Class dates: Jan 21st, 28th, Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
new students must attend the first class in order to take the series
Where: RVA Swing Studio 6114C Lakeside Ave, Henrico VA
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.
If you experience any errors being re-directed to PayPal (or if you just derp and navigate away), you can always use the "return to this booking" link in your RVA Swing confirmation email to complete your payment. The more you know! :)
Where: RVA Swing Studio 6114C Lakeside Ave, Henrico VA
Instructors: Mattie Kelly & Dylan Kilpatrick
Format: Rotating Partner. Students will change partners throughout class. No partner is needed to sign up.
Cost: Sliding Scale of $30 - $90 per person for the 6 week class (choose your price at registration)
Cost: Sliding Scale of $30 - $90 per person for the 6 week class (choose your price at registration)
All students must register and pre-pay online. (No walk-ins)
What is Swing? What is Lindy Hop?
Lindy Hop is the original swing dance (and often the terms "Swing" and "Lindy Hop" are used interchangeably). It was invented by Black Americans in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the 1920s and 30s and reflects the energy and excitement of the hard-driving swing music popular at the time.
Lindy Hop is the original swing dance (and often the terms "Swing" and "Lindy Hop" are used interchangeably). It was invented by Black Americans in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the 1920s and 30s and reflects the energy and excitement of the hard-driving swing music popular at the time.
About the class:
In this 6-week unit, students will get an introduction to the history of Lindy Hop while they learn partnering skills, basic footwork, and common Lindy Hop moves.
Because each class will build on the material in the previous class, registration is for the whole series only.
New students without prior experience in this specific dance style must attend the 1st class in order to participate in subsequent classes.
This class is aimed at new dancers with little or no dance experience. No partner is required to sign up.
A note on dance partners: we are offering this class in a standard Rotating Partner format. Students will change partners throughout class (even those who come with a partner). This helps everyone learn the art of social dancing and provides all students with equitable access to dance partners. If you want to dance only with your partner, you may wish to look into private lessons.
A note on dance roles: Swing dancing is basically a team sport consisting of two players. You'll be asked to choose whether you'd like to learn as a "follow" or as a "lead" at registration. This is to help us make sure we have a good lead/follow balance in the class. If you don't have a strong role preference, you can indicate that also, and we can assign you a dance role when you arrive, based on the balance of the class. Both roles are equally fun, and also equally challenging. Learn more about dance roles in this handy video!
About Your Instructors
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)
Dylan's bio coming soon!
About Sliding Scale Pricing
Our sliding scale is about making dance more accessible to everyone, while also making sure our instructors are paid fairly for their time & labor. You can choose from 4 prices at registration. Those in a position to pay a little more can choose to do so & help to support our community and sustain our studio space.
Supporter/Sustainer ($75/$90): suggested for those who easily meet their own needs and have plenty of expendable income
Standard ($60): suggested for those who meet their own needs and have some expendable income
Discounted ($30): suggested for those who struggle to meet their needs and/or don't have much expendable income (limited discount registrations available in each series)
Register for Class
Registered students: Our registration system sends out an almost instant confirmation email with a copy of your registration form. Didn't receive one? Please check your spam folder first, then contact us at RVAswing@gmail.com. (If you paid with PayPal, you will also get a PayPal receipt once your payment is complete, sent from PayPal).
If you experience any errors being re-directed to PayPal (or if you just derp and navigate away), you can always use the "return to this booking" link in your RVA Swing confirmation email to complete your payment. The more you know! :)
Venmo payments should go to @Erica-Vess within 24 hours of registration. Use 3132 if prompted to verify your payment. :)
You'll also receive an email from us the day before the first class with everything you need to know.
By registering for RVA Swing classes/events you agree to our Studio Policies & Code of Conduct.
-- Please wear suede or leather-soled dance shoes (that have not been worn outside) for classes and dances.
-- If you don't own dance shoes, please bring a clean pair of flat shoes with non-marking soles to change into for classes/dances. This will help us keep grit and dirt off the floor.
You'll also receive an email from us the day before the first class with everything you need to know.
By registering for RVA Swing classes/events you agree to our Studio Policies & Code of Conduct.
Shoe Policy
We spent over a month building our dance floor and we want it to stand the test of time! Help us keep it nice by following these basic guidelines:
-- Please remove your street shoes in our waiting area.
We spent over a month building our dance floor and we want it to stand the test of time! Help us keep it nice by following these basic guidelines:
-- Please remove your street shoes in our waiting area.
-- Please wear suede or leather-soled dance shoes (that have not been worn outside) for classes and dances.
-- If you don't own dance shoes, please bring a clean pair of flat shoes with non-marking soles to change into for classes/dances. This will help us keep grit and dirt off the floor.
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. Please use our Google Maps business listing for directions.
