FAQs

Here is a list of questions that people often ask us about our dance classes, complete with answers. If you would like to know anything else, we'd love to hear from you!

Who?
By whom?
Why?
How often?
How much?
When?
Where?
What music will I be dancing to?
Do I need a partner?
What's in each level?
What clothing should I wear?

Who?
ANYONE can learn to dance! You'll find an accepting, open group of people, of completely different levels / learning ability / learning technique preference, who are all learning, and fun teachers that are enthusiastic about making dance so easy to do. Come try it out!

What?
DANCE CLASSES in a variety of vintage styles, to tunes that are both vintage and modern 'vintage-inspired', popular on underground subculture scenes... come learn what all the cool kids are doing! Wear whatever is comfortable and slippery / leather sole shoes help much more than sneakers/rubber soles do!

By Whom?
It's made easy by the teachers who brought back jiving and other dances to North America. Along with assistant teachers and dancers, Sophie is experienced, qualified and dedicated to bringing you the real McCoy!

How Often?
Sessions vary, but generally .... One hour per week, for 6-10 weeks per level. Note: Generally, you can only enroll at the start of a session. Please see Class Info

Why?
Jiving is fun, healthy for your whole body, exhilarating for the mind and great for meeting new friends and dance partners. We'll also tell you about weekly, monthly and special events, including our own, where you can enjoy rockin' tunes, try new moves and bask in your newfound way of expressing yourself!

Payment -- How and How Much?
We accept PayPal, cards and cash. It's free to use your credit card through PayPal as a guest.

When? Where?
Please see the Class Info page.

What kind of music will be played?
The dances were popular in the 1940s '50s '60s and even '70s, so most of the music will be from that era. Whether it is rock-n-roll, bouncy rhythm-n-blues, boogie-woogie, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, western swing, cajun, surf, doo-wop, hillbilly bop, northern soul, etc... as long as it's got you itchin' to dance!

Guaranteed that we'll have you up and cutting a rug in no time, even if you've got two left feet and never thought you had rhythm!

See dance styles for more information on the history of the dance we offer.

The jive/jitterbug is sometimes referred to as swing or rock-n-roll as they are danced to this music. For example, Jerry Lee Lewis, Big Mama Thornton, The Five Keys, Ronnie Dawson, Bill Haley, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Big Joe Turner, Wanda Jackson, Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan, Janis Martin, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Cab Calloway, etc. But jive might not still enjoy such popularity if a whole new generation of bands and DJs didn't keep it alive, so you'll also hear new rockin' tunes from Los Straitjackets to Big Sandy, from Sophia Wolff & the Cubs to the Crazy Rhythm Daddies, as featured on our jive DVD/video. Same goes for our '60s classes where you'll hear everything from Al Wilson to Joanie Sommers. Need some musical inspiration while learning to dance? Click here!

Do I need a partner?
No. You can come with a partner or you can find one in class. It can be fun to come with a partner so you can then practice together, but we try to sign up equal numbers of leads and followers, rotate partners occasionally and we try to have advanced dancers to help out too! Don't worry, we'll have you all dancing!

Which level should I take?
Always start with the beginners class. No experience is necessary. It doesn't matter if you have two left feet, we'll have you dancing. Even if you're already a great dancer, you need to learn the different guidelines of jiving. The pace is steady in session one as we emphasize quality and build on practice / experience.

Each class builds on the previous. Once you have completed the beginners level, you are ready to join level two, three, four and then five. From session two on, we step up the pace as your basics are in place! In any case we promise you'll have fun - so far from ages 8 to 78 - but feel free to break those barriers. To progress faster, we offer private classes.

What clothing should I wear?
Comfortable and light are key words. Flat or slightly heeled shoes are best for followers (the traditionally female role). A smooth - but not slippery - sole will help. Sneakers, for example, tend to grip too much, for leads and followers in the beginning, when you are turning. In short, dress however will make you feel good.