Join us for the magic of Jazz as you dance, learn, and experience under the guidance of Marie N’diaye and Felix Berghäll for a Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz weekend, and a live band social!
Tickets: https://oxfordlindyhoppers.dancecloud.com/dance/36822
Oxford Lindy Hoppers are thrilled to welcome Marie N’diaye and Felix Berghäll – teaching in the UK together for the first time – for Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz workshops from 1 February to 2 February 2025!
Both Saturday and Sunday will feature two hours each for Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz classes.
Saturday night shall also feature the big band The Velvet Tones, the best way to help unwind and put into play what you’ve learned and join Oxford’s friendly scene. The Sunday classes will be followed by a farewell dance social.
So, for full weekend pass holders, you get 8 hours of classes and 5 hours of social dancing! You can also choose to do just the Lindy Hop or the Solo Jazz tracks at the weekend.
Who is this aimed for? For the Lindy Hop track, the minimum level is dancing socially using 6-count, 8-count Lindy Hop footwork & basic Lindy Charleston footwork to a variety of tempos.
For the Solo Jazz track, no prior experience of dancing solo is required. Knowing the shim sham steps would be beneficial. The most important requirement is the willingness to be comfortable to move yourself to music.
Venue and Schedule
The entire workshop is being held at The Cherwell School South Site, Marston Ferry Rd, Oxford OX2 7EE, United Kingdom.
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Please bring your own containers for drinks. Summertown High Street shops are a 10min walk away.
Saturday:
10:40 AM to 11:00 AM – Registration opens, South Site GYM 1
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Lindy Hop Class, South Site GYM 1
2:15 PM to 4:15 PM – Solo Jazz Class with Felix, South Site GYM 1
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM – Talk with Marie on the connection between Dance and Culture, South Site Room 88
7:00 PM to 10:30 PM – Social Dance with The Velvet Tones, South Site GYM 2. Doors open 6:45 PM. Band set starts 7:45 PM.
Sunday
11:10 AM – Registration opens
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM – Solo Jazz with Marie, South Site GYM 1
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Lindy Hop Class, South Site GYM 1
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM – Sunday Tea Dance, South Site GYM 1
About the talk on Saturday (open to all ticket holders)
Through Dance, a society is known, people are seen, and cultures are explored.
Dance is a reflection of the community that practices it, and also serves the functions of defining and enforcing societal philosophies, values, and norms.
When it comes to Black cultural traditions, dance is more than a series of steps. It is a presentation and expression of life itself.
In this hour, we will discuss the connection between Dance and Culture, covering ideas of tradition, cultural appropriation, appreciation, and respectful engagement as a guest within a culture.
Facilitated by Dr. Marie Ndiaye, this discussion will allow you to ask questions you might have on these topics or further your exploration.
About our teachers
Felix Berghäll
Brace yourselves for an extraordinary dance journey as we proudly introduce Felix Berghäll – our exceptional teacher, distinguished DJ, and esteemed competition judge!
A true embodiment of dance, Felix Berghäll brings a symphony of talent and passion to the floor. Felix crafts dance floors that pulsate with energy, rhythm, and the irresistible call of Jazz Lindy. His love of music is a testament to his deep understanding of the dance’s soul, drawing from its roots and celebrating its evolution.
Felix enriches his insights and teachings with his extensive experience as a dancer and educator. His journey is marked by a profound respect for the art form, making his teachings a bridge to the past. His dedication to preserving the essence of Jazz enriches the dance community and amplifies its legacy.
Marie N’diaye
Dr. Marie N’diaye (PhD) is a Jazz Dance choreographer, performer and educator as well as a dance researcher. She specialises in Jazz Dance (African American Jazz), including the partnered form (Lindy Hop), focusing on the legacy of Harlem dancers from the Savoy Ballroom as well as the chorus line tradition from night clubs and theatres (such as the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club, Connie’s Inn…) and has applied her scientific method and dance education to conduct an embodied practice-based research of Jazz dance through the study of archival films, and collaborations with elders and other established dancers.
Marie is the founder of the non-profit organisation “Collective Voices for Change” aiming to promote cultural appreciation and respect of African American Jazz Dances. She is also a board member of the “Black Lindy Hoppers Fund”, whose mission is to support and promote Black dancers and artists in their practice, performance, and transmission of Jazz Dances especially Lindy Hop.
She completed her Masters in Anthropology of Dance & Ethnochoreology in 2023, as part of the international ERASMUS program: “Choreomundus” involved with the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).