Hop to the Beat Dance Studio

It’s happening! Despite the setbacks, we're happy to be starting our new routine class session on Monday, April 1st. We've always enjoyed the experience of working on routines. It is a focused way to work on your dancing, challenging, and also fun. It is still possible to register. The routine is aimed at Int/Adv to Adv level, and partners are required. If you would like to attend and need help finding a partner, please let us know.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes

We've done many routines over the years, and here's one going back to 2011. This was a fun version of Flying Home from the A League of Their Own soundtrack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKC4tPKTqcg&t=1s

Hop to the Beat Routine Class 2011: Boston Swing Dance Network Hop to the Beat dancers perform at Boston Swing Dance Network in Watertown, Massachusetts on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Aurelie here. We are very sad to say that Tony’s dad passed away at home last week at the age of 93. Thankfully Tony had traveled to England the week before and was able to spend an afternoon with his dad before he declined further. Tony will be staying in England for a couple more weeks to deal with many things and attend his dad’s funeral. His mum has Alzheimer’s, and we are very grateful to have found a wonderful care home for her, and that Tony will be able to help her with the transition.

Our new Lindy Hop routine class that was rescheduled to begin this Monday, March 18 in Boston has to be postponed another 2 weeks. It is now scheduled to start on Monday, April 1st. We had been preparing for the class and having fun with the routine, which of course came to a halt. It will be good for us to get back to it, and we’re looking forward to working with everyone in class. It’s still open to join for those interested.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes

In 2018 we did a Collegiate S**g class routine, choreographed to Get Rhythm In Your Feet as recorded by Michael Gamble and The Rhythm Serenaders. We had a wonderful opportunity to dance live with the band at Beantown that year. It really was something special that we were excited about for all those from the class who performed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEDwcQEw3SI

Beantown Camp 2018 - Hop to the Beat S**g Performance Class

Aurelie here. We have some news on our new Lindy Hop routine class scheduled to begin this Monday, March 4. We’ve been looking forward to it, and have enjoyed preparing for the class. The routine is fun, and a good challenge.

Unfortunately we have to postpone the start of the class due to a family emergency. Tony had to make a sudden trip to England Wednesday night to be with his dad. He arrived on Thursday afternoon, and his dad is very grateful to have him there.

We have postponed the 6 week class to run from Monday, March 18 through April 29, with no class on April 15 (Patriots Day/Boston Marathon). Sorry for this last minute change of plans.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes

This one brings back some wonderful memories. Our class Lindy Hop routine from 2017, performed at Beantown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34oT37S0ewo&t=16s

Beantown 2017 - Performance by Hop To The Beat

After a very long wait, our new Hop to the Beat Special Routine Class is starting Mondays in March! We've enjoyed doing many routines throughout pretty much all the time we've been teaching, which is many more years than seems possible. Very happy to be back with this one.

This Lindy Hop routine will be taught over two sessions and includes primarily partner dancing and some solo bits. The classes are aimed at Int/Adv to Adv level, for those who like a challenge, working with a team, and getting into the finer points. You do not need to commit to doing the two sessions, or to performing, in order to attend the class. If you'd like to learn the routine and work on your dancing, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to attend and need help finding a partner, please let us know.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes

Although the majority of routines have been Lindy Hop, over the years we have done others. The last one, back in 2019, featured the Black Bottom. This was so much fun!

Hop to the Beat Black Bottom Routine Class Performance at Uptown Swing (11-May-2019) Hop to the Beat Black Bottom Routine Class performance on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Uptown Swing Dance, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA.

Back in March 2020, we had just started a new routine class, and days later, everything closed down. We’ve done many performance routines over the years, and are happy to finally be back!

The routine will be taught over 2 sessions and include a mix of partner and some solo dancing. Within the routine there will likely be groups doing different bits, moving in and out of formations. Dancing choreography is fun, challenging, and a great way to work on your individual and social dance skills.

Lindy Hop Routine Part 1, 6 week session
Mondays, March 4 to April 8, 7:00–8:45pm

Part 1 will be about learning the routine while focusing on rhythm and musicality. Lead-follow partnering will be emphasized in class.
Part 2 will continue in a following 6-8 week session (TBD). The focus will be on performance, teamwork, formation and practice!

You do not need to commit to doing the two sessions, or to performing, in order to attend the class. If you'd like to learn the routine and work on your dancing, you are welcome to do so.

The routine is aimed at Int/Adv to Adv level and partners are required. There will be scheduled practice time after class, and practicing outside of class is highly encouraged! If you would like to attend and need help finding a partner, please let us know.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes

Happy Spring! Summer will be here before you know it, and the same with Beantown Camp. We are happy and excited to announce registration is going live on Monday, March 27 at 7:00pm. Here are some things to look out for:

• Early Registration First Timer Discounts (must be first time attending Beantown)
• Early Registration Discounts
• International Discounts (must be currently residing outside of the continental U.S.)

