Monday 11 December 2017

Balboa class tonight!

Just to confirm....

Yes, there will be a Balboa class tonight for anyone who can get there.  If you can't, please join us in Summertown on Weds for our Christmas Party!

But if we don't see you till after Christmas, we hope you have a fabulous time wherever you are going to be and we'd like to thank everyone for supporting our classes throughout 2017.  We really appreciate it!

See you 2018...

Balboa classes - Monday 8 January
Lindy classes - Weds 10 January


Monday 4 December 2017

CHRISTMAS PARTY - Weds 13 Dec



Join us for some sparkly 
Christmas celebrations!
🎄🎄🎄🎄
Weds 13 December
7.30-10.30pm


at St Michael's Church Hall,
Portland Road, Summertown

A fun routine for ALL LEVELS 
followed by extra social dancing time 
and some yummy Christmas snacks.  
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TOO - ALL WELCOME! 



LAST STOP BALBOA - The December date CANCELLED


Sunday 10 December 2017
2pm - 6pm

"Oh the weather outside is frightful...!"
Apologies, Last Stop has been cancelled due to the weather.  Hope you all have a great Christmas and see you next year...  
Sun 14 January 2018

Come and join us for a relaxed afternoon's Balboa or just come and chat and see what it's all about.  All levels welcome - whether you've done one or 50 classes (or none!)  A great opportunity to practise in a relaxed and friendly environment.  




Upstairs at The Jericho Tavern  
56 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AE
(see directions below)
All day food & bar downstairs
Contribution to cost of venue:  £5

Next month's Last Stop...
Sun 14 January 2018


Getting to The Jericho Tavern ...
Free parking in side roads between Woodstock Rd & Banbury Rd (10 mins walk) 
A few spaces for non-residents in Cranham St, Great Clarendon St, Walton St, Worcester Pl, Wellington St, Albert St and Observatory Rd.  
Bus and Rail Stations are 10 mins' walk away.
Pear Tree Park & Ride off A34/A44 (10-15 mins bus ride)

TERM DATES & COURSES - Dec 2017 to Jan 2018

We're into the last couple of weeks of term so make a note of our term and course dates here - 

BALBOA CLASSES - MONDAYS IN NEW MARSTON
End of this term - Mon 11 December
Start of next term - Mon 8 January
Next Balboa Beginners Course - Mon 8 January

And don't forget our Christmas party on Weds 13 December!

REVISED CLASS TIMES...
Doors open 7.15pm,  

Fundamentals 7.30pm, Practice 8.30pm, 
Intermediates 9.00pm, Practice 10.00pm

More info on classes at 
http://www.oxfordswingdance.co.uk/swingdance_classes.html



LINDY CLASSES - WEDNESDAYS IN SUMMERTOWN
End of term - Weds 13 December
Start of next term - Weds 10 January
Next Lindy Basics Course starts - Weds 10 January

And don't forget our Christmas party on Weds 13 December!


More info on classes at 
http://www.oxfordswingdance.co.uk/swingdance_classes.html

Monday 6 November 2017

Last Stop Balboa - November date



Sunday 12 November 2017
2.30pm - 6pm

Come and join us for a relaxed afternoon's Balboa
or just come & chat and see what it's all about . . .

This month we're moving to Old Headington Village Hall (details below) while our usual venue is being refurbished - with a slight change of timing too.  Parking on site!


Contribution to cost of venue:  £5

Next month's Last Stop...
Sun 10 December 2017 - back at The Jericho Tavern
****************************************************

Old Headington Village Hall
Dunstan Road, Old Headington, Oxford OX3 9BY

Parking:  on site! 
Bus stops:  on A420, London Road, Headington - 10 mins' walk away.
Park & Ride:  Thornhill - off A40 (5 mins bus ride)

Lindy Basics Course - Next module starts . .

Weds 8 November 2017
7.30pm-10.30pm

The next module of the Basics Course starts this week!  
So if you've been waiting to join us, don't miss out, come along at 7.30pm and learn to dance.



Doors open 7.30pm   Warm up starts 7.50pm
Find us at St Michaels Church Hall (upstairs), Portland Road, Summertown OX2 7EZ 

Monday 9 October 2017

Lindy Basics Course - Beginners welcome!


