For several years this was the website for the Syncopated City Dance Company, a NYC-based company that uses vernacular Jazz, Charleston and Lindy Hop Swing dance forms from the 1920's, 30's and 40's to create and showcase works for the stage and film.
The new owners of the domain are fans of the Syncopated City Dance Company and decided to keep some of the archived content so if folks inadvertently ended up here while searching for information, they could be directed to the company's Facebook page.
Content is from the site's 2015 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.
For more current information about the Syncopated City Dance Company go to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/syncopatedcity/
Syncopated City Dance Company Demo Reel 2014
CIRCA 2015
Syncopated City Dance School is comprised of world-renowned champion Lindy Hop instructors. This school was created to offer the highest quality of education, for both new and experienced students.
What We Offer
Our swing dance classes are customized to your level, your interests and your priorities. Because of our in-depth relationships with our student base, we can make informed decisions about what classes to offer.
Why We're Unique
Each teacher shares a great depth of knowledge and perspective on Lindy Hop as an art form. Our class curriculum is based on a bedrock of technical knowledge and historical research.
Our Locations
The majority of our classes will be held at Shetler Studios.
On occasion, we will hold classes at Ripley Greer, located one block away.
Keep up to date with your class schedule to see where your classes take place.
Shetler Studios
244 West 54th Street #12, New York, NY 10019
See the Shetler Studio Website
Ripley Greer Studios
939 Eighth Avenue, Suite 307, New York, NY 10019
See the Ripley Greer Website
News & Updates
Read All News
03 Feb 2015
After Hours Social Dance
Tonight: FREE Social Dance at Syncopated City Dance School To accompany our big-opening day, we are keeping our doors open for an extra hour for social dancing!... Read More
03 Feb 2015
Its Launch Day
Announcement Syncopated City Dance School Opens its Doors to New York Its been an exciting few weeks of phone calls, emails, telegrams, websites, registration set-up,... Read More
Special Sessions for Sugar Shaker Academy
Sugar Shaker Academy presents Special Topic Workshops for the Month of November
As the year comes to a close, Sugar Shaker Academy will be ending 2015 with three speciality workshops aimed at helping female jazz dancers strengthen their talents and improve their technique.
All sessions will be $20 for the 90-minute workshop. All payment will be taken at the door.
Monday, November 2
Performance Technique: Thrive Under Pressure!
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ever feel a shiver when you’re on stage? Unsure of yourself when you’re in the wings. It’s time to put those worries to rest! This workshop will focus on how to keep your cool under pressure, and balance the task of carrying out a performance with the joy of sharing your experience.
Monday, November 9
Unlock the Keys to Solo Jazz Improvisation
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Being present within your experience and responding to music in real time is one of the great joys of dancing as a solo artist. Learn how to trust your body and engage with your instincts in this workshop.
Monday, November 16
Master Class Session
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Part of improving means targeting specific aspects of your dancing. What are your strong points? What are your weak points? How should you grow and from what sources do you seek inspiration. Get individual feedback on your performance on our last session of the year, and find the areas for you to improve.
Take a 3-Week Course in November!
November features a 3-week month of classes
While the temperatures are just starting to drop here in New York, the holidays are just around the corner. For the month of November, Syncopated City will be running 3 weeks of classes… rather than our four week series. You can take a 3 week series at our normal group rate.
Prices:
Drop in: $20
3-Week Class Series: $54
2-Class Series (6 classes): $100 ($8 discount)
3-Class Series (9 classes): $135 ($27 discount!)
For those looking to take multiple series, please save the purchase of those classes for your next in-person visit. One or our helpful registration staffers will assist you in purchasing your 2 or 3 class package in person.
ENROLL IN 2015 NOVEMBER CLASSES
And here’s the more important news!
After November, we will be taking a break from classes for the rest of the year. That’s right folks, no classes for the month of December. Given the busy travel schedules of our four teachers, we will be suspending classes from November 18th to the end of the year. In December we will be making announcements for upcoming classes in January. Stay tuned with us here at Syncopated City and at our facebook page.
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Shag & Lindy Workshop
DATE & TIME CHANGE
Monday, October 19th
Lindy & Shag Workshops
International Sensations Stephen Sayer and Chandrae Roetting
at West Park Presbyterian Church | 165 W 86th at Amsterdam, 5th fl
$25 for one 90-minute workshop or take them both (3 hrs) for $45
Stephen Sayer and Chandrae Roetting are dancers/instructors who specialize in LA/smooth style lindy and collegiate shag. While they have a love for all things that swing, their primary influences and inspirations come from the Los Angeles Jitterbugs of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Introduction to Collegiate Shag
Price: $25 ($45 for Both) Online | $35 ($60 for Both) at the Door
Level: Intermediate
This will be a fast paced class going over technique for double rhythm and long double rhythm shag. We will start off basic and progress to more advanced moves and combinations. Loads of Shag steps great for the social floor.
