Hepcats!
 Lexington, KY
 

Dedicated to the original swing dances of the
1930's and 40's
swing-era,
Lindy Hop,
Balboa & Collegiate Shag,
and the great swing music
of that era!

Celebrating 11 years of teaching and promoting the best in all things swing dance!

FAQ
 The questions below are ones that we often get about Hepcats activities.  Hope you find this info helpful!
Where can I learn to Swing Dance?  The Hepcats is the place for you!  The Hepcats offer beginner, intermediate and advanced swing dance classes at very reasonable prices.  As the premiere swing dance organization in Central Kentucky, the Hepcats offer high quality, low cost instruction (and great dance events!).  Check out the Classes page for more info.
Where can I go Swing Dancing in Lexington/Central KY area?  Once again, the Hepcats have got you covered!  The Hepcats sponsor regular swing dances (1-3 a month) in the Lexington/central KY area.  This includes some some swing dances with LIVE music; those dances are not to be missed!  Check out the Dance Events or Calendar pages of this web site.
How do people dress at Hepcats activities?
► For Classes.  We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for classes.  We don't recommend blue jeans because they're too restrictive.  We also don't recommend high heels or open, strapped shoes such as sandals or flip flops. 

► Swing Dances.  Everyone has their own personal preference, but "dressy casual" would probably best describe it:  not too dressed up, but not too dressed down.  For the Hepcats swing dances with live music, people tend to get a little more dressed up.

► Vintage Style.  Some people prefer to dress vintage at swing dances:  i.e. wide legged pants, two tone shoes, "swishy" skirts or dresses, etc.....  While this is never required, it is fun and adds to the overall atmosphere of the dance.  How do you get Vintage Style Clothes?  Generally speaking, here, there, and everywhere.  (For a start on line, try DanceStore.com).  Most people pick them up where they can find them.  Some may be real vintage items found at thrift stores.  Others may be vintage styles found at ordinary clothing stores.  Some may be custom/home made. Some may be from specialty shops online. Feel free to ask Mike or Mary for info on sources for vintage clothes.  Click here for more info on clothes and shoes for swing dancing. 
What is the age range of people at local swing dances?  In general, Hepcats events attract a diverse group of people.  It is not uncommon to find people of all ages at Hepcats events: young professionals, students (college and high school) and non students, baby boomers, GenXer's,.... ages 18 to 80 ....hey you get the picture, people of all ages love to swing dance! 

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What kind of music will you hear at Hepcats events?  We can confidently say that no dance organization in Lexington/Central Kentucky enjoys as much great music at it's events as the Hepcats!  Of course, sometimes there are events in Lexington (both dance and non dance events) that have a "professional" or "party" DJ providing the music -- don't be fooled; in Lexington you'll only hear that classic, great swing music at Hepcats events!

Mike Richardson is the DJ for most Hepcats events.  He is a well known DJ, respected for his thorough knowledge of swing-era music, genres and styles.  His love of swing dancing naturally meshed with his love for the great music of the swing era.  Mike has DJ’d at numerous regional and local events in Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH and Columbus, OH.  He has also been invited to DJ at other national and regional events. 

As a youngster much of the popular music of Mike's day was the sound of Motown and Stax records, and he sometimes spins tunes from that great era of soul music.  But more often than not, Mike was listening to the “oldies” music played on the radio, which at that time was the 1930’s and 40’s big band and jump blues music, his true loves in swing music!  For DJ'd dances, Mike likes to play that great music that's really fun for swing dancing, to include Big Band, Jump Blues, R&B, 50's, Rockabilly, etc..., at a variety of tempos from his collection of over 10,000 swing-era songs! 

