The Jam Cellar || Swing Dance and Lindy Hop

This week, DJ Luke Albao!

This week, all sorts of things are starting: The new beginner series (8 p.m.), the New Intermediate series (at 8p.m.), and the new Room of Requirement (at 9 p.m.). Also, we're announcing a special treat for the end of September and October: Thriller! YOu can learn the Thriller choreography and perform it at both the Jam Cellar and the Glen Echo Halloween Dance. (More info coming soon).

Introducing: THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT, 9 p.m. This Week!!

We're taking a page from Harry Potter, who happened to stumble on a training room in Hogwarts where he and his friends could spend all day training a wizarding army, and not spend any time whatsoever using it for a party room to make out with fellow wizards the way most teenagers would. Anyway, that's not important. What is important is that the Jam Cellar is getting one. From 9 to 10 p.m. we'll be holding THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT in one of the side rooms, where a team leader will coach and/or just make sure no one gets hurt running around the playground that is Lindy Hop. Basically, it's a place where advanced dancers can come and play with moves, work on aerials, get creative, and bounce ideas off of one another. We're going to try this out for a few weeks to see how it goes, so if you're at all interested, make sure to make it to the first ones: Sept 6 (Theme: Whatever you want to work on), Sept 13 (Theme: Aerials and fast dancing), Sept 20 (Theme: Lindy Hop Creativity). Price is $5 for the room only, or $10 for Room and Dancing. We recommend spending the next few weeks asking around for partners or friends to go play with you in the room.

Inter/Adv Balboa Classes with Bobby and Kate Sept 24th

From 4 to 6 p.m., Bobby and Kate will be holding inter/advanced Balboa classes, with all fresh material! The first class at 4 p.m. will be Classic Bal Stuff and the class at 5 will be Contemporary Bal Stuff. It's at DC Dance Connection, 4908 Wisconsin Ave NW. Both classes $10.

New Beginner Series begins THIS WEEK!

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again Aug 30th. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Building Your Badassness begins THIS WEEK!

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. Aug 30th begins our second series, Building Your Badassness. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series or Amplifying Your Awesomeness is ready to go. This course will cover new moves, swing out variations, speed Lindy Hop, and much more! It's basically 6 more weeks of material not covered in our other series. Bring good shoes and your sense of childlike wonder.

THE JC COMMUNITY BOARD: Jam Cellar Clothing Swap Sept 13, beginning at 9 p.m.

What is the JC Community board, you ask? Well, it's a new feature here at the Jam Cellar, where we will throw up things that are happening in the JC community, and basically cover a lot of non-dancing things. The first is that we'll be having a clothing swap Sept 13. What does this mean? It means, clean out your closet in order to get a sense of accomplishment and order, not to mention a little space, and then bring all those clothes you don't want to the Jam Cellar on Sept. 13 in a trash bag, where you will then get everyone else's clothes to take home and pack into your closet again. It's basically a cheap way to get a new wardrobe. And, if anyone is a six-foot-two guy, I've got some duds for you.

New Blood Night is On!

Though, due to the earthquake and old buildings, you may have to be prepared to wade under some police tape and driving to the center may not be permitted. But come anyway, and hear the tunes of Allen Kerr. and don't forget, tonight is a special inter/advanced class with European Badasses Nicolas and Mikaela!. You won't want to miss their class.($10)

Never been to Jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free tonight. Have a friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9. There may or may not be icepops.