Weds 11 October : 7.30pm-10.30pm
The next module of the Basics Course starts - that's this week! 


If you've been waiting to join us, don't miss out, come along at 7.30pm and learn to dance.

Doors open 7.30pm   Warm up starts 7.50pm

Find us at St Michaels Church Hall (upstairs), Portland Road, Summertown OX2 7EZ 






Monday 11 September 2017

TERM STARTS THIS WEEK!

MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY . . .


BALBOA CLASSES TONIGHT!
New Term and Beginners Course
Monday 11 September in New Marston
7.15pm doors open.  Classes start at 7.30pm



LINDY CLASSES 
New Term and Basics Course
Wednesday 13 September in Summertown
7.30pm doors open.  Warm up 7.50pm



Monday 14 August 2017

SUMMER SCHOOL - This week ...

This year we're filling the summer weeks with our first ever Summer School - upstairs at St Michael's Church Hall.  

30 Aug - This week's theme is Balboa...but slower!


An easy introduction to Balboa using the same 8-count rhythm as Lindy.  A relaxing, smooth version of Balboa. Follows - bring your heels!  


Each week will have a different theme aimed mainly at Intermediate level dancers. Some weeks will be suitable for all levels, so keep checking here or our Facebook Events page, for updates.  There'll also be extra social dancing time so even if the workshop isn't for your level you can still join us for some practice a little later in the evening. 

Time : 7.30pm-10.30pm
Cost : £6 - Workshop & Social (£5 concessions)
           £3 - Social only




TERM DATES AND COURSES - Sept to Dec 2017

On this page you'll find the latest Term and Course dates.  

For class times, venues and full details on all OSD classes go to Classes page.   (SUMMER SCHOOL continues until Wed 6 September - see separate post for details.)

COURSE DATES Sept - Dec 2017 

LINDY BEGINNERS / IMPROVERS COURSE DATES:  
Weds 13 Sept, Weds 11 Oct, Weds 8 Nov
These courses consist of 3 x four-week blocks.  You're welcome to join in at the beginning of any course or part way through if you're willing to give it a go!  Each block is different so you can add to your dance skills every week.

BALBOA BEGINNERS COURSE DATE 
Mon 11 Sept

TERM DATES
BALBOA Term starts - Mon 11 Sept
LINDY Term starts - Weds 13 Sept 

PRIVATE CLASSES (for ALL levels, singles &/or couples - limited to 4 per session).  One-off Sunday sessions available every couple of weeks or so.
Contact us for details at oxfordswingdance@googlemail.com 
Current prices : £20 per person per hour (special reduced price of £15 ppph for regular OSD class members)
Dates for Sept - Dec 2017 available soon.

Friday 23 June 2017

Next BALBOA SLOWER Workshop - Last chance to book!

Sunday 23 July 2017
11.45 am - 5.30 pm
North Oxford Assoc Community Centre, 
Diamond Place,  Summertown OX2 7DP


All welcome!
£25 per person (in advance only)

Have you ever wanted to dance to slower swing music but don't really know whether to do Lindy or Blues?   Or maybe you'd like an easy introduction to Balboa using the same 8-count rhythm as Lindy?  

Join us on Sun 23 July to learn a beautiful, rhythmic & smooth version of Balboa, as danced by old timer, Dean Raftery and currently taught by Mickey Fortansce & Kelly Arsenault.  Here's a clip of them dancing to give you a flavour of what to expect...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4uPU1OA4AA  


HOW TO BOOK
Please book with a partner if at all possible (Follows ... leads just need a little nudge!)
Contact us at oxfordswingdance@googlemail.com or at OSD classes.
Payment in advance only - payable by cash, cheque or online.




Tuesday 20 June 2017

TERM DATES, CLASSES & COURSES June - Sept 2017

On this page you'll find the latest Term and Course dates.  

For class times, venues and full details on all OSD classes go to Classes page. 

LINDY COURSE DATES July - Sept 2017 
Beginners/Improvers courses start on:  
Weds 21 June, Weds 13 Sept
These courses consist of 3 x four-week blocks.  You're welcome to join in at the beginning of any course or part way through if you're willing to give it a go!  Each block is different so you can add to your dance skills every week.

