Welcome! from Todd and Beth

When people find out that Todd Schmenk and Beth Donahue are swing dance teachers the most common response is, “I’ve always wanted to try that!” Eager to provide that opportunity in their new home town, Todd and Beth, a husband and wife teaching duo originally from Cleveland, Ohio, created ZazouSwing in February of 2006, and in a relatively short time have become sought after swing dance teachers in the Providence and Boston area.

Because of their unique specialization in different styles of Swing, not only are they well-versed in the necessary dance technique, but the music and the history of the Swing Era as well. Their primary concentrations are Lindy Hop, Charleston, East Coast Swing (sometimes called Jitterbug) as well as recently venturing into Balboa.

With endless patience and humor they can take you from your first basic steps to your first performance. Their goal is to make your dancing enjoyable and effortless no matter who your partner is! Whether you’re looking for group classes, private lessons, or simply a fun way to spice up an event, ZazouSwing can provide it all with professionalism and a sense of fun!

What is Zazou?

Upcoming Classes, Workshops, and Events

Minor Swing
At Chez Ben Fahrenheit, 345 South Water St Providence, RI
Every Friday February from 8pm until 10:30pm
Cost: 1 drink
The First Friday of Every Month
At Swing City, in Boston, MA
Live Band from 9pm - Midnight with Todd Djin' til 1am.
Cost: $12

     

In a Jam! Fast and Furious Dancing for Jam Circle Show Offs
Providence Swings
Every Thursday in July
Lesson from 7 until 8:15. Dancing until 11pm
Cost: $35. Dance is free with class. $5 for dance only
Blues Cafe
Medford, MA
Every 3rd Saturday from 8 pm until 12:30pm
Cost: $15 per person
Columbus, Ohio April 20th-23rd
Baltimore, Maryland April 28th - 30th
Phoenix, Arizona May 12th - 15th
Columbus, Ohio May 18th - 21st
 
Some private times still availble

What is Swing??

Written by Dan Newsome
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Jazz music is the music of America, and swing dance is the movement behind the music. Every day thousands of people in almost every city of the country, and all over the world are preserving it, innovating with it, and enjoying it. Those participating in the culture of swing are having a great time and making history.

Lindy Hop is the swing dance from the 30's, 40s and 50s, danced to Big Band Swing, Jump Blues, Jazz and early Rock 'n Roll. You may have seen it done in Swing Kids, or other movies... Jitterbug is a 1950s dance you may have seen in Swingers or in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Cherry Poppin Daddies Videos.

In Swing and Lindy Hop you will find swivels, aerials (air steps), kicks, rhythmic footwork, and energetic turns. Lindy Hop is street dance, done down low with bent knees and waist and open arms.

All styles of Swing can be danced very fast or very slow and everything in between. You can wear vintage fashions, or come as you are. And with Todd and Beth's patient and humorous instruction, anyone can do it!

Many Thanks!!

A very special thank you to all of those who have helped us develop into the dancers and teachers we are today. (though they may want to dis-associate from us!) To Greg Sipe, Valerie Salstrom, and Joel Plys, for getting us started to Frankie Manning, Greg Avakian, and John McCalla for inspiring us in our Lindy infancy. To Marty and Jen Lau, Mark Kapner as well as the host of instructors over the years at Swing Out New Hampshire for their indespensible knowledge and friendship, York's Urban Swing Dance Club, Providence Swings, the Back Bay Shuffle practice group, and of course our parents, family and friends for their support and encouragment. A final special thanks to Andrew Kontola, Gay Santelmann, and David Rehm, for their incredible dedication to us, to our students, and to the dance.

Student Resources

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One of our most cherished goals when it comes to dance is to be able to help students find what they need within themselves in order to continue on to become not only the most fully self expressed and therefore amazing dancers on the floor, but the source of inspiration for others to pursue the same path. In doing so we ensure that the dance will continue to touch, move, and inspire future generations as it has done so for us and so many countless others.

The links below are for those who have ever come to any of our workshops, class sessions, introduction lessons, and/or have taken private lessons with us. We provide these clips and notes for you so that you may review what we have taught on your own time as often as you need and also as a resource for those with whom we have never worked with (at least not yet). Feel free to e-mail us with questions on the material or to send us something you have found valuable as well (like your class notes with us or another instructor)

We hope you dance. May you be well.

 

Instructional Video

Papers on Dance

Our Favorite Links