Secrets of Solo school awarded top 5 online dance schools by Hong Kong Dance Magazine

DiscoverThe SecretsOf Solo

Unlock your unique dance potential and level up your solo dance skills
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Whether you’re a beginner or advanced dancer, Secrets of Solo opens the door to new possibilities in your dance

Ksenia Parkhatskaya has been unlocking new movement, creativity and expression in dancers around the world for over a decade.

profile photo of Elisabet Monilor, a member of Ksenia's secrets of solo online dance classesSidharath Chhatani
Robin Stamprofile photo of a young solo jazz dancerFargol Parhizgar
young swing dancer guy on the streetLara Bellarditaportrait photo of young female swing dancer Maria Heckmann
photo of Mojca Bizjakprofile photo of Kuen Wah Cheung, a member of Ksenia's secrets of solo online dance classes
dario floresdasha ivlevaphoto of a young dancer
portrait photo of a young female swing dancer Chiaraphoto of young swing dancer Sandraprofile photo of young swing dancer John Carlo Sembrando

Unlock All 15 Courses

Get instant access to all 15 of our in-depth online solo dance courses, expertly tailored to help you master solo jazz, charleston, and more.

  • Choreo Collection

    Collection of simple, musical and groovy choreographies to the most famous and beloved swing tunes. Get dancing with easy accessible steps and deep musicality. Perfect choice for absolute beginners to start dancing jazz and a fun way to practice musicality for more advanced dancers.

    4.5h
    8 choreographies
    absolute beginner
  • Solo Jazz 101

    Never danced Solo Jazz or Swing before? This course is for absolute beginners! You’ll discover the fundamentals of swing: feeling the beat, walking with groove and bounce. Ksenia will then guide you through major solo jazz dance steps and help you create your first dance routines. Advanced dancers can also benefit by firming up their basic solo jazz dance steps.

    4.5h
    60 videos
    absolute beginner
  • Secrets of the Charleston 20's

    It’s all about the “King of the Dance” 20s Charleston. By taking this course you will learn over 30 classic Charleston moves and their variations. You’ll discover all about the styling and try out some eccentric flash steps.

    2h
    46 videos
    all levels
  • World of Kicks

    A course where you’ll discover how to be creative in your swing and charleston with just Kicks. You will find out how to play with kicks safely, with style and musicality. Add twists, rotations, syncopation and get an amazing new toolset to join your dance repertoire.

    4.5h
    60 videos
    beg/int & up
  • Variation Lab in 4 Volumes

    Tired of repeating the same steps? Try this brand new course in 4 volumes. You will learn 14 variations of 4 classic solo jazz steps. You’ll find breakdown, practice videos, and “frames” – a new approach to practice footwork within set choreographies. Expand your swing dance vocabulary and learn how to connect your new footwork within a flow!

    6.4h
    142 videos
    all levels
  • Secrets of Improvisation

    This course will help you develop the skills of improvisation and musicality in solo jazz and swing dance. The course is based on Ksenia’s original methods and concepts adopted from music educators and taught alongside Irish pianist Cormac McCarthy.

    4.5h
    66 videos
    beg/int & up
  • Practice Games

    Training solo jazz and don't know how and what to practice? This course/ collection is for you. Here you will find games to work on footwork, musicality and contrasts, all are essential elements of improvisation and performance. Ksenia will explain in detail her own original games, that she uses herself and then you can practice each game to a full song together with her.

    3.7h
    60 videos
    all levels
  • Jazz Arms

    Don’t know what to do with your arms in jazz? In this course you will discover the secrets of how to invite your upper body and arms, fingers and palms into the dance. We will work on posture, movement, image, expression, and gesture. Ideas, specific exercises and examples from the greats in theory and action. Each lesson is followed by a full practice together with Ksenia.

    3.3h
    52 videos
    all levels
  • new course
    updated material

    World of Arms in 5 Volumes

    Want to open the world of possibilities of arm work outside of swing dance & learn to apply them in solo jazz? Try this course taught by dancer & choreographer Aina Lanas in collaboration with Ksenia. You will discover techniques of arm work from various styles, learn new movement & unlock yourself through free improvisation.

    4.7h
    87 videos
    all levels

Plus All Recorded Masterclasses

3 Boxes of Rhythms

Beat vs Backbeat

Kick Ball Change & Its Variations

Arms, Turns & Swinging 8th

Rocks & Steps

Rotations & Rhythm Steps

Solo Jazz 101

Explosive Movements & Contrasts

Introduction to Solo Jazz

Footwork Variations, Arms & Turns

Tools On How To Dance To A Full Song

Improvisation Games

“My dance school is for everyone, from beginner to advanced, who wants to feel more confident in solo jazz dance and find freedom in expressing themselves through movement” – Ksenia

Challenges, Playlists & Guides

Members get added premium features found nowhere else. Weekly challenges delivered to your inbox, full documentation, curated music playlists, and much more...

  • Weekly challenges, delivered to your inbox.

    Ksenia highlights one lesson from the course library each week. Members practice the lesson and upload a 1 min video to the Whatsapp ✨Spotlight✨ accountability group!

    Spotlight email window graphic nobg@2x_web
  • "What's that song?"

    Enhance your practice with Ksenia's handpicked music playlists, curated to perfectly complement each course. Available on popular platforms like Spotify, these playlists bring rhythm and energy to your dance journey.

    screenshot of a spotify jazz music playlist for practice
  • A guide for everything.

    Feel 100% supported in your learning experience with comprehensive "How to" Guides and documentation. