Swing and Tap Academy of Toronto - Swing & Tap Classes for Adults

<body> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name="description" content="Beginner swing and tap dance classes, lessons, and instruction within Toronto. Swing, Lindy Hop, Tap and Wedding Dance Lessons. Private swing and tap lessons, parties, practices"> <meta name="keywords" content="swing, classes, lindy hop, Toronto, dance, tap, lindy, lindy-hop, instruction, instructors, wedding, partner, singles, dancing, dances, class, classes, lesson, lessons, school, studio, schools, performance, performances, workshop, workshops, demos, studios, demonstration, private, gift certificates, events, weddings, instruction, Canada, party"> <meta http-equiv="keywords" content="swing, classes, lindy hop, Toronto, dance, tap, lindy, lindy-hop, instruction, instructors, wedding, partner, singles, dancing, dances, class, classes, lesson, lessons, school, studio, schools, performance, performances, workshop, workshops, demos, studios, demonstration, private, gift certificates, events, weddings, instruction, Canada, party"> <META NAME="ROBOTS" CONTENT="INDEX, FOLLOW, ARCHIVE"> <style type="text/css">  </style></head> <body> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="left" class="style1"><span class="style8">The</span> <span class="style11">Swing</span> <span class="style8">and</span> <span class="style11">Tap</span></p> <p align="right"><span class="style9">Academy of Toronto</span></p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p align="center" class="style1 style6"><span class="style12">We Specialize in Beginners!</span></span> <hr align="center" width="400" size="2" noshade><br> <p align="center" class="style1">Welcome to the Swing and Tap Academy of Toronto!<br>We are a downtown Toronto-based school of dance<br>specializing in all levels of Swing and Tap. Check out<br>all our pages for information on classes including:<br>times, locations, level information, and registration.</p> <p align="center" class="style5">We hope to see you dancing soon!</p> <p align="center" class="style5"><span class="style15">New Session Starting in March!</span><span class="style6"><br> Check out our <a href="http://www.swingandtap.com/2.htm">schedule page</a> for more information<br>and our <a href="http://www.swingandtap.com/5.htm">registration page</a> to sign up for classes</span></p> <p align="center" class="style5"> </p> <p align="center" class="style1"><span class="style14">STAT Featured at the Toronto Swing Dance Society</span><br> <span class="style1">We will be guest instructors at TSDS Monday nights<br>from February 26th - April 9th. We will be teaching<br>Beginner and Intermediate Swing for 7 weeks.<br>These classes will be held at the Lithuanian Hall (Dundas West Station) </span></p> <p align="center" class="style1"><span class="style1">Check out <a href="http://www.dancing.org/tsds/WeeklyClasses.html" target="_blank">their website</a> for further details and registration information.</span></p> <p align="center" class="style1"> </p> <div align="center">Formerly <em>Dance With Alana Studios</em></div> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p align="left" class="style1"><br> </p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <div align="center"> <span class="style1"><a href="#description">Descriptions Below</a></span><br> <br> <table width="100%" height="495" border="2" cellpadding="2" bordercolor="#6699FF"> <tr> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Monday</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Tuesday</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Wednesday</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Wednesday</div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Thursday</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">3/5 - 4/23</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">3/6 - 4/24</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">3/7 - 4/25</div></td> <td width="20%" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">3/7 - 4/25</div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">3/8 - 4/26 </div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="125" rowspan="4" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#009966"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1">Beginner Tap<br>6:30 - 7:30</span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> <td width="20%" height="125" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#336699"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1">Beginner 1 Swing<br> 6:30 - 7:45</span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="125" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#336699"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1">Level 3 Swing/Lindy <br> 6:30 - 7:45</span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="125" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#009966"><div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div> <div align="center" class="style3 style1">Level 3/4 Tap<br> 6:30 - 7:45</div> <div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div> <div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div> <div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="100" rowspan="4" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#009966"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1">Level 