Getting Started

Welcome to the world of dance!

Dancers have beautiful bodies! Why? Because that is what dance training does for you.

Take on a physical activity that will strengthen your body and ease your mind.

Discover the healing power of dance.

Tone, strengthen and lengthen every muscle in your body.

Become a dancer, or just look like one.

Improve your flexibility, self-confidence, body image, and stamina — while reducing stress and losing weight, all the while having fun.

Depending on your weight, age, and intensity of movement, you can burn up to 1,000 calories per class.

Once you’ve made dance part of your life and felt its benefits on your physical and emotional well-being, you’ll start planning your week around your favourite classes. Discover dance! It will transform you.

Click on our beginner schedule below. Pick a class. Start anytime!

If you have any questions, please call us at 085-8434071 or email us at alan@danceclub.ie

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What is Steppin’ Up Dance Club?

Your journey starts here.

We are an adult dance school which caters to people wanting dance in their lives. Whether you are just starting out or already dancing professionally, our class schedule has a wide variety of Jive & Swing classes offered at all levels from 101 (Absolute Beginner) to Advanced.

Our signature Steppin’ up Level Classes cater to students “discovering” dance for the first time as well as those wanting to dance recreationally for fitness, weight loss and good health.

Who are Steppin’ Up Dance Club’s Students?

Most of our students are women in their 30′s and 40′s. We don’t have many men in our classes, but we sure welcome them! The typical Dance student is a career professional who dances for recreation and good health. Women of all body types, all ethnicities, all levels of physical condition flock to Steppin’ Up Dance Club every week. Regardless of what level you’re at or shape you’re in, you’ll find several appropriate classes waiting to welcome you.

We have 4 levels of dance (in terms of difficulty)

Level 1: Our Level 1 dance classes are for people who love to dance (but have never had any formal training), or for those of you who haven’t danced in a while and wish to return to it. These classes are specifically designed to expose you to the joy of dance. They are great exercise (typically burning 500 – 700 calories in an hour) and great fun, but the benefits of dance do not stop there. There are well documented emotional and stress relieving benefits of dance. Not to mention the great confidence booster it can be. What’s more, you are learning a skill, and if you come regularly you WILL get in great shape – that’s a guarantee. Level 1 classes can be a stepping stone to more advanced study and even to performance, or they can simply be an ongoing source of fun and fitness.

Level 2: Our level 2 dance classes are for experienced dancers (have been dancing for 6+ months) who want to learn more about what will improve their dancing:
- Timing
- Technique
- Teamwork

Level 3&4: Our Level 3&4 dance classes are experienced dancers (dancing for 12+ months) who have mastered their lead & follow, are able to freestyle, have good timing, technique and teamwork and want to learn more about what rhythms we use in our dancing and to learn complicated rhythm dances. An audition is required before attending level 3&4 dance classes.

Plan to arrive 15mins early on your first day (to get you settled in). You will find our staff to be very friendly and welcoming. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing that you can sweat in.

Cost: 8-Week Courses cost €100 (a deposit of €50 is required to secure your place)

We encourage you to try as many different classes as you can – then pick your favourite. Our schedule is not seasonal – it’s on-going. The only changes we make are to add or occasionally discontinue a class.

Introductory Special Offer

The best (and most popular) way to get started is with our Introductory Special Offer (pre-booked): 8 classes for €50 (50% discount), to be used within 30 days from date of purchase. Which type of course you purchase will become clear to you once you start taking classes with us. Our front staff will help guide you in your purchases.

If you have read this far, you are ready to start. Please contact us to book your course. We look forward to meeting you!

Contact alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

What is Jump Jive/Swing?

Jump Jive/Swing dates back to the late 1990′s swing revival in Southern California: Long Beach and Redondo. Originally termed Retro or Jump or Neo Swing, it followed the regional post-punk, post-rockabilly enthusiasm, as many punk bands and mosh pit dancers converted to swing. The original music featured an up-tempo amalgamation of rock, jump blues, piano boogie and big band swing – a strong backbeat is characteristic.

