Gettin’ in the Groove: An All-Levels Solo Jazz Series!

Explore solo jazz dancing in this four week series with Sarah Beth!
Each week students will learn a new set of classic jazz steps, a short sequence to solidify their learning, and engage in solo social dancing. Regardless of your swing dancing experience level, there will be something new for everyone!
No solo jazz experience required. Attendees who have experience in solo jazz will have the opportunity to try new variations and explore new concepts with their dancing.

REGISTER: Here!

WHEN:
Sundays 7-9pm
9/13, 9/20, 10/11, 10/18
Classes are progressive but students may miss classes and rejoin later in the series.

WHERE:
Hoover St Studio, 323 E Hoover Ave, Ann Arbor MI

INSTRUCTOR:
Sarah Beth (SB) is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and performer based in Grand Rapids, MI. She was introduced to Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz over a decade ago and hasn’t stopped groovin’ since. She was invited to join the Lindy Focus Residency Program in 2025 and holds competitive titles at events such as Second City Swingout, Dayton Swing Smackdown, and more. SB is a co-founder of Rapid Rhythms Swing Dance Community, where she teaches weekly classes and coaches performance and competitive teams.
SB firmly believes dancing is for everybody and every body. Her classes are known for being lively, interactive, and adaptive to her students.

PRICING:
Pay-What-You-Can $10-30 per week
*If cost is a barrier to you, please reach out to swingannarbor@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities. We want everyone to be able to dance!
Paypal swingannarbor@gmail.com or bring cash or check to class – please arrive early to pay!

Build your Lindy Hop on a solid foundation! In this 6-week series, we’ll be working toward swingouts from the ground up. Learn classic shapes & patterns while improving your connection & improvisation skills. Students are encouraged to have attended 1-3 beginner lessons prior to taking this series. Please note that students may be directed to the concurrent beginner lesson if they did not attend the progressive class the week prior. Attendance at the entire series is expected (excepting sickness and other life events) in order to best serve your and other students’ progress in the class.

REGISTER: Here!

WHEN:
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (6 weeks)
(During our normal beginner lesson time – the group will walk together from Mason Hall to the social dance.)

We will also be having Sunday practice sessions at Hoover Street Studio!
Sunday 7:00-9:00pm 9/27, 10/4

WHERE:
Mason Hall

INSTRUCTORS: Ali and Annaliese

PRICING:
Pay-What-You-Can $30-90
*If cost is a barrier to you, please reach out to swingannarbor@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities. We want everyone to be able to dance!
Paypal swingannarbor@gmail.com or bring cash or check to class – please arrive early to pay!

Register Here!

Learn classic Charleston shapes with Kaya and Lily! In this 3 week series we will learn Charleston technique and fundamentals through fun and dynamic shapes and combinations. This series is intended for those who have completed Swing I or equivalent. Attendance at the entire series is expected (excepting sickness and other life events) in order to best serve your and other students’ progress in the class

WHEN:

Sundays 7-9PM, March 15-29 (3 weeks)

WHERE:

Hoover St Studio, 323 E Hoover Ave, Ann Arbor

INSTRUCTORS:

Kaya Lakein and Lily Roof

PRICING:

Pay-What-You-Can $30-90

*If cost is a barrier to you, please reach out to swingannarbor@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities. We want everyone to be able to dance!

Paypal swingannarbor@gmail.com or bring cash or check to class – please arrive early to pay!

Register Here!

Getting tired of triple steps and rock steps? Want to level up your jazz dancing in 2026? Welcome to the world of solo jazz! In this series, Lily will lead students through classic solo jazz shapes and concepts through combinations, improv exercises, and movement exploration. You will be amazed by how dynamic your own dancing can become! Attendance at the entire series is expected (excepting sickness and other life events) in order to best serve your and other students’ progress in the class

WHEN:

Sundays 7-9PM, February 8-22 (3 weeks)

WHERE:

Hoover St Studio, 323 E Hoover Ave, Ann Arbor

INSTRUCTORS:

Lily Roof

PRICING:

Pay-What-You-Can $30-90

*If cost is a barrier to you, please reach out to swingannarbor@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities. We want everyone to be able to dance!