2/3 Tap<br> 7:45 - 8:45</span></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="125" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#336699"><div align="center">Level 2 Swing/Lindy<br> 8:00 - 9:15</div></td> <td width="20%" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#336699"><div align="center">Level 4 Swing/Lindy <br> 8:00 - 9:15</div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center" class="style3 style1"></div></td> <td width="20%" rowspan="5" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#336699"><div align="center" class="style3 style1">Beginner 1 Swing<br> 8:30 - 9:45</div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> <td colspan="2" rowspan="4" bordercolor="#FFFFFF" bgcolor="#006666"><div align="center">Free Practice Session<br> 9:15 - 10:00pm</div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"> </td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style2"><span class="style3"><span class="style1"></span></span></span></span></span></div></td> <td width="20%" height="25" bordercolor="#FFFFFF"><div align="center"><span class="style1"></span></div></td> </tr> </table> </div> </p> <span class="style1"><a name="description"></a></span> <h4 class="style12"><em>Swing and Lindy Hop</em></h4> <p class="style14">Lindy Hop is the original swing dance that grew out of Harlem, NY and was all the rage during the Big Band era of the 30s & 40s when people danced together. The music was hot, the moves were wild, and the dance-halls were packed full every night. Lindy Hop is a dynamic partner dance that anyone can do, and is fun for everyone. <p class="style14"><strong>Details on Levels:</strong><br> If you are a total beginner, <em>Beginner Swing</em> is the class for you. You will learn the fundamentals to get you partner dancing, in a fun environment with other people at your level. <span class="style4 style12 style1">No partner or dance experience is needed!</span> <p class="style14">If you are an advanced Lindy Hopper, <em>Level 4</em> is your class. This class will feature your regular 3&4 level instructor partnered with Chachi to offer your advanced technique and fun new moves. <h4 class="style12"><em>Tap</em></h4> <p class="style14">Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley, Savion Glover - these are some of the names that have made tap the craze it is! Have you seen something that got your toes-a-tappin’? Always just wanted to make some cool sounds with you feet? Then come and learn this percussive and energetic dance form!</p> <p class="style14"><strong>Details on Levels:</strong><br> If you are a total beginner, <em>Beginner Tap </em>is the class for you. You will learn the fundamentals to get you tapping right away, in a fun environment with other people at your level. Though you are not required to show up with tap shoes your first time, the teachers can advise you on the appropriate tap shoes to buy. <p class="style14">If you are an advanced Tapper, <em>Level 3 </em> is your class. This class will drill you on footwork as well as work on floor excercises and small pieces of choreography to put all the days new material into context.<p> </p> <h1>Pricing Information</h1>First Class is Free!<br>Let us know when you register if this is your first class with us <h2><em>1. Is this your first time with STAT?</em></h2> *If YES - cost is <strong>$90</strong> for 8 weeks (first class is free!!) <p>*If NO - cost is <strong>$105</strong> for 8 weeks (unless ... see next questions) <h2><em>2. Are you pre-registering before classes start?</em></h2> *If YES - cost is <strong>$90</strong> for 8 weeks (you get a free class for pre-registering!) <h2><em>3. Are you planning to pay when you arrive for your first class and are<br> a returning student?</em></h2> *If YES - cost is <strong>$105</strong> for 8 weeks (so you should pre-register and get a free class!) <h2><em>4. Do you have an unpredictable schedule and are unsure if you can make it every week?</em></h2> <p>*If YES - choose a 10 class pass and only pay for the classes you attend - cost is <strong>$130</strong></p> <h2><em>5. Are you refering a friend?</em></h2> <p>*If YES - you get <strong>$20 off </strong>your registration (so bring your friends!)</p> <h2><em>6. Are you interested in Private Lessons?</em></h2> <p>*If YES - cost is <strong>$60 per hour</strong> (not including studio fees)</p> <h1>Policies</h1> <ul> <li>Swing and Tap Academy holds no responsibility for any injury that may occur as a result of taking our lessons.</li><br> <li>NO Refunds, Make-Up Classes or Credits for missed lessons on full session registrations. Choose the "1.0 Class Pass" if you are not sure about being able to attend all your classes.</li><br> <li>Students attending class can take a class of a lower level in the same dance form for $7/lesson.