Hudson Valley Dance Depot
DANCE, MUSIC, FITNESS, PERFORMANCE & MORE
Partner Dance Classes for 2024
Latin & Swing classes starting Oct 10th!
WHERE:
Classes are currently being held at Joe & Julie's home studio in Lagrangeville. Please call if you'd like to drop-in 845-204-9833
WHEN: Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 5 week enrollments for $100, Starting Oct 10th.
WHAT:
These classes are for experienced dancers only. Beginner classes will start up in January 2025. Get on the email list to be notified at time of enrollment.
Latin at 7:00, Swing at 8:00
- Beginner Latin (Salsa/Mambo/ChaCha/Bachata/Merengue) - for stone cold newbies, or people with some experience who want to be in a class that focuses on the bare basics.
-Experienced Latin (Salsa/Mambo/ChaCha/Bachata/Merengue/Samba/Rumba) Specific cirriculum is tailored to enrollees, but anyone with a competent understanding of the basics who enjoys being challenged is encouraged to enroll.
-Beginner Swing (Jitterbug aka 6-count swing) for stone cold newbies, or people with some experience who want to be in a class that focuses on the bare basics
-Experienced/advanced Swing workshop (8 count Lindy, amalgamated with some 6-count) Specific cirriculum is tailored to enrollees, but anyone with a competent understanding of thre basics who enjoys being challenged is encouraged to enroll.
GENERAL INFO ABOUT ALL THE CLASSES:
- cost is $100 per person to enroll. Couples & Singles welcome! (yes we rotate frequently)
- Class size is a minimum of 6 individuals, maximum of 16 individuals.
- No drop-ins allowed to beginner classes for quality control purposes. If you want to attend but know you won't be able to make all the classes, contact us to discuss your options.
- Classes are 55 minutes in length and include time devoted to recalling what was learned in the previous week, along with new material presented in an engaging way so that you remember it.
- Every class is filled with a balanced amount of concise information as well as dancing time to get the moves into your muscle memory, all within a nurturing environment.
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HERE'S MORE INFO ABOUT CLASS CURRICULUM:
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intro to 6-Count Swing
Students will be introduced to the 6-count Jitterbug, which has remained the most popular dance in America since the 1940s when bands like Glenn Miller and Count Basie were on the scene. Learn to do all that stuff you see in every 50's movies when Elvis and Chuck Berry have got the crowd rockin' & rollin'. Learn all about outside turns, inside turns, men's/ladies' turns, hammerlocks and sweethearts, and more. All levels of experience welcome to this class!
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8-Count Lindy Hop
Students will be clearly introduced to the 8-count rhythm steps of Lindy Hop, the original Swing Dance. Experienced 6-count dancers are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone who has taken 8-count Lindy Hop lessons before, but want to continue to strengthen their technique and knowledge-base. Students may also be introduced to Charleston, Balboa, or West Coast Swing upon request, or as added bonus based on the discretion of the teachers.
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All-levels Hustle
Beginners or advanced (similar moves, choose your rhythm)
Excellent for beginners as experienced swing or latin dancers who don't know the hustle. Students are introduced to the 3 different rhythms of Hustle: 4-count basic, 3-count tap, and 3-count syncopated. We play popular music that you will recognize, so that you'll be prepared for fast/upbeat music for your next DJ experience. Joe focuses on enforcing strong technique, no matter the skill/experience level of the individual student. This class also preps your muscle memory for swing and latin dancing.
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​Ballroom Basics Boot Camp
Beginners or advanced (separate tracks, separate teachers) call to register.
Students are introduced to the "big 3" of the smooth traveling dance world. These are the dances/styling you see every prince and princess dance in every Disney film. You can also think Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers. We play classic ballroom standards as well as popular songs that you recognize, so that you'll be prepared for your next wedding or formal occasion. Joe focuses on enforcing strong technique, no matter the skill/experience level of the individual student. This class also preps your muscle memory for other smooth traveling dances such as the Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Country 2-step and Polka. Joe is trained in Silver level technique in all the smooth dances and there is plenty of room for any experienced students who want to evolve their skill, technique and knowledge base.
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​Launch into Latin!
Beginner class REGISTER HERE SOON
Intermediate/advanced ongoing
Come and experience Mambo/Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and the most popular and versatile dance in the world: Cha Cha. Yes, all of these will be covered! You'll discover how to take the moves from any one of these dances and use them in any of the other dances. You can also learn New York style Salsa ("breaking on the 2"), as well as what the difference is between the "1, 2, 3" and the "2, 3, 4" rhythm. Basic pivot turns, caresses, open and cross-over breaks and cross-body leads will become second nature to you. You'll not only be ready for any salsa dance for the rest of your life, but you'll also be able to use these moves at your next wedding or social event to popular songs you grew up with!
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Argentine Tango
This class will give you a rock solid foundation on this unique dance that is unlike any other ballroom partner dance. Joe has had extensive training with authentic Argentine Tango instructors throughout the years and along with Julie, continues to keep his knowledge (and muscle memory) up to par with private lessons with high-level pros. This ensures that you will be getting instructed in the technique and style that is true to the authentic Argentine tango as it is taught in Buenos Aires and throughout the world, and will be able to dance with the best all throughout the Hudson Valley. After solidifying the basic Salida, Crusada, and Resolution, students will be ready to explore exciting classic moves including (but not limited to) Molinetas, Media Lunas, Grapevines, Cortadas, Sacadas, Colgatas, Boleos, Leg Wraps, Ganchos and of course, the many different forms of Ochos.
Concepts like resolution, disassociation, frame, musical phrasing, syncopating, and amalgamat strategies are all covered in-depth with the intent of tranforming students into rock-solid leaders and followers.
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​​​​Not ready for a group class? That's O.K., there are other options available: