Levels
Why Levels?
We've asked our instructors to evaluate the material that they will be teaching and determine how much previous dance experience their students would need. To be fair to all students, please only take classes at your level. It is our goal at Lindyfest that all students have challenging classes and that the instructors are empowered to teach at the assigned class levels. If you are unsure of your level, please ask the instructor for guidance.
The level you select during the registration process will help us design the weekend schedule. Beyond these levels, we offer classes open to all dancers and cultural sessions. Only Advanced and Masters level classes will require instructor approval. Advanced class try-outs will be held during the workshop weekend. Tryouts will be held Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday morning only. All other levels are self-assigned.
Please note that this year's descriptions are different than previous years.
Beginner
If you have never taken a Lindy Hop class we recommend you register for our Beginner's workshop, or you can take weekly lessons provided by the Houston Swing Dance Society any time of the year.
Beginner/Intermediate
This level is not for the absolute Lindy Hop beginner, but for those who have only minimal Lindy Hop experience. You have taken at least 2-6 months* of Lindy Hop and you know the basics: lindy swing out, lindy circle, side-by-side charleston. We hope you have been out dancing and enjoying what you know. If you want to reach the next level this is the place to be. These classes will help you to refine your ability and expand your basic variations. If you have no Lindy Hop experience, please take our beginner's workshop.
*Time frames are only an approximation. Being a good match for the skill description is far more important than the length of time you have been dancing.
Intermediate
You have been taking classes consistently and social dancing for about a year*. You have been introduced to terms like connection, musicality and improvisation. Solid Lindy hop basics (lindy swing out, lindy circle, Texas Tommy, side-by-side and tandem charleston) are necessary. This level is about solidifying as a lindy hop dancer and improving your lead/follow skills, connection, improvisation, movement and musicality.
*Time frames are only an approximation. Being a good match for the skill description is far more important than the length of time you have been dancing.
Intermediate-Advanced
This is where things heat up a little. You have a couple years* of Lindy Hop experience, taken lots of classes, workshops and social dance frequently. You have a nice repertoire of moves with possibly a few tricks here and there. You have good connection and can adapt to different techniques.In these classes you will learn a lot of new material to expand and improve your dictionary of moves and technique.
*Time frames are only an approximation. Being a good match for the skill description is far more important than the length of time you have been dancing.
Advanced (Try-outs Required)
Stuff starts to get really hard around this level. You understand that to become an advanced dancer you need to go back to the basics. Advanced is not about memorizing patterns but challenging techniques. You are a confident dancer, you can create new moves right on the floor-to the music- You can handle fast tempos and tricky moves, if necessary. You posses musicality, originality and the abiltiy to dance well to all tempos. These classes will be fast paced and challenging.
**If you register for the advanced track, you will have the opportunity to try out Thursday evening and Friday and Saturday morning. The format will be Jack and Jill style and no partner is necessary. Not everyone who tries out will be selected for Advanced.**
Master Class (Invitation Only)
You are competing in national level competitions (ILHC, ALHC, CJ, CH, Tea Party...) and placing at minimum in the top half of the finals. You have reached a level in which you are more interested in the quality of movement than quantity of moves. Teacher critique is expected and welcomed.
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