Patrick and Natalie Manigault from Atlanta
Patrick and Natalie have been dancing, teaching, choreographing, performing, competing, and loving Lindy Hop for over 10 years.
As two of the longtime members, organizational leaders and instructors of the Atlanta swing dance scene, they have been an integral part of the evolution of Lindy Hop in the southeast. As a DJ, Patrick has influenced the dance through his love of swing music with driving rhythms that inspire movement and the soul.
Patrick and Natalie see Lindy Hop as a vivid expression connecting people, music, artistry and generations.
As instructors, they view dance as a communication, and they emphasize becoming awake to what our bodies are hearing and expressing. In addition to learning moves and developing good leading and following technique, students also begin to value and develop their own expression. With this, students can begin to create dancing as a free and connected expression between themselves, the music and their partner.
The emergence of Soul music in the Lindy Hop community has been a real inspiration for them. Their style of dance to Soul music draws upon Lindy Hop as a foundation. They believe that when combined with the moods and feel of multiple generations and dance styles, this results in a natural fusion of movements. They continue to share their love of dancing to Soul music as local organizers of the largest Soul dancing party, “Swing & Soul,” held in Atlanta.
As social dancers, Patrick and Natalie deeply value the joy that comes from connecting and learning with another and the music. For them, Lindy Hop continues to be a place of great joy and expansion. They are grateful for its place in their lives and the opportunities to share the love of this dance in all its expressions.
Patrick and Natalie's classes
11am-12pm=Beginner Soul Class
Beginning Soul - "How Basie Got His Groove Back!" - This class will examine some of the differences between swing dancing and soul dancing and teach you how to take your swing dancing on to the soul floor!
12:30-1:30pm=Intermediate/Advanced Soul Class
Interm/Adv Soul - "So You Think You Can Soul Dance!" -This class will focus on how swing dancers can modify and adjust their movements in rhythm with the different styles of soul music often played at dances. This class will bring the soul out in everyone! Guaranteed to keep you from getting voted off the dancer floor!
2:45-3:45pm=Intermediate Lindy Hop
Intermediate Lindy Hop - "Moves-O-Rama!" - Title pretty much says it. This class will focus on movement and styling for leads and follows increasing the reperatoire you have in your creative palatte.
4-5pm=Advanced Lindy Hop
Advanced Lindy Hop - "Best of both worlds" - This is a uniquely styled class which capitalizes on the observational learning available in a group, with the individual feedback and personal attention of a private lesson. Don't miss this class. It will make you better.
Steve Stone of Orlando
As a dancer Steve started 13 years ago, and had two left feet. Having
a love of swing music and the persistence to dance through the
awkwardness he emerged a happier person. From teaching swing & lindy
hop, choreographing performances & Theatre, performing in a Pilot for T.V., a Commercial and Disney christmas special, to winning multiple dance competitions in Florida, he switched his focus to social dancing.
Dancing to me, was founded in the footwork of the dance and then the moves, until I realized what it meant to actually lead and follow. My desire is to give my students the experience I have been cultivating over the years, to help them create something new on the dance floor. Focusing on understanding concepts and practical application in leading, following and creating to the feel of the music.
Steve has a understanding and appreciation of many vintage and new styles and techniques in dancing, and believes a solid foundation is important to grow upon. However, dancing is about having fun, and when it becomes frustrating, that's when you have to stop and remember what it's all about, Fun.
Steve Stone's Classes
2:45-3:45pm-Basic Blues, Dancing beyond the basics.
Breaking it down, stretching it out, and dancing beyond the beat. Take the next step in your dance journey to explore all the possibilities and wonders that blues dancing has for you. Don't be scared, it's just dancing.
4pm-5pm-Intermediate/Advanced Blues Fusion
Taking blues concepts and freedom and mixing in all the dancing you already know (or want to know). Fusion ~ "the act or process of fusing or melting together; union" Lindy Hop, Tango, Hip Hop, Blues ... etc. If you can dance it, we can Fuse it
