Beginner Charleston Dance Course

Lesson 1 • History and Cultural Roots

Traces Charleston from 1920s Harlem and African American vernacular dance traditions to mainstream popularity. Provides cultural context that informs authentic movement interpretation.

Lesson 2 • Body Alignment and Posture

Establishes correct spinal alignment, weight distribution, and relaxed joint positioning essential for safe Charleston execution. Prevents injury from the outset.

Lesson 3 • Music Structure and Rhythm

Identifies the jazz rhythms, syncopation, and swing feel that drive Charleston timing. Students connect musical phrasing to movement initiation.

Lesson 1 • Travelling Charleston Variations

Applies the basic step to directional travel: forward, backward, and diagonal. Expands spatial awareness and floor navigation skills.

Lesson 2 • Kick Ball Change and Syncopations

Introduces the kick ball change as a rhythmic accent tool and layered syncopations that add complexity to basic footwork. Builds rhythmic dexterity.

Lesson 3 • The Basic Charleston Step

Breaks down the eight-count basic step into weight shifts, kicks, and timing. This pattern is the structural foundation for every Charleston variation.

Lesson 1 • Classic Arm Positions

Introduces the signature bent-elbow, swinging arm positions of 1920s Charleston. Correct arm placement distinguishes authentic style from generic jazz movement.

Lesson 2 • Head and Neck Styling

Covers head tilts, nods, and directional focus that project confidence and performance energy. Connects facial expression to overall performance quality.

Lesson 3 • Torso Isolation and Swing

Develops independent torso movement including chest pops, rib shifts, and natural swing bounce. Torso freedom amplifies the rhythmic energy of footwork.

Lesson 1 • Synchronized Basic and Travelling Steps

Applies solo footwork patterns to partner format, ensuring synchronized timing and spatial coordination. Partners learn to match rhythm and direction together.

Lesson 2 • Lead and Follow Principles

Teaches the physical signals leaders use to initiate movement and how followers interpret and respond. Builds a shared movement vocabulary between partners.

Lesson 3 • Partner Etiquette and Floor Craft

Covers social dance etiquette, asking and declining dances respectfully, and navigating a shared dance floor safely. Prepares students for real social dance environments.

Lesson 1 • 20s Charleston Styling Variations

Introduces period-specific variations such as the Collegiate, Shorty George, and knee-slap accents. Deepens historical authenticity and expressive range.

Lesson 2 • Lindy Hop Era Charleston Adaptations

Shows how Charleston evolved within Lindy Hop, including swing-out entries and exits. Connects Charleston vocabulary to the broader swing dance ecosystem.

Lesson 3 • Tandem Charleston

Teaches the tandem position where partners face the same direction and mirror footwork. Develops spatial awareness and timing precision in a new partner orientation.

Lesson 1 • Solo Improvisation Techniques

Introduces frameworks for solo improvisation including vocabulary cycling, rhythmic play, and spatial exploration. Students develop personal movement voice.

Lesson 2 • Partner Improvisation and Dialogue

Extends improvisation into partner context, where leaders and followers co-create movement in real time. Builds adaptive communication and shared creativity.

Lesson 3 • Identifying Musical Accents

Trains the ear to detect hits, breaks, and accents in jazz music and match them with movement choices. Musical awareness elevates performance beyond mechanical execution.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Dance Composition

Covers contrast, repetition, climax, and spatial design as tools for building engaging routines. Compositional principles transform sequences into meaningful performances.

Lesson 2 • Rehearsal Strategies and Refinement

Teaches structured rehearsal methods including marking, full-out runs, and targeted drilling of weak sections. Efficient rehearsal maximises performance quality.

Lesson 3 • Selecting and Structuring Vocabulary

Guides students in choosing appropriate moves for a routine and arranging them in a logical, dynamic order. Vocabulary selection reflects musical and thematic intent.

Lesson 1 • Speed and Precision Training

Builds the ability to execute clean footwork at high tempos without sacrificing accuracy or style. Speed training is approached progressively to prevent injury.

Lesson 2 • Developing Personal Style

Guides students in identifying and amplifying their natural movement tendencies to build an authentic personal style. Style emerges from informed creative choices.

Lesson 3 • Critique, Reflection, and Goal Setting

Establishes a practice of self-critique using video review and structured reflection to set targeted improvement goals. Sustains long-term growth beyond the course.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Syncopation and Polyrhythm

Introduces complex rhythmic layering where feet, arms, and torso operate on different rhythmic values simultaneously. Develops sophisticated rhythmic independence.