TONIGHT: SPECIAL ADVANCED CLASS WITH MIKAELA & NICOLAS from 9 to 10

This weekend is International Lindy Hop Championships, and we'll have many special guests in town. This fantastic couple from Sweden (her) and France (him) has even agreed to teach us a thing or two at the Jam Cellar. They'll be holding a special inter/adv class from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (that's the only time we have a room available.) Even though they will throw out stuff hard enough for advanced dancers, we still recommend anyone who's done our basics series and our intermediate series take the opportunity to learn from them, as this is a special one-time class. Cost is $10 extra, or $12 with lesson/dance if you didn't get in free for New Blood Night.
You can see there dancing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM77LcNYeVE

Introducing: THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT, Sept 6

We're taking a page from Harry Potter, who happened to stumble on a training room in Hogwarts where he and his friends could spend all day training a wizarding army, and not spend any time whatsoever using it for a party room to make out with fellow wizards the way most teenagers would. Anyway, that's not important. What is important is that the Jam Cellar is getting one. From 9 to 10 p.m. we'll be holding THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT in one of the side rooms, where a team leader will coach and/or just make sure no one gets hurt running around the playground that is Lindy Hop. Basically, it's a place where advanced dancers can come and play with moves, work on aerials, get creative, and bounce ideas off of one another. We're going to try this out for a few weeks to see how it goes, so if you're at all interested, make sure to make it to the first ones: Sept 6 (Theme: Aerials and fast dancing), Sept 13 (Theme: Whatever you want to work on), Sept 20 (Theme: Lindy Hop Creativity). Price is $5 for the room only, or $10 for Room and Dancing. We recommend spending the next few weeks asking around for partners or friends to go play with you in the room.

Inter/Adv Balboa Classes with Bobby and Kate Sept 24th

From 4 to 6 p.m., Bobby and Kate will be holding inter/advanced Balboa classes, with all fresh material! The first class at 4 p.m. will be Classic Bal Stuff and the class at 5 will be Contemporary Bal Stuff. It's at DC Dance Connection, more details to follow. Both classes $10.

New Beginner Series begins Sept. 6

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again Aug 30th. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Building Your Badassness begins Sept. 6th

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. Aug 30th begins our second series, Building Your Badassness. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series or Amplifying Your Awesomeness is ready to go. This course will cover new moves, swing out variations, speed Lindy Hop, and much more! It's basically 6 more weeks of material not covered in our other series. Bring good shoes and your sense of childlike wonder.

THE JC COMMUNITY BOARD: Jam Cellar Clothing Swap Sept 13, beginning at 9 p.m.

What is the JC Community board, you ask? Well, it's a new feature here at the Jam Cellar, where we will throw up things that are happening in the JC community, and basically cover a lot of non-dancing things. The first is that we'll be having a clothing swap Sept 13. What does this mean? It means, clean out your closet in order to get a sense of accomplishment and order, not to mention a little space, and then bring all those clothes you don't want to the Jam Cellar on Sept. 13 in a trash bag, where you will then get everyone else's clothes to take home and pack into your closet again. It's basically a cheap way to get a new wardrobe. And, if anyone is a six-foot-two guy, I've got some duds for you.

So that earthquake this afternoon…

Shut down a lot of streets and closed up our building. (And we didn't find out till we went there, so sorry for the late notice. We tried to get this information earlier today, but got no reply from the people in charge.) Anyway, we greatly apologize, but this means No Jam Cellar Tonight!

We will officially Have New Blood Night NEXT WEEK and start all of our new Beginner/intermediate series the first week of September. We apologize so much for the inconvenience. On the plus side, this will give you a chance to spend a pleasant evening at home straightening all of your pictures.

This week, New Blood Night and DJ Kate Hedin,

We got lots of information this week. Particularly of interest is that next week we'll have a special advanced class, and we're introducing two new Things, with a capital T, at the Jam Cellar. (See below for details.)

First off, though, is that tonight is NEW BLOOD NIGHT!

Never been to Jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free Aug tonight. Have a friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9. There may or may not be icepops.