SUMMER BREAK DATES
End of LINDY term - Weds 12 July
End of BALBOA term - Mon 10 July
Next LINDY term starts - Weds 13 Sept
Next BALBOA term starts - Mon 11 Sept (TBC)

LINDY SUMMER SCHOOL - July & August 2017
This year we're filling the summer weeks with our first ever Lindy Summer School at St Michael's Church Hall !!  
See separate post for details.

PRIVATE CLASSES (for ALL levels, singles &/or couples - limit of 4 per session)
Contact us for details at oxfordswingdance@googlemail.com 
Current prices : £20 per person per hour (special reduced price of £15 ppph for regular OSD class members)
One-off Sunday sessions available every couple of weeks or so - contact us for dates and details 
Dates for Sept - Dec 2017 available soon.


Thursday 8 June 2017

STEPS Code of Conduct

Oxford Swing Dance is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable social dance experience for everyone regardless of dance ability, dance background, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other characteristic or trait.  We do not tolerate harassment in any form.  Individuals violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the venue at the discretion of the organisers.


STEPS Code of Conduct
(modified from https://safetyinswingdance.com/)

STEPS Code – Safety, Trust, Engagement, Prevention, Support
(Safety in Swing Dance and the ‘STEPS’ code take strides to be there for anyone in need!)
We believe that the swing dance world is already welcoming, supportive (and fantastic!) and that instances of inappropriate behaviour are rare. Our Code of Conduct is designed to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility to build safety into events, and to contribute to the well being of the whole community.  We love to dance, and we want you to love it too.

Guidelines for Being Good People
The following good people guidelines apply to EVERYONE attending a STEPS Code event, including members of staff, volunteers and visiting teachers:

1.  We will be NICE to everyone and treat all people with respect.  We will not harass anyone.  We will not discriminate according to sex, gender expression nor sexual orientation, nor race religion, nor nationality.  We will treat everyone equally, regardless of age, ability, physical appearance, lifestyle, dance experience or dance role.

2.  We will be INCLUSIVE and invite others to dance, and we will be gracious if turned down.  We will ask people of all levels to dance because we can all learn from each other and thereby improve the overall standard of dance in our community.  We may say no when asked to dance, but we will be polite when doing so and if we promise to dance later on, we will honour that promise.

3.   We will be RESPONSIBLE for our own physical safety and that of others nearby.  We will practice safe floor-craft and say sorry if we accidentally bump another person.  We will not offer advice or instruction unless asked to do so, nor perform aerials on the social floor. If we consume alcohol we will do so responsibly, and if we are drunk enough to pose a risk to ourselves or others, we will leave the dance floor and retire to the bar.

4.   We will take CARE of our own personal hygiene, and bring towels, spare clothing and extra deodorant if necessary.  We will be considerate when choosing our clothing, footwear, and accessories and will not wear anything that is potentially hazardous to ourselves or to others.

5.   We will be RESPECTFUL and acknowledge that the personal boundaries of others may not be the same as our own. We will be mindful of the appropriateness of language or comments that some may find offensive.  We will not touch anyone inappropriately and we will apologise immediately if we touch a person in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.  We will be aware that someone’s perception of what may be offensive could be different to our own.

6.  We UNDERSTAND that following the above guidelines ensures a better experience for everyone and that participating in any kind of verbal, physical or sexual abuse will have consequences.  This may include, but is not limited to, being asked to leave without refund and exclusion from future events.

7.  We, the organisers, PROMISE to treat any reports made, from dancers in our home scenes or elsewhere, with sensitivity and to keep all details as confidential as is possible.

Thankfully any such infringements are extremely rare and that by adhering to the above principles we endeavour to ensure a safer, friendly and enjoyable experience for all.  We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed intimidating or inappropriate behaviour to tell an organiser.  

At Oxford Swing Dance your suggested points of contact (Safety People) are:  Pam (Mon & Wed),   Jacqui (Mon only),  Tamsin (Wed only). 

If you prefer to talk in person, or would prefer to speak to another member of staff, you are welcome to do so at any time.

Safety People are available for discussion and reassurance, not just formal reports - please do tell us about your concerns, even small ones - we're here for you!

Saturday 27 May 2017

Bank Holiday Balboa

YES! 