Do the Whole Shebang or Week option if you want to get the full load of track classes, mini-tracks, as well as optional and specialty classes. Other options are available for attending. We have an excellent lineup of fantastic instructors, exciting plans for nights of live music, plus many extras and fun activities throughout the week. Each day brings its own special features. You won't want to miss them!

The website has been in the process of being updated, although much of the information is up. Details continue to be added regularly.

www.beantowncamp.com

Beantown has been through many changes since the first one back in June of 1997. It continues to evolve moving forward. We’re thrilled to be back in 2023 for our 25th!
Happy Dancing,
Aurelie & Tony

It’s been wonderful seeing registrations coming in for the Skye & Naomi weekend, locally and from nearby states. Annual weekends are always partially a reunion, something we love about the dance world. How dancing brings us together!

The deadline for the Early Bird Full Package Discount is coming up this Sunday, November 6. Only $145 to do all nine Skye & Naomi workshops and the dance with Gordon Webster! Be sure to check out the details to see what’s planned. There is a wide variety of topics to be covered throughout the weekend. When was the last time you were able to immerse yourself in a full weekend of Lindy Hop awesomeness? Only a few more weeks until it’s here, November 25-27.

Workshops may be selected a la carte, with discount prices through November 20. There are also volume discounts for taking more than three classes.

A long tradition on our fall calendar has been the Skye Humphries & Naomi Uyama workshop weekend. We are very excited to announce the weekend is back this year! We’ve been wanting to get the word out for quite awhile, and are happy to finally be able to do so. As with much of the world since Covid, a lot has changed, which we especially have found this year with our venues. However, we now have confirmations that we can go ahead with our plans. Some very good news!

The workshops are back for Thanksgiving weekend, November 25 to 27. The general format will be similar to the past, with classes on Friday evening, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The detailed class schedule is currently in the works and will be up soon. Classes will be at the Lower Falls Community Center, our long time venue in Newton. There will be classes for all levels included.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/workshops

In addition, we're excited to announce that the Gordon Webster Band will also be back at Uptown Swing on Saturday, November 26. This will be our first Uptown Swing dance since early in 2020. It doesn’t seem possible so much time has passed since then. The dance will be held at KI in Brookline, returning to the same venue as the last workshop weekend.
https://www.hoptothebeat.com/dances

As Covid is still with us, and partner dancing is a high risk activity, attending the weekend will require being fully vaccinated, including one booster. Proof of vaccination will be required. As of now, masks will be required for the classes and the dance. Acceptable masks include N95, KN95, KF94, and surgical masks. Cloth or vented masks are not acceptable.

Registration will open once the class schedule has been finalized. There will be early bird discounts.

The Skye & Naomi weekend has always been a highlight of the year, and we can’t wait to share this with you again. This year will be #13 of this particular event. More details will be out soon. Save the dates and please spread the word!

Beantown Updates!

Summer has come early to New England, at least for this past weekend. Appropriate, as we are immersed in all things Beantown! The Endicott campus has a beautiful setting on the shore just north of Boston, including it’s own beaches. The views and the breezes are fantastic. An ideal location for a Lindy Hop vacation! Discount prices are ending soon on May 31. Now is the perfect time to make your plans, as camp is only one month away!
https://www.beantowncamp.com/register/camp

Much of the schedule has been updated, and there’s plenty to check out as to what is in store for our week at Beantown! There are still a few confirmations coming for the class schedule, however, most of it is set. Class titles and descriptions will be continually updated as we get them. There are classes for all levels, and a big variety of options to choose from.
https://www.beantowncamp.com/schedule

Registration discount prices are currently in effect until Tuesday, May 31! First timer discounts continue to be offered for the week and whole shebang. Now is an excellent time to register. Most of the housing choices are still available. It is highly recommended to stay on campus, which almost everyone does. All housing includes full meals. Once on campus, there is no need to have a car, as everything is in walking distance.

To ensure the most safe environment possible, Beantown is an all vaccine event. Proof of up to date vaccines, including boosters, will be required at check in. Mask wearing will also be required in classes and at the dances. Other specifics about masks are in the process of being finalized.

Do the whole shebang or week if you can! Dates are June 23 to 30. Each day brings something different. However, if that’s not possible, there are other registration options available.

After all this time, it doesn’t seem possible we’ll be back at Beantown in just a few weeks. Looking forward to coming together for a wonderful week of dancing, connection, and joy. Something we all need right now.

Happy Dancing,
Aurelie & Tony