Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you teach?
A: We specialize in teaching Lindy Hop, the original swing/jitterbug/jive dance. This is the dance you saw in Swing Kids, MalcolmX, and the Khakis Swing Gap commercial. We also teach related swing dances such as Jitterbug, Balboa, Shag, Blues, and more!
Q: Why do I want to learn Swing?
A: Simple! The swing scene is by far the most friendly and open-minded scene you will find. You'll meet lots of great people and have tons of fun in the process! More and more people are re-discovering swing and jazz music, and learning the Lindy Hop, making it one of the most popular social dances today. Swing and Lindy Hop is now a worldwide phenomena, with dancers in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Japan, and many more countries around the world.
Q: What is "Cat's Corner?"
A: We take our name from a certain section of the famous swing-era Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. The Cat's Corner was where the best swing dancers gathered to strut their stuff and to innovate. Among these pioneers were Frankie Manning, Shorty George Snowden, and Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. For more info, see History of Cat's Corner.
Q: Who are the teachers?
A: Read more about our instructors here.
Q: Which level should I take?
A: If this is your first time taking dance courses, you will start at Swing 1, Swing 2, or Accelerated Swing. Please see the course descriptions to determine where you best fit in. If you are unsure about where to start, we recommend that you drop by our weekly dance to try a beginner lesson and talk to one of our instructors, who will gladly help you out.
Q: I don't have a partner, can I still join the class?
A: Yes. Both couples and singles are welcome to our classes. Many people register by themselves and historically we have been able to maintain approximately the right gender balance. We do rotate partners frequently so that nobody is asked to stand out during the class. If you bring a partner and you don't want to rotate, that's fine too.
Q: In what language are the classes given?
A: Our classes are bilingual and are taught in a mixture of both English and French. The majority of our teachers are perfectly bilingual and would be happy to translate for anyone in need.
Q: I am hopelessly lost. Can I take a private lesson?
A: We are available for private lessons, just contact us to make a booking. In addition, we're always available after class to help you out with problems or questions.
Q: What if I can't afford your classes?
A: Talk to us. Perhaps there is a nice trade we could work out with your skills. We don't want you to be left out during hard times; we've been there! In addition, we offer discounts for full-time students. We also have a Volunteer Corps which receives discounts for their courses.
Q: What should I wear?
A: You should wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes to your first set of classes. Eventually many people decide to invest in accessories like dance sneakers. When you are ready to take the plunge we will be more than happy to show you the footwear and clothing we find most effective.
Q: What if I miss a class?
A: In the beginner class, it's usually not a problem if a student misses a class because each week we review the previous lesson. In limited situations, if you know in advance that you'll be missing a class, we can make arrangements for you to attend an alternative class that week.
Q: Where do the classes take place?
A: Directions can be found here.
Q: Where can we dance and/or practice?
A: Cat's Corner organizes dance nights on Friday nights. A beginner lesson starts at 8:30pm, and the evening starts at 9:30pm and usually finishes around 2:00am. Your favourite Montreal DJs and special guest DJs spin tunes for you all night long. Admission is only $7. The nights are organized by dancers for dancers, the atmosphere is relaxed, the music is great, and ideal for practicing or just dancing!
In addition, we frequently host and sponsor special events for dancers. Join our listserv if you want to be kept up to date!
Q: Do you teach airsteps?
A: We do not teach airsteps (lifts or aerials) in class because these moves should only be used in performance situations. Airsteps are never to be used in social dancing and are in fact forbidden in most dance halls.
Sign from The Derby in Los Angeles, California.
This club was where the movie "Swingers" was filmed.
Q: Online Registration doesn't seem to work?
A: The registration system will work if you use a browser that is fairly recent (say, after 1999) and is in its default security settings. Make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
(Techie Alert!) If you've customized your browser to some strange security settings involving scripting and cookies then the registration system will behave erratically. In that case you are probably a techie and will already know what to do to fix it. In extreme situations try deleting your cookies and emptying your cache.
Q: Do you perform?
A: We are available for performances. Please contact us to discuss availability.
Q: Do you DJ?
A: We are available to play swing music for your engagement. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Découvrez plus sur le site Cat's Corner.