Jump Jive/Swing has become popular because of the Movie “Swing Kids” and the Gap Commercial looks like a promo for our GSDTA Curriculum. This new variety of Swing has the flavour of the old jitterbug with an easier approach that is FAST, FUN and EASY to learn!

Jump Jive/Swing is simply taking the “Essence” of the look and feel of “SWING” and making it instantly available. By doing Jump Jive/Swing first, the student does not go through the “Beginner” look that plagues many dancers. After learning all the variations, it is easy to substitute other RHYTHMS in order to conform to whatever style you wish to portray.

Tap-Step Swing (aka Tap-Step Jive) is danced with “Delayed Single Rhythm”

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”, “Tap Step”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Delayed Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”, “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Double, Delayed Single

Jump Jive/Swing (aka Kick-Step Swing aka Kick-Step Jive) is also danced with “Delayed
Single Rhythm” with the heel outstretched on the kicks giving the look and feel of Lindy Hop but doing the patterns more similar to the East Coast Swing. This hybrid version is sometimes called Jump Swing.

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”, “Kick Step”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Delayed Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”, “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Double, Delayed Single

Who Developed Jump Jive/Swing?

• Skippy Blair (mother of Jump Swing), saw young dancers jump around during the post rockabilly swing revival of the mid-late 90s. She noted the common practice jumpy 6-count kick pattern, made adaptations, and arranged a syllabus for her teacher workshops. Skippy adopted the name Jump Swing for her classes, abandoning the original home grown name Retro Swing. She has helped to spread the dance around the USA. She pioneered her own exceptional instructional approach, popular with many top teachers.

www.swingworld.com

• Sonny Watson compiled some of the Retro Swing with additions in his Retro Swing Video.
www.streetswing.com

What music is Jive/Jump Swing Danced To?

The jumpy kick 6 & 8-count patterns segues nicely into Charleston, and feels very satisfying to rockin’ music in any genre, especially tunes with a strong backbeat. A quick overview:
• Up tempo Pop/Rock: Footloose, Part Time Lover, Heat Wave, Walking On Sunshine,
• Jump Blues: Rock This Town, Shake Rattle & Roll,
• Neo Swing: Jump Jive & Wail, If You Can’t Rock Me
• Classic Swing: Sing Sing Sing, Shout And Feel It, Moten Swing, One O’Clock Jump
• Piano Boogie: Dancin’ The Boogie – Silvan Zingg, Johan Blohm

Contact: alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

Jump Jive/Swing Clips

Jump Swing ITACHA NY

Swing Kids

Gap Commercial (1998)

Jump Jive/Swing

Jump Jive/Swing

Jump Jive/Swing

What is Irish Smooth Swing?

Irish Smooth Swing is a dance style similar to West Coast Swing.

Golden State Dance Teacher Association (GSDTA) Teachers taught a dance form from 1977 through 1980’s under the name 2-Hand Salsa (or Salsa Valiente). By 1995, with the return of the popularity of Salsa Music, 2-Hand Salsa no longer fit the Salsa picture. Skippy Blair changed the name to Melange, meaning a “Mixture of Things” in French. It can resemble Country Swing, Latin or even Hustle.

Alan Doyle took elements from Melange, Irish Smooth Jive & West Coast Swing and created a new contemporary dance naming it ‘Irish Smooth Swing’.

The patterns in Irish Smooth Swing are similar to West Coast Swing but the following major differences:
- The Rhythm Pattern is Double Double (you step on every beat – there is no triple rhythm)
- There are no syncopations
- There is no anchor
- There is no elastic stretch.
- On beats 1&2 of every pattern; The man does a rock step and the lady does a check drive.

