The "Starter Kit" idea

The spirit of these classes is to get you dancing Hustle / WCSwing as quickly as possible.  There will be 2 classes which will get you through all the beginner material and will focus on dancing with a splash of technique.

The first class is always for the Absolute Beginner.  It is designed to introduce a newcomer to the dance. The second class will continue the journey and expand on the movements introduced in the first class.

After the second class, we will have a "Practice" session where I can dance with you and/or answer any questions you may have about what you just learned.

Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009

* Requirements:  You must know the material from the Beg I class (Cross Body, Open Throw-Out, Under-arm Turn, Wheel, Under-The-Bridge).  Review your basics here.  Entry is subject to the discretion of the instructor.  Please review Dance Etiquette Tip #8.
 

Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009

* Requirements:  You must know the material from the Beg I class (Sugar-Push, Push Break, Right Pass, Left Pass & Whip).  Review your basics here.  Entry is subject to the discretion of the instructor.  Please review Dance Etiquette Tip #8.
 

Erik Novoa has been competing in Hustle since 2000 and immediately stole the show by becoming a 2 time national champion in 2001 & 2002.  He later became a finalist on ABC Family's revival of Dance Fever, becoming the only Hustle act on the premier series which aired in July 2003.  He recently won 1st Place the "Just Hustle" division at Swing Dance America in 2008.

Erik Novoa has been competing in West Coast Swing since 1998. In that time, he has risen to compete in the Invitational division. He has placed top-10 at the US Open in the Classic Division three  times and has excelled in Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill competitions at numerous national events.  Most recently, he won 1st Place in the Adv Jack & Jill at Swingin' Into Spring in Windsor Locks, CT in 2008.

Erik is also an outstanding follower.  Anyone who has seen him follow in a Jack & Jack competition knows that there is nothing he can't (or won't) do. His 20-year background in ballet, jazz, modern, musical theater and tap is evident in his avant-garde routines, creative social dances, and expert teaching style.

Erik began developing the West Coast Swing, Hustle and Salsa communities in southern Connecticut in January 2006, offering regular weekly dance classes in Stamford and Norwalk.  In his first year in business, Erik was recognized and selected as the editor's choice for the "Best Way To Get In Step" in Fairfield County's "2006 Best Of The Gold Coast" rankings.

Erik's former training in ballet, jazz, tap and musical theater enables him to teach in a style which is knowledgeable, clear and concise.  He is a featured instructor for many regional and national events because of his ability to get people dancing quickly using his humor, personality, style, rapport with students, and his solid knowledge of dance fundamentals and technique.  Students complete each workshop with a better understanding of the specific dance, overall dance technique and musicality.