Specialty Classes

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SPECIALTY CLASSES

Going beyond our regular eight-week beginner and intermediate class sessions, SPECIALTY CLASSES provide the opportunity to delve into a variety of different topics. From one-time workshops to short sessions to learning a choreographed dance routine, these classes provide an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and expand your swing dance horizons.

Day


Location


Instructors


  • BOOGIE WOOGIE

    Taught by Lily Matini and David Lee
    Contact Lily@gottaswing.com and David@gottaswing.com
    Monday nights, April 27-June 1 (5 weeks)
    NOTE: No class on Monday, May 25
    7:30-8:30pm
    $120
    Registration through GlenEchoPark.org

    Boogie Woogie is an offshoot of Lindy Hop that developed with the change in musical styles from Big Band to early Rock & Roll and Boogie Woogie piano.  The dance typically involves quick footwork, playful turns, and creative patterns that reflect the improvisational spirit of Boogie Woogie music. Lily and David (see them in action in this dance jam clip) will teach you how to transform your swing dancing into this beautiful style. Suitable for intermediate-level students.

    Ballroom Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

    Taught by Lily Matini and David Lee
    Contact Lily@gottaswing.com and David@gottaswing.com
    Monday nights, April 27-June 1 (5 weeks)
    NOTE: No class on Monday, May 25
    7:30-8:30pm
    $120
    Registration through GlenEchoPark.org

    Boogie Woogie is an offshoot of Lindy Hop that developed with the change in musical styles from Big Band to early Rock & Roll and Boogie Woogie piano.  The dance typically involves quick footwork, playful turns, and creative patterns that reflect the improvisational spirit of Boogie Woogie music. Lily and David (see them in action in this dance jam clip) will teach you how to transform your swing dancing into this beautiful style. Suitable for intermediate-level students.

    Ballroom Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

  • Intermediate Balboa for Swing Dancers

    Taught by Dabe and Janelle Murphy
    Contact Dabe@gottaswing.com and Janelle@gottaswing.com
    Sunday nights, May 3-June 28 (7 weeks)
    NOTE: No classes on Sunday, May 24 and June 7
    5-6pm, dance practice/questions 6-6:15pm
    $120

    INTERMEDIATE BALBOA FOR SWING DANCERS
    BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! Known for their smooth style, effortless appearance, and limitless enthusiasm, Dabe and Janelle will show you how to incorporate the fundamentals of Balboa—Posture, Position, Pressure, and Pulse—into your swing dancing repertoire. You’ll fine-tune your footwork, solidify your stretch, and create a better connection with your partner, the music, and even the dance floor. Suitable for students with no previous Balboa experience, and there is always plenty of new material for repeat students as well. Class is followed by 15 minutes of dance practice.

    Special offer: Register for both the Intermediate and Intermediate Balboa for Swing Dancers classes and get $10 off the total price. Discount is automatically applied when you put both classes in your shopping cart.

    Born 2 Dance, Studio 1, 262 Cedar Lane SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180


    Taught by Dabe and Janelle Murphy
    Contact Dabe@gottaswing.com and Janelle@gottaswing.com
    Sunday nights, May 3-June 28 (7 weeks)
    NOTE: No classes on Sunday, May 24 and June 7
    5-6pm, dance practice/questions 6-6:15pm
    $120

    INTERMEDIATE BALBOA FOR SWING DANCERS
    BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! Known for their smooth style, effortless appearance, and limitless enthusiasm, Dabe and Janelle will show you how to incorporate the fundamentals of Balboa—Posture, Position, Pressure, and Pulse—into your swing dancing repertoire. You’ll fine-tune your footwork, solidify your stretch, and create a better connection with your partner, the music, and even the dance floor. Suitable for students with no previous Balboa experience, and there is always plenty of new material for repeat students as well. Class is followed by 15 minutes of dance practice.

    Special offer: Register for both the Intermediate and Intermediate Balboa for Swing Dancers classes and get $10 off the total price. Discount is automatically applied when you put both classes in your shopping cart.

