Lindy I: Lindy Hop is such a fun dance! In this class, you will learn the basics of Lindy Hop, the original swing dance from the 1930s. You'll learn basic 8-count steps to give you a great start in lindy, plus solid lead and follow technique. Tuesdays in September, 8:00, Dance-A-Cross. Taught by Randy and Sarah.

The Big Apple: The Big Apple is a group dance - this means there's no partnering. It's a series of jazz steps and moves that are fun to learn, and can also be incorporated into other swing dances. Mike and Janet make the Big Apple seem easy, and soon you'll be joining us in the circle at Jive Junction! Wednesdays in September, 7:00, Dance-A-Cross. Taught by Mike and Janet.

The CORE: The one and only CORE. The original swing dance survey class in Des Moines, this class has been pleasing students for almost ten years now, and is historically one of our most popular classes. It's ideal for both rank beginners, as well as more experienced dancers. Each week, we'll cover a different swing dance - just the basics of each dance, and just the basic swing dances. Nothing too crazy, just the basics. It gives you a great "core" of knowledge in the swing dances. This class covers Jitterbug, Lindy, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and more. We also usually try to squeeze in a bit of some popular swing-era group dances, as well. Tuesdays at 8:00 for seven weeks beginning October 5 at Dance-A-Cross. Taught by Randy and Sarah. $60 per person/$40 for members. Drop-in fee: $20 per class ($15 members). (This class is not progressive.)

Watch our 2011 calendar for these great classes and more:

Lindy II: Starts where Lindy I left off. Learn more moves, and continue to develop your lead/follow technique, connection, and musicality. We'll learn lots of fun new moves, but not enough to make your brain explode!

Lindy Charleston (30s Charleston): Lindy charleston is sometimes called 30s Charleston. It's the Charleston most commonly danced as a component of lindy or jitterbug. Learn the basics, fun variations, and several super cool charleston moves.

Lindy Moves: Learn new moves for your lindy! We'll teach you a variety of fun moves each week - some easy, some challenging. Assumes you know the basic steps of lindy (swingout, turn in, turn out).

Jitterbug II: This class will give you more moves, more footwork, more musicality, and more lead/follow.

20s Charleston: 20s Charleston is such a fun and simple dance to learn! Step, touch, step, touch. We'll have you up and dancing like a flapper in no time. $30 per person/$15 for members. Instructors: Randy and Sarah Reid (note, instructors have small children who attend class. Generally, they are not disruptive!) Location: Dance-A-Cross.
Tuesdays in May, 7:00 pm.

Jitterbug I: East Coast Swing, or Jitterbug, is a fun, simplified variation of Lindy. This beginning level class will teach all of the moves you need to know and give you a great foundation of lead/follow technique. Many people find Jitterbug to be a great place to start learning. $30 per person/$15 for members. Instructors: Mike and Janet Dennis, Location: Dance-A-Cross.
Session D: Tuesdays in June 2010, 7:00.

Jitterbug II: This class will give you more moves, more footwork, more musicality, and more lead/follow. $30 per person/$15 for members. Instructors: Mike and Janet Dennis, Location: Dance-A-Cross.
Session D: Tuesdays in July 2010, 7:00.

Shim Sham: You've seen this group dance at every Jive Junction, or nearly anywhere that swing dancers get together. Now learn it so that you, too, can participate! Shim Sham is not a difficult dance to learn, and it's a group dance with no partnering until the all-skate at the end. $20 per person/$10 for members. Instructors: Mike and Janet Dennis. 2 week class. Location: Dance-A-Cross.
Session A: First two Tuesdays in July 2010, 8:00.

Boogie Woogie: Boogie Woogie is a fun twist on East Coast Swing that was popular in the 1950s. It can be fast-paced, but it's equally impressive danced at more moderate tempos. No previous dance experience required. $30 per person/$15 for members. Instructors: Randy and Sarah Reid (note, instructors have small children who attend class. Generally, they are not disruptive!) Location: Dance-A-Cross.
Tuesdays in August 2010, 7:00 pm.

Why should I take classes from Swing Des Moines?

1) It's fun!

2) Swing Des Moines makes sure that not only do our students have fun (see #1), but that they learn a lot, too. You will absolutely walk away knowing how to dance.

3) Experience. Our instructors have the experience necessary to make your class a success! With over 25 years combined dance instruction, Randy, Sarah, Mike, amd Janet are experts at helping you learn to dance, improve your dancing, learn new moves, or un-learn bad habits.

4) Swing Des Moines offers a great value. Sure, you could pay more for dance lessons, but why would you? Swing Des Moines strongly believes in keeping our classes affordable!

5) Swing Des Moines is a nonprofit. That means we are working for you and the community, not for ourselves.