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Writer: Jazz AttackJazz Attack

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

Hey Philly! Ready to learn to swing dance? Looking for great live jazz music or just a fun Thursday night out in October? You're in the right place! We offer three levels of Lindy Hop & Swing Dance lessons followed by a social dance party to the city's best swing DJs, plus a live band on 10/10! If you aren't sure which class to sign up for, visit our classes page.


All Thursday night swing dance events are held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square)



Octover 3rd: DJ Night, 4-Week Swingout Series Start, Advanced Topics Launch

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Ericka Skirpan & Gavin Laur

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Rhythm & Groove Series Week 1 with Lauren Levey & Steve Fox

What sets awesome dances apart? The ones that feel like they're one with the music! Learn how to easily predict what will come next in a tune, emphasize different parts of the music in your movements, create fitting variations, and play off of your partner's ideas -- all while keeping the flow. It's musicality and more! Just $85 general / $55 students for all 5 weeks; includes all Oct dances, pre-lesson practice space, and detailed recap videos. Limited to 30 students. The swingout series sold out, so don't wait to get your spot at the link above!

Extended Topics Lesson: The Flow Show with Lauren Fosnight & Nick Cruickshank

Get ready to mix rhythms, shapes, and styles with finesse in this transition-based class. This will serve as a sort of self audition for future advanced topics classes.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Lauren Levey

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Adv. Topics Class


Saturday October 5th: Jazz Attack's Apple Snacks

Jazz Attack goes to Linvilla Orchards | RSVP here!

Join the squad as we head to Linvilla orchards for a flannel-clad day of apple picking, pumpkin hayrides, a corn maze, and general autumnal merriment (...beer garden).

11:00am Depart Philadelphia

2:45pm Depart Linvilla Orchards

3:30pm Arrive back in Philadelphia

October 10th: LIVE BAND -- Chelsea Reed & The Fair Weather Band | Potential Sellout Alert!

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Kate Holden & Lloyd Lopez Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Rhythm & Groove Series Week 2 with Lauren Levey & Steve Fox

See details under 10/3; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Balboa Class: Band Nights mean Balboa with Sarah Sasso & Zak Kneeland

OPEN TO ALL: Balboa, one of Lindy's sister styles, is great for conserving energy on faster tunes and in tight spaces, and it's just fun in its own right. Dive in to Out & ins!

9-11pm: LIVE BAND Social dance with Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band

These Philly favorites are BACK for the first time since the spring. Chelsea's powerful vocals and the Fair Weather Band's punchy horns and dynamic rhythm section create some of the best tunes for Lindy Hoppers & Blues dancers. Get those tickets in advance!

Price: $15 ($10 for students) | +$5 / +$3 students for Balboa Topics Class


October 17th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Paulina Bargallo & Nick Cruickshank

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Rhythm & Groove Series Week 3 with Lauren Levey & Steve Fox

See details under 10/3; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson: Solo with Lauren Fosnight

Get in the groove with Lauren -- this solo class will help you explore fun shapes and ryhthms, and make solo moves your own. Adv. Topics test-in required.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Nick Cruickshank

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Adv. Topics Class

October 24th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Lisa Pilchman & Max VerNooy

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Rhythm & Groove Series Week 4 with Lauren Levey & Steve Fox

See details under 10/3; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson: Drags with Gianfranco Semino & Alyssa Hernández

One of the coolest and closest moves in the swing dancer's must-have repertiore. Once you learn them you'll never stop enjoying these smooth, smooth glides. Adv. Topics test-in required.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Mike McDermott

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Adv. Topics Class


October 31st: Halloween Costume Party! Special prize for best dressed!

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Ericka Skirpan & Gracie Zhang

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Rhythm & Groove Series Week 5 with Lauren Levey & Steve Fox

See details under 10/3; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson: Scary Moves with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

This Halloween, conquer the Lindy Hop moves that leads and follows usually avoid because they seem too spooky! In this class, we'll tackle the dance steps that intimidate most. Come in costume, embrace the fear, and learn how to master these 'scary' moves with confidence and flair.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Steve Fox

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Adv. Topics Class


Upcoming Live Band Nights & Special Events:

October Live Band Night - Oct 10th ft. Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band

November Live Band Night - Nov 14th ft. Chris Oatts & Elling-Tones

December Live Band Night - Dec 12th ft. Jon Tigert's Corner Pocket Jazz Band


Dancing is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your brain, get some exercise, and just let out any of the week's stressors. Don't forget to invite a friend, or come ready to make some new ones. Get Jazz Attack tickets by clicking the button below:



Get ready to tuck turn and swing out on some of the finest dance floors in Philadelphia.