8:30pm – 10:00pm
Smooth Style Lindy Hop (now with REAL LA dancers!)
Price: $25 ($45 for Both) Online | $35 ($60 for Both) at the Door
Level: Intermediate
This will be a class about the classic style and moves that were done in Los Angeles and in the movies in the 1940’s and 50’s. It will cover the technique of the “Whip” and several other fun variations.
About Steve and Chanzie
Steve and Chanzie’s partnership began in late 2010 and together they have taken First Place titles in several national swing competitions. In 2011 they won 1st place in the Lindy Hop pisions at the National Jitterbug Championships and US Open Swing Dance Championships. In 2012 they took 1st Place in the Lindy pisions at Camp Jitterbug and again at the US Open. In 2014 they regained their 1st place title at the National Jitterbug Championships and also took their LA Shag team to a 1st place victory in the team pision.
In addition to those titles, Steve is also the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 National Collegiate Shag Champion. In 2012 Steve was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Steve and Chanzie are based out of Los Angeles where they teach weekly in North Hollywood, but you can find them teaching and performing all over the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. They are committed to improving and pushing the limits of their own dancing as well as those who take their classes, while keeping their regional style of swing alive
Swing performance by Syncopated City Dance Company at the Moondance on Pier 84 July 10,2011
Noted: I was thrilled the first time I watched the Syncopated City Dance Company preform in 2011 at Pier 84 in lower Manhattan. Over the years I have seen various performers from various companies showcase swing. Remember Swing Dance nights in the summer at Lincoln Center or the performance of Syncopated City Dance Company and Cats Paying Dues The last time I attended a performance before the pandemic hit NYC like a sledge hammer was an event that was part of the performing arts series at the Guggenheim called Works & Process. The acclaimed choreographer and Dance Magazine cover star Caleb Teicher, along with several Lindy Hop champions, brought the joy, fire, and fight of competitive and social swing dance to the Guggenheim stage. Almost nine months later as I sit at home working, I take breaks to watch on Youtube various swing dance videos. I am a graphic artist and help build websites - currently working on a sterling silver jewelry site featuring cz rings. These are rings where the gemstone is cubic zirconia, a faux diamond. They really are gorgeous and will fool most people who will believe they're diamond rings but are much more affordable. Also working with a partner who is a Social Media Specialist. I am learning so much about how to create ads on Pinterest and Facebook and what is required to make a website SEO compliant.
Well, it's time to take that break. Below is a video of the Syncopated City Dance Company at the Festival of Dance at the Ulster Performing Arts Center, 2012. Enjoy!!
Some of These Days
More Background on the Syncopated City Dance School: A Swing Dance Institution in New York City
History and Background
Syncopated City Dance School emerged as a prominent institution in New York City's vibrant swing dance scene in the early 2000s. Founded by a group of passionate swing dance enthusiasts and professional dancers, the school quickly gained recognition for its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Lindy Hop, Charleston, and other vernacular jazz dance forms from the 1920s to the 1940s. The school's inception was inspired by the swing revival of the late 1990s, which saw a resurgence of interest in vintage dance styles across the United States. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space to nurture this growing enthusiasm, the founders of Syncopated City Dance School set out to create a hub for swing dance education and community building in the heart of New York City.
Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy
Syncopated City Dance School distinguished itself through its comprehensive and historically informed approach to swing dance instruction. The curriculum was carefully crafted to cover not only the technical aspects of various swing dance styles but also their historical and cultural contexts. This holistic approach aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the dance forms they were learning. The school's teaching philosophy emphasized the importance of proper technique, musicality, and partner connection. Classes were structured to cater to dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced performers. The instructors, many of whom were champion dancers themselves, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to their teaching, ensuring that students received top-quality instruction.
Notable Instructors and Performers
Over the years, Syncopated City Dance School attracted some of the most renowned names in the swing dance world as instructors and guest teachers. These included:
- Naomi Uyama: A world-champion Lindy Hop dancer known for her dynamic style and precise footwork.
- Nathan Bugh: Recognized for his smooth and effortless leading technique in Lindy Hop and Balboa.
- Evita Arce: A versatile dancer and choreographer with expertise in various swing dance styles.
These instructors, along with many others, contributed to the school's reputation as a premier destination for swing dance education in New York City.
Performance Company
In addition to its educational programs, Syncopated City Dance School was also known for its associated performance company, the Syncopated City Dance Company. This troupe of highly skilled dancers regularly showcased their talents at various events, competitions, and performances throughout New York City and beyond. The company's performances were characterized by their high energy, precise choreography, and authentic representation of vintage swing dance styles. They played a crucial role in popularizing swing dance and introducing it to wider audiences through their appearances at festivals, corporate events, and even on television shows.
