B'ham Hop

PAQ (Potentially Asked Questions)

I’m completely new to dance. Is this event for me?

Yes! We have a specific Beginner Track with classes on Friday and Saturday to get you ready to social dance, and if you’re feeling up to it, join a jam or even battle against other dancers!

I’m a Lindy Hopper. Is this event for me?

Yes! The Swing Jam will have workshops in heritage jazz, which is one of the ways we refer to the jazz dancing that’s been passed down from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. This is the movement at the root of the tree vernacular dance, and includes partnered and solo vernacular jazz. The Swing Jam will also include plenty of social dancing to live music. Tap and vernacular workshops will be offered at multiple skill levels so that you can find the classes that meet your learning goals.

I’m a Tap Dancer. Is this event for me?

Yes! Take tap masterclasses from Mark Mendonca and Jovon Miller, and showcase your skills in battles with other dancers. Lindy Hop and Tap evolved together, and are branches of the same tree. Gain insight into the origins of tap steps, how they evolved on the social floor and in the theater, and explore new ways to move inside the idioms of vernacular jazz and breakdancing.

Will there be competitions at this event?

It was said that on the wall of the Hoofers Club was written: “Thou shalt not copy each other’s steps — Exactly.”

Yes, there will be competitions, but not in the way you might have experienced it in the past. We’ll be focusing the energy devoted to competing into a battle format, where dancers will pair off and trade back and forth. Emphasis will be placed on how well dancers communicate to one another, comment on the movement they’re seeing, and lift each other up while expressing themselves.

Prizes for competitions include passes to other dance events.

Will I be able to take private lessons with the instructors?

Yes, but it depends on the instructor – some of them will have limited openings in their schedule. Please reach out to the individual instructor to coordinate a private lesson.

What about performances?

There are indeed opportunities to perform. Throughout the event, we will feature instructors, local performers, and potentially YOU – either alone or with a group. If you’re interested in performing your work at our event, please email us in advance.

Is this event for children?

Yes! Youths ages 10 and up are welcome to register for the event, which has its own schedule of classes for this age group – they do need to register separately. Youths are welcome to come to the Friday night dance and participate in the battle. Families are welcome to bring their children to our evening dances and enjoy our showcases and battles.

I’m traveling from out of town, what sorts of accommodations are there?

You can read more about accommodation recommendations here. We’ve reserved a block of rooms at the Hotel Leo, and we’ve listed a number of other hotels in close proximity to event venues.

Is there financial support available for me to attend the event?

• If African American vernacular dance is part of your heritage, there is a scholarship fund available to support your attending the event.

We will always do what we can to find ways to welcome dancers to our events. To inquire about financial support, please email us at bham.hop@gmail.com.

Are there volunteer positions available?

We have a limited number of volunteer positions. Please email us at bham.hop@gmail.com to inquire about volunteering.

More information can be found on our socials – be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for event updates and instructor announcements.

Where can I find the event schedule?

Our full schedule will be posted soon.