Have any questions? Check out our FAQ page!


Follow us on social media:

Facebook: Jazz Attack page and group


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Writer: Jazz AttackJazz Attack

Updated: Sep 23, 2024

Hey Philly! Ready to learn to swing dance? Looking for great live jazz music or just a fun Thursday night out? Whether you're taking your first syncopated steps or you're here for your hundredth Lindy Hop lesson & dance, we've got a spot on our beautiful hardwood floors for you.


All Thursday night swing dance events are held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square)



September 5th: LIVE BAND -- The Hot Toddies | 4-Week Swingout Series Start

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Lisa Pilchman & Gavin Laur

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Swingout Series Week 1: Swingouts with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott | Sign Up Here!

Dive deep into Lindy Hop's most iconic move, along with variations and styling. A great swingout is a must-have move for any Lindy Hopper, so come level yours up in September! These are not drop-in lessons: Sign up for the whole series (includes all Thursday night social dances for the month + practice space) for just $75 ($45 for students). Not able to make it every week? No problem! Recap videos will be provided. Class capped at 25 students.

9-11pm: Social dance with LIVE BAND: The Hot Toddies

THE HOT TODDIES JAZZ BAND are a fun-loving swing band from NYC. They have an eclectic mix of styles perfect for Lindy Hop! The band has quickly become one of the top swing bands on the scene, where they most recently headlined the beloved outdoor "Summer for the City" swing dance at Lincoln Center in front of over 2,000 people. Their newest album, released July 28th, was praised by critics & was on the NACC Top 30 Jazz Chart for 4 weeks.

Price: $15 ($10 for students) for the dance only | 4-week swingout series + all dances: $75 ($45 for students)


Saturday September 7th: SPECIAL SATURDAY WORKSHOP & KARAOKE PARTY

Air Steps with NYC Air Step Experts Jennifer Murmylo & Sean Vitale | Sign up here!

Beginner Air Steps Workshop: 11am-1pm, no partner or experience required -- come learn the basics of air step history along with three steps and spotting techniques! Limited to 10 bases, 10 flyers.

Intermediate Air Steps Workshop: 2:30pm-4:30pm, partner and prior air step experience (or morning workshop registration) required -- dive into more advanced air steps with a designated partner, assigned spotters, and lots of attention from the experts. Limited to 10 couples.

After Party -- Jazz Attack Sings! 6-8pm, Come grab dinner, drinks, and belt your favorite tunes with the JA crew at Yakitori Boy Karaoke Restaurant. All are welcome -- workshop participation is not required. No cover, but expect to purchase food/drink appropriately.

September 12th: LIVE BAND -- Josh Lee & the Extended Family Big Band

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Ericka Skirpan & Steve Fox Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Swingout Series Week 2: Swingouts with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

See description under September 5th. These lessons are not drop-in friendly, but students may join in week 2 if unable to make week 1.

Bonus Topics Class: Band Nights mean Balboa with Alex DeVoe & Connor Cole

Balboa, one of Lindy's sister styles, is particularly good for conserving energy on faster tunes and in tight spaces, and it's just fun in its own right. Dive in with Alex & Connor!

9-11pm: LIVE BAND Social dance with Josh Lee & the Extended Family Big Band

If you don't already know & love these Philly heavy-hitters, you will soon. Buckle up for incredible arrangements tailor-made for Lindy Hoppers from this 15-piece Big Band, headlined by Grammy-Award-Winning saxophonist Josh Lee. It doesn't get better than this.

Price: $15 ($10 for students)


September 19th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Paulina Bargallo & Nick Cruickshank

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Swingout Series Week 3: Swingouts with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

See description under September 5th. These lessons are not drop-in friendly, so make sure to start at the beginning of the month!

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Nii Attoh Okine

Price: $10 ($7 for students)

September 26th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Sarah Sasso & Max VerNooy

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Swingout Series Week 4: Swingouts with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

See description under September 5th. These lessons are not drop-in friendly, so make sure to start at the beginning of the month!

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Lauren Fosnight

Price: $10 ($7 for students)


Upcoming Live Band Nights & Special Events:

Special Saturday Air Steps Workshop ft. NYC Air Step Experts Jennifer Murmylo & Sean Vitale - Sat Sep 7th - Get Tickets HERE

September Swing Out Series - Thursdays Sep 5, 12, 19, 26

September Bonus Band Night - Sep 5th ft. The Hot Toddies (JA Debut - visiting from NYC!)

