Hit That Jive Productions

A Non-Profit Arts Organization

Our organization gathers in Amiskwaciwâskahikan, known colonially as Edmonton, Alberta. This land is the traditional territory of many Indigenous People, the First Nations of Treaty 6, and the Metis of Districts 9 and 10.

This land has thousands of years of history, storytelling, and oral traditions. In the spirit of the treaty and its oral agreements we are all meant to share this land and are all treaty people.

Classes & Practice

 
 

Lindy Hop & Balboa

Hit That Jive hosts classes & practice sessions throughout the year.

This page includes information on Balboa and Lindy Hop, the available class offerings, registration, and more!

Wednesday Practice Sessions

Join us on Wednesdays at Strathcona Hall for Balboa & Lindy Hop practice!

Upcoming Dates:

Sept 16th

Oct 21st

Nov 11th, Nov 18th

Dec 2nd

6:30-8:30pm

This is an open-level peer practice, with jazz music that’s great for Lindy Hop, Balboa, and other swing-era dances. Bring something that you’re working on OR check-in with our Dance Host for an idea!

Practices include dancers of all levels. While some dance experience is recommended (as there is no formal lesson at the practices), this is not required.


Practice sessions are by-donation (suggested $5).

Location: Strathcona Community Hall (10139 87 Ave NW)

Please bring indoor shoes to help keep the venue clean and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

 

Balboa fundamentals class series

Join us on Tuesdays this fall for Balboa Fundamentals with Julie & John, hosted by our friends at Swing Out Edmonton!

This is an all-levels series that will focus on Balboa fundamentals in a fun & friendly environment. Recommended for dancers that would like to brush up on their core fundamentals, those new to Balboa, and everyone in between.

Dates:

Tuesdays from Sept 15th to Oct 6th

Time: 6:30-7:40pm

Price:
$60 for students
$75 for non-students
(Fees paid to Swing-Out Edmonton)

Location: University of Alberta Campus (room TBD)

Footwear: we recommend having shoes that will allow you to turn & pivot with ease! Leather soles or suede shoes work well for Balboa.

REGISTER HERE

What is Lindy Hop?

Lindy Hop is a partnered swing dance that began in the late 1920s in the dance halls of Harlem, NYC. Created by Black American dancers, the dance is rooted in the values and aesthetics of Black culture. Lindy Hop combines swinging rhythms & jazz steps, playful call-and-response, and dynamic footwork in a follow-lead partnership, danced to the incredible big band jazz music that was popular during this era.

What is Balboa?

Balboa is a partnered swing dance that was created in the late 1920s/early 1930s in the ethnically diverse communities of Southern California. The ballrooms were often crowded, with some venues enforcing strict rules of “no break-away”. As such, Balboa features intricate footwork and rhythms in a close connection, or closed-embrace, with a partner. Danced to swinging jazz and big band music which has its roots in Black American culture, Balboa is great for faster songs, but can be danced at any tempo.


We at Hit That Jive are so grateful to be guests of Black American culture that created and influenced the music and dances that we enjoy.

Your Instructors

Julie Kiraly (she/her)

Julie fell in love with swing dancing after attending her first Lindy Hop class in 2002. She has travelled the world to study Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and Vernacular Jazz, and has been a performer, choreographer, competitor, event producer, and teacher for over 20 years. Julie has taught classes & workshops across Canada, and has competition credits from events in Vancouver, Seattle, Montreal, Ottawa, and Edinburgh. One of the things she loves most about the swing-era dances is social dancing -  the creativity and spontaneity of an improvised conversation with another human to incredible jazz music. She is thrilled to share her knowledge and love of these dances with her students. Off the dance floor you may spot Julie saving the galaxy with her friends on Batuu, drawing creatures & robots, or on the hunt for nerdy earrings.

Julie is available for private lessons. Contact us for more details!

 

Kate Dawson (she/her)

Kate was put into dance classes as a toddler in a feeble attempt to make her less clumsy. Now, she’s only a klutz when she’s not dancing. She grew up dancing tap and ballet and found Lindy Hop in 2013. It was love at first dance. After quickly developing a Lindy obsession, Kate started teaching in 2015. Since then, she has enjoyed learning other dances including Balboa, Blues, Charleston, Fusion, Vernacular (solo) Jazz, and West Coast Swing. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Kate has taken a special interest in both-role and switch dancing as a way to break down gendered limitations and make the dance accessible to more people.

Kate is available for private lessons. Contact us for more details!

 

John Marian (he/him)

John started dancing Lindy Hop in 2010, and dove in immediately, taking classes, performing, and social dancing as much as he could. He found Balboa a few years later, and was captivated by the mechanics and feel of the dance. John loves to teach, especially new students, and brings extensive experience to his classes from his movement background in martial arts, and his ability to analyse and thoughtfully break down material. When he’s not dancing, you’ll find John DMing an epic adventure, on a baseball diamond, or playing video games.

Interested in private lessons? Contact us for details & rates!

info@hitthatjive.ca

Hit That Jive’s dance classes are generously supported by the Province of Alberta through Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

 

Hit That Jive Productions is supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton. 

Hit That Jive Productions is supported by the Province of Alberta through Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.