He shows, She shows!

In partner dancing we all understand the focus placed on connection, repertoire and floorcraft. Without doubt these are all essential elements for improving our dancing.
But what makes us remember those stand out dances..? ... or dancers?
You know how at dance events there are some people that just seem to shine effortlessly in everything they do? What is it about them that draws our attention?
Two people who many of you have probably already thought of are Scottie Cupit & Helen Cheney.

As part of a rounded programme of workshops DJam 2012 is delighted to feature a little something for both the ladies and the gents. That's right, Scottie (www.swingpatrol.co.uk) & Helen (www.bluesFusion.co.uk) are doing separate classes in solo movement for the guys and for the gals.  Unofficially titled Man Jam and Louscious Ladies, these classes will really build on and grow your confidence to own that dancefloor!

Those of you that have seen Scottie on the dancefloor will no doubt have wanted to grab some of his style and repertoire, but there's more to him than flash moves.  So come spend some time with him to find out (some of) how he does it!
Leading Helen has been likened to driving a Ferrari, so hold on to your hats ladies - she's got some seriously strong & sassy stuff to share with you!
After taking these classes , you'll radiate more confidence and be better equipped for solo jams.

Both you and your partner will not only look even more together, you'll also really feel it too.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for DJam before places are gone.

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Swing Music DJ's masterclass with Andy Lewis.

Andy is well known throughout the UK and beyond as a true music fanatic and DJ of great calibre. As well as covering top Do's & Don'ts this will also be a chance to meet likeminded music lovers. Thinking about DJing and not sure where to start? Been DJing a while and feel like reigniting your passion? Come and network with other DJ's and receive guidance from an in-demand DJ. Andy will also be providing the ultimate cool down by providing a commentary on classic films of the Swing Era. Bring your lattes & cappucinos & relax as you are wowed once again by the amazing dancing feats of our Swing forefathers (& groovin' mommas!)

Follow Andy on twitter (@dj_straycat)

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Tour of Durham City

Our local heritage expert Martin will be conducting a tour of Durham cathedral and castle, so you can balance out your high energy activities with steady paced moments.

Durham is a beautiful compact city and with all DJam events taking place within 5 minutes walk, you are always near your room and able to get refreshed. Keeping it central means no taxi fares or long commutes back to bed!

 

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DJam Dance Clinic

All of us serious about our dancing know we need to invest in the best quality tuition we can afford. Nothing new there. But what if you could be a fly on the wall in a private class?

Well, now you can! That's right folks, DJam instructors will be conducting private classes with individuals - with a twist! The Dance Clinic will take place in front of a live audience. Combining over 40 years of dance experience between them,  we are calling Katja, Hans (http://www.lindyhop.nl) & Keith (www.feetsofamazement.com) our Swing Doctors - they are on-call for you so go ahead & absorb their good practice! Those watching can not only pick up the specific moves or techniques covered, but they can also observe how these top instructors communicate to their students. How do they shape their communications and skills so that each student feels like an individual who has gained maximum tailored value from their investment? There will be no audience participation for obvious reasons but you may make notes! 

Your DJam ticket includes entry to observe one Dance Clinic! ... And there's more! The first person to register to participate in the Dance Clinic gets the lesson for FREE - so book NOW to avoid disappointment!

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Vintage Hair and Fashion with Claire Saunderson

Claire took up swing dancing while travelling the world in 2007, when she stumbled across a lindyhop class in Auckland, New Zealand, and quickly became fascinated not only by the dance, but by the style and glamour of the 1940s and 1950s. On returning to Scotland she quickly sought out the local dance classes and is now a regular on the Glasgow dance scene. She takes pride and pleasure in looking the part on the dance floor.  Finding it difficult to find original clothes in sizes bigger than a 10, she began buying modern and newer vintage clothes from the high street, vintage fairs and charity shops that epitomised the style of the swing era and many people commented on how much the styles suited her!   Building on this success she began to explore how the ladies of the past achieved their amazing hairstyles.  Through research, experimentation and dogged determination she has taught herself several techniques and now manages to tame her own unruly hair into vintage fashion styles and loves to work with others to help them achieve the same results.

She will lead two discussions at DJAM, the first on how to get that vintage look for less including what shapes and styles to look for, basic make up and some ideas of where to shop. The second will be on hairstyling tips and tricks. 

Want to join in? Bring a small mirror, comb and any hair flowers/hats you wish to discuss how to incorporate into your hairstyle.

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Katja Winzeler and Hans Van Der Horst are experts in anatomy and movement. They have generously shared their expertise with us in workshops and private lessons. They have made a huge difference to our dancing and teaching and we want them to come to Durham to share their expertise with you.

Come along, find out more about their methods based on kinesiology or “the science of movement” and make your approach to teaching Lindy Hop even more exciting and effective!

The DJam Dance Clinic will be an opportunity for a pair of dancers to have a private lesson in front of a live audience. This idea came from Joo-Lee's exeperience as a music conservatoire student. She had her  weekly 'private' flute and piano lesson in the company of her fellow students and some lecturers. Scary for the student in the hot seat but a fantastic learning experience for everyone!

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Joining Drs Hans and Katja, will be Dr Keith (www.feetsofamazement.com). Those watching can not only pick up the specific moves or techniques covered, but they can also observe how these top instructors communicate to their students. How do they shape their communications and skills so that each student feels like an individual who has gained maximum tailored value from their investment? There will be no audience participation for obvious reasons but you may make notes! 

After being a professional jazz pianist and university jazz combo & improvisation coach in his native Michigan, USA, Keith McGee has taught Lindy Hop, Balboa and Blues across North America, the UK, Continental Europe; and also DJs at high profile events throughout the year. He has a very fluid and dynamic teaching style aimed at finding solutions. While some people talk about "thinking outside the box", he throws out the box completely and empowers your creativity.

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As always here at DJam we promote holistic health and wealth on the dancefloor as well as off it.

To get the best from your chosen track you'll be needing a warm up so why not do it in style! The delectable Helen Cheney brings a series of rapid fire charleston and jazz moves to get you prepped and ready for your day of classes. Always promoting good practice this class contains stretches to keep you in tip top condition for your great value weekend. Easy steps mean you can get in the rhythm quickly & let go of any stresses and strains before class.

Lindyrobics does exactly what it say on the tin. It's workout... but not as you know it! Nina Heaton will prep you for the day with a cheeky & fun warm up class with a little bit of stretching thrown in so muscles are nice and warm. Moving away from Swing and into damn funky music, this is a wicked wake up to  get us in the mood for a fantastic day of dancing. Nina has been dancing since discovering Swing in Tasmania almost 9 years ago & hasn't stopped looking for ways to support her dancing

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Tranky Doo and Shim Sham

Jenny will be teaching these fun strolls. The Tranky Doo will be spit over the two sessions, breaking the stroll in two as equally as equally as possible. It would be great if you could come to both sessions as the routine does repeat! But it's not obligatory to come to both, so just do what you're happy to do! 

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Blues Choreography

Asif will teach some basic and simple blues moves in a “mini” choreography and will have you using these 'moves' and moving musically. Come along to find out more