For live music venues, the Hepcats only collaborate with high quality musical groups that know how to, and like to play for, swing dancers, such as the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra, the UK Jazz Ensemble, Blair Carman and the Belleview Boys, Neon Swing X-perience, the Rally Cats, the Cigar Store Indians, to mention just a few.  So come on out to any of the Hepcats swing dances with live or DJ music; we think you'll like the music!
I'd Like to Learn How to Swing Dance, but ........ I've Never Danced Before;  I've Got Two Left Feet; I Could Never Learn to Dance; ..... ,  (okay, these are not questions, but these comments are sometimes expressed!)  Hey, everybody has to start somewhere!  If you can count to 8, you can learn to swing dance.  Lindy Hop and Balboa are great dances, swing music is great music, and it's fun!  Come on out and give it try!
But I'm a man, and everyone knows how hard it is to teach a man how to dance!  (Okay, this is also not a question, but this type comment is sometimes expressed!)   Hey guys, the hardest part is giving it a try!  In our experience, if you can count to 8 and you know your left from your right foot, you can easily become a competent dancer.  Think about it for a minute.  Even though women generally like to dance more than men, thousands and thousands of men have learned to dance; most of them just average Joe's like you and me.  You can learn too.  Click here for more info on misconceptions men have about dancing.   
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Do I need a dance partner to take classes?  No.  For Hepcats classes, dance partners are not required; single dancers are welcome!  Of course, it's always better if you have a dance partner, in case you want to practice.
Do I need a dance partner to go to swing dances?  No, absolutely not!  Swing dancing is a social activity.  There are always people to dance with.  Many people come to swing dances without a dance partner. Those who do come with a dance partner usually dance with other people as well.  So, don't be shy, ask people to dance!
Do the Hepcats sponsor performance groups? Yes!  For those that want to take their swing dancing to the next level, the Hepcats currently sponsor the Rhythm Cats, a Lindy Hop performance group.
Should I ask people to dance or wait for someone to ask me to dance?  Ask someone to dance!  It is quite acceptable for a gal to ask a guy to dance (and vice versa!) in the swing dance community.  Of course, one always has the option to decline a dance, either  gal or guy (although that usually happens because the person is tired and wants to rest by setting out a dance).  A swing dance is a social event, so the best way to meet people and dance is to ask people to dance!
Do the Hepcats sponsor events with live music?  Yes, indeed!  The Hepcats have semi-annual Big Band Swing Dance collaborations with the University of Kentucky (UK) School of Music, with either the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra or the UK Jazz Ensemble!  These Big Band Swing Dances are one of the most anticipated dance events in the Lexington/central KY swing dance community.  The Hepcats are also one of the sponsors for Swingin' on Main, Lexington's annual street dance.  Check out the Hepcats events page for updates on events with live music.  Click here for more info on the great music you'll hear at Hepcats events.
How did the Hepcats/UK School of Music Big Band Swing Dance Collaborations get started?  Click here for more info on how the Hepcats/UK School of Music Big Band Swing Dance collaborations got started.
Can I/should I learn from videos, DVDs, You Tube, etc...?  Learning to swing dance from watching videos, DVDs, You Tube, etc. can be problematic.  It's hard to learn (and pick up good habits) from watching a video, either instructional or vintage.  There are many subtle points that do not come across in a video.  Plus you don't get feedback on your progress.
(Note that teaching techniques in the Lindy Hop and Balboa dance community have definitely improved over time, and that older video tapes/DVD's may have dated material.)

Keep in mind this important point.  I would hazard to guess that all the really great swing dancers one sees on videos/You Tube did not themselves learn "how" to dance from videos, but from good practice habits, taking group and private lessons from good instructors, etc.

Videos, to include instructional and certainly vintage videos, are a good source of inspiration and for figuring out what you want to learn.  But don't neglect good practice habits, attending workshops and taking lessons from good Lindy Hop and Balboa instructors.
Do the Hepcats teach Aerials or Air Steps?  What about aerials on the social dance floor?  If you want to learn aerials/air steps you should be an experienced swing dancer with a regular dance partner and attend workshops by qualified instructors with the proper equipment (i.e. mats and spotters) or obtain private lessons from qualified instructors.  The basic rule for aerials/air steps is that they should never be performed on the social dance floor.  Aerials/air steps should be saved for competitions and performances.

The Swing Dance Community as a whole, to include the Hepcats, frowns upon aerials (except at the aforementioned competitions and performances).  

Hepcats want to have fun, but safety is our foremost consideration!  If at all in doubt, ask an instructor before attempting any pattern, step or move that could put you or your partner at risk for injury.

The concerns expressed  on this web page are not an attempt to limit dancers creativity or innovation, but instead provide a safe and courteous dancing environment for all dancers.  It is not the decision of those performing the aerials/air steps whether others are in danger.  Other dancers on the floor have the right to dance without worrying whether you or your partner is going to come down on their head or take out their knees.  In addition, no one wants to see another dancer get hurt because of an aerial/air step that has gone awry.             

