Online Workshop:
Swing Music: Roots to Revival
Join us for an immersive online workshop exploring the heartbeat of swing dancing—its music! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, an aspiring DJ, or just a lover of swing tunes, this session will deepen your appreciation of the rich, rhythmic world of swing music.
- Date: Monday, 17 March
- Time: 7-8:30 pm
- Location: Online (link provided upon RSVP)
- Cost: Free / Donation-based
What You’ll Learn:
- The Foundations of Swing: Discover how swing music evolved from 1920s jazz to dominate the 1930s-40s dance halls, with key figures like Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Chick Webb.
- Swing Era Styles: Explore the unique sounds of big band swing vs. small group swing, including signature instrumentation and improvisation techniques.
- Subgenres & Influences: Dive into South African swing, New Orleans “hot jazz,” early vocal jazz, jump blues, and gypsy jazz.
- Essential Elements: Break down the elusive “swing feel”—what makes a song groove and inspire movement.
- The DJ’s Role: Understand how music selection shapes the dance experience and enhances musicality.
- Building Your Collection: Get tips on discovering and organising music, plus a guide to Cape Town Swing’s curated playlists.
- Practical Skills: Learn to identify tempos, recognise song structures, and build dynamic dance playlists.
Workshop Highlights:
- Listening exercises to sharpen your ear for swing rhythms.
- Discussions on what makes a song truly “danceable” for Lindy Hop.
- Insights into selecting music that excites dancers and expands their movement vocabulary.
- A handpicked “starter pack” of must-know swing tracks to kickstart your musical journey.
Why This Workshop Matters:
- Enhance Your Dancing: Connect with the music on a deeper level, making your movement more expressive and intuitive.
- Support the Scene: Contribute to a thriving dance community with a shared love and understanding of swing music.
- Elevate the Music: Help ensure that swing DJs play tracks with that irresistible juicy fire that fuels the dance floor!
🎷 Ready to swing? RSVP now! 🎷