Week #7: Dance Party in the US with FTH Teaching Artist Angela Rostick

This week’s lessons introduce you to dances from the United States, led by Flushing Town Hall Teaching Artist Angela Rostick. Angela joined Flushing Town Hall as a teaching artist in 2002 and she is an outstanding dancer, actress and zumba instructor. You may have seen her teaching youngsters at PS22Q, but we will join her at her apartment in Queens. With joyful energy and step-by-step instructions, Angela invites you to explore a series of dances that deeply connect with American culture.

>>Click HERE for a pre-lessons family activity sheet

Day 1 

What might you be doing in the 1920s in the U.S.? You’d most likely be dancing because of the famous swing era! Our first lesson introduces you to Swing Dance, a group of high energy social dances that developed with jazz music in the 1920s-40s and was influenced by African American community. Angela will also show you the swing dressing style and she will switch views to help you learn the dance steps better.

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 2 

If you’ve ever wanted to dance but have a fear of failing, Country Line Dance is a good form to start with. Influenced by reels from Celtic countries and western cowboy culture, country dancing has developed into a series of steps performed in rows and columns and become known as “Line Dance” throughout the United States since the 1950s. Today’s lesson introduces you to the Alley Cat Country Line Dance, which is easy and fun-to-learn. You can dance with or without a partner!

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 3

Now that you have been introduced to swing dance, are you ready to learn another exuberant dance form with jazz music? This lesson will teach you a dance combination with references to Bob Fosse’s signature movements. Practice more and unquestionably you will be able to handle the subtleties of Jazz Dance. 

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 4 

Today Angela introduces you to some fundamental Hip Hop dance moves such as triple steps, slide and top rock. Starting in the 1970s, Hip Hop Dance is a large part of Hip Hop culture that originated in New York amongst young Hispanic and African American communities. The term Hip is often defined as “present” and Hop is “action”. Hip Hop encourages the dancer to incorporate their own personalities and be creative. Please share with us your improvisation and let’s spread the grooves. 

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 5 

Please tune in to our Facebook Page and join The Brain Cloud Watch Party. Enjoy western swing’s ragtime, bluegrass, Delta blues and cowboy ditties! It's time for you to swing and sway with all the dance steps you have learned from Angela!

>> WATCH ON FACEBOOK