Level Descriptions

Below you can find level descriptions for everything we do at Key Town Swing. If you still have questions after reading, or are unsure what level would suit you best, feel free to contact us!

Taster Classes

All our taster classes are aimed at total beginners, unless otherwise specified. This means they typically don't require you to have any dance experience at all. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with a slippery sole, perhaps bring an extra shirt as you are likely to break a sweat. 
You don't need to bring a partner to class, but doing so does help a lot with keeping the group balanced. If you come to a class solo, you'll be partnerd with another solo dancer. In our partnered classes you will be asked to change partners throughout class. If you are very uncomfortable with this but still would like to take the class together, please come and talk to the teachers beforehand.

Lindy Hop level 1

Our fundamentals level Lindy Hop. In 13 weeks you will get familiarised with the basic steps and movements, along with a great deal of moves used to build up the dance. After this block you are ready to take your first steps of Lindy Hop on the dance floor!

This level has some ELEF classes - read more below!

Lindy Hop level 2

This level is for solidifying the basics and getting comfortable with a wider range of tempos. We will greatly expand our vocabulary in this level, while mainly focusing on partner connection and strengthening our dancing technique. Next to Lindy Hop, you will also be introduced to the Charleston, which is an integral part of our dancing.
Please note: Typically you will spend around one year in this level. We keep rotating through our material to keep everyone engaged.

Lindy Hop level 3

In this level we will work on building more confidence as dancers, by going deeper into technical aspects of certain movements and connections. We will build on both 20’s and 30’s Charleston, will teach you different variations and give you tools to combine moves, and create more flow in your dancing.
Please note: Typically you will spend more than one year in this level. Most of the material in this level is not fixed, meaning we can tailor the classes better to the group.

Collegiate Shag level 1

Our beginner level of Shag, so no experience needed! In 13 weeks we will focus on the basics, on the different style variations within Collegiate Shag, and how to bring flow and ease into this fast-paced and extremely fun swing dance from the 1930's!

This level has some ELEF classes - read more below!

Collegiate Shag level 2

When you feel comfortable social dancing Collegiate Shag, it's time to take your dancing to the next level! With a high focus on technique, these classes will have you increase your speed, improve your basics and will give you a great number of moves and variations to play with.
Please note: Typically you will spend around one year in this level. We keep rotating through our material to keep everyone engaged.

Collegiate Shag level 3

From intricate footwork variations, to truly advanced patterns and moves, this level is for Shag dancers who are up for a real challenge! Continuing to work on technique and finetuning all the fancy things in your vocabulary, while also working on posture, balance and movement. We will implement competition formats to build speed and improvisation skills, will challenge the group to work on synchronicity and individuality, and will be having fun with concepts like Followers Initiative. 

More Info About Classes

Beginner Courses

Our Beginner courses have expanded to 13-week sessions instead of just 10 weeks. This extended timeframe allows us to focus more on technique and provides more time for practice and fine-tuning. That way our beginner students can comfortably transition to the next level, feeling more prepared and confident in their abilities, leading to a more fulfilling experience.
We believe in creating dancers who are both skilled and adaptable, which is why our Beginner courses start with three ELEF (Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows) classes. By exploring both leading and following, students gain a better understanding of each role, empowering them to make an informed choice about their preferred role. This inclusive method breaks down traditional gender roles, fosters flexibility, and enhances the ability to connect with different partners, resulting in a richer and more well-rounded dance experience for everyone.
Besides switching roles in the first few classes, we also practice partner rotation in all our classes. More on this below.
Never danced Swing before? No worries! You don't even need a partner, just come ready to dance! Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

How We Teach At Key Town Swing

The dances we teach are 'social dances'. In our classes we rotate partners throughout, to help everyone build adaptability and confidence on the dance floor. This practice is essential for learning to connect with different leaders and followers, enhancing your ability to communicate through the dance. Changing partners ensures that everyone improves together and creates a welcoming environment, reflecting the social and inclusive spirit of these dances. It also mirrors the dance's tradition of engaging with different people in a fun, community-driven way, something we find very important.
All our classes are based on a layered teaching style. This approach breaks things down into manageable elements, beginning with fundamental movements and steps, and gradually layering on more intricate techniques. This helps students to fully grasp each concept before moving on, making learning more intuitive and less overwhelming.
Founder Ron Smits brings a wealth of experience and passion to his teaching. With over 20 years as a trained educator in Drama, Music, and Arts, Ron’s diverse background enriches his dance instruction, offering students a unique blend of technical skill, musicality, and stage presence. Since even before founding Key Town Swing in 2016, Ron has taught Lindy Hop, Shag, Boogie, and Blues across Europe, infusing his classes with a deep understanding of rhythm, expression, and performance. His dynamic approach, mixed with a passion for the music and the history of the dances, helps dancers to look beyond simply learning the steps, and develop a deeper connection to the dance.