The Secrets of Connection with Nathan & Gaby
Saturday June 22nd, 12pm – 4pm
Pearl studios at 519 8th Ave, 12th Fl (maximum 24 students)
Connection is a social-dance buzz word that has many, technical interpretations. This workshop is about the root experiences, how we feel, see, communicate with, and enjoy our partner. We will learn leading and following “from the ground up.”
We will play games, learn moves, and practice together, in a process that is sure to enhance your dance (and your life)! Join us for this special, focused workshop, available one day only.
Space is limited & pre-registration is recommended
Pre-register with a Class Card
If you’d like to use your class card to pre-register, you must present your class card in person at Nathan & Gaby’s weekly class. (Note: you do not need to attend the Tuesday evening class).
If you are unable to present your class card, please contact gaby at hello@nathanandgaby.comand write in the workshops you’d like to attend.
Gaby Cook hosts a limited run of solo jazz tasters for lindy hoppers who want to up their solo game
Each evening is unique and focuses on a different topic
ONLY 3 Wednesdays: January 30, February 6, February 13 8-10pm at Pearl Studios 519 8th ave
STRUCTURE
Each evening is composed of two separate tasters, each addressing the same topic. These classes can be taken independent of each other — but is recommended back to back.
8pm: Fundamentals & Drills 9pm: Learn a choreography with news skills and steps
DESCRIPTIONS & DATES
Basic Info
Pearl Studios, 519 8th ave — 12th fl
8 – 10pm on Wednesdays (2 classes / evening)
Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13
Jan 30: Rhythm
– Let’s start with the important stuff: rhythm. These two workshops will give students a rhythm tool kit to shape and bend their movements. Basic steps become bold and exciting when rhythm, variations and phrasing are mixed in.
Feb 6: Isolations
– Boogie forward, shorty george, fishtails. What do they all have in common? Isolation of one part of the body. This evening, we will focus on isolating different parts of the body and drill unique movement exercises.
Feb 13: Powaaaahhh
– This final taster is going to be about the energy in your body. How do we fuel our movements? How do we ground ourselves while dancing? Where’s the line between muscular strength and follow through? This class will improve the power you put behind your steps to make you a more dynamic dancer.
PRICING
$20/class at the door
$15/class with N&G class card
Classes take place 9 – 10pm, Wednesday Nights
Rehearsal Dates: November 8, 15, 29. Dec 6, 13
Performance Date: December 21 at Frim Fram Jam
This is a class aimed at lindy hoppers of all types who want to expand their horizons
and take on a new, fresh solo jazz routine for performance.
QUESTIONS
Will there be special pricing for this series?
Nope, normal Nathan & Gaby class prices apply. You can use you class card towards this series, or you can pay our drop-in rate per class.
I’m interested in the class, but I don’t want to perform
All students are not required to perform — however the class will still be treated as a performance class. Each week will build on material from previous choreography. Students will be expected to keep up with the material from previous weeks, and rehearsal outside class may be necessary.
I’d like to perform, but I’m going to miss one of the classes. Is that okay?
Performing students are permitted to miss 1 of the 5 class sessions. Video recaps will be made available through the Nathan & Gaby Facebook page.
What level is the class? Do I qualify?
This class is aimed at intermediate solo jazz dancers, or advanced lindy hoppers / studio dancers with a strong capacity for choreography. Students are expected to know basic solo jazz vocabulary present in the Shim Sham.
Where will we perform? Our goal is to perform at Frim Fram shortly after the class series has ended, December 21st. Should other performance opportunities arise — they will be presented to the group
No need to commit to performance on the first day. Get started with us on November 8, and see where it takes you.
1:00 – 5:00pm at Chelsea Studios 151 West 26th, Studio 601
Spring is on the horizon — and some great swing dance events are just around the corner. It’s the best time to get back in the swing of solo jazz and choreography! Join veteran swing choreographer and solo jazz artist, Gaby Cook for a day of vocabulary, improvisation, performance and play.
