Class Tracks
Please Read This Information Carefully Before Registering.
Track Information
Swing Out New Hampshire is a tracked camp, meaning we divide the campers into different groups of skill. Our intention is to place you in the track that will benefit your dancing the most.
Before camp, you will select a general track based on the descriptions below, answer several questions about your Lindy Hop experience during registration, and we will assign you to a track placement group based on these selections, as well as data about your previous track assignments at camp (if available), and the size of the available classrooms and the need to maintain leader/follower balance.
At the end of the first day of classes, if you feel you were completely mis-tracked (and this was not noticed by our auditions staff while monitoring the first day's classes), there will be an opportunity to have our auditions staff and select instructors take a look at your dancing at make a final decision on where to place you. At a tracked camp there will always be some spread of abilities in each group. Please remember we can only move dancers who, in the opinion of our staff, clearly do not belong in the track to which they were assigned. You will not be moved simply because you might be at the top of your track and would rather be in the next higher track, or because your friends/peers were placed in a higher track. We work very hard to create the best peer groups possible and to place you in the track where your dancing will benefit the most.
Track Descriptions
Beginner (Bluebirds)
This is a great track for those just starting out in Lindy Hop. You may be comfortable with some 6-count swing and may have dabbled in the 8-count Swing Out, the Lindy Circle and Side-by-Side Charleston. We occasionally have some attendees with no swing dance experience; we recommend taking some basic swing dance classes before attending camp. In this track, you will work on and refine your core skills, so you can start to feel comfortable dancing Lindy Hop socially.
Intermediate
You've probably been dancing Lindy Hop for 1-2 years. You feel very comfortable with the basics and have already started to put the moves together, go out social dancing, and travel to workshops. It's time to expand your repertoire of moves, work on leading and following skills and connect to the music. If you have only been dancing a few months and/or do not feel comfortable with Swing Outs, Circles, and basic Charleston please sign up for the Beginner Track.
Intermediate-Plus
You're a solid Lindy Hopper who has been dancing for several years and is considered a strong and skilled dancer. You've got rhythm, quality of movement, and a whole mess of Lindy Hop moves. Your leading or following has smoothed out, and you look forward to improving your quality of movement and your musicality, as well as leader and follower connection at a more refined level. You're also interested in becoming more creative & musical, making your dancing into art!
Advanced & Master
These tracks are limited to advanced Lindy Hoppers - you're likely one of the top dancers in your scene and may be an experienced scene leader, teacher, or competitor. You've got a strong Lindy Hop skill set and individual style, and know that at this level classes are about creativity and refinement. You're looking for a challenging class environment and are prepared to work hard to develop those skills.
Track Placement
If you have indicated you see yourself in as an advanced or masters level dancer, you will participate in a track placement session during the first class period Thursday morning of camp. Your final track will be based on the results of this session.
- If you're unsure where you see your own dancing, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you figure out which track description fits you best. You will not be able to attend classes for a track other than your own.
- If you have a severely limiting disability/injury that will affect your dancing during track placements, please feel free to contact us.