Chichester
Solo Jazz & Charleston Saturday workshops
Solo Jazz FUNDamentals
Solo Jazz FUNdamental workshops are a fun way to learn the catalogue of steps of the original solo jazz dance – precursor to modern jazz – which originally emerged in the 20s, 30s and 40s (the Jazz Era).
During the sessions we’ll spend time learning the mechanics of the individual moves, try some fun variations and spend plenty of time practicing to swing, jazz, blues and big band music meaning you’ll squeeze some solo jazz fitness into your Saturday morning too!
No experience necessary, these sessions are perfect those with no previous experience as well as those who have danced solo jazz before as you’ll pick up some fun variations and get a chance to really drill-down into the technique of each step.
£20 per class or pre-book more than one for £15 per class
Student and/or under 21? Join the class for £10 per session, or pre-book more than one for £7.50 per class
Email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to book on today and received your discount, drop-ins also welcome on the day!
Sessions run 11.30am-1.30pm, at The New Park Centre in Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
2025 DATES
Saturday 5 July: Shim Sham step + variations, Shorty George, Box Steps, Squat Charleston, Lock turns, Tackie Annie + variations
Saturday 19 July: Rocks, Pivot Around, Sweeps + sweep variations, Shouts, Tabby the Cat
Saturday 20 September: Travelling Charleston, Long-legged Charleston, Suzie Qs, Cross dips, Ssh-Ka Boom,
Saturday 1 November: Shim Sham half break, Savoy Kicks, Mambo walks, Low Downs, Crazy Legs
Saturday 22 November: Single & Double Kicks, Fall Off the Log, Hanging Around, Eagle Slide, Fishtails
Routines
Up for learning a choreography? We have a host of solo jazz routines danced to uptempo vintage music from Open Level/beginners through to intermediate level routines…see below….
OPEN LEVEL
Jitterbug Stroll
Date: Saturday 28 June 2025
About: Choreographed by Ryan Francois in the 90s this routine encompasses a number of the many solo jazz steps. Performed in a circle, it’s a really fun, laughter inducing, sociable solo dance and regularly played at our socials
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: The New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
Cost: £20 per class or pre-book more than one for £15 per class
To book: email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to secure your spot, drop-ins also welcome on the day
Swing Stroll
Date: Saturday 6th December 2025
About: Choreographed by Ryan Francois this is a lovely smooth stroll danced to Baby Just Cares for Me by Nina Simone
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: The New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
Cost: £20 per class or pre-book more than one for £15 per class
To book: email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to secure your spot
INTERMEDIATES
Mama’s Stew
Date: Saturday 14 June 2025
About: A fun, fast routine – with its roots firmly in the original lindy scene of the 30s & 40s. It was often used by Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers as a warm up to get them in the groove for further dancing. Mama Lou & The Packets also regularly performed the routine, with Louise ‘Mama Lou’ Parks being a key dancer bringing the Lindy Hop into the 21st Century. Mama’s Lou was the former hostess of the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, and a passionate dancer and performed.
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: The New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
Cost: £20 per class or pre-book more than one for £15 per class
To book: email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to secure your spot
Tranky Doo: Part 1
Date: Saturday 11th October
About: Along with the Shim-Sham and the Big Apple, the Tranky Doo completes the holy trinity of the original swing-era jazz routines. There are many unknowns about this routine- what we do know, however, is that it was named after a chorus girl called Tranky Doo who would do a fall-off-the-log into a shuffle into boogies to exit the stage after performances (the now famous start of this routine). Danced to Ella Fitzgerald’s Dipsy Doodle.
We’ll be covering the first half of the routine in this session.
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: The New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
Cost: £30 for both sessions, or £20 a single session; students and/or under 21s £15 for both sessions or £7.50 for just one session
To book: email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to secure your spot
Tranky Doo: Part 2
Date: Saturday 18th October
About: Along with the Shim-Sham and the Big Apple, the Tranky Doo completes the holy trinity of the original swing-era jazz routines. There are many unknowns about this routine- what we do know, however, is that it was named after a chorus girl called Tranky Doo who would do a fall-off-the-log into a shuffle into boogies to exit the stage after performances (the now famous start of this routine). Danced to Ella Fitzgerald’s Dipsy Doodle.
We’ll be covering the second half of the routine in this session, and putting the two sections together.
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: The New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester (Jubilee Hall)
Cost: £30 for both sessions, or £20 a single session; students and/or under 21s £15 for both sessions or £7.50 for just one session
To book: email 20sCharlestonClub@gmail.com to secure your spot