We want EVERYONE to enjoy DJam Workshops

Please check the levels descriptions, which have changed from 2011. You and your booking partner do not need to be of the same level.

Please also be aware that with more international dancers attending DJam each year, the standard may be higher than your regional class. The Balboa and Lindy Hop levels criteria will be higher than last year, so please review carefully prior to choosing your level.

Please respect your fellow dancers and attend the workshop suitable to your level. Please do not attend a class that is higher than your current level. You are welcome to watch the higher level classes. Taster Classes are open to everyone. You do not need any previous experience to try these levels.  Tasters are designed for you to try something new.

We plan to make all levels fun and informative, so please don't jump to the higher levels if you're not yet ready. The teachers will notice and you will be holding back your fellow dancers.

If you find that the class level is not suited to you, please see Vicci, your friendly DJam Venue Manager who will put you in touch with DJam  Teacher for advice.

There will be no auditions for DJam 2012.
We expect you to respect your fellow dancers and attend the workshop suitable to your level. If you're unsure about your level, please email info@lindy-jazz.co.uk with details of your dance experience and learning.

The higher the level the more you will be pushed. Remember that enjoyment is Number One! When you're enjoying yourself,  you'll learn easily and feel confident.  Electing to stay in a higher level class even when Level Guidelines encourage you to be at a lower level may result in you feeling stressed in a challenging class or holding back your partner's progress.

Feeling stressed results in people not enjoying their experience, not learning much and having a confidence crisis! We want you and your fellow dancers to enjoy your DJam weekend.

Which classes to go to? Can I try a different style?

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LINDY HOP LEVELS

A - Lindy Hop Basics (Not just for Beginners)

If you are quite new to Lindy Hop and have been dancing for less than a year or you may have quite a lot of dance experience but want to work on the basics, this level is for you. You'll learn the fundamental steps and how to lead and follow. Bring your enthusiasm, and we'll get you swinging in no time.

B - Lindy Hop Intermediate

You know the basics, and you have been dancing regularly for about a year. You feel very comfortable with the Swing Out, Lindy Circle and Charleston, 6 and 8 count steps,  can dance socially with partners of various levels and you want to work on improving your lead and follow. You're proficient and confident with your basics and you're able to take on technical information and apply it within the lesson. You've discovered that you like Lindy Hop and you want to get good.

C - Lindy Hop Advanced

The floor, partner, and music are all your friends, and you can combine them with ease. You are able to dance with finesse and precision. Dancing to slow as well as very fast music doesn't scare you, and you will welcome some complicated moves, as well as fine-tuning your dancing. You’re confident with Jazz Steps, aren’t afraid to try things out, and would dance socially with anyone of any standard to both slow and quick tempos.
The teaching pace is much quicker and there is an expectation of at least 2 years experience of regular classes as well as weekend workshops, swing camps, exchanges etc. Expect to get a lot of variations of basic steps and helpful tips on your style and even more in-depth technique thrown in.

D - Lindy Hop Advanced-Plus

There are no audtions for DJam 2012. If you're good enough for this class, you'll know it. If you're not, you'll soon know the meaning of pain. This level is the bootcamp of DJam 2012 so be preapred for the toughest and most challenging classes you'll have this weekend. Lots of water and towels will be essential.

You are a top dancers in your scene and can lead or follow extremely well to slow and faster tempos and you regularly add complex and fast Jazz steps to your Lindy Hop. You display a high degree of musicality, skill and ftiness.  You feel comfortable at top level classes in workshops and camps, and wish to push yourself even further.  You have a strong reprtoire of moves but you are focused more on technique and quality. At this level you are happy to receive direct feedback from your teachers.

Please don't jump to this level if you are not yet ready. The teachers will notice and you will be holding back dancers who are extremely serious about their dancing. You join the class on the understanding that you will be asked to drop down to a lower level if the teachers think you are not coping, and are holding back your partners.

I've booked for Lindy Hop. Can I try some Blues or Balboa classes, too?

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BLUES LEVELS

There will be 2 levels for Bluues and there are NO auditions.
Simply chosse Blues classes to suit you learning:

Level 1 Blues

You are new to Blues dancing

Level 2 Blues

You have some Blues dancing experience

I've booked for Blues, can I try some Lindy Hop or Balboa?

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BALBOA LEVELS

There will be 2 levels for Balboa and there are NO auditions.

Level 1 Intermediate Balboa

You have been social dancing all of the key Balboa steps such as Cross Overs, Transition steps, Throw Out, Paddle, Lollies etc, plus a range of key Bal-Swing moves on a regular basis and take weekly Balboa classes and intermediate level workshops at Balboa Festivals.

Level 2 Advanced Balboa

You know all the above steps, attend weekly Balboa classes and have been social dancing reguarly, as well as taking Advanced level workshops at balboa festivals. You can lead/follow complex Bal-Swing Steps with tricky footwork and don't feel afraid to dance with international teachers. You will get approx 6 classes over the weekend plus tasters.

FAQ: What if I'm a Balboa Beginner?

If you have no experience of Balboa at all or maybe you've done a few taster classes, there are no Core Balboa classes provided for this level. This group will be catered for with any Taster classes. NB: This level is subject to numbers.

I've booked for Balboa. Can I try Lindy or Blues also?