Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing!
Course opens August 17
Registration closes August 12
Asynchronous
In this asynchronous course, participants will be introduced to the 92NY DEL Tracing Footsteps – Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! K- 12 curriculum which examines the roots of African American vernacular jazz dance and the emergence of the Lindy Hop in the ballrooms of New York’s Harlem in the 1920s-1940s.
Course opens August 17
Registration closes August 12
Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing!
Asynchronous (Online)
1 year of access to all course materials
Grade Level(s)
K-12
Time to Complete
~12 Hours
Modules
6
Prerequisites
None
Course Content
In this six-module/week asynchronous course, participants will be introduced to the 92NY DEL Tracing Footsteps – Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! K- 12 curriculum which examines the roots of African American vernacular jazz dance and the emergence of the Lindy Hop in the ballrooms of New York’s Harlem in the 1920s-1940s. In addition, the curriculum acknowledges the lineage of key dance, music, and African American cultural traditions that created the foundation of contemporary jazz dance forms.
Each week, participants will experience the rich history of the roots of Jazz dance through embodied practice, exploring components of the Let’s Swing! Lindy grade-band-specific dance units and content, engage in culturally responsive practices, identify innovative instructional practices, and apply the DEL model to collaborative dance-making and applications. Through embodied practice, collective inquiry, and exposure to a wide range of resources (guest dance artists and facilitators, video tutorials, and visually stimulating materials), participants will bring dance history to life.
Learning Objectives
- Engage with and embody components of the Tracing Footsteps Journey Into Jazz: Let’s Swing! curriculum
- Learn strategies for exploring cultural and vernacular dance forms through social, political, and historical investigation
- Deepen their understanding of the origins of jazz dance and Lindy Hop as distinctly African American art forms
- Apply new insights gained from the Tracing Footsteps course content into research and practice
Choose From Two Modes of Study
Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose. With no set deadlines, students have full control over the timing and progression of their learning. This format is best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously. Students will retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at their convenience.
Facilitated Study Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline. Students will submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment, and receive written feedback from facilitators. Courses may include discussion boards for peer interaction and all feature a mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance. Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting, this format requires approximately 3 hours of engagement per week. Additionally, all Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL’s partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee.
Discounts
- NYCDOE dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
- NYCDOE common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
- NYCDOE Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the DOE.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through 92NY.
Learn more about general 92NY scholarship information and applications.
(All discounts are applied to the course cost only and participants are responsible for paying 92NY registration fees.)
Credits
Students may take this course in Facilitated Study format for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 4 undergraduate credits.
Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.
What's Inside Our Journey into Jazz Dance: Let's Swing! Course
6 Modules of Learning:
In Module 1, you will be introduced to the Tracing Footsteps – Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! curriculum and explore the roots of jazz dance through and investigation of early African American dances such as Juba, Cakewalk and Charleston. You will engage with curriculum research resources and lesson plans from the Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! dance units for grades 3-5 and 9-12, and will have opportunities to learn, create and perform some of these dances while reflecting on application to your own teaching practice. Module 1 is grouped into two parts.
In Module 2, we will investigate the Savoy Ballroom in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the early years of Lindy Hop in the late 1920s-1930s. Participants will understand the impact the Savoy has on the community of Harlem and the evolution of swing dance and music during the Great Migration through the Harlem Renaissance. Module 2 is grouped into two parts.
In Module 3, we will learn about the solo and partner dances that are the foundational elements of Lindy Hop. We will embody solo jazz steps and basic partner sequences with the support of tutorial video resources as well as explore individuality and personal expression, key elements in jazz and swing dance, through LMA guided exploration and dance making. Module 3 is grouped into two parts.
In Module 4, we will be introduced to famous Vernacular jazz dances and routines, their origins, steps, and notable people who created and performed them. From the Original Big Apple Dance to Frankie’s Big Apple Routine, Pepsi Bethel’s Big Apple, The Shim Sham and The Tranky Doo, participants will investigate the roles of improvisation and choreography in Lindy Hop. Module 4 is grouped into two parts.
In Module 5, we will consider the legacy of the artform through the contributions of individuals both past and present. Through the reviewing of performance clips, articles and panel discussions, we will deepen our understanding of the origins of swing dance and the work of the early pioneers and see how it is being interpreted and presented to contemporary audiences by dancers and scholars today. Module 5 is grouped into two parts.
In Module 6, we will bring together content from Modules 1-5 as we reflect on our learning journey and step into the shoes of a Tracing Footsteps curriculum writer. From research to reflection to curriculum design, Module 6 is a synthesis of knowledge, skills and perspectives gained through participation in DEL’s Journey Into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! asynchronous course.
DEL's Online Learning Platform
DEL uses a custom-made learning portal called Learndash. When you enroll, you’ll be given access to your own personal account with DEL. On your DEL Member Dashboard, you’ll find an orientation to get comfortable using our Learndash system, access to DEL Basic resources, and some FAQs.
You’ll see any DEL courses you’re enrolled in and when you click into each course, you can navigate to the lessons and Modules within.
All participants who enroll in a DEL course receive access to our DEL Basics.
This includes:
- Key charts and handouts in English and Spanish, like the DEL Model graphic and DEL Mottos
- DEL Dance Framework charts that can be downloaded and printed for use in the dance classroom
- Information and charts on the DEL Movement Sentence
- Resources on the DEL Lesson Plan format
Every asynchronous DEL course moves beyond a lecture-style format, engaging participants in multi-modal learning, where lessons ask you to read, reflect, dance, watch, or listen.
See some examples of how lessons break up modes of learning:
Those who opt for Facilitated Study will receive feedback and insights from DEL facilitators and their peers. All Facilitated Study participants post assignments throughout the course and are expected to respond and discuss posts by their peers as well.
Meet Your Instructors
Dawn DiPasquale
Dawn DiPasquale (MA Dance Education, NYU) is a former Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance and Musical Theater at Wichita State University, teaching modern, musical theater and tap dance. She is a PreK-5 Creative Dance Teaching Artist in NYC public schools for 92NY School Engagement in the Arts and NY City...