Swing sessions: Musicality & Switching with Carla, Colin, & Isay
Swing sessions: Musicality & Switching with Carla, Colin, & Isay
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Lace up your shoes on September 26, 2026 for a day of Musicality and Switch Dancing with Carla, Colin, & Isay.
4 Classes and a practice time for everyone!
Build confidence and strengthen your musicality muscle, then build a strong foundation for switch dancing.
A intermediate knowledge of lindy hop is required for this workshop along with a strong sense of humour.
Passes will go on sale August 29, 2026 at noon!
Schedule
Schedule
10:30am - Doors Open
11:00 am - Musicality 1
12:15 pm - Musicality 2
1:15 pm - Snack Break
2:15 pm - Switch Dancing 1
3:30 pm - Switch Dancing 2
4:30 pm - Practice Session / Social Time
5:30 pm - Event Finished, Everyone Out
*schedule may be subject to change
Class Requirements
Class Requirements
An intermediate knowledge of lindy hop is required for this workshop along with a strong sense of humour. You have a solid grasp of the core figures (Tuck Turn, Change of Places, Lindy Circle, Swing Out). You will also have an appreciation of lead and follow connection, tension and frame, and your footwork should be second nature. You’ve also probably started thinking a little more about your relationship to swing music. You love dancing Lindy Hop socially, and have a desire to learn more, be silly, and have fun.
Class Information
Class Information
Musicality 1 (Eat Your Veggies)
Musicality 1 (Eat Your Veggies)
Ear training for dancers! What are the common structures in the music we dance to and how can we adapt our dancing to match? Also: quality time with the bass.
Musicality 2 (Get Your Candy)
Musicality 2 (Get Your Candy)
What do you do when the music does something unexpected? Patterns and structures are great, but relying on them too much can feel square. We’ll play with some additional tools to help bridge the gap between what we hear and what we do with our bodies. Also: how to catch a vibe.
Switch Dancing 1 (you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready)
Switch Dancing 1 (you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready)
Building a strong foundation for switches that don’t interrupt the connection. We’ll work on becoming more confident with our footwork and breaking some defaults so the switch between leading and following has less friction. Also: taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of your partnership.
Switch Dancing 2 (YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET READY IF YOU STAY READY)
Switch Dancing 2 (YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET READY IF YOU STAY READY)
Who decides when it’s time to switch? Since dance is a conversation, we’ll work on clearly communicating intentions so both partners can create opportunities for playful and surprising switches. And, our favourite game, Would That Work as a Switch? Also: fighting for both roles, in a fun way.
Class Pricing
Class Pricing
The Swing Dance Association of Victoria has a Financial Assistance Fund to help dancers who require financial assistance to attend Swing Dance Association of Victoria workshops and events. If you need to access the Financial Assistance Fund please email us at hello@swingvictoria.net
You can learn about the fund or contribute to the fund here: https://www.swingvictoria.net/faq/financial-assistance-fund
Teacher Information
Teacher Information
Carla Rodrigo (she/they)
Carla Rodrigo (she/they)
Carla Rodrigo is a Vancouver-based dancer and lover of jazz. A lifelong music kid with stints in marching band and theatre, Carla found her footing in Lindy Hop and Jazz dance in 2017. Since then, she's had the incredible fortune to dance, learn, compete, choreograph, and teach in her community. In 2023, she had the privilege to share a blend of Jazz and Filipino folk dance at Lindy Bout XV - a personal love letter to her own heritage, and the culture in which she is a deeply grateful guest. Above all else, Carla loves a tasty groove. As a dancer and instructor, she prioritizes connecting with the music and exploring how and why it moves us.
Colin Zorzit (he/they)
Colin Zorzit (he/they)
Colin has been a professional jazz musician for over a decade, but only started dancing in 2021. As a bass player who refuses to count music, Colin loves to learn through trial and error on the social floor, listening excitedly to both their partner and the music to inform their dancing. Their love for jazz extends beyond the Lindy Hop standards, with Bebop being the style that first captured their toe tappin' heart (so much so that their cat is named Charles Mingus, after their favourite bassist).
Isay Rodrigo (she/her)
Isay Rodrigo (she/her)
Isay Rodrigo started dancing in 2017 to make friends and find community when she moved to Vancouver. Since then she has found joy in social dancing and "loves a good choreo". Isay started switch dancing after the pandemic and loves the surprise that it adds to her social dance. Her main goal is to dance with lots of folks and hear lots of laughs on the dance floor.
Location
Location
Broad Street Studio (formerly Solwood Studio)
Broad Street Studio (formerly Solwood Studio)
Broad Street Studio (formerly Solwood Studio): 1303 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2A8
Note: there is a steep staircase to go up to access the studio.
Taking BC Transit? Victoria has a public transit system. Check out the BC Transit website for bus information.
Riding your bicycle? Getting to the Broad Street Studio is very bike-able. Check out the City of Victoria website and the Victoria Bike Valet website for secure bike lock up information.
Driving to the Broad Street Studio? The City of Victoria has parkades and some pay street parking is available but please review the parking restriction signs and pay particular attention to the restrictions. Check out the City of Victoria website for parking information.
Food and Drinks near Broad Street Studio
Food and Drinks near Broad Street Studio
Coffee and delicious sandwiches. 1294 Broad Street. Hours: Monday- Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm. https://alanrenyh5.wixsite.com/risengrind1294
French bakery with coffee, yum! 1315 Broad Street. Hours: 9 am to 3 pm. https://www.instagram.com/lecroissantchaud.ca
Handcrafted waffles and crispy wings to refreshing shakes. 1294 Broad Street. Hours: Thursday - Tuesday: 8 am to 5 pm. http://www.wonderffle.ca
Intimate fixture featuring Spanish tapas, wine & cocktails in a warm atmosphere, plus patio seating. 1210 Broad Street. Hours: Monday - Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm. http://bodegabar.ca
Crave-worthy fried chicken and sizzling smash burgers, made fresh and served fast in the heart of downtown. 609 Yates Street. Hours: Monday - Sunday 11 am to 9 pm. https://www.coopschicken.ca
Relaxed stop serving Colombian fare, with vegetarian options, arepas & empanadas, plus takeout. 1310 Douglas Street. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 7 pm. https://fogatamexicana.com
Funky spot for creative brunch & dinner eats with coffee, craft beer & cocktails plus vinyl tunes. 642A Johnson Street. Hours: Monday - Sunday 7 am to 2 pm. https://therubyvictoria.com
All-day menus focused on classic coffee shop beverages, baked goods, & cafe fare in a warm space. 1701 Government Street. Hours: Monday -Sunday 8:30 am to 10 pm. https://qvcafe.ca
Things to Bring and Consider
Things to Bring and Consider
Indoor shoes for dancing are a must. We recommend shoes with suede or leather soles.
Water bottle. Stay hydrated.
Towel. Stay dry.
Wearing a mask is optional for events. If you are asking a person who is wearing a mask to dance or chat, please ask them if you should wear a mask. Masks are available for your use at events (for free).
For the safety of attendees with allergies and sensitivities, please avoid wearing strong scents (perfume, cologne, scented lotion) at all SDAV events.
The Fine Print
The Fine Print
By registering for this event I agree to adhere to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Code of Conduct
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Cancellation Policy
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Covid Plan
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Event Waiver
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