Musicality I for West Coast Swing (Week 2 of 2)
Monday, April 24, 2023, 07:30pm - Monday, April 24, 2023, 10:30pm

Musicality For West Coast Swing w Erik Novoa

Musicality I for West Coast Swing:
Phrasing Your Dance

Two-Week Series
Monday, April 10 and 24, 2023

Get ready for one of the most important workshops a dancer can ever take—Musicality!! Musicality is essential in West Coast Swing because it is a dance that is characterized by its improvisation and interpretation of the music. Dancers use their body movements, timing, and syncopation to create a connection with the music and each other. This allows the dancers to add their own personal style to the dance, making each dance unique and creative. These workshops are essential for every dancer because understanding music improves one's connection to what one hears and how it is expressed. After these workshops, you'll never hear music the same way again, and you'll be able to understand musical aspects that will begin to improve the way you dance. These workshops are essential for the beginner through advanced dancer. 

Coming soon:
Musicality II: Accents and Breaks
Musicality III: Lyrical Interpretation
These workshops will build upon the knowledge of the previous sessions, and therefore should be taken in order.

Health Policy

We strive to balance providing a safe environment while returning to a normal social setting. The following policy is subject to change at any time in the event of new guidance issued by the CDC, state, or local governments. By attending any of our classes/privates/events, you agree to this health policy. Effective January 1, 2024:

  • Common Sense Health: 1) If you are not feeling well, please do not come to dance class. 2) If you've been in a high-density environment (plane, wedding, conference), it would be appreciated if you took a home-COVID test before your class. 

  • Health Cooperation: Students will cooperate with any health requests from Erik Novoa, guest instructor, or staff (e.g., using hand sanitizer, using a mask, stepping outside to address a health issue, etc.).

  • Registration: You must pre-register for these classes (see below). We will not be touching credit cards or cash for these classes. 

     

Schedule:

7:15pm - Arrival

Please arrive on-time.

7:30 - 9:45pm - Two Musicality classes, segmented with a 15 minute break

During the two-week series, we will be exploring how to understand swing music, pulsed timing, musical phrasing, counting 8s during dancing, and two-beat extensions. 

9:45 - 10:30pm - West Coast Swing Practice Session

Being conscious about how you shape your music to your West Coast Swing takes some practice. This is a good opportunity to practice was you learned—or just have some fun. 

Cost

Step 1, Pre-Registration: All students must pre-register for both weeks (4 parts) to attend.
Step 2, Check In: All students must check-in within 48 hours of each class to answer health questions. 

$60: by Friday, March 31 ($30 per week)
$70: by Friday, April 7 ($35 per week)
$80: on Saturday, April 8 and after ($40 per week)

More About Erik's Musical Background

Did you know that Erik's father was principal tenor of New York City Opera and his mother was a ballet dancer with New York City Opera Ballet? Erik also plays piano, trumpet, sings opera (like his dad), and takes ballet (like his mom). Erik's sister plays piano and cello and also sings. Read Erik's full biography.

Location 

Dance Dimensions
15 Cross Street
Norwalk, CT

Dance Dimensions at 15 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT

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Important Location information:

Dance Dimensions is located on Route-1 (Cross Street) in the same shopping area as these other establishments: Brain Balance, Dogs Gone Smart, and Goodwill.

Parking Area

There is plenty of parking adjacent to Dance Dimensions. The parking area is well lit and marked. Please park closer to the entrance because that will place you closer to the studio entrance. 

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