Business Details
27 Years
experience
Toronto's Premier Lindy Hop Dance School
Bees Knees Dance has been Toronto's premier swing dance school for 25 years, specializing in Lindy Hop since 1999. Founded by Mandi Gould and Dan Amores, our studio welcomes dancers of all skill levels with no prior experience required. We offer structured classes in Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Solo Jazz, emphasizing individual attention and community building. Our instructors, including internationally recognized dancers like Zoey Gould and Jana Jedlovska, bring decades of expertise from studying with original Lindy Hop legends. We foster a supportive environment where students develop technical skills while connecting with Toronto's vibrant dance community.Our curriculum includes progressive levels from beginner to advanced performance classes, with rotating partners to build social connections. We prioritize preserving Lindy Hop's cultural heritage as a Black American dance form while making it accessible to modern learners. Our teaching philosophy combines technical precision with creative expression, ensuring students gain confidence and joy through movement. Located at 527 Bloor Street West, we serve Toronto and surrounding areas with weekly classes and special events. As original founders of Toronto Lindy Hop, we remain committed to advancing dance education through innovation and inclusivity.
Services
Lindy Hop
Charleston
Solo Jazz
Swing Dance
Partner Acrobatics
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25 years of specialized Lindy Hop instruction in Toronto
- Instructors trained by original swing dance legends
- Progressive curriculum from beginner to performance levels
- Inclusive community with rotating partner system
- Preservation of Lindy Hop's cultural heritage
What people say
Welcoming community
Expert instructors
Beginner-friendly
Cultural depth
Progressive curriculum
Services
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is a foundational swing dance originating in 1920s Harlem. Our classes teach authentic techniques including triple steps, swingouts, and aerials. Students learn to connect with partners through improvisational lead/follow dynamics while developing musicality. This social dance requires no prior experience and welcomes all skill levels.
Charleston
Charleston instruction focuses on vintage jazz movements that predate Lindy Hop. Classes emphasize rhythmic footwork, syncopation, and upper body isolations. Students learn both solo and partnered variations while exploring the dance's African American roots. This foundational style enhances coordination and musical interpretation skills.
Solo Jazz
Solo Jazz classes develop individual expression through vintage jazz vocabulary. Curriculum includes basic Charleston steps, jazz squares, and improvisation techniques. Students build rhythmic complexity while maintaining connection to swing music. This non-partnered style complements social dancing skills and performance preparation.
People
Mandi Gould
Founder
Pioneering Lindy Hop instructor since 1998 with global teaching experience. Assisted legendary dancer Frankie Manning in multiple workshops. Original founder of Toronto Lindy Hop and former board member of the Frankie Manning Foundation.
Zoey Gould
Choreographer
Professional dancer with 27 years of Lindy Hop expertise. Studied under original swing era legends and second-generation masters. Combines partner acrobatics with street dance traditions including Hip Hop and Afrobeat in her teaching approach.
Jana Jedlovska
Instructor
Toronto Lindy Hop pioneer since 1996 with extensive international competition experience. Founded her own dance company in 1998 and has trained students across North America. Specializes in connecting historical dance roots with modern technique.
Osman Omar
Dance Leader
Experienced instructor known for musicality and playful teaching style. Trained dancers across Canada and the US while developing a unique approach to partner connection. Focuses on making complex concepts accessible to beginners through clear communication.
Questions
Do I need dance experience to join classes?
No prior experience is required for our beginner classes. Our rotating partner system ensures everyone can participate regardless of skill level.
What should I wear to swing dance classes?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement. We recommend non-marking shoes with smooth soles for optimal floor traction during turns.
Are partner swaps required during classes?
Yes, we rotate partners to help students develop adaptability and meet fellow dancers. This social aspect is central to swing dance tradition.
How long are your dance courses?
Our session-based courses typically run six weeks with one 75-minute class weekly. Special workshops and private lessons offer additional learning opportunities.
What music styles do you teach with?
We use authentic swing-era music from the 1920s-1940s featuring big band jazz, blues, and traditional swing rhythms for all classes.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Susannah Kervin
Dec 19, 2019
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It's a lot of fun. The instructors are also very nice. I had a lot of fun learning the choreo, even if it was hard. I'm sorry that it's closing. But it was a good place to learn how to dance.
Catherine Carriere
Feb 19, 2018
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Such a welcoming community. Bees Knees has felt like home since I began there. The teachers are talented, helpful, and chill.
Alexander Xavier
Jul 13, 2017
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Great selection of classes and instructors. Convenient location and excellent prices! Instructors and fellow classmates are fun and friendly. Oh yeah and the staff and worker bees are amazing 🐝🐝🐝 😉
