Hove: Partner Charleston Course. 27 Feb-3 April, 6-7pm

Course Details

Whether you’re coming on your own or with a friend we have designed the course so you can learn and dance together. There will be some rotation of partners but for the routine we will keep couples who have come together in their pairs. For those coming alone don’t worry we will pair you up with a fellow student so you can learn along with your new friend.

Once you’ve got the basics under your belt we will add some fun variations, a selection of fancy turns and embellishments to your basic step. We will cover moves to use whilst out social dancing then we will put all your moves together in a routine for you to bust out next time you are on the dance floor. 

Your Partner Charleston Course includes:

1. The fundamentals - During the course there will be some key steps that you will master. These will include Charleston in hold with two types of frame, turns and spins for both Leads and Follows and how to travel together. We will teach you Call and Response moves as well as a short routine.

2. How to lead and follow - Partner dancing requires awareness and clear communication; this is essential for the overall success of the dance. We will guide you through some simple techniques for the Lead and Follow including how to be ready for cues both visually and physically. 

3. How to use your frame - Frame is vital when you dance together. It’s how the dancers are connected and move as one. We will work on how to use it to signal to each other and the importance of your arms within your steps.

4. Picking and choosing your next step - If you are the Lead and commit to a turn, a walk or change of direction, you must be clear in your move so the Follow understands your decision. We will teach which steps connect well together and help you remember simple patterns for social dancing.

5. Dancing to various tempos - Finding your groove with the song and dancing to the beat of the track can be tricky when Charlestoning together. We will practice the footwork to different tempos and BPMs so you know what tempos suit your style. 

6. Improving your confidence on the dancefloor - Making an error, misreading a cue or improving your frame are as crucial as the steps themselves. We’ll cover how to make decisive steps so you feel confident in both a social setting and in a choreographed routine.

7. Using your Face - If you watch any duet on Strictly Come Dancing, the couples are always using their faces to communicate their next steps, even if it’s as subtle as just using their eyes. In the workshop, you will learn how to use expressions when moving across the dance floor. The Charleston is a playful dance so being able to pull silly faces at your partner is equally as important to what your feet are doing.