A partner dance with equally iimportant roles for both genders. A joyous celebration of dance as social activity.The root of street dance.Historical, offering an insight into life through the 1930's and 40's.An activity which increases fitness, boosts confidence and builds team working skills.Most importantly Lindy Hop is FUN.
We believe in dance as an important social activity.
By introducing young people to Lindy Hop, it is our aim that this exhilarating, uplifting experience will encourage social interaction and promote dance as something to be enjoyed beyond school. We are aware that students differ in ability and learning needs. Lindy Hop- with it’s improvised nature- allows us the flexibility to adapt teaching plans during sessions if necessary. By tailoring sessions to students needs we promote confidence by enabling students to reach their full potential. We encourage continued learning and enjoyment by providing students with links to relevant after school clubs and activities.
Lindy Hop encompasses many different subjects across the curriculum including physical education, expressive arts, history and culture. Just as importantly it addresses social skills and community awareness as students learn the etiquette of dancing with different partners.
Sessions can be linked to various subjects including:
• World History; WW2 the influence of American Culture in British society
• History; British Youth culture pre 1960’s
• Performing Arts; The evolvement of American/British dance styles from the 1900s onwards
• Social studies/Citizenship; Understanding more about multicultural Britain
• Citizenship; Building social skills and community awareness
• History; The influence of traditional dances in contemporary society
• Drama; Choreography for school performances
• Sports Studies/P.E; Dance as sport
• Music; Exploring ways music can be combined with other art forms and other subject disciplines.
Supporting Sport England and Sport Unlimited we offer after school, lunchtime and breakfast sessions encouraging young people to become more active by engaging them in enjoyable physical activities.
Re-enactment for year six and up.
An important part of everybody’s life is a ‘social life’ and the same went for people living through WW2. Local dances were extremely popular and a mainstay of entertainment. Students will spend the morning learning about Lindy Hop and in the afternoon will get the opportunity to share and use their new skills. The day will culminate in the school hall where we will re-create a 1940’s dance using period style decorations, dress, music and dancing.
We will provide :
Dance tuition
Plus:
• Dress in original costume
• Air raid simulation
• Gramophone player and original 78’s
• Historical dance footage
• Sound system and original music
We can bring along basic decorations including bunting, Union Jacks and posters. Teachers are encouraged to get involved with the creation of this special event and at the time of booking we can provide:
• Dance hall decoration ideas
• Costume ideas
• Authentic recipes for home front ‘treats’ including details of where to obtain powdered egg
Morning: Sessions with two or three different groups
Session comprises:
A brief history of Lindy Hop
Questions and answers
Short warm up
Lindy Hop dance tuition
Afternoon: Local Dance Re-enactment.
Your school hall will be transformed into a local dance hall where the morning groups will meet.
Students will be encouraged to interact across the different groups and put into practice what they have learned in the morning sessions. During the afternoon dance re-enactment, tuition will be given to the group en masse of the popular 1940’s party dance the Lambeth Walk. Historical footage of Lindy Hop is available to be projected.
Outcomes/Benefits
Students have the opportunity to ask questions and form links with the subject they are studying.
They gain an insight into the dance, it’s origins and historical context.
Lindy Hop promotes social interaction. Through sharing, having fun and working together it builds self esteem.
It is great exercise and stimulates creativity, self expression and musicality.
No experience is necessary. We expect all children to participate and encourage teachers to join in.
As with all things, the more you put in....