What is an aerial/air step? An aerial/air step is a pattern, step or move in which one partner (typically the follower, the woman) relinquishes contact with the floor and their partner and becomes airborne. If not performed correctly, it is only a matter of when, and not if, an injury will occur when aerials are involved.

Some people may be initially attracted to swing dancing by aerials/air steps they may have seen on TV, in the movies, etc.  People have been hurt due to dancers attempting to execute aerials/air steps when they have not learned the proper technique, safety and etiquette.   

Aerials/air steps should never be performed on the social dance floor, to include all Hepcats activities.  The one exception is a "Jam Circle".  A circle of spectators is formed and swing dancers should normally enter the circle one couple at a time, showing the spectators their best "stuff".  In this environment, innocent people would not be able to wander into the path of dancers performing aerials/air step.

In addition and very importantly, aerials/air steps should only be attempted with a regular dance partner; in other words, don't try to attempt an aerial/air step with a partner that you've only danced with a few times (or less) socially.                                       Back to Top
What kind of shoes are best for swing dancing?  There are lot of options when it comes to shoes.  The basic guideline is to wear shoes that are comfortable and that you can turn and spin in.  Much like getting information about clothing, the best thing to do is ask people.  You can also check out this web page which provides some good info on shoe (and clothes) options for swing dancers.
How long does it take to become a "good" swing dancer?  When will I feel "comfortable" dancing?  There is no set answer.  It really depends on the person.  The best piece of advice is to stick with it!  It certainly helps to take classes and attend workshops.  And while classes and workshop are a necessity, there is no substitute for getting out on the dance floor!  Depending on the person, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get comfortable with dancing.  But one thing is for sure:  dancing is a "use it" or "lose it" skill.  So get out there and dance, enjoy the music, and above all have fun!
Do the Hepcats collaborate with other community organizations?  The Hepcats love to collaborate with other organizations!  The Hepcats have provided DJ music, swing dance demonstrations, swing dance classes, swing-era history and cultural programs, and other special programs to a variety of organizations.  The Hepcats are available to assist your school, organization or civic group!  Click here for more information.
I'm getting married (congrats!); can the Hepcats help me look good on the dance for my wedding?  Yes, the Hepcats can help you look good on the dance floor for your wedding!  Mike & Mary have worked with several couples concerning dancing for their wedding day.  Check out this web page for more info.
Can the Hepcats help me with my event with, music, dancing, etc..?  Sure can!  We can DJ, find a great band, or even dance for you!  Check out this web page for more info.
Should I practice? If so, how much?  It all depends on how fast you want to progress.  As previously mentioned, dancing is a type of "use it or lose it" activity. It's been said that dancing is more analogous to learning a foreign language, than perhaps, riding a bike. For example, most people, once they learn to ride a bike, can do so even after prolonged periods of inactivity. But staying proficient at a foreign language requires some amount of consistent usage. We normally recommend that you try to practice 30-45 minutes a week to go over new material and/or material you may not be totally comfortable with. Of course, one of the best ways to increase your dancing proficiency is to go out dancing!

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Questions about Hepcats events?  Contact Mike Richardson, info@Luv2SwingDance.com; 859-420-2426.

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Why Learn to Swing Dance
with the Hepcats?
 • We teach the original swing dances of the swing-era, accept no substitutes!

   •• Already know some swing dance? Move beyond "step, step, rock step" and take
the challenge to be a Lindy Hopper!

 •• Learn Balboa! To be a well-rounded
and versatile swing-era swing dancer, you
need to learn - and embrace - Balboa! Plus
it's really cool to dance effortlessly to
200 bpm while other dancers just watch
and wonder how you do that!!

• It's a great way to meet people.
• Dancing will help you stay
physically active.
 Men's Health magazine named Lexington the
least active city in the nation. Obviously they
haven't been to a Hepcats event!

 • Learn from instructors with the knowledge, experience and expertise
to get you out on the dance floor,
looking cool and having fun!
• The Swing Era = great dancing and great music!

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Questions about Hepcats events?
Contact Mike Richardson, info@luv2swingdance.com; 859-420-2426.