The Journey Through Jazz: Swing Dance Course at the Harrow Arts Centre has gained popularity since the Greater London Assembly (GLA) launched a funding initiative.
The class’s funding goes through Learn Harrow, the organisation that offers the jazz programme. The class has seen many individuals immerse themselves in the world of jazz and has continued to grow since the last round of funding from the GLA in 2021.
The initiative has provided Harrow residents a unique opportunity to experience, learn and embrace soulful rhythms.
Adam, a barman at the centre, said the class is much better off than when it started before the Covid-19 outbreak when he started working. He said: “The spaces have been brought up to the capacity they should be. We have had a new building built which has allowed us to accommodate more people.”
He went on to say he was impressed by the outreach that has been done for groups, such as his to get the spaces that ordinarily would not be available to them. He also hopes they receives more funding to do more things.
The class’s popularity is rapidly growing and is not showing any signs of stopping. Sheila, a student in the class, said she has always liked jazz and was amazed by number of attendees. She said: “The first week we came I was surprise by the amount of people that turned up because they probably could have done more to advertise it.”
Simon, the class instructor, said having the initiative is wonderful because the class is becoming more popular and students are having a lot of fun.
The Journey Through Jazz: Swing Dance Course runs every Tuesday until the 12th of December, 2023. The course covers two dances: the Lindy Hop and second social dance from the first half of the 20th Century such as the Peabody, Charleston & Foxtrot. Classes will be held at the Harrow Arts Centre and are only opened to individuals aged 19 and over.