Paypal swingannarbor@gmail.com or bring cash or check to class – please arrive early to pay!

Register Here

Please note:

Swing I location and time has shifted!

LOCATION: Week 1 will take place in the Vandenberg Room (our typical social dance room, in the Michigan League), although the lesson will be more technique than a typical beginner lesson. Drop in students will be present as well, and able to sign up for the rest of the series afterwards if they wish. This will be taught by Emily and Avery.

TIME SHIFT: Weeks 2-4 will take place in Mason Hall 1401 from 7-8pm, NOT 6:30-7:30pm. We’re sorry for this shift and realize it will be cutting into your social dance time. 

Build your Lindy Hop on a solid foundation! In this 4-week series, we’ll be working toward swingouts from the ground up.  Learn classic shapes & patterns while improving your connection & improvisation skills. Students are encouraged to have attended 1-3 beginner lessons prior to taking this series. Please note that students may be directed to the concurrent beginner lesson if they did not attend the progressive class the week prior. Attendance at the entire series is expected (excepting sickness and other life events) in order to best serve your and other students’ progress in the class

WHEN:

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm, January 28-February 18 (4 weeks)

(occurs during our normal beginner lesson time- the group will walk together from Mason Hall to the social dance) Please note that students may be directed to the concurrent beginner lesson if they did not attend the progressive class the week prior.

WHERE:

Mason Hall – Room TBA

INSTRUCTORS:

Emily Topham and Avery Long

PRICING:

Pay-What-You-Can $20-60

*If cost is a barrier to you, please reach out to swingannarbor@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities. We want everyone to be able to dance!

Paypal swingannarbor@gmail.com or bring cash or check to class – please arrive early to pay!

Hone your Lindy Hop with Chisomo Selemani and Sean Vitale! This one-day workshop will consist of 3 classes and an evening social dance. Please read the level descriptions for each class. There are no pure beginner classes at this workshop. 

Schedule:
11:00AM-12:30PM Class 1: Please Call Again 
This class invites dancers to grow their partnership connection through strengthening connection and flow. It will also include opportunities to practice call and response, considering the different ways to respond to a partner’s “call”.This class is intended for those who have completed Swing II or equivalent, meaning those who are comfortable with swingouts and could explain concepts like stretch, compression, and tension to another dancer.
12:30-1:15PM Lunch break
1:15PM-2:45PM Class 2: Turn Down For What?!
The goal of this class is to work on body control through dynamic changes in movement. We will add spice to some familiar sequences and introduce some less familiar shapes in order to increase ease and comfort moving through different types of turns and redirects. Classes 2 and 3 are intended for students who have taken at least 4 beginner lessons and/or one series class, meaning those who are comfortable with multiple shapes (like turns and open and closed position), rhythm patterns (meaning 6 and 8 count, as well as more improvisational rhythms) and are familiar with concepts like stretch, compression, and tension. 
2:45-3:00PM Break
3:00-4:30PM Class 3: Dynamic ExplorationThis class explores dynamics within social dancing. It will consider different ways one can move with dynamic energy and speed changes. Classes 2 and 3 are intended for students who have taken at least 4 beginner lessons and/or one series class, meaning those who are comfortable with multiple shapes (like turns and open and closed position), rhythm patterns (meaning 6 and 8 count, as well as more improvisational rhythms) and are familiar with concepts like stretch, compression, and tension.
4:30-5:00PM Open practice with questions
5:00-8:00 Dinner break
8:00-11:00 Lindy Hop Social Dance (DJs)
11:00-12:00 Blues Social Dance (DJs)