DAY OF PRICES: 60-min Class: $25
DAY OF PRICES: Full Day: $70 (4 classes)
Photo by Steve L Wong
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
1pm: Drilling the Basics (Beginner / Intermediate) Feeling a little out of practice with solo jazz? Or perhaps you’ve never tried it? Drilling the basics is the right place to start. This class will be a vernacular jazz Vocabulary Refresher. Get to know the jazz steps that are the foundation of swing dance
2pm: Solo Jazz Choreography (Beginner / Intermediate) Now that we know a thing or two, let’s play. In this class we’ll put thread together jazz steps in an engaging and artful way. This routine will help reiterate jazz steps, while also using new tools like rhythm, phrasing and sequencing. Great for students who are new to jazz dance choreography.
3pm: Creative Rhythm (Intermediate / Advanced) In this class, students will focus their creative powers on creating interesting rhythms, and building dance phrases that accompany those ideas. Working in both individually and in duets, students will create rhythmic ideas (with scat or singing) and then generate a phrase that works with their new rhythm.
4pm: “Revolution in Rhythm” (Intermediate / Advanced) Learn Gaby’s original choreography performed at the famous Jazz at Lincoln Center. Students will learn choreography prepared for the show “Swing Time: A Revolution in Rhythm” by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring Wynton Marsalis.
WHERE TO FIND US
Our Lindy Hop Intensive will be located at Chelsea Studios, 151 W 26th on the 6th floor
This month is a busy month at Chelsea studios, and we’ll be relocated to Pearl studios for the month of April. In May, we will resume our classes at Chelsea studios, but will confirm that information on our website when we have those dates solidified.
Tuesday, April 4: Studio H
Tuesday, April 11: Studio G
Tuesday, April 18: Studio H
Tuesday, April 25: Studio H
WHERE TO FIND US
Pearl studios has two locations. We will be holding our classes for the month at 519 8th Avenue.
Starting Swing Dance?
Here’s what you need to know
Swing dancing is a fun and unique way to make new friends, get some exercise and learn basic partner dancing. There’s lots of reasons to fall in love with swing, and you’ll likely find more than one reason.
What IS swing dancing, exactly?
Okay, you’re interested…
But where to start?
Like any new hobby, swing takes some dedicated time to learn. Like guitar lessons, or improv comedy, you’re going to want to find a class that suits you. Class size, quality of instruction and balance between fun and work affect your capacity to learn swing dancing. Class-time will combine new information (moves, posture, partnering) as well as time to practice dancing.
Nathan Bugh and Gaby Cook offer classes to new students interested in swing. They are both award-winning experts in swing dance, and are renowned world-wide for their expertise, enthusiasm and charisma. With Nathan and Gaby, you’ll learn dance technique at the highest level.
Beginner classes with Nathan and Gaby take place7pm on Tuesday nights at Chelsea Studios. Classes begin on March 7th, and continue throughout the year. Any cancellations will be posted here on the website, as well as on our Facebook Page. We begin a new session every month, but accommodate students who join us mid-month.
Common Questions for New Students
WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR? Swing is a relaxed, upbeat dance. Wear shoes that are comfortable but versatile, like leather soled shoes or tennis/walking shoes. High heels and sandals should be avoided.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that allows you to move comfortably. Dressing up is great, but you should also feel comfortable sweating and moving around.
I DON’T HAVE A PARTNER, IS THAT OKAY? Perfectly fine. In our classes, we rotate partners so you can try moves with different students. If you are ONLY interested in learning with your partner, that is also welcome.
DO I NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT DANCING? Nope, but it’s neat if you do. We assume no prior knowlege of swing dance — and we help students learn swing from the bottom up. If you do come from other partner dancers (salsa, tango, ballroom) expect to learn new technique related to posture, musicality and rhythm. If you come other studio dances (ballet, broadway, tap), expect to learn new things about connection and partnering.
ARE LEADING AND FOLLOWING GENDER SPECIFIC? Swing with Nathan & Gaby encourages all students to learn the part they’d like, regardless of historical gender assumptions. If you’re interested in following or leading, join us and we’ll show you the ropes!
Where to Find Us
Our Lindy Hop Intensive will be located at Chelsea Studios, 151 W 26th on the 6th floor
STEP TWO: Make sure the new student completes the form,
and brings it to class on March 7th at 7pm. They will receive a
40% off Class Card.
STEP THREE: After your new student begins class, we will issue
you a 50% off Class Card. This will be waiting for you at the desk
next time you join us for class.
And that’s it? Not sure you fully understood? WELL CHECK OUT THIS HELPFUL ILLUSTRATION