Next Week: SPECIAL ADVANCED CLASS WITH MIKAELA & NICOLAS from 9 to 10

This weekend is International Lindy Hop Championships, and we'll have many special guests in town. This fantastic couple from Sweden (her) and France (him) has even agreed to teach us a thing or two at the Jam Cellar. They'll be holding a special inter/adv class from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (that's the only time we have a room available.) Even though they will throw out stuff hard enough for advanced dancers, we still recommend anyone who's done our basics series and our intermediate series take the opportunity to learn from them, as this is a special one-time class. Cost is $10 extra, or $14 with lesson/dance.
You can see there dancing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM77LcNYeVE

Introducing: THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT, Sept 6

We're taking a page from Harry Potter, who happened to stumble on a training room in Hogwarts where he and his friends could spend all day training a wizarding army, and not spend any time whatsoever using it for a party room to make out with fellow wizards the way most teenagers would. Anyway, that's not important. What is important is that the Jam Cellar is getting one. From 9 to 10 p.m. we'll be holding THE ROOM OF REQUIREMENT in one of the side rooms, where a team leader will coach and/or just make sure no one gets hurt running around the playground that is Lindy Hop. Basically, it's a place where advanced dancers can come and play with moves, work on aerials, get creative, and bounce ideas off of one another. We're going to try this out for a few weeks to see how it goes, so if you're at all interested, make sure to make it to the first ones: Sept 6 (Theme: Aerials and fast dancing), Sept 13 (Theme: Whatever you want to work on), Sept 20 (Theme: Lindy Hop Creativity). Price is $5 for the room only, or $10 for Room and Dancing. We recommend spending the next few weeks asking around for partners or friends to go play with you in the room.

New Beginner Series begins Aug 30th

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again Aug 30th. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Building Your Badassness begins Aug 30th

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. Aug 30th begins our second series, Building Your Badassness. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series or Amplifying Your Awesomeness is ready to go. This course will cover new moves, swing out variations, speed Lindy Hop, and much more! It's basically 6 more weeks of material not covered in our other series. Bring good shoes and your sense of childlike wonder.

THE JC COMMUNITY BOARD: Jam Cellar Clothing Swap Sept 13, beginning at 9 p.m.

What is the JC Community board, you ask? Well, it's a new feature here at the Jam Cellar, where we will throw up things that are happening in the JC community, and basically cover a lot of non-dancing things. The first is that we'll be having a clothing swap Sept 13. What does this mean? It means, clean out your closet in order to get a sense of accomplishment and order, not to mention a little space, and then bring all those clothes you don't want to the Jam Cellar on Sept. 13 in a trash bag, where you will then get everyone else's clothes to take home and pack into your closet again. It's basically a cheap way to get a new wardrobe. And, if anyone is a six-foot-two guy, I've got some duds for you.

Yo! This week! A Band! And it aint Indie-New age, either.

This week(Tuesday): Beginner series (6 of 6) and Amplifying Your Awesomeness (6 of 6). This week in Amplifying your Awesomeness, the instructors will go crazy showing you variations.

Then, there's…

Red Hot Rhythm Chiefs this week at the Jam Cellar!

Surprise! We have a fresh live band for you, kicking and screaming, next Tuesday. Think of it as a way to prepare your feets for ILHC in two weeks. It's only $12. You can hear them here:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=red+hot+rhythm+cheifs&aq=f

New Blood Night Aug 23rd!

Never been to Jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free Aug 24. Have friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9. There may or may not be icepops.

New Beginner Series begins Aug 30th

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again Aug 30th. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Building Your Badassness begins Aug 30th

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. Aug 30th begins our second series, Building Your Badassness. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series or Amplifying Your Awesomeness is ready to go.

Those are the words that describe the next few weeks at the Jam Cellar

Next week: Beginner series (6 of 6) and Amplifying Your Awesomeness (6 of 6). This week in Amplifying your Awesomeness, the instructors will go crazy showing you variations.

Then, there's…

Red Hot Rhythm Chiefs next week at the Jam Cellar!

Surprise! We have a fresh live band for you, kicking and screaming, next Tuesday. Think of it as a way to prepare your feets for ILHC in two weeks. It's only $12. You can here them here:

New Blood Night Aug 23rd!

Never been to Jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free Aug 24. Have friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9.