Irish Smooth Swing has 6&8 beat patterns

The simplicity of the dance allows students to concentrate on Centering, Movement, Position Changes, Count and Feeling the Music rather than concentrating on Foot Patterns.

It’s great for Cruises, Weddings, School Classes, or any other social situation where you need or want easy, quick and FUN dancing.

It is a dance that EVERY student wherever possible should know going on to other more complicated RHYTHM dances. It makes the dancer comfortable in any social situation and also teaches a variety of partner moves that support future learning.

This is one dance that could probably make you the “Life of the Party”. As a man, it is easy to lead non-dancers into this dance, simply be letting them march in place. It prepares you for various directions that are used in other dances. Most of all it is a FUN dance that is EASY to learn. It is also a wonderful way to get introduced to partner dancing.

Source: www.swingworld.com

Irish Smooth Swing is taught as a foundation dance and teaches a lot of techniques used in West Coast Swing and uses simlar but simplified footwork.

Learning Irish Smooth Swing is also a great way to socialise, meet new people, have fun and keep fit —and all whilst learning to dance

* No partner required
* Great social night out
* A great way to improve both physical and mental health

Irish Smooth Swing 8-Week Course

Start Date: TBC
Venue: TBC (Dublin City Centre)
Cost: €100 per person (40% discount on groups of 5+ people)
Teacher Alan Doyle (The only LeRoc & GSDTA Trained Teacher in Republic of Ireland)

Contact alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

What is Rope Hustle?

Rope Hustle is a style of hustle dance where you step on every beat.

Golden State Dance Teacher Association (GSDTA) Teachers taught a dance form from 1977 through 1980’s under the name 2-Hand Salsa (or Salsa Valiente). By 1995, with the return of the popularity of Salsa Music, 2-Hand Salsa no longer fit the Salsa picture. Skippy Blair changed the name to Melange, meaning a “Mixture of Things” in French. It can resemble Country Swing, Latin or even Hustle.

The simplicity of the dance allows students to concentrate on Centering, Movement, Position Changes, Count and Feeling the Music rather than concentrating on Foot Patterns.

This dance takes on the look of whatever music is being played. It’s great for Cruises, Weddings, School Classes, or any other social situation where you need or want easy, quick and FUN dancing.

It is a dance that EVERY student wherever possible should know going on to other more complicated RHYTHM dances. It makes the dancer comfortable in any social situation and also teaches a variety of partner moves that support future learning.

This is one dance that could probably make you the “Life of the Party”. As a man, it is easy to lead non-dancers into this dance, simply be letting them march in place. It prepares you for various directions that are used in other dances. Most of all it is a FUN dance that is EASY to learn. It is also a wonderful way to get introduced to partner dancing.

Source: www.swingworld.com

Rope Hustle is a foundation dance and teaches a lot of techniques used in more complicated dances like Rock n Roll/Jive (AKA East Coast Swing) and Jump Swing, which have similar patterns but have more emphasis on more complicated rhythms.

Learning Rope Hustle is also a great way to socialise, meet new people, have fun and keep fit —and all whilst learning to dance

* No partner required
* Great social night out
* A great way to improve both physical and mental health

Contact alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

Clips

Jordan & Tatiana’s New Classic West Coast Swing Routine 2010 (scroll to 23 minutes)

What is Rock n Roll Jive (AKA East Coast Swing)?

• East Coast Swing was derived from the Jitterbug, which grew out of the dance halls of Harlem during the 1920’s. Essentially, the terms East Coast Swing and Jitterbug are synonymous.
• East Coast Swing (6-Count) is intermixable with all forms of swing dancing, though primarily with Lindy Hop
• East Coast Swing is a circular, rotating swing dance that has many wraps, tunnels, and turns.
• The music is diverse and includes oldies (Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry), jump blues, country, big band, and top 40.
• East Coast Swing is a versatile dance suitable for both the ballroom and the bar room.
• With a wide range of music to choose from you can swing to almost anything.
• Swing music is written in 4/4 time with a tempo of 140-175 beats per minute. Since this is a quick dance, the steps should be small and light.
• You can’t go wrong with jukebox tunes from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

What’s the difference between East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop Swing?

