connection and understanding between individuals. Additionally, we will explore how social dancing provides a vibrant platform for self-expression, allowing dancers to convey emotions, stories, and personal identity through movement. This immersive experience aims to highlight the rich cultural and expressive potential embedded within every dance.
11:30am
by REYNA
“Rhythm and Roots: Tracing the Shift from Lindy Hop to Hip Hop”
Like Jazz, Hip-Hop is fundamentally a social dance rooted in community, culture, and connection. In this class, we’ll explore iconic party dances from across more than five decades of Hip-Hop history, tracing their place within the Black Vernacular Dance Continuum and their direct connections to Authentic Jazz. Together, we’ll examine how different eras of music shaped the movement styles of their time, while discovering the social and cultural connections expressed through dance. Come ready to learn, connect, and get your body moving!
12:30pm
by JULIA LOVING
Presentation “The Savoy Arising”
1:30pm
by RAFAL & ADRIENNE (Lindy Hop)
HATS OFF
Join us as we commemorate New York City’s elders that showed us what the Spirit of Lindy Hop is about through their unique style and love for this dance.
2:45pm
by BOBBY & AKEMI
4:00pm
by FRANCK MUHEL
Intro to Whitey's Speed Dancing
Let's learn the fundamental techniques that took the Whitey's up to blazing speeds with relaxation and flair.
Mambo/Salsa as related to Swing
Ready to expand your dance style? This class helps swing dancers transition into the smooth, grounded world of mambo/salsa. Learn how to shift from the bounce of swing to the on2 timing of mambo, and refine your musicality and partner connection.
5:15pm
by BOBBY/SARA SOFIA RENTAS
Old-Timer's Delight
We'll learn some of the magic of the Balboa pioneers, affectionately referred to as the "Old Timers."
Sunday, October 11th
10:15am
by SAMUEL/CANDICE (Lindy Hop)
The 6–8 Swing Lab
Start your morning swingin’ with a power‑packed rhythm lab led by Harlem’s own Lindy Hop duo, Sammy & Candy! We’re drilling the foundations — breaking them down and flipping between 6‑count and 8‑count rhythms until they feel locked‑in, comfy, and ready for the dance floor. Then we dive into sweet variations and give you a range of sequence options to get you prepped and primed to party the night away. It’s fun, it’s focused, and it’ll have you ready to roll. Come join us!
11:30am
by CANDICE
Katherine Dunham from the Club to Hollywood: The Matriarch of Black Dance and Her Contribution to Concert Jazz Dance through African Diasporic Folkloric and Social Dance Movement
This experiential movement workshop explores where Katherine Dunham’s work intersects with the Lindy Hop scene. As the Matriarch of Black Dance, much of Katherine Dunham’s most formidable work ran parallel to the height of the social scene during the Lindy Hop era. With many of her company members active in that community, and armed with a dance vocabulary deeply rooted in the culture of her day, learn how she incorporated African diasporic folkloric, social, and jazz vernacular dances into her club performances, Broadway productions, international tours, and Hollywood films.
Break
12:30
1:30pm
by SAMUEL COLEMAN
Work It! Line Dance Class for Lindy Hoppers
Step out of the partnership and into your own spotlight—it’s time to Work It! This high-energy line dance class is designed especially for Lindy Hoppers who want to deepen their solo movement, musicality, and personal style. Drawing on jazz roots, swing rhythms, and modern grooves, you’ll learn fun, repeatable line dances that sharpen your timing, footwork, and body awareness. These routines are perfect for reinforcing skills you already use in Lindy Hop—like bounce, groove, and improvisation—while giving you space to develop your own voice as a dancer.
No partner needed—just bring your Lindy spirit, your best attitude, and a willingness to let go and have fun. Whether you’re on the social floor or dancing solo, this class will have you feeling confident, expressive, and ready to work it every time the music starts!
2:45pm
by BREONNA / NATHAN / GABY
SW!NG OUT: Music as Movement
The show “SW!NG OUT” has become a yearly tradition at the Joyce Theater, and we’re very grateful to NYC dancers for their continued support and participation. In this special class, three of the show’s soloists will share their perspectives on performative jazz dance. Students will practice solo and partnered improvisation.
4:15pm
by GABY & NATHAN
Flowing Lindy Hop into Charleston
Gaby will help students blend their footwork between Lindy Hop and Charleston for speed and momentum. A short combination will feature lots of ways to replace triple steps with other footwork patterns.
5:30pm
by BREONNA & NATHAN
Blues Form in Lindy
In this Lindy Hop class, we will study the 12-bar blues. Strive for a deeper connection to the music with new combos and improvisational structures.