Sean Vitale is a dynamic dancer with a love for jazz music and movement. Sean has been lindy hopping since 2018 and is grateful to be a part of the cast of the acclaimed Lindy stage show, Sw!ng Out. Sean is a prominent member of the NYC based dance troupe, The Harvest Moon Hoppers. Sean is also a past member of Frankie Manning’s legacy troupe,The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers. As a partnered dance specialist, Sean excels at improvisation and has won many partnered improvisation (luck of the draw) competitions throughout the U.S. and Europe. Beyond his work as a dancer and educator, Sean is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, board certified in the treatment of people affected by neurologic conditions such as, Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
Chisomo Selemani is a dance and teaching enthusiast. She loves movement, learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Her artistic endeavors in the Swing dances are inspired from her Zambian tradition and Afrobeats. Her teaching methodologies invite you to explore your own style and artistry. When she’s not dancing, she is co-hosting the podcast Integrated Rhythm.

We are lucky and privileged to have such great local bands and musicians in Ann Arbor! See the details below for upcoming Swing Ann Arbor live music Wednesdays! As always check our calendar for location details!

Upcoming Live Music Dates:

September 24th – DjangoPhonique! – Vandenberg Room Michigan League

October 29th – Fourtunate Cats! – Vandenberg Room Michigan League

November 26th – Swing Nouvelle! – Vandenberg Room Michigan League

When: June 28th 3-5pm

Where: Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown

Help us help Swing Ann Arbor serve YOU! Join friends for an afternoon of brainstorming over lunch, coffee, and tea, and head over to Ann Arbor Summer Fest (again!) to dance the evening away to MORE live jazz!

Come join friends, instructors, and board members from SAA to help make the next year the best it can be! On Saturday, June 28th at 3pm, we will discuss future plans, community goals and values, and brainstorm. We will be hanging out in the Downtown Library Freespace and this event will include lunch, coffee, and tea. Afterwards, we’ll head over to the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, where a jazz band and a funk and soul band are featured later that evening, perfect to dance to! We are attempting to steer our next year of Swing Ann Arborto best serve our community, and greatly appreciate your participation. Have a conversation topic you’d like to suggest get added to the agenda? Share it here!

Register Here: Connection Mini-Series Registration

Strengthening and Finding Nuance in your Dance Partnering

Have you been in a lesson where the instructor used terms like “stretch”, “compression”, or “tension”, but you weren’t quite sure what they meant? In these two one-hour classes, we will take a closer look at different ways to connect with your dance partner by unpacking these terms and talking about what they mean and how they feel in different contexts. We will focus both on the how – how do we create different connections with our partner? – and the why – what function does the nature of the connection between you and your partner play in a particular shape/move, and in your dancing more broadly. We suggest taking both classes but they can be taken independently of each other. 

Pre-requisites: 4-5 Beginner lessons; comfort with rhythm, open and closed dance position, and inside/outside turns

WHEN:

April 2nd and 9th, 6:30-7:30pm

Students will walk to the social dance afterwards and free admission to social dance is included in class payment.

WHERE:

Mason Hall Room 1339

INSTRUCTORS:

Marcell Benkes-Toth and Kaya Lakein

COST:

Pay-What-You-Wish $10-40

Free admission to social dance is included in class payment.

Register here: Musicality Mini-Series Registration

Join Lily for a workshop on all things musicality! This two-class series will feature discussion, workshopping, and experimentation. We will spend time listening and discussing technical aspects of music, exploring qualities of movement and expression, play around with the ever-elusive journey of “finding your personal voice”, and more! Come prepared to experiment, play around, and learn lots! If you have requests for topics covered, feel free to email lilyroof@umich.edu

WHEN:

April 1st and 8th, 6:30-8:00

WHERE:

Hoover St Studio

*No street shoes allowed in the studio!

INSTRUCTOR:

Lily Roof

COST:

Pay-What-You-Wish $10-40