September Live Band Night - Sep 12th ft. Josh Lee & the Extended Family Big Band

Back to School Night, Students Dance For $1! - Sep 26th

October Live Band Night - Oct 10th ft. Chelsea Reed & the Fair Weather Band

November Live Band Night - Nov 14th ft. Chris Oatts & Elling-Tones

December Live Band Night - Dec 12th ft. Jon Tigert's Corner Pocket Jazz Band


Dancing is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your brain, get some exercise, and just let out any of the week's stressors. Don't forget to invite a friend, or come ready to make some new ones. Get Jazz Attack tickets by clicking the button below:



Get ready to tuck turn and swing out on some of the finest dance floors in Philadelphia.


Have any questions? Check out our FAQ page!


Follow us on social media:

Facebook: Jazz Attack page and group


00bfca e7bb00


 
 
 

It's Thursday and I feel like talking about my favorite dance shoes. While there are plenty of cheap options out there, the following guide is for dancers that are ready to take their next step into fancy footwork, slick slides, and more. Enjoy (or don't enjoy) this non-exhaustive list.


photo by @broadsizevisuals

My current favorite brands, made by dancers for dancers:


✨ Swivells , based out of France.

Swing Shoes (swivells.com)

Use discount code HANNASWIVELLS15 for 15% off your order!



"The Swivells adventure began in a small apartment in the heart of Paris's Batignolles district. This is where materials are studied, technical specifications drawn up and shoes designed. The rest takes place in Spain, in a small family workshop run by Maria and her three brothers. And because quality knows no boundaries our models are worn, and loved, in over 40 countries around the world!"


I own several pairs of Swivells boots currently and they are a go-to for a classy look. I love these for performance especially. Amelie is incredibly responsive and helpful and my experience with their team is that they go above and beyond to make sure quality shoes are received. It's been a joy dancing in Swivells for the last 5 years. They offer a variety of solid color options in their boots, have a sandal option, and recently have started offering a sneaker that looks pretty sweet. They wear in well and are comfortable from the moment you put them on, which isn't always the case with new shoes 😉

Fun facts: Swivells donates on a monthly basis to the Frankie Manning Association, is family run, offers leather & vegan shoes, and carries mens' & womens' shoe options.


✅Support: 8/10 designed w a soft insole but this wears down w excessive use

✅Toe Box: 7/10 the leather expands and molds to fit your foot in a very comfortable manner

✅Durability: 9/10 I have worn my most recent pair (gold vegan) 2-3 times a week typically for the last 2 years and they are only now nearing the point of being retired from the dance floor

✅Spin: 9/10 leather soles make for great movement; extremely slick on fast floors

✅ European/US Sizing: I am a Size 9 US. I wear size 40 European for this company. Note: I have noticed the sizing varies model to model just a bit. If ordering, don't be afraid to email Amelie and verify sizing before making your purchase.


🔥 Fuegos , based in the U.S.

Use discount code HANYAN10 for 10% off your order!

Fuegos are an all-in-one dance sneaker engineered for dancing on any surface. They are one of the comfiest sneakers I've worn. Fuegos are the pair of shoes in my closet that I nearly always opt to wear due to their flexibility, comfortability, and wearability on and off the dance floor. They're easy to spot with the two low-traction circles on the sole. Get yourself a pair!


photo by @broadsizevisuals

✅Support: 8/10 designed without much built in support for high arches; will need an insole for high arches

✅Toe Box: 8/10 wide toe box, tapers a bit towards the toe but is flexible and flexes with use

✅Durability: 7/10

✅Spin: 10/10 moves well on pretty much every surface


✨ Saint Savoy , based out of Austria.

Beautiful leather shoes/heels with an incredible variety of styles. I own a pair of heels and they are one of the comfiest pairs of heels I wear (and if you know me, you know I prefer dancing in flats!). If you are in search of that perfect pair of either heels or a solid dressy dance shoe, this is the place for you. They're the yellow ones in the picture below. Have fun browsing!


photo by @broadsizevisuals

✅Support: 9/10 fantastic support for high arches

✅Toe Box: 10/10 comfortable immediately; leather molds to shape of foot

✅Durability: 7/10 *haven't had long yet nor do I use heels as often as I do my other shoes

✅Spin: 10/10

✅ European/US Sizing: I am a Size 9 US. I wear size 40 in heels with this company


These are the shoes I wear and imperfect ratings based off of my experience ❤ Feel free to share your favs below.


Other great brands out there to check out as well:


Big thanks to Hanna for this guest article! You can check out some of her work at https://www.jazzcollectivelanc.com/ and follow her on Instagram @thrivingthroughjazz


If this blog has you ready to swing out, be sure to check out the rest of our site for upcoming Lindy Hop dances & swing dance events here in Philadelphia.

 
 
 
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