Swing into Spring Workshop [Madison, WI]

About the Swing into Spring Workshop:

This workshop will explore the continuum of Black music and dance centering on Authentic Jazz and Lindy Hop of the 1920s to contemporary forms such as House, Hip-Hop, Funk and more. Ms. Barnes, accompanied by Le’Andre Douglas, will teach a continuum-inspired phrase to participants at Swing into Spring workshops in Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Viroqua, Wausau and Eau Claire. These workshops are free, all-levels, and open to the public.

On Saturday, Apr. 12, ALL workshop participants are invited to join together, either in person or virtually, for a simultaneous celebration of Spring, Interconnectedness, and Joy, by dancing the phrase that we all have learned.

Venue Information:

Madison Circus Space Location Information

Important Details to Note:

Experience level: You do not need to be a professional dancer to participate, all experience levels are encouraged to join us.

Shoes: It is recommended that participants bring soft-soled leather shoes such as jazz shoes to the workshop, as well as hard-soled leather shoes.

Participation: When you arrive for the workshop please check in with Division of the Arts staff, you will not need to present a ticket. Upon arrival you may be asked to sign a media and liability waiver.

Space is limited and registration is required. If you are no longer able to join us, please cancel your registration so others have the opportunity to participate.

About the Swing into Spring Residency:

Renowned dancer, scholar and Tradition-Bearer of Black American Social Dance, LaTasha Barnes, will visit Wisconsin for a statewide residency from April 3 – 12, 2025. UW–Madison will offer free workshops, classes, and guided explorations with Barnes and her collaborator, Le’Andre Douglas, in Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Viroqua, Wausau, and Eau Claire, WI. These workshops will explore the continuum of Black music and dance centering on Authentic Jazz and Lindy Hop of the 1920s to contemporary forms such as House, Hip-Hop, Funk and more. This unique project aims to share the traditions of Jazz and to share its power to build community through the kinesthetic and collaborative joy of moving together. 

The residency will culminate in a free, all-ages, all-levels public workshop and celebration called “Swing into Spring” on Saturday April 12th from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center on Madison’s east side. Ms. Barnes, accompanied by professional dancers and live musicians, will teach a continuum-inspired phrase to participants. The event will culminate in a statewide, simultaneous performance via livestream, connecting satellite locations across Wisconsin. The Madison event will close with a reception featuring live music, refreshments, and conversation with Ms. Barnes and her collaborators.

Host or Publisher UW-Madison Division of the Arts