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iSwingTokyo Lessons

Have fun from Day one! From First-Timer to Advanced, iSwingTokyo has a lesson for you!

Lesson Level Chart

Chart for finding the right lesson for you!

This chart contains the numbers 0-10+ for each lesson. Level 0 classes are the easiest and level 10+ classes are the most advanced.




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Dear Students,
This page is designed to help you decide which lessons to take and when. Everyone has their own pace and their own way of learning. Please note that these charts and recommendations are not absolute, but a guide to help plan your journey into swing dance.
In the chart, the lessons are grouped into 3 basic categories. From top to bottom: Introduction to Beginner, Beginner to Intermediate, and Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced. The classes are labeled with a number from 0-10; 0 being the easiest and 10 being the most difficult. Our group classes run from level 0 through level 8. Our private lessons run from level 0 through level 10+.

We recommend that you follow the basic flow of the chart. We understand that sometimes you cannot make a class because of work or other commitments, that is why we have grouped similar tracks and levels together. It should also be noted that the gap in abilities between the levels increases as the numbers get higher. For example, it will probably take 4-6 months of taking the Group Beginner’s lessons before you are ready to truly move on to the Intermediate Intensive or Intermediate Group lesson. But, of course, you may want to challenge yourself with these classes before that time. It will probably take longer to move from Intermediate Classes to the Intermediate Intensive “C” class or private classes with Aerials (although not always).

It is probably not possible to get everything into your body and dance correctly the first time. Many students take the intensive classes several times before moving on. Some take them over and over again with practice time in between. For example, most students feel that they really begin to understand Balboa after the 3rd or 4th time taking the Balboa intensive class. Our Beginner’s Intensives are designed to be taken 3 times for one low price for exactly this reason. Please remember that this is normal, human nature. We must repeat and practice to get better! For your own comfort and to keep the pace of the class, you should try to study at a level where you are comfortable, but being challenged by the teachers and the material!

Recommended Paths to begin:
  • If you have absolutely no dance experience but know that you want to swing dance, we recommend that you jump right into the Beginner’s Intensive Classes. Follow up by coming to Swing Time and taking the Introduction lesson. Then, dance, practice and watch other dancers. You are guaranteed to have a good time!
    If you have absolutely no dance experience but know you want to swing dance and DO NOT have weekend afternoons free, we recommend that you come to the 30 minute Introduction lesson on weekday nights. Or, schedule a private lesson. From there, follow up by coming to Swing Time and taking the Introduction lesson. Then dance, practice, watch other dancers and make friends. You will have a great time!
  • If you are interested in swing dance but are not really sure that you want to make a commitment, you should attend Swing Time first. Come alone or with a friend. Take the Introduction lesson and practice on the dance floor. Watch other dancers and make new friends. :) You will quickly see how much fun swing dancing is! This is the lowest-cost option.
  • You could also begin with private lessons. This is absolutely, the BEST way to begin. You get personal attention from day one. You are assured to be doing each step correctly under the watchful eye of our professional instructors. Although this is the best option, it is also the most expensive.
  • After beginning and getting a foundation in the dance, follow the basic flow of the chart and the level numbers, if you can. We suggest that serious students take a private lesson every few months to make sure that they are on-track and not developing bad habits.

Quick Synopsis of Classes (in approximate ascending difficulty)

Group Lesson Introduction Class (30 minutes): The bare-bones basics. The focus is on the shape of the movements and basic connection. No real technique is taught here. Just to get you dancing!

Swing time Event Lesson Introduction Class (60 minutes): Again, the bare-bones basics. Same as the group lesson. The focus is on the shape of the movements and basic connection. No real technique is taught here. Just to get you dancing!

Beginner’s Intensive Class (3.5 hours): 3.5 hours of basic movement and steps. Here the focus is on getting you dancing that same day. This class is about the basic shapes of the movements and basic connection. There is not too much focus on technique yet.

Group Lesson Beginner’s Class (60 minutes): Technique, connection, lead, follow and basic movements of Lindy Hop and Charleston. This class goes deeper and is much more technical than the Beginner’s Intensive. Here the focus is on true lead and follow and how to accomplish it.

Swing Time Event Beginner’s Lesson (60 minutes): Beginner/Intermediate level moves class. The focus here is on the moves rather than on the technical stuff behind them.

Intermediate Intensive A and B (3.5 hours): This class is purely technical. The focus is on the physics and mechanics behind lead and follow and how to get your body to move and be moved with maximum efficiency. You should take this class when you feel that your basic movements have become solid and you are ready to learn the nitty-gritty of partnered dance!

Swing Jam Lesson: Intermediate Level lesson for those who have been swing dancing about 6 months and can do the basics 6 and 8 count moves and swingouts.

Charleston Intensive Lesson (3.5 hours): This class will give you all the information you will need for the 4 basic kinds of Charleston usually done in Lindy Hop. This class is level 4 as Charleston movement is, in general, a bit more difficult to learn. It helps if you already have some body movement experience.

Group Lesson Intermediate Class (60 minutes): This class focusses deeply on the technical aspects of advanced moves and musicality. The level can range from 4-8, depending on the ability of the students in the class.

Balboa Intensive Lesson (3.5 hours): All the Bal basics in 3.5 hours! The main focus is on Bal-Swing but some Pure Bal is also covered. We recommend that you have 6 months to 1 year of Lindy experience before trying to tackle Balboa. Most people take this class multiple times.

Intermediate Intensive “C” class (3.5 hours): The ultimate “Moves” class. The students are expected to have basic frame, lead and follow technique and musicality before taking this class. The class will not “back-track” to teach basics. The focus here is on executing advanced lead and follow movement with turns, spins, slides, dips, drops and aerial maneuvers.

Private Lessons (1-3 hour slots): Private lessons range from beginning (level 0) through advanced musicality and acrobatics (level 10+). Each lesson is custom tailored to your ability and needs as a dancer.