What does Green level mean? How does it work?
In Green level, you’ve just discovered Lindy Hop, and you are overwhelmed, amazed and enthusiastic about this world of swing dance!
Here you'll get a taste of the basics that will give you all you need to start social dancing and improvising.
Once you've completed the absolute beginners green course, you will be invited to take Green Lindy Hop ELEF 2, 3 and 4.
These will really introduce you to the important concepts in lindy hop - rhythm, self expression, improvisation, as well as some figures like the swing out and charleston.
On completion of the green levels, you'll be invited to join the blue level. Occasionally, when a student could benefit from a little more work on the basics, they will be invited to take a green course a second time, to really cement these elements in their dancing, before moving onto the blue level.
What can I expect in a Blue level course?
The blue level course is where you can expect to play with rhythms and expand your vocabulary with more complex moves.
These courses sometimes have themes, which give a loose structure to the lessons. Themes have covered topics such as 'rotations & connection', 'classically inspired steps & conversation', or 'rhythms & playfulness'.
There might be two blue courses per week in the schedule, in which the material will be equally challenging. Therefore, you can choose the day that is most suitable for you, or perhaps take more than one blue course at a time!
My teachers have invited me to join the Yellow level course. What awaits me in yellow?
In yellow we go back to the basics. You know all the moves you need to know, so it’s time to geek out, experiment and play beyond the moves. It’s a co-learning space where you take more responsibility for your own learning. Sometimes you bring the thing to the table!
Yellow has a different structure to the previous levels. It’s not about expanding your vocabulary, but rather deepening your understanding of your place in the dance. This level expects a sense of self-development, of being reflective, of being open and wanting to give something back. Have a look at these questions to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Self development and self reflection
- How are you expanding your awareness of music and dance? Do you practice other dances, instruments, do you read up on historical and cultural context?
- You will be focusing more on developing your own style. Where are you excited to start this process?
- Have you already thought about the things you could improve on?
Being open and giving back
- We will sometimes take a more interdisciplinary approach, taking inspiration from theatre, music, drawing and play. How much did you take from your previous conceptual classes?
- How are you contributing to the class and/or community?
- Are you practicing regularly and attending social dances?
- Don’t be surprised if sometimes there might be homework.