I first met John Festa in 2005 at one of his workshops at Longfellows. I remember that I was contemplating leaving swing because I was tired of hiring coaches to teach me “why” the techniques should be done a certain way but so many of them seemed intent on teaching me “what” to do. To me the “why” is the most important part of the learning process. Consider Danielson from the Karate Kid…he was nothing more than a day laborer until Mr. Miyagi illustrated “why” he was waxing on and waxing off. Only once the “why” is understood can we begin to process “what” needs to be done.
This Saturday at Longfellow join us with Living Legend John Festa as he teaches:
7-8pm “Swing Your Partner”
Don’t get nervous folks this is not a class about square dancing! Using basic patterns John is going to break down the “swing” in West Coast Swing. WCS is a leader centric dance, meaning he is physically in the center of the partnership while she travels back and forth. The leader is only half of the story when it comes to swing. This dance is considered to be very difficult to master but only by those that don’t know the “why” that John will reveal during this ALL LEVEL class. Whether you are a leader or a follower this workshop is the easiest and best way to level up.
8-9pm “Extreme Whips”
Stretch, torque, power, and control all converge into a pattern that we call “The Whip!” Whips are the very foundation of West Coast Swing and connect this dance to all other forms of swing. John will start of with the basic whip and then the sky is the limit as you learn how to get the most out of your self, your partner, and the music.
$25 gets you both classes and the dance
$15 gets you “Extreme Whips” and the dance
$10 get you into the dance with DJ John Festa
Longfellow’s Club JoEllen
524 Minuteman Dr off of Boston Post RD
(Rt 20) Wayland, MA
John loved teaching our Sunday group so much that he asked to stay over and teach the two classes again. The classes are shorter so he will be more intense with a similar lesson plan on Sunday.
6-6:45pm “Swing Your Partner Harder”
6:45-7:30 “Whips to the Extreme”
$20 gets you both classes and the dance
$15 gets you “Extreme Whips” and the dance
$10 get you into the dance with DJ Mr. Jonathan
Longfellow’s Club JoEllen
524 Minuteman Dr off of Boston Post RD
(Rt 20) Wayland, MA
This Week’s Top 10 Songs
Miles Away – Basia
Break Away – Bobby Caldwell
I.G.Y. – Donald Fagen
Rock Me Again & Again – Lyn Collins
Good Times – Ray Bonnevill
Bohemian Cowboy Blues – Jimmy LaFave
The Beast – Milt Buckner
The Continental Stroll – Sil Austin
Coffee To Go – Club Des Belugas
Sweet Rowena – Joe Bonamassa (Feat Vince Gill)