The following are classes that we have taught in the past and plan to teach in the future. Watch our schedule for dates and times.
Shim Sham: You’ve seen this group dance at every Jive Junction, or nearly anywhere that swing dancers get together. Now learn it so that you, too, can participate! Shim Sham is not a difficult dance to learn, and it’s a group dance with no partnering until the all-skate at the end.
Jitterbug I: East Coast Swing, or Jitterbug, is a fun, simplified variation of Lindy. This beginning level class will teach all of the moves you need to know and give you a great foundation of lead/follow technique. Many people find Jitterbug to be a great place to start learning. $30 per person/$15 for members.
Lindy I: Lindy Hop is such a fun dance! In this class, you will learn the basics of Lindy Hop, the original swing dance from the 1930s. You’ll learn basic 8-count steps to give you a great start in lindy, plus solid lead and follow technique.
Charleston: Solo and Partner. Charleston is such a fun and simple dance to learn! Step, touch, step, touch. We’ll have you up and dancing like a flapper in no time. $30 per person/$15 for members.
Continuing Jitterbug: Add to your Jitterbug repertoire with this fun class. Must have a familiarity with Jitterbug (or East Coast Swing) basics. $30 per person/$15 for members.
The CORE: The one and only CORE. The original swing dance survey class in Des Moines, this class has been pleasing students for almost ten years now, and is historically one of our most popular classes. It’s ideal for both rank beginners, as well as more experienced dancers. Each week, we’ll cover a different swing dance – just the basics of each dance, and just the basic swing dances. Nothing too crazy, just the basics. It gives you a great “core” of knowledge in the swing dances. This class covers dances such as Jitterbug, Lindy, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and more. (This class does NOT progress, meaning that if you miss one week, it won’t impact the remaining weeks. This means it’s fine to drop in on just one or two classes. $15 per person per night to drop in.)
Lindy I: Lindy Hop is such a fun dance! In this class, you will learn the basics of Lindy Hop, the original swing dance from the 1930s. You’ll learn basic 8-count steps to give you a great start in lindy, plus solid lead and follow technique.
Lindy II: Starts where Lindy I left off. Learn more moves, and continue to develop your lead/follow technique, connection, and musicality. We’ll learn lots of fun new moves, but not enough to make your brain explode!
Lindy Charleston (30s Charleston): Lindy charleston is sometimes called 30s Charleston. It’s the Charleston most commonly danced as a component of lindy or jitterbug. Learn the basics, fun variations, and several super cool charleston moves.
Lindy Moves: Learn new moves for your lindy! We’ll teach you a variety of fun moves each week – some easy, some challenging. Assumes you know the basic steps of lindy (swingout, turn in, turn out).
Jitterbug I: East Coast Swing, or Jitterbug, is a fun, simplified variation of Lindy. This beginning level class will teach all of the moves you need to know and give you a great foundation of lead/follow technique. Many people find Jitterbug to be a great place to start learning. $30 per person/$15 for members.
Shim Sham: You’ve seen this group dance at every Jive Junction, or nearly anywhere that swing dancers get together. Now learn it so that you, too, can participate! Shim Sham is not a difficult dance to learn, and it’s a group dance with no partnering until the all-skate at the end. $20 per person/$10 for members.
Boogie Woogie: Boogie Woogie is a fun twist on East Coast Swing that was popular in the 1950s. It can be fast-paced, but it’s equally impressive danced at more moderate tempos. No previous dance experience required.
The Big Apple: The Big Apple is a group dance – this means there’s no partnering. It’s a series of jazz steps and moves that are fun to learn, and can also be incorporated into other swing dances. Mike and Janet make the Big Apple seem easy, and soon you’ll be joining us in the circle at Jive Junction!
The CORE: The one and only CORE. The original swing dance survey class in Des Moines, this class has been pleasing students for almost ten years now, and is historically one of our most popular classes. It’s ideal for both rank beginners, as well as more experienced dancers. Each week, we’ll cover a different swing dance – just the basics of each dance, and just the basic swing dances. Nothing too crazy, just the basics. It gives you a great “core” of knowledge in the swing dances. This class covers dances such as Jitterbug, Lindy, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and more. $30 per person/$15 for members. (This class does NOT progress, meaning that if you miss one week, it won’t impact the remaining weeks. This means it’s fine to drop in on just one or two classes. $15 per person per night to drop in.)
Swing Des Moines! 