</li><br> <li>We agree not to share any of your information with outside parties</li> </ul> <h1 align="left"> <h1>Swing - Lindy Hop</h1> <h2><em>Jessica Jenkins</em> </h2> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.swingandtap.com/images/jessicaj.jpg" width="180" height="223" align="left"> Jessica Jenkins' Beginner Swing/Lindy Hop dancing classes are famous for fun. Her sense of humour and patience make all of her classes an enjoyable experience and give students a feeling of accomplishment. She will get you out on the dance floor in no time. She is the Director of the Swing and Tap Academy of Toronto and teaches all level 1 & 2 Swing/Lindy Hop classes. <p>An accredited teacher with a degree in Education from the University of Toronto, Jessica has been teaching Swing dancing to adults and teens since 1998. She has studied various form of dance since she was knee-high to a grasshopper until being bitten by the Swing bug in 1997. Jessica is also a member of the fabulous Flappettes, a sassy all female 1920's Jazz & Charleston troupe who regularly perform for charity and corporate events. As a professional dancer Jessica has performed live and on television since 1998. Her credits and appearances include: </p> <p>Breakfast Television, Instant Star, Molson Export "Judith" - Television commercial, Much Music Video Awards '06 with Fall Out Boy - "Dance, Dance" and Tory Cassis "Such A Crime" - Music video</p></td> </tr> </table> <h2><em>Chachi</em></h2> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.swingandtap.com/images/chachi&caitlin02.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="262" align="left"> Chachi has been on the top rung of the swing dance ladder worldwide for nearly 15 years. At 17 he began to travel the world to study with all the Lindy Hop greats. By the time he was 21 he had already made a name for himself as a top-tier dance instructor. His performance career took off during his 3 years living in Stockholm, Sweden where he was a full time member of The Rhythm Hot Shots, "The" Professional '20s, '30s and '40s dance company. He was also enrolled in the full time dance program at the Ballet Academy of Stockholm. <p class="style13">Chachi then moved to Chicago, where he started his own dance company, Forklift Dance Productions. They were featured in many Stage and Television Appearances including Dance Chicago, a highly esteemed showcase of Chicago's best dancers and companies. While in Chicago Chachi continued to develop his traditional dance skills under the guidance of Joel Hall. Chachi was also a full time member of The Tyego Dance Project, a Modern Jazz/Ballet company. He is currently the Director and principal dancer of Capital Dance Productions a Toronto based performance troupe that specializes in 20th century North American partner and solo dances. </p></td> </tr> </table> <br> <h1>Tap</h1> <h2><em>Jessica Westermann</em></h2> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.swingandtap.com/images/jessica-westermann-headshot.jpg" width="180" height="247" align="left"> Originally from Timmins, Ontario, Jessica started tap dancing at the age of four. Now at 25 years of tap dancing, Jessica has made it her career. She is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, where she is now a faculty member. Jessica was a dancer with the National Tap Dance Company of Canada for five years. On tour, the company travelled across Canada performing for young audiences. Jessica is also the Programming and Administrative Assistant for Dance Ontario and DanceWorks. She has programmed two Satellite Series events for Dance Ontario's DanceWeekend at the Premiere Dance Theatre, including a Tap Dance Series and a Latin Dance Series. Her most recent accomplishment was presenting Dance Ontario celebrates "TAP: Mr. Bojangles and Friends"; a one-night only Tap gala event at the Harbourfront Studio Theatre in May 2005. </td> </tr> </table> <h2><em>Alana Hock <span class="style14">(Also Instructing Swing) </span></em></h2> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.swingandtap.com/images/alana_lg.jpg" width="140" height="175" align="left"> "Alana Hock is an effervescent, larger-than-life young woman with a wicked sense of humour and the patience of a saint."<br> - John Karastamatis, National Post <p>This Ottawa native has studied Jazz, Tap and Swing in New York, Sweden, Mexico and Tokyo with some of the world's finest. Ever in demand, she has taught dance for over 15 years. Career highlights include; choreographing the hit Disney television show - Jojo's Circus and having the honor of assisting numerous times the 92-year-old granddaddy of swing, Frankie Manning.As a performer, you may have caught her on Bravo, YTV, at the Beaches Jazz Fest, Toronto's Harbourfront and Treehouse TV's - This Is Daniel Cook. Alana's warmth, support, and hundred-kilowatt smile set her apart. She'll motivate and inspire you to go as high as you dare.</p> </td> </tr> </table> <p><span class="style12">Print out and mail with payment to:</span></p> <p>Swing and Tap Registration<br> <p>Please send registrations at least one week before the start of any new session. If the session is less than a week away, bring your registration form to the studio and show up 15 minutes before class start time with payment. (Note that registration for classes are subject to availability)</p> <p>To enquire about classes please contact us by email at info@swingandtap.com or by phone at 647.220.5678</p> <h1>Your Next Event </h1> <h2><em>Performance Troupes</em></h2> <p>Our troupes are:</p> <ul> <li><strong>The Flappettes</strong> - A 1920's style all woman troupe. These girls really know how to shake their fringe.