• East Coast Swing, also known as triple step swing, triple timing swing, and jitterbug, has a basic count of 12, 3&4, 5&6. Some folks describe the basic as “rock step, triple step, triple step.” The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. It was the standard swing dance of 50′s-era “sock hops.” The music speed is 140-175 beats per minute. This dance has lilt (bounce) and energy. It is generally danced without strict regard to any particular orientation or geometry. It’s easy to learn.

• West Coast Swing is danced in a slot (a linear pattern) to slower music (generally 110-130 beats per minute). It’s a smooth, often sexy dance, and it does not have lilt and bounce. West coast swing dancers consider their dance to be “cooler,” more chic, more sophisticated, and less barbaric than east coast swing. West coast swing can be more difficult to learn because several foot patterns are required and the patterns may contain 6, 8, and 10 or more counts. West coast swing requires a very good sense of timing and connection.

• Lindy Hop Swing is the current rage with young people. Lindy hop swing can involve lots of kicks and aerials (lifts and flips). The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. Common figures include the “swing out,” and the Charleston step.

Single Swing (AKA Rock n Roll/Jive)

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Single
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Double, Single

Single Swing is danced with “Single Rhythm”

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Side Hold”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Double, Single

This version is usually danced to very fast music and in this form it is sometimes called Jive, Single Swing, Jitterbug, or (in Europe mostly) Rock-n-Roll.

Single Swing Clip

Triple Swing (Similar to International Jive)

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Triple
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

Triple Swing is danced with Triple Rhythm

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “triple” to the right. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Triple.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the right for the man. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

It is in this form that the East Coast Swing most resembles the structure of the International Style Jive.

Addition of rotation, underarm turns and changing hand leads create a fun, fast moving and elaborate looking dance even without the addition of other rhythms.

Triple Swing Clip

The reasons to choose different footwork are as follows:

• Learning: Beginning dancers can do simple steps easily, but they may struggle with more complex footwork. Advanced dancers may enjoy more complex footwork.
• Tempo: Simpler footwork, such as steps and holds, are easier to do to fast music. Complex footwork makes slow music more interesting.
• Musicality: If the music has very simple rhythm, then kick steps work well. If the music has a more complex rhythm, then triple steps work well. If the music pauses (breaks) then holds work well.
• Variety: It is nice to vary the dance form, so if you use one kind of footwork for a while, you might want to try another form for a while.

East Coast Swing (AKA Rock n Roll/Jive) 8-Week Course

Start Date: TBC
Venue: TBC (Dublin City Centre)
Cost: €100 per person (40% discount on groups of 5+ people)
Teacher: Alan Doyle (The only LeRoc & GSDTA Trained Teacher in Republic of Ireland)

Contact: alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

What is West Coast Swing

• West Coast Swing is a contemporary swing dance derived from Lindy Hop. As smoother styles varied throughout the states, West Coast Swing developed in the 1950′s, following the music trend as it veered away from Swing Music.

• WCS is danced to modern pop music – singers like Gaelle, Lisa Shaw, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Duffy, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown.

How It Works

• West Coast Swing is a smooth partner dance performed to slower tempo music with an emphasis on follower initiated improvisation, tight turns, and rolling footwork. Basic moves include whips and sugar pushes, often stretching into an anchor step.

Why you should West Coast Swing

• This popular modern dance is full of head-turning moves and tricks while intricate footwork adds to the excitement of the dance. If you enjoy modern popular music, smooth dancing, and lower tempos, you should try dancing West Coast Swing!

