People participate in a free, 30-minute dance lesson by instructors from The Cat’s Meow dance studio followed by social dancing to jazz music in the Sundial courtyard in downtown St. Petersburg. Martha Rhine | The Crow’s Nest
By Bryce Lawson
If you’re looking for a new safe way to express yourself, or just want to get in some great cardio, then swing dancing is for you.
On the first Tuesday of every month, The Cat’s Meow dance group offers a free swing class at the Sundial courtyard.
“The Cat’s Meow (is) a group of people who believe that Lindy hop can save the world,” said Dominic Howarth, The Cat’s Meow’s head coordinator.
Lindy hop is a form of swing dancing that originated 1920s Harlem. Often called Jazz dance, it is a member of the swing dance family. A majority of the music associated with Lindy hop comes from the big band jazz era.
Lindy can be danced solo or with a partner. When partnering up, you must be respectful and ask if your partner is interested in dancing.
The first hour is a beginner course to get everyone familiar with the basic six-count Lindy. Once you know the basic steps, you are ready to graduate to partner dancing.
When dancing with a partner, one person acts as the lead, or GPS system, while the follower acts as the driver. Depending on which song is playing different flairs and rhythms are added in.
Once the beginning classes are done, guests are invited to keep dancing and enjoy the music.
Howarth and the rest of the Cats make the environment fun and have no problem working with you until you’ve got the steps down.
When asked his reason for getting into swing dancing, Howarth said, “I was able to be super silly in a safe environment.”
I can say that’s the same vibe I experienced at my first class. Even though I probably looked silly, it didn’t matter, because I was having so much fun dancing.
Besides the classes at Sundial, The Cat’s Meow offers classes every Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. for beginners and 8 to 9 p.m. for intermediates at The Princess Martha, 411 First Ave. N.
