RETRO RHYTHM

"JAZZ WITH JOEL" SERIES

Join in and dance the vernacular jazz steps
that keep the spirit of the Swing Era alive!

Learn the classic routines danced in swing communities across the globe.

Build rhythm, confidence, and an authentic jazz repertoire while connecting with a tradition that’s been inspiring dancers for generations.

These classes are suitable for all ages.
No partner or previous dance experience required!

<<<<< to the left: 
Joel & Valerie Salstrom (far left duo) performing The Big Apple at a teacher demo in Italy

CLASS INFORMATION

"JAZZ WITH JOEL" SERIES:

=== February 21 - Shim Sham Madness ===
     9:45-10:45am - Basic Shim Sham
      --- Created in 1932 by Willy Bryant & Leonard Reed at Connie's Inn in New York.  On Monday nights, entertainers would
             gather and Bryant & Reed wanted to put together a routine that everyone could join and the Shim Sham was born.

     11:00am-12:00pm - Al & Leon version (aka Savoy Shim Sham)
       --- Al Minns & Leon James were two prolific Jazz dancers during the Swing Era.  They put their own spin on the classic,
             shared it with a few friends and it was filmed one night at the Savory Ballroom.  Hence, aka the Savoy Shim Sham.

     12:15-2:30pm - Dean Collins version (Tap Style, Boogie Routine & Savoy Kick sections)
       --- Dean Collins was a famous dancer that was featured in many movies as he took the skills he learned in New York
              out to California.  He was a tap dancer so the first part of his version incorporates the "tap style" of the classic
              Shim Sham steps and then he added in 2 other sections known as the Boogie Routine and the Savoy Kicks

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=== April 18 - The Big Apple ===    

     9:45am-1:15pm - The Big Apple (Keep Punchin')  
       --- Besides the Shim Sham, this is one of the most performed Classic Routines around the globe. 
              Frankie Manning choreographed this for the movie "Keep Punchin' " and is a favorite among all the Swing Dancers! 
              Various communities have created their own Big Apple routines or do "Social Big Apples".

     1:30-2:30pm - Full Review/Practice      
       --- If you already know The Big Apple and want to come in to practice and hone your skills, please join in for this final
               hour as we put it all together!  This is an option on the ticket drop down for The Big Apple.​​

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=== June 20 - Legends Jazz Routines ===    
     9:45am-12:00pm - Norma's Trickeration    
       --- Swing dance legend, Norma Miller's "go to routine" when she would audition dancers for her performance troupe

     12:15-2:30pm - Frankie/Chazz Shim Sham 
       --- Ever wonder why everyone stands around during the song "Tain't What You Do" waiting to start up the Shim Sham
               again?  Well, wait no more because Frankie & Chazz came up with an amazing bit of choreography to this song so
               that it really fits the music along with cool variations on the classic Shim Sham.  Prior Shim Sham knowledge is
               highly encouraged but not mandatory.  A great prep day is above on Feb 21!!!​

 

=== August 8 - The Tranky Doo (Spirit Moves) ===        
     9:45am-1:15pm - Tranky Doo       
              --- In the documentary "The Spirit Moves" Al Minns, Leon James, and Pepsi Bethal share The Tranky Doo. 
                     Tranky Doo was a Jazz performer in New York with a signature choreography which starts off this routine. 
                     Then; Al, Leon, and Pepsi took off and added a great array of Jazz steps/sequences to share for the filming. 
                     Frankie Manning also did a version, and we will get to that in a later workshop!

     1:30-2:30pm - Tranky Doo Full Review/Practice       
              --- If you already know the Tranky Doo (Spirit Moves) and want to come in to practice and hone your skills,
                     please join in for this final hour as we put it all together!  This is an option on the ticket drop down.

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