New Beginner Series begins Aug 30th

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again Aug 30th. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Building Your Badassness begins Aug 30th

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. Aug 30th begins our second series, Building Your Badassness. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series or Amplifying Your Awesomeness is ready to go.

Tonight, DJ Jason Niesz

Incredible music, steady as you pliesz.

New Beginner Series! (4 of 6)

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again this week. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free. If you prove you can hang, we might let you start this week.

New Intermediate Series: Amplifying Your Awesomeness (4 of 6)

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. The first, Amplifying Your Awesomeness, begins this Tuesday. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series is ready to go. Or, if you happen to know swing-outs, circles, basic six count, basic Charleston, you're ready to go.

Week 4 will continue our Charleston fun times with Hand to Hand Charleston and several variations! Also, the fourth phrase of the Shim Sham.

New Blood Night Aug 23rd!

Never been to jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free Aug 24. Have friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9.

This week, DJ Glenn Scales

His swing will make you quail [with fear.] [We mean, with excitement.] [He's a great DJ, just come.]

New Beginner Series Week 3!

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again this week. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free. If you prove you can hang, we might let you start this week.

New Intermediate Series: Amplifying Your Awesomeness Week 3!

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. The first, Amplifying Your Awesomeness, begins this Tuesday. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series is ready to go. Or, if you happen to know swing-outs, circles, basic six count, basic Charleston, you're ready to go.

Week 3 will introduce students to the Tandem Charleston! Also, the Whitey's famous S-turn entrance into Charleston, as well as the third phrase of the Shim Sham.

New Blood Night Aug 23rd!

Never been to jam Cellar before? [This is probably not you.] Well, you get in free Aug 24. Have friend who's never been to Jam Cellar before? [This probably is you.] Then bring them , and you both get in free! Free 30 minute dance classes at 8, 8:30, 9.

This week, Jerry Almonte will make you jump, jump

That's right, a favorite among these parts; he'll move you with rhythm and horns, sailing lightly and politely.

New Beginner Series Week 2! (THIS WEEK!)

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again this week. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free. If you prove you can hang, we might let you start this week.

New Intermediate Series: Amplifying Your Awesomeness Week 2! THIS WEEK!

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. The first, Amplifying Your Awesomeness, begins this Tuesday. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series is ready to go. Or, if you happen to know swing-outs, circles, basic six count, basic Charleston, you're ready to go.

Week 2 will introduce students to the wonders of compression and stretch by covering sugar pushes and other exciting things they see fit, as well as the second phrase of the Shim Sham.

This week, DJ Sarah Sullivan

On this day in 1827, Henry David Thoreau was born. If you don't remember who that is, he's the quintessential "Seize the day!" kind of guy who lived on Walden Pond and wrote books and poetry and was one of those guys in frock coats who looked like he shaved with bark.

He's just the kind of guy we here at the Jam Cellar love, and here's a few quotes of his we think you'll enjoy pondering:

"Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. "

"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest"

So come to the Jam Cellar tonight to build some castles, dance to a different drummer, and be invulnerable for a night. Those who have lived a solitary life by a pond for a year and/or have shaved with bark get in free.

New Beginner Series Begins July 12! (THIS WEEK!)

Our famous 6-week Beginner Lindy Hop series begins again this week. And, it's the gift that keeps on giving: Once you pay for the series, you can take it as many times as you'd like in the future, for free.

New Intermediate Series: Amplifying Your Awesomeness Begins July 12! (THIS WEEK!)

The Jam Cellar is introducing two new 6-week intermediate series, so that anyone out of the beginner series can learn a lot more moves and the history of swing dancing. The first, Amplifying Your Awesomeness, begins this Tuesday. Anyone who has completed the Beginner 6-week Series is ready to go. Or, if you happen to know swing-outs, circles, basic six count, basic Charleston, you're ready to go.

Week 1 will cover swivels for followers and some swing out goodness for leaders, as well as a few notes on floor craft and the first phrase of the Shim Sham.