Cultural and Social Significance
Syncopated City Dance School played a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of swing dance. By teaching these vintage dance forms to new generations of dancers, the school helped ensure that this important aspect of American cultural history continued to thrive in the 21st century. Moreover, the school fostered a strong sense of community among its students and instructors. Regular social dances, workshops, and events created opportunities for dancers to connect, practice their skills, and share their passion for swing dance. This community-building aspect was particularly valuable in a bustling city like New York, where people often sought meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Impact on the New York Dance Scene
Syncopated City Dance School's influence extended beyond its immediate student base. The school's presence contributed significantly to the growth and vitality of New York City's swing dance scene. By consistently producing skilled dancers and hosting events, the school helped maintain a thriving ecosystem for swing dance enthusiasts in the city. The school's location in the heart of Manhattan made it easily accessible to both locals and visitors, further cementing its status as a go-to destination for swing dance in New York. Many tourists and dance enthusiasts from around the world made it a point to visit or take classes at Syncopated City Dance School during their trips to the city.
Workshops and Special Events
In addition to its regular class schedule, Syncopated City Dance School was known for hosting a variety of workshops and special events throughout the year. These events often featured guest instructors from around the world, providing students with opportunities to learn from a diverse range of teaching styles and perspectives. Some of the popular annual events included:
- The Big Apple Weekend: A multi-day event celebrating the iconic "Big Apple" routine, a hallmark of 1930s Lindy Hop.
- Summer Swing Intensive: A week-long immersive program focusing on technique, styling, and performance skills.
- Holiday Hop: A festive end-of-year celebration combining dance classes, performances, and social dancing.
These events not only enriched the learning experience for regular students but also attracted swing dance enthusiasts from other cities and countries, further enhancing New York's reputation as a swing dance destination.
Media Coverage and Recognition
Syncopated City Dance School and its associated performance company garnered significant media attention over the years. The school was featured in various local and national publications, including:
- The New York Times: In a 2010 article titled "Swinging into the Past," the newspaper highlighted the school's role in reviving vintage dance forms.
- Dance Magazine: A 2012 feature on "The Resurgence of Swing" prominently mentioned Syncopated City Dance School as a leading institution in the field.
- Time Out New York: The magazine regularly included the school's classes and events in its "Best Dance Classes in NYC" listings.
Television appearances also helped raise the profile of the school and its dancers. The Syncopated City Dance Company was invited to perform on popular shows such as "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show," showcasing swing dance to national audiences.
Student Success Stories
Many students who started their swing dance journey at Syncopated City Dance School went on to achieve notable success in the dance world. Some became competitive dancers, winning titles at national and international swing dance competitions. Others pursued careers as professional dancers and instructors, spreading their knowledge and passion for swing dance to new communities. The school took pride in these success stories, often featuring alumni achievements on their website and social media channels. This not only served as inspiration for current students but also demonstrated the effectiveness of the school's teaching methods and the opportunities available in the world of swing dance.
Challenges and Adaptations
Like many businesses in the performing arts sector, Syncopated City Dance School faced challenges over the years, particularly during economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the school demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of these obstacles. During the 2020 pandemic, for instance, the school quickly pivoted to offering online classes and virtual events. This allowed them to maintain their community and continue providing dance education even when in-person gatherings were not possible. The success of these online initiatives highlighted the school's commitment to its mission and its ability to innovate in challenging times.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
As of 2025, while the original Syncopated City Dance School website is no longer active, the institution's legacy continues to influence the swing dance community in New York City and beyond. Many of its former instructors and students have gone on to open their own dance schools or become influential figures in the international swing dance scene. The school's emphasis on historical accuracy, technical proficiency, and community building has left a lasting impact on how swing dance is taught and practiced. Its approach has been emulated by many other dance schools, both in the United States and internationally. Moreover, the archives of Syncopated City Dance School, including video recordings of classes and performances, continue to serve as valuable resources for swing dance enthusiasts and researchers interested in the evolution of these dance forms in the 21st century.
Syncopated City Dance School stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of swing dance and its ability to bring joy, connection, and artistic expression to people's lives. Through its dedication to quality instruction, community building, and cultural preservation, the school played a crucial role in keeping the spirit of the swing era alive in the modern world. While the physical school may no longer operate in its original form, its influence continues to reverberate through the countless dancers it trained, the performances it produced, and the love for swing dance it instilled in so many. As new generations discover the magic of Lindy Hop, Charleston, and other swing dances, they build upon the foundation laid by institutions like Syncopated City Dance School, ensuring that this vibrant part of American cultural heritage continues to thrive and evolve.