Solo Sessions

What: Solo Jazz Guided Practice

When: 2nd Sunday of the Month, 1pm - 3pm (next session: Dec 8th, 2024)

Where: RVA Swing dance studio, 6114C Lakeside Ave Henrico VA 23228

Instructor: Mattie Kelly

Level: this session is open-level

Cost: Suggested donation at the door $5-$10 (Cash or Venmo, please)

No advance signup needed for this monthly practice.

First hour: Guided Practice

Join Mattie for a new solo vernacular jazz topic every month! They will have content prepared, but expect a looser, more casual atmosphere than a traditional dance class. Topics will change monthly, and may include:

- historical context and inspiration

- improvisation exercises and games

- drills for technique and vocabulary

- short choreography 

Mattie is open to requests-- if there is something you hope to work on, shoot them a message on Instagram! @queerswingdance.rva

Second hour: Open Practice & Feedback

Stick around to practice concepts from the first hour! Get feedback from Mattie and your peers, bring your own stuff to work on, or just hang out for inspiration and music. 🙂

About Your Instructor

While Mattie Kelly began dancing Lindy Hop in 2013, they fell in love with swing dancing long before that (specifically, while watching Swing Kids in high school World History class). Since then, it has gloriously taken over their life, and they're pretty happy about that. 

 

An educator by profession, Mattie knows that it takes more than technical skill to be an effective teacher. They are adept at meeting people where they are and encouraging growth from any skill level. As a teacher, Mattie is candid, adaptable, and the right amount of goofy.

Outside of the classroom, you can find Mattie solo dancing in most situations-- whether it's improvising on the social floor, practicing drills in the studio, or choreographing and performing with her teammates. If you really want to get them going, ask Mattie about their favorite version of Splanky.

(photo credit: Jerry Almonte)