Our Class Structure & Philosophy

One of the reasons we wanted to organize a festival was to create a unique, and profoundly meaningful learning experience. At Lazy River Festival, our classes are designed to support long-term growth, embodied understanding, and joyful social dancing.

Rather than focusing on memorizing patterns or sequences, our workshops emphasize movement principles, musical awareness, connection, and adaptable tools that dancers can apply across many contexts. Patterns may appear when they meaningfully support a concept, but they’re never the goal.

Lazy River offers two complementary class formats, each serving a distinct purpose:

Leveled Main Classes (Lindy Hop)

Leveled classes create focused learning environments with a shared baseline of experience. This allows instructors to:

  • Go deeper into material

  • Address common challenges more precisely

  • Build on concepts progressively

  • Increase the likelihood of meaningful “aha” moments

These classes support depth, clarity, and momentum in learning.

All-Level Sampler & Mini Classes

All-level classes are an intentional and essential part of our program.
They are designed to:

  • Create a shared learning language across the community

  • Offers a learning experience more related to the culture of our dances

  • Encourage curiosity without pressure

  • Support dancers who are exploring new roles, styles, or approaches

  • Allow dancers of different backgrounds to learn side by side

In all-level classes, instructors focus on universally relevant concepts that can scale up or down depending on experience. This creates space for dancers to engage at their own depth while remaining connected to the broader community.

No Level Testing

Lazy River does not use level testing, auditions, or leveled door enforcement.

All participants receive the same wristbands, and no one will be checking levels at classrooms. We operate on an honor system, trusting dancers to choose classes thoughtfully and to be mindful of both their own learning and their impact on others. This isn’t only about you, but all of us.

If you’re unsure whether a leveled class is the right fit:

  • You’re welcome to take the class with a fixed partner rather than rotating

  • You may observe and take notes without dancing

  • All-level sampler classes are always a great option

Why This Balance Matters

Leveled classes support depth and focus.
All-level classes support connection, accessibility, and shared understanding.

Together, they create a learning environment that is both structured and welcoming, allowing dancers to grow individually while staying connected to the larger community.

Come curious. Choose generously. Learn deeply.
Lazy River is a place to explore, connect, and carry your learning forward.

Full Pass

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Lindy Hop Main Tracks

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Full Pass 〰️ Lindy Hop Main Tracks 〰️

  • Improvers

    The Improvers class is designed for dancers who have a basic understanding of Lindy Hop fundamentals. Participants at this level are comfortable with the basic steps, rhythm, and some classic moves. Dancers will refine their techniques, work on transitions between moves, and learn variations to expand their repertoire. The focus is on building confidence, refining partnering skills, and introducing more complex interactions and footwork.

  • Explorers

    The Explorers class caters to dancers who possess a solid grasp of Lindy Hop fundamentals and seek to explore deeper aspects of the dance. Dancers will learn to interpret and connect with music, explore different rhythms, experiment with variations, and refine their individual style. Emphasis is placed on creativity, musical interpretation, and expanding vocabulary to become more versatile dancers.

  • Explorers +

    The Explorers class caters to dancers who possess a solid grasp of Lindy Hop fundamentals and seek to explore deeper aspects of the dance. Dancers will learn to interpret and connect with music, explore different rhythms, experiment with variations, and refine their individual style. Emphasis is placed on creativity, musical interpretation, and expanding vocabulary to become more versatile dancers.

  • Inspirers

    The Inspirers class is tailored for experienced dancers who want to take their Lindy Hop to another level. This level focuses on honing technical proficiency, advanced musical interpretation, and encouraging dancers to become inspirations to themselves and peers. Classes aim to challenge dancers to push their boundaries, discuss their unique styles, and share their ideas.

Sampler Classes

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Sampler Classes 〰️

Big ideas, all levels.

Sampler classes are multi-topic, all-level learning spaces focused on big ideas that meet dancers wherever they are. They take place throughout Friday, and close out the day on Saturday and Sunday. There’s no pre-selection for sampler classes, you choose what to take in the moment, based on curiosity, energy, and interest. Just show up and dive in.

  • Friday with Jenna

  • Ana Lisa & Javier

  • Dara

  • TBA

  • TBA

  • TBA

  • TBA

Mini Track

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Balboa

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St Louis Shag

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Mini Track 〰️ Balboa 〰️ St Louis Shag 〰️

Mini Tracks - 1 hr Fri/Sat/Sun

Mini tracks group 3 related classes together around a shared topic (this year St Louis Shag or Balboa), giving dancers the chance to explore a concept from multiple angles without overlapping with other mini tracks or main/sampler classes.

Mini tracks take place across dedicated time blocks, allowing dancers to explore a theme either in addition to their main pass, blocking together 2 mini tracks or without locking into a full track for the weekend.

Extras to round out the weekend

Full Pass or Mini Pass, join the fun

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