West Coast 101

In an effort to preserve the fundamentals and characteristics of West Coast Swing, the World Swing Dance Council has delved back into formal Pattern Names & Lists, starting in 1952 – and followed the development and evolution up through 2008, in order to be able to sanction 14 Basic Patterns in West Coast Swing. This was necessary in order to present 14 Patterns that could authentically represent the essence of West Coast Swing. We have had numerous requests over the past 18 years to clarify these basics. This is actually timely because of growing requests, not just across our nation, but world-wide, to provide a BASIC LIST that would serve as the 14 required, compulsory, patterns for a new, Fundamental Competition.

Here is the current proposed list for West Coast Swing 101:

1. Triple Rhythm Break & Anchor
2. Left Side Pass
3. Underarm Turn
4. Underarm with Hand Change
5. Right Side Pass
6. Lady’s Right Turn & Pass (Torque Turn)
7. Turning Basic
8. Throw-Out (from closed position)
9. 4-Beat Starter Step
10. Basic Tuck (from closed position)
11. Push Break (Sugar Push)
12. Two Hand Tuck
13. Release Whip (Basic Whip)
14. Closed Whip

Source: http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm

Join our Facebook Group:

West Coast Swing Dance Ireland

Where can I learn?

West Coast Swing in Republic of Ireland

8-Week Course in Beginner West Coast Swing (coming soon)
Start Date: TBC
Venue: TBC (Dublin City Centre)
Cost: €100 per person (40% discount on groups of 5+ people)
Teacher Alan Doyle (The only GSDTA Teacher in Republic of Ireland)

Contact: alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information

Links

West Coast Swing in the UK

http://www.swingbelfast.com

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

http://www.swingderry.com

Location: Derry, Northern Ireland

http://www.westcoastswingbootcamp.co.uk
Location:
Brighton

http://www.lerocuk.com
Location: Bristol

http://www.wcsdevon.co.uk
Location: Devon

http://www.swingtastic.org.uk
Location: Edinburgh & Glasgow

http://www.capitaldance.org.uk
Location: Edinburgh & Glasgow

http://www.leroc-scotland.co.uk
Location: Glasgow

http://www.westcos.co.uk
Location: Kent

http://www.wcsleeds.org.uk
Location: Leeds

http://www.djsheepman.blogspot.com
Location: London

http://www.eastonswing.com
Location: London

http://www.swingsters.co.uk
Location: London

http://www.westcoastswing.co.uk

Location: London

http://www.westcoastswinglondon.com
Location: London

http://www.revolutiondance.co.uk
Location: Manchester

http://www.jjkdancin.com
Location: Mildenhall

http://www.smoothjivefusion.co.uk
Location: New Forest

http://www.royaloakswing.co.uk
Location: Northampton

http://www.jiveaddiction.com/cms/
Location: Nottingham

http://www.pulse-dance.co.uk
Location: Nottingham

http://www.westcoastswing-solihull.co.uk
Location: Solihull

http://www.dance-unlimited.org
Location: Surrey

http://www.leroc.biz
Location: Surrey

http://www.morethanmoves.com
Location: Surrey

http://www.uk-jive.co.uk
Location: UK

http://westcoastswinguk.ning.com/
Location: UK

http://www.westcoastswingdn.com

Location: UK

West Coast Swing Clips

Jordan Frisbee (GSDTA) & Tatiana Mollman – Rolling Count

Jordan Frisbee (GSDTA) & Tatiana Mollmann (GSDTA)

Wayne Bott (GSDTA) & Sharlot Bott (GSDTA) – Back to Basics West Coast Swing

Wayne Bott (GSDTA) & Sharlot Bott (GSDTA)

West Coast Swing Dance Workshop Recap – Basics & Beyond

Mario Robau (GSDTA) & Mary Ann Nunez (GSDTA)

Max Pitruzzella & Tessa Cunningham (WCS & Lindy Hop)

Julie Epplett & Mike Topel

Jason Colacino and Katie Boyle

Maxence Martin and Victoria Shanahannon
Go to Youtube