Levels
Choose your level...be honest!
It is imperative that you read the levels carefully and that you take the test(s) provided until you are able to find a level where you are able to pass that particular test. Please be honest about your level. This is so that you are able to enter a level that will provide the most optimum learning environment for not only you, but for your fellow dancers in that level as well. Help us keep GSF audition-free by going into the correct level. Thanks!
Important Points!
If you have been to GSF before, please note that we have raised the level of the Grasshopper, Bunny & Kangaroo tracks this year so please re-take the tests to ensure you put yourself in the correct level.
If you are unsure about your level, please contact us and we will ask you a series of questions that will enable us to determine which level is best for you.
Being advanced in Lindy Hop does not necessarily mean you are advanced in Collegiate Shag. Please bear this in mind and chose a level of Shag that represents your level in Shag. If after your first class you find it too easy or too difficult and wish to be moved to a different level, you must see one of the organisers and gain their permission before doing so. Please bear in mind that we may not be able to move you if this further disrupts the balance in the Lead/Follow ratio in the class you wish to be moved to.
Ladybird
You are either new to Collegiate Shag or you have had a few taster/beginner classes. You would like an opportunity to level up by embarking on a weekend of intensive Shag training. This level will be great for Shag newbies who either do not have access to a local Shag class or who are interested in progressing quickly out of a beginner level.
Your weekend will consist of 4 hours of core Collegiate Shag classes + up to 2 hours of taster classes. Your core class teachers for the weekend will be Adam & Rebecca. You will have an opportunity to have a mix of the other teachers through the taster classes on offer.
Grasshopper
You are now at that stage where you no longer have to think about the basic footwork, you have a growing repertoire of moves, have done a fair bit of Shag social dancing and now you are ready to take it to the next level.
Your weekend will consist of 6 hours of core Collegiate Shag classes and up to 2 hours of taster classes.
Grasshopper Level Test
Is Grasshopper level right for you? Take the test to find out -
Try dancing to each of the two music tracks below with a partner who also does Collegiate Shag. Your dance should include closed position, open position and open book position, and moves/movements from those positions including tuck turns, pass-bys, Collegiate kicks and Shag breaks.
Grasshopper Level Test Music 1
Grasshopper Level Test Video 2
You aren’t quite ready for this level if:
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You lost your footwork or had to stop in the song more than once
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You lagged behind or skipped ahead of the tempo more than once
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There was more than one move you weren’t able to pull off
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Your transitions from move to move or from position to position were not smooth
Bunny
You have been attending regular Shag classes for a while now, you are very confident with 6-count double time Shag footwork as well as 8-count and other variations. You are comfortable dancing Shag on the social dance floor and you have an impressive repertoire of moves under your belt. You are able to dance to faster tempos without losing your footwork or timing. You feel well on your way to mastering this dance. Now you want to take it to the next level and refine your techniques as well as expand on the moves you know. You are ready for a real challenge.
Your weekend will consist of 6 hours core Collegiate Shag classes and up to 2 hours of taster classes.
Bunny Level Test
Is Bunny level right for you? Take the test to find out –
Try dancing to each of these tunes with a partner who also does Collegiate Shag at a similar level to you.
Your dance should include closed position, open position and open book position, and moves/movements from those positions including tuck turns, pass-bys, Collegiate kicks, Shag breaks as well as fancier variations on these moves. You should also drop 8-count variations in with the usual 6-count moves.
You aren’t quite ready for this level if:
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You lost your footwork or had to stop in the song
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You lagged behind or skipped ahead of the tempo
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There was more than one move you weren’t able to pull off
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Your transitions from move to move or from position to position were not smooth
Kangaroo
Shag is your dance. You often travel for Shag classes/events and you might even be teaching Shag in your local scene. You have performed Shag and have most probably competed in Shag competitions. You are very confident and comfortable with social dancing Shag with beginner on up to advanced Shag dancers and you are adept at dancing to very fast tempos, ie 250 bpm+. You are now ready for a serious challenge.
Your weekend will consist of 6 hours core Collegiate Shag classes and up to 2 hours of taster classes.
Kangaroo Level Test
Is Kangaroo level right for you? Take the test to find out –
Try dancing to each of these tunes with a partner who does Collegiate Shag at a similar level to you.
Your dance should include closed position, open position and open book position, and moves/movements from those positions including tuck turns, pass-bys, Collegiate kicks, Shag breaks as well as fancier variations on these moves. You should also be able to seamlessly mix up your rhythms by smoothly going from 6 to 8-count and other variations.
You aren’t quite ready for this level if:
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You lost your footwork or had to stop in the song
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You lagged behind or skipped ahead of the tempo
-
There was more than one move you weren’t able to pull off
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Your transitions from move to move or from position to position were not smooth