Balboa Classes will be running as normal on  
MONDAY 29 MAY


Please note class times: 

7.15       First timers' introductory session

7.30      Fundamentals Class (including First Timers)
8.30      Practice, tea, coffee, etc
9.00      Variations Class
10.00    Practice
10.30    Home time

See Classes page for all other details, venue, etc....

Friday 26 May 2017

TERM DATES, CLASSES & COURSES April - July 2017

On this page you'll find the latest Term and Course dates (see below).  

For class times, venues and full details on all OSD classes go to Classes page. 

TERM DATES April - July 2017 :
BALBOA  : From Mon 24 April - Mon 10 July
LINDY      :  From Weds 26 April - Weds 12 July

LINDY COURSE DATES April - July 2017
Beginners/Improvers courses start on:  
Weds 26 April, Weds 24 May, Weds 21 June
These courses consist of 3 x four-week blocks.  You're welcome to join in at the beginning of any course or part way through if you're willing to give it a go!  Each block is different so you can add to your dance skills every week.

BALBOA COURSE DATES - April - July 2017
Next Beginners Course starts Mon 24 April 2017 
NB : PLEASE NOTE NEW CLASS TIMES...
.  Complete Beginners Introductory session    7.15pm 
   (for those starting after Week 1 of Course) 
.  Beginners/Fundamentals class   7.30-8.30pm   
.  Practice   8.30-9.00pm
.  Variations class   9.00-10.00pm   
.  Practice   10.00-10.30pm
  
PRIVATE CLASSES (for ALL levels, singles &/or couples - limit of 4 per session)
Contact us for details at oxfordswingdance@googlemail.com 
Current prices : £20 per person per hour (special reduced price of £15 ppph for regular OSD class members)
One-off Sunday sessions available every couple of weeks or so - contact us for dates and details 
Dates for April - July 2017 available.



Tuesday 25 April 2017

Balboa Slower Workshop - last chance to book!

Sunday 30 April
11.45 am - 5.00 pm
Cutteslowe Pavilion, Cutteslowe Park
Oxford OX2 8NP

All welcome!
£25 per person (in advance)

Have you ever wanted to dance to slower swing music but don't really know whether to do Lindy or Blues?   Or maybe you'd like an easy introduction to Balboa using the same 8-count rhythm as Lindy?  

Join us on Sun 30 April to learn a beautiful, rhythmic & smooth version of Balboa, as danced by old timer, Dean Raftery and currently taught by Mickey Fortansce & Kelly Arsenault.  Here's a clip of them dancing to give you a flavour of what to expect... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4uPU1OA4AA  

All welcome!  Even if you've never done any Balboa or you missed the previous two workshops.  For those who came to one or both of the previous workshops, there'll be different content so lots more to learn.

HOW TO BOOK
Please book with a partner if at all possible (Follows ... leads just need a little nudge!)
Contact us at oxfordswingdance@googlemail.com  or at any OSD classes.
Payment in advance only - payable by cash, cheque or online.



Bank Holiday Balboa

YES! 
Balboa Classes will be running as normal on  
MONDAY 1 MAY


Please note class times: 

7.15      First timers' introductory session

7.30      Fundamentals Class (including First Timers)
8.30      Practice, tea, coffee, etc
9.00      Variations Class
10.00    Practice
10.30    Home time

See Classes page for all other details, venue, etc....

Monday 10 April 2017

Last Stop Balboa - April...with Live Music!

Sunday 23 April 2017
2pm - 6pm

Come and join us for a relaxed afternoon's Balboa
or just come & chat and see what it's all about . . .
And this month we're delighted to be joined by
Hot Club 42 
(First set from 2.30pm)

Upstairs at The Jericho Tavern  
56 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AE
(see directions below)
All day food & bar downstairs
Entry price:  £5

Next month's Last Stop...
Sun 21 May 2017


Getting to The Jericho Tavern ...
Free parking in side roads between Woodstock Rd & Banbury Rd (10 mins walk) 
A few spaces for non-residents in Cranham St, Great Clarendon St, Walton St, Worcester Pl, Wellington St, Albert St and Observatory Rd.  
Bus and Rail Stations are 10 mins' walk away.
Pear Tree Park & Ride off A34/A44 (10-15 mins bus ride)