    Born 2 Dance, Studio 1, 262 Cedar Lane SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180

  • KICK IT UP A NOTCH: Charleston Mash-up

    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    1:15-2:15pm
    $20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $30/door

    Carla and Rye look at some interesting ways to combine transitions and keep the flow going in the world of Charleston. Intermediate-level dancers.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812


    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    1:15-2:15pm
    $20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $30/door

    Carla and Rye look at some interesting ways to combine transitions and keep the flow going in the world of Charleston.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

  • KICK IT UP A NOTCH: Mixing Rhythms

    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    12noon-1pm
    $20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $30/door

    Think of your dance like a set of LEGO blocks—small pieces you can combine in creative ways. In this class, Carla and Rye explore how to build more interesting “dance sentences.” You’ll play with footwork variations, timing changes, and simple ideas you can mix, match, and call out in the moment to keep your dancing fresh and expressive. Intermediate-level dancers.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812


    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    12noon-1pm
    $20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $30/door

    Think of your dance like a set of LEGO blocks—small pieces you can combine in creative ways. In this class, Carla and Rye explore how to build more interesting “dance sentences.” You’ll play with footwork variations, timing changes, and simple ideas you can mix, match, and call out in the moment to keep your dancing fresh and expressive. Intermediate-level dancers.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

  • KICK IT UP A NOTCH: Performance Routine

    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    2:30-4pm
    $25/person advance registration; YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $35/door

    Carla and Rye teach a short, dynamic and fun routine built on social dance ideas with a bit of sparkle. You’ll perform that evening at the dance with GRACE STREET SEVEN in the Spanish Ballroom during the band break—fun!!! (Yes, you have to pay admission to the dance.) YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS. Intermediate-level dancers.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812


    Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
    Contact Debra@gottaswing.com
    Saturday, July 25
    2:30-4pm
    $25/person advance registration; YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
    $35/door

    Carla and Rye teach a short, dynamic and fun routine built on social dance ideas with a bit of sparkle. You’ll perform that evening at the dance with GRACE STREET SEVEN in the Spanish Ballroom during the band break—fun!!! (Yes, you have to pay admission to the dance.) YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS. Intermediate-level dancers.

    Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

    Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

  • THE BASICS 2.0

    Taught by Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg
    Contact Tom@gottaswing.com and Debra@gottaswing.com
    Sunday nights, June 14-28 (3 weeks)
    7-8:30pm
    $75/person, partner required

    Finally, the class you’ve been waiting for all these years–partners will not rotate!

    Join Tom and Debra for a three-week partnered workshop designed to help newer students straddle the divide between our beginner and intermediate sessions. This refresher is also great for those who’ve taken our beginner level but have been off the dance floor for a while and have forgotten everything they ever knew. Week 1 concentrates on six-count and eight-count Lindy Whip; Week 2 concentrates on the eight-count Circle and side-by-side Charleston; and Week 3 is an intro to the eight-count Hollywood-style Whip. Students must have taken at least one Gottaswing beginner session and a partner is required. We will not rotate partners.

    Tysons Ballroom, 8032 Leesburg Pike, Suite 201, Tysons Corner, VA 22182

    Taught by Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg
    Contact Tom@gottaswing.com and Debra@gottaswing.com
    Sunday nights, June 14-28 (3 weeks)
    7-8:30pm
    $75/person, partner required

    Finally, the class you’ve been waiting for all these years–partners will not rotate!

    Join Tom and Debra for a three-week partnered workshop designed to help newer students straddle the divide between our beginner and intermediate sessions. This refresher is also great for those who’ve taken our beginner level but have been off the dance floor for a while and have forgotten everything they ever knew. Week 1 concentrates on six-count and eight-count Lindy Whip; Week 2 concentrates on the eight-count Circle and side-by-side Charleston; and Week 3 is an intro to the eight-count Hollywood-style Whip. Students must have taken at least one Gottaswing beginner session and a partner is required. We will not rotate partners.

    Tysons Ballroom, 8032 Leesburg Pike, Suite 201, Tysons Corner, VA 22182

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