Introductory Classes in West Coast Swing

Anchorage dance instructors Liv Froholm and Van Rauch will offer a day-long introduction to West Coast Swing on Saturday, January 14 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. The workshop is open to all, regardless of previous dance experience.

West Coast Swing has its roots in Lindy Hop of the 30s and 40s. By the late 70s, "California Swing" became more widely known as "West Coast Swing." It is a smooth swing dance that uses leverage and compression to give it a unique elastic look. Liv Froholm and Van Rauch have been teaching dance in Alaska since 2000 and Froholm is the driving force behind West Coast Swing Alaska, a non-profit dance club. She competes successfully in West Coast Swing, Hustle, and Night Club Two-Step. Rauch has dance background from Albuquerque, NM and Portland, OR where he competed in many regional events. They got their start together in Country Western dancing and competition.

According to Rauch, "West Coast Swing lends itself to improvisation probably more than any other swing dance and can be danced to 4/4 timed music in many genres: blues, contemporary, jazz, R&B and country western to name a few. What defines West Coast Swing is not static; it is the kind of music and the two people who are dancing it."

The one day workshop will consist of four 75-minute sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. On Saturday evening, Froholm and Rauch will teach during a portion of the monthly ballroom event, also at the JACC. The dance will begin at 7 p.m. Froholm and Rauch will teach between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Where:
Juneau Arts and Culture Center (JACC)
Located across the parking lot from Centennial Hall
Downtown Juneau

Sessions:

• Sat, Jan 14 -- 9:00am - 10:15am
  Introduction to West Coast Swing: 6 count basics. Basic rhythm, connection and basic six count patterns.
• Sat, Jan 14 -- 10:30am - 11:45am
  Six count basics continued. More advanced six count patterns with additional technique.
• 1-hour 45-minute lunch break.
• Sat, Jan 14 -- 1:30pm - 2:45pm
  Eight count basic in WCS: The whip and whip variations.
• Sat, Jan 14 -- 3:00pm - 4:15pm
  Introduction to additional footwork and styling in WCS: Putting it all together.
• Sat, Jan 14 -- 7:00pm - 10:00pm
  Froholm and Rauch will teach 7:30pm - 8:30pm
  Monthly ballroom dance at JACC.

Weekend Package is $50 (all four sessions). Single sessions are $15.

JIF member package is $40.

Evening event also at JACC is not included in the above fees. There will be a $5 charge.

For further information contact 364-2334, jifdance@hotmail.com, or visit www.jifdancers.org.

2012 JIF Ballroom Dance Schedule

Sat, Jan 14 †
  (Liv Froholm and Van Rauch teaching West Coast Swing)

(Spring ballroom dance schedule will be posted soon)

Notes:
All dances are located in Centennial Hall, 7-10 PM, unless otherwise noted. Lesson at 7:30 PM. Dances with live bands are $10. All others $5.

† Juneau Arts and Culture Center (JACC).