The SSQQ
Mayflower 
Swing Dance !!

Saturday, May 14th
9:15 pm - Midnight  $7

 SLOW DANCING - Jill
Prerequisite: Couples Only/No switching

Slow Dancing is a derivative of Foxtrot. Most people can shuffle from foot to foot, but when it comes to Slow Dancing well, the majority of people are clueless. 

This course covers ways to Slow Dance gracefully with several footwork combinations. We explain how different songs may require different timing and footwork.

There are moments when the ability to slow dance gracefully can be the most important skill in the world and if you don't have that skill, you're out of luck. 

This is the perfect chance to learn more about the Lost Art of Formal Dancing.

ZYDECO - Ronnie 
No Prerequisite

Zydeco is a Creole Swing Dance that is extremely popular in the Houston area.  

Zydeco dance music originated in the state of Louisiana in the United States. Similar to Cajun music, Zydeco is more heavily influenced by blues and music from the West Indies. Fast and bouncy, Zydeco uses instruments such as the accordion, saxophone, and washboard. It was popularized by American singer and accordion player Clifton Chenier, often called the "King of Zydeco music." 

It is difficult to describe what the dancing looks like, but we will try anyway.  Zydeco combines elements of Swing dancing and Freestyle.  This means you have the turns from Swing mixed in with lots of get down and boogie moves.  Zydeco is fun, it's sexy, and it is pretty easy to learn!   This is a great Saturday night class that will have you laughing all night long.

RUMBA - THE LATIN DANCE OF ROMANCE  - Judy
No Prerequisite

The Rumba is a slow, very elegant dance that is quite sensual and provocative. 

The Rumba was a popular dance in middle class Cuba before World War II. It was introduced into America in the 1920's and 1930's.

Rumba is sometimes called the "Latin Waltz" or "a Waltz with a Wiggle". Indeed the patterns to both dances are practically interchangeable while the "Look" of the two dances is completely different.

The Rumba is a "spot dance" because it is danced in one spot on the floor. The character is romantic and sexy due to the style known used cuban hip motion.

Danced to certain popular music (e.g. the Beatles’ classic “And I Love Her”) and to slow beautiful Latin rhythms (Besame Mucho), a modern use for the Rumba is to slow jazz music such as Diana Krall's "The Look of Love". It is an exceptionally graceful dance and fairly easy to learn.

SWING BALBOA- Gloria
Prerequisite: This is a tough dance. Previous knowledge of East or West Coast Swing helpful

Balboa is a complex form of Swing Dancing. It is danced with the Lead and Follow dancing where their chests touch for a body lead connection.  The idea of dancing so close together comes as an adaptation to crowded floors and also give dancers a chance to catch their breath during a fast song. Basically the dance evolved thru crowded dance floors and high tempos. A dancer getting tired would pull his partner close and do Balboa to catch their breath, then swing out again or it was just plain to crowded to dance.

SWING CHARLESTON II
SIDE BY SIDE - Maureen 
pre-req: Advanced Swing

The fascinating Charleston kick patterns are a major part of the Lindy Hop. However they can just as easily be used to a Swing system as well. This courses covers Side by Side  Charleston patterns and shows you how to get in and out of them using Swing 6-beat timing.

Swing Charleston Classic patterns include Bus Driver, Kick and Rock, Side by Side Charleston, and Crossed-Hand Charleston as well as others. Many people are not aware that the Lindy originated out of the Charleston. In particular, the “Side by Side” and “Crossed-Hands” patterns were pretty much the first Lindy patterns ever used when Lindy was making its breakout from the Charleston in the 1920s.

Please note this is an Advanced class, so if you are a beginner, steer clear. Thanks!!

In March Maureen and Steve Gabino taught Swing Charleston as well. This month Maureen will teach the same Basics, but add some different variations.

PATTY OH’S FAVORITE SWING PTNS 
- Patricia Holmes
Prerequisite:  Advanced Swing

Patty has many tricks up her sleeve. Who knows what she will conjure up next?  Be ready for anything, but expect it to make you smile!