</li> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.swingandtap.com/images/flappettes.jpg"></p> <div align="center"><p>The Flappettes are Canada's only all-female 1920's dance company. These gals will take you back to the Roaring 20's with their exuberant Charleston steps and Boo-boop-be-doops. You may be familiar with our style from films like: The Great Gatsby, The Cotton Club, and Chicago. We have been featured at The Capitol Event Theatre, The Liberty Grand, Arcadian Court & Red Cabaret.</p> </div> <p>Check out our <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theflappettes" target="_blank">MySpace page</a>!</p> <li><strong>Swing Dance Troupe </strong> - A Swing Era performance troupe specializing in song and dance, both partnered and solo swing and tap. </li> </ul> <p>If you're planning an event, consider involving Swing and Tap Academy to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>SET THE SCENE</strong> - by dancing as people arrive and take their seats.</li> <li><strong> </strong><strong>GET THE NIGHT OFF TO A SWINGIN' START</strong> - by running a short social swing dance lesson to get guests out of their seats and by mingling with the crowd and getting them up on the dance floor.</li> <li><strong>MAKE IT MEMORABLE - </strong> by offering featured performances to amaze audiences with a professional dance show.</li> </ul> <h1>Bookings</h1> Please contact our Performance Director Jessica Jenkins at <span class="style4">647-220-5678</span> <h1>Frequently Asked Questions</h1> <h2><em>What do I need to wear and bring?</em></h2> <p>Wear light and comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes (flips flops, slippers etc. are not suitable for dancing). For partner dancing, breath mints and deodorant are a must. </p> <h2><em>For swing lessons, do I need to bring a partner?</em></h2> <p>No! We always rotate partners in every lesson, so you'll always have someone to dance with.</p> <h2><em>Do I need to have any experience to take the lessons?</em></h2> <p>No. We specialize in beginners! If you are interested in coming to any of the beginner lessons, absolutely no dance experience is required.</p> <h2><em>How much do the classes cost?</em></h2> <p>Details on prices are listed in the <a href="3.htm" target="mainFrame">Prices</a> page.</p> <h2><em>How do I register for classes?</em></h2> <p>Print out our <a href="5.htm" target="mainFrame">Registration Form</a> and send it in with your cheque to the address indicated. Please send registrations <em>at least</em> one week before the session begins. If the session is less than a week away, show up 15 minutes before your class with payment (subject to availbilty).</p> <h2><em>Where are the classes held?</em></h2> <p>263 Adelaide Street West, Basement Level. The closest cross streets are John and Duncan. The nearest subway stop is St Andrew Station.</p> <h2><em>Do you offer private dance classes?</em></h2> <p>Absolutely! For more information please check our <a href="3.htm" target="mainFrame">Prices</a> page, and to schedule one contact us at 647.220.5678.</p> <h2><em>Where can I go to practice my smooth moves?</em></h2> <p>Check out our <a href="http://www.swingandtap.com/8.htm" target="mainFrame">Links</a> page. </p> <h1>Links</h1> <div id="middlecol"> <div class="post"> <div> <h2><em>Swing Information</em></h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.torontolindyhop.com" target="_blank">Toronto Lindy Hop</a> - Go here to sign up for the Toronto Lindy Announce List </li> <li>Toronto Swing Dance info & calendar: <a href="http://www.dancing.org" target="_blank">www.dancing.org</a></li> <li>Lindy Hop history, videos: <a href="http://www.savoystyle.com" target="_blank">www.savoystyle.com</a></li> <li>The site for the hardcore hep-cat swinger: <a href="http://www.yehoodi.com" target="_blank">www.yehoodi.com</a></li> <li>The Canadian 'Yehoodi': <a href="http://www.lindyhopper.ca" target="_blank">www.lindyhopper.ca</a></li> <li>For upcoming Lindy events in Toronto & abroad, visit <a href="http://www.swingoutoftown.com/" target="_blank"> www.swingoutoftown.com</a></li> </ul> <h2><em>Places to go Dancing</em></h2> <ul> <li>Saturday night dances and specialty workshop information at: <a href="http://www.odd-socks.org" target="_blank">www.swingtoronto.com</a></li> <li>Tuesday night dancing at <a href="http://alleycatz.sites.toronto.com/" target="_blank">Alleycatz </a></li> <li>Tuesday – Saturday dancing to live music at the <a href="http://www.reservoirlounge.com" target="_blank">Reservoir Lounge</a></li> </ul> <h2><em>Tap Information</em></h2> <ul> <li>The Tap Dance Bible: <a href="http://www.tapdance.org" target="_blank">www.tapdance.org</a> </li> <li>Tap Shim Sham: <a href="http://www.tapdance.org/tap/steps/shimsham.htm" target="_blank">www.tapdance.org/tap/steps/shimsham.htm</a></li> </ul> <h2><em>Dance Gear</em></h2> <ul> <li>Lindy Hop clothing & shoes: <a href="http://www.dancestore.com" target="_blank">www.dancestore.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.malabar.net" target="_blank">www.malabar.net</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.dancewearcentre.com" target="_blank">www.dancewearcentre.com</a></li> </ul> <h2><span class="style13">Other Dance Information </span></h2> <ul> <li>Our Ballrom Dance Affiliate <a href="http://www.torontodance.ca">Toronto Dance</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </body>