Swing Dancing
With more than 35 years of dance experience, performing and teaching the Lindy Hop and related jazz dances, to share and passing on the dance is still one of my biggest joy in life. I teach private, and group lessons on all levels. I truly enjoy helping the beginner with their first wobbly steps, as well as fine-tuning rhythms and variations with the advanced dancer.
What is the
Lindy Hop?
Lindy Hop is an African-American dance named after aviator Charles Lindbergh and his solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927. The Lindy is a rhythmical and groovy couple dance that grew out of the ballrooms in Harlem, New York City in the 1920s and 1930s and originally evolved with the jazz music of that time. The Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based on jazz, tap, breakaway and Charleston. It is frequently described as a jazz dance and is a member of the swing dance family.
In its development, the Lindy Hop combined elements of both partnered and solo dancing by using the movements and improvisation of Black dances along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. This is most clearly illustrated in the Lindy’s basic step, the swingout. In this step’s open position, each dancer is generally connected hand-to-hand; in its closed position, partners are connected as though in a loose embrace.
Revived in the 1980s by American, Swedish, and British dancers, the Lindy Hop is now represented by dancers and loosely affiliated grass roots organizations all over the world.
About “W”
During the 1990s when eWa was a member of the Swedish performance troupe The Rhythm Hot Shots, she had the privilege to frequently partner with Frankie Manning, “the ambassador of Lindy Hop”. Her style of Lindy hop and vernacular jazz dancing is characterized as a pure and powerful quality based on Harlem traditions and extensive experience.
Today eWa teaches Lindy hop locally as well as internationally, performs occasionally, and gives talks and demos. Her background and know-how positions her as an important link between the traditions of the dance form and the contemporary dance communities.
My Offers
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Private Instructions
Maybe are you getting ready for a special occasion and want to be more comfortable on the dance floor. Maybe you want to deepen your Lindy Hop knowledge and work on specific moves and rhythms. Contact me and tell me about your dancing needs and goals no matter the level!
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Group classes
With more than 35 years of teaching the Lindy Hop and other related swing dances around the world, eWa has deep-rooted experience to pass on the dance to dancers on all levels, in big or small groups. The students appreciate her easy-to-understand instructions, as well as her honest care for each student.
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School programs
“An introduction to Swing dancing”. Whether you are looking for a one-time try-it-lesson or a package with 6-8 consecutive lessons for the coming semester. eWa’s flexible program is adjustable to your students’ needs. Either way, eWa’s lessons always aims to pass on both the history of the dance and the music as well as the actual steps, rhythms, and patterns of the dance.
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Lectures “All that Jazz”
During eWa’s talk, she’ll introduce you to some of the greatest musicians, dancers, and entertainers of the Swing Era (1920s-1940s). Video clips are combined with eWa’s own stories after years of experience in show-business. You will be guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a new swing to your step.
