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| Custom RVA Swing artwork by Claire Simmonds |
When: Thursdays at 6pm starting August 7th, 2025
Class dates: August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
Where: RVA Swing studio 6114C Lakeside Ave
Instructor: Erica Vess
Cost: Sliding Scale $20 to $60 for the 4 week class series
Instructor: Erica Vess
Cost: Sliding Scale $20 to $60 for the 4 week class series
single classes available in the 1st 3 classes of this special series ($12)
Advance registration required.
What is Vintage Jazz? What is Solo Jazz?
"Vintage jazz" refers to the jazz music of the 20's & 30's and also to the dances typically done to that music. Anything you dance to jazz music without a partner is often referred to by swing dancers as "solo jazz." Vernacular simply means "of or by the people" as this style of jazz was not developed in a formal studio setting.
Swing dancing is richly intertwined with vernacular solo jazz and both forms of dancing influence each other greatly. Jazz dance, Lindy Hop & swing music in general are art forms developed by Black Americans in the early decades of the 20th century, and are now a world-wide phenomenon. Unlike codified European dance styles, which often require dancers to strive for an ideal style or form, vernacular jazz encourages individual style and expression.
In today's modern Lindy Hop community, solo dancing is seen as an integral part of the broader canvas of your partnered dancing, as well as a way to study & appreciate the originators of this dance. Solo movement classes are primarily about personal expression, and getting acquainted with how your body moves. At RVA Swing, we seek to cultivate an awareness & appreciation of the history & origins of jazz dance, as well as for the dance itself.
Swing dancing is richly intertwined with vernacular solo jazz and both forms of dancing influence each other greatly. Jazz dance, Lindy Hop & swing music in general are art forms developed by Black Americans in the early decades of the 20th century, and are now a world-wide phenomenon. Unlike codified European dance styles, which often require dancers to strive for an ideal style or form, vernacular jazz encourages individual style and expression.
In today's modern Lindy Hop community, solo dancing is seen as an integral part of the broader canvas of your partnered dancing, as well as a way to study & appreciate the originators of this dance. Solo movement classes are primarily about personal expression, and getting acquainted with how your body moves. At RVA Swing, we seek to cultivate an awareness & appreciation of the history & origins of jazz dance, as well as for the dance itself.
About the class & the routine:
Never danced at all before? This class is for you!
Taken our partnered dance classes but want to try some solo movement? This class is for you!
Never danced at all before? This class is for you!
Taken our partnered dance classes but want to try some solo movement? This class is for you!
Done some solo jazz, but like, it's been a minute? This will be a great class for you, too. :)
It's time to move n' groove! In this 4-week unit, students will explore basic vernacular jazz steps while also learning short pieces of choreography. This series is recommeded to all our Intro & Level 2 students but will also be very beginner-friendly, so that anyone can join in on the fun!
It's time to move n' groove! In this 4-week unit, students will explore basic vernacular jazz steps while also learning short pieces of choreography. This series is recommeded to all our Intro & Level 2 students but will also be very beginner-friendly, so that anyone can join in on the fun!
Absolutely no dance experience is needed.
Because the class material will be self-contained from week to week, we are allowing students to sign up for just a single class during the first 3 weeks of class. (The 4th week will focus on putting it all together and is for full series students). Advance registration is still required for single classes.
About your instructor:
Erica Vess owns & operates the RVA Swing studio & has been teaching Lindy Hop, Balboa & Jazz in Richmond since 2012. Known for her patient, clear instruction and A+ joke skills, her primary goal is creating a safe, fun, & supportive learning environment for all students.Register for Class:
registration closed
Registered students: Our registration system sends out an almost instant confirmation email with all your information to the email address you supplied on the registration form. Didn't receive one? Please check your spam folder first, then contact us at RVAswing@gmail.com. (You will also get a PayPal receipt once your payment is complete, sent from PayPal). Payment didn't go through? Please visit our PayPal Help page or email us before submitting a duplicate registration form.
Venmo payments go to @Erica-Vess (use 3132 if prompted). Please make a note of what class it is for.
You'll also receive an email from us the day of class with everything you need to know. Meanwhile, take a look at our studio policies here.
You'll also receive an email from us the day of class with everything you need to know. Meanwhile, take a look at our studio policies here.
We can't wait to meet ya!
How to find us
The RVA Swing studio is located inside the Lakeside Towne Center, at 6114 Lakeside Ave. There is tons of free parking in the lot adjacent to the Farmer's Market pavilion, as well as behind the Towne Center building. Enter through the Towne Shops door under the RVA Swing sign and head down the hallway!
Please note that some GPS systems will send you about 2 blocks away. You want the parking lot by the Farmers Market and the CVS. :)
