Dates: Tuesdays, through September 9
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
 Location: Rockledge Fitness Center
 Cost: 12 weeks, $120

Join Kevin Murray for Hand Dance classes, a form of swing dance that can be traced as far back as the 1920's, when Harlem gave birth to the Lindy Hop. From the Lindy Hop emerged the Jitterbug in the 30's and during the 50's Washington, D.C. developed its own version and named it Hand Dance. It is characterized by gliding footwork and continuous hand contact between the partners, hence its name.

Kevin Murray, being a native of the District of Columbia, Kevin grew up in a family of hand dancers.  However it wasn’t until 2000 that he entered a class with Smooth & Easy where he too learned this native art form.  Upon graduating he immediately joined the SEZ dance troupe where his joy of competition became quite evident.  Within his first two years he placed in the top three or won his division at the National Hand Dance Association Competition, the World’s Largest Hand Dance Contest, “All That Dancing” National Dance Convention, NHDA Southwest Regional Championships and the Virginia State Open.  He has also won numerous team events as a member of the Smooth and Easy Dance Troupe. In 2004 Kevin received his credentials as a Certified Dance Instructor and today he is the founder and lead instructor of the Simply Swing Dance Academy.

Dates: Wednesday & Friday through August 15 (Beginners)
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: T-39 (studio B)
Cost: $10 drop-in

Join Jacque Ballard for Hand Dancing and dance your way through stress.

A form of swing, like the Jitterbug.  The Hand Dancing class will focus on teaching students the “basic” techniques for social dancing.  No partner is required, but proper shoes with either leather or suede soles are highly encouraged.

Jacque Ballard – Motto: Dance Like No One Is Watching!

Jacque took classes from the famous duo Ron Fisher and “Bunny” of Dance Elite. She graduated from “Dance Elite” Hand Dance Academy in September of 2003.  Jacque performed several dance routines and demos to promote not only social, competitive and routine dancing, but also to promote good health. Dance Elite performed dance demos at the Healthy Diabetes Symposium at South Maryland Hospital, the Health Fitness Expo Channel 4 at the DC Convention Center and various community events. She was selected to be apart of the Dance Elite Troupe and begin performing at special events at the Indian Head Country Club, Martini’s Restaurant & Lounge, Club Elite, and DC Cardovas Club as well as in competitions at Tri-State Competitions and MAD Jam Competitions. In June 2005, she was certified as an instructor to teach hand dance and bop by Dance Elite Hand Dance Academy.

Jacque took classes and graduated in December 2004 form Smooth Nez Hand Dance Institute. She continues to take classes to stay current with new dance techniques.