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Workshops with Jethro: Social Big Apple
Nov
1
1:00 pm13:00
Workshop

Workshops with Jethro: Social Big Apple

Sugarfoot Stomp is excited to offer two Social Big Apple Workshops with guest facilitator, Jethro!

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Jethro has been travelling, studying, experimenting and teaching Social Big Apples for years now and there's so much he wants to share about this dance. The fundamentals, a ton of brand new tricks, and for the advanced dancers – he'll be teaching how to call so you can keep doing social apples! The first session is open level. The second requires good experience with swing outs.

The Social Big Apple (aka swing rueda) is an extremely fun way to explore, learn and teach Lindy Hop. But mostly, it's just a fantastic game to play at social dances. So if you want to join the party, this workshop will give you everything you need to have a crack when they spontaneously erupt at the next swing event.

Why is the Social Big Apple key for Lindy Hoppers?

With roots dating way back, even before Lindy Hop (earliest recording is from 1840), African American churches held Ring Shouts. Everyone danced in a circle, slowly making their way around. As people shuffled and stomped and shouted, African rhythms like the call and response was a part of the dance. If you have ever been to a dance that had a caller, (like casino rueda, square dance, ceili) this tradition likely came from these African American communities and the Ring Shout.

Later in the 40s, the Big Apple craze swept through America. A circle of dancers had a caller, calling out charleston and swing moves/sequences that everyone did in unison. Frankie Manning heard about it over the phone which is when he choreographed the Big Apple routine that we still do today.


Class Details

Date: 1 November 2025 (Saturday)

Times:

  • Workshop 1 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (doors open at 12:50 pm)

  • Workshop 2 | 2:45pm – 4:15 pm

Price:

  • Single workshop: $20 per workshop

  • Member discount: $35 covers BOTH workshops

Venue: Mudra Dance Company, Level 1, 22 Webb Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

Please arrive 10 minutes before the workshop starts so that you have time to meet and greet, change shoes, and sign in at the door. We encourage you to bring a drink bottle, comfortable clothes that you can move in, and wear shoes that have a bit of slip on the bottom.

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Blues Dance with Stephen and Bernice
Feb
14
to 14 Mar
Workshop

Blues Dance with Stephen and Bernice

Sugarfoot Stomp is excited to offer a special Blue Dance Class Block, featuring guest facilitator Stephen York and our very own Bernice Jackson!

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Blues evolved from traditional African dances and incorporated various dance styles such as swing, jazz, and ragtime. It is characterized by its intimate and expressive movements, with dancers connecting deeply to the emotions of the music.

Class Block Structure:

In our first class, Bernice will take you through the basics, whether you're experienced or starting from scratch!

In classes 2-4, we welcome back Stephen from the USA! Stephen and Bernice will guide you through different idioms to broaden your range of blues.

Ready to upskill? Come back for a final session of solo blues!

Class Details:

Dates: Fridays | 14 February – 14 March

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm (doors open at 6:50 pm)

Venue: Mudra Dance Company, Level 1, 22 Webb Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

This class conveniently finishes right before Capital City Blues gigs, held Fridays at Jack Hacketts. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for band announcements.

Class Prices:

  • Drop in: $15

  • Block Pass (SFS Member): $60

  • Block Pass (Non-member): $65

Other Info:

Please arrive 10 minutes before the class starts so that you have time to meet and greet, change shoes, and sign in at the door. Arriving early ensures that we can start the class on time.

We encourage you to bring a drink bottle, comfortable clothes that you can move in, and wear shoes that have bit of slip on the bottom.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/19YTh1p9X5/


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