Improvisation in Lindy Hop with Stefan Andersson
Improvisation in Lindy Hop
Improvisation has always been at the heart of Lindy Hop, just as it is fundamental to jazz as a whole. As Jazz legend Miles Davis famously said, "It’s not the note you play that’s the wrong note – it’s the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong." Thisworkshop embraces that philosophy, encouraging dancers to focus less on correct execution of figures and more on the joy of creating something new with a dance partner in the moment, while still honoring the origins of the dance.
Rather than being a Lindy Hop workshop that focuses on improvisation, this is an improvisation workshop set within a Lindy Hop context. Many of the techniques originate from how improvisation skills are taught in other artistic fields and in business. They have then been tailored to maximize their utility in a swing partner dance like Lindy Hop.
Key focus areas of the workshop include:
1. Responding creatively to your dance partner's ideas
2. Transforming "mistakes" into opportunities
3. Cultivating presence and active listening on the dance floor
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or fairly new to Lindy Hop, this course will challenge you to think differently about your dancing and inspire you to take more risks on the dance floor, resulting in a more engaging, more social and more enjoyable social dance experience.
Practical information
-Date: June 15th, 2025.-Time: 16.30-19.00 (workshop 16:30-18:00 and social dance 18:00-19:00).
-Duration: 90 min plus 60 min social dance/open practice.
-Role Flexibility: While some exercises are role-specific (leader/follower), the skills taught are universally applicable. Dancers proficient in both roles can participate in their non-primary role without missing out on valuable skills for their primary role.
-Skill Level: Open to all levels.
-Price: 200SEK per person, payed at the door in connection to the workshop. Preferably via Swish.
-Sign up by sending an e-mail to info@chicago75.se (write improv workshop as subject), let us now your: 1.Name, 2.Leader or Follower 3. Phone number.
About the teacher: The workshop is taught by Stefan Andersson, a professional improviser with experience from teaching over 1,100 workshops and classes on improvisation in a wide range of contexts. In the arts, he has worked with actors, musicians, dancers, and public speakers to strengthen improvisation within their fields. He is also regularly hired by corporations and public agencies to develop improvisational skills in workflows and communication. Stefan has international improvisation experience from teaching and performing in ten countries across Europe and North America.