Lindy Hop: Teaching Practices that Center Culture and Values

In this workshop, we will discuss how understanding the historical context of Lindy Hop (and other Jazz Dances) allows us to understand the dance on a much deeper level. Gabs will demonstrate how to move beyond simply "sharing facts" to truly incorporating cultural values into your exercises, class structure, and lesson planning.

Note on Perspective: Gabs is not a Black American dancer and does not speak on behalf of the community or their lived experience. What she offers is a personal perspective, as a Brazilian and therefore a guest in the culture, built from years of dedicated study in Black American history and culture, informed by the teachings and talks of Black dancers.

What you will learn:

• Why centering Black American culture is foundational to teaching these dances.
• How to set student goals that prioritize cultural values over just "moves."
• How to break those goals down into practical exercises that build throughout a course.
• How to weave history and values into the physical structure of your class.

Please come ready to engage with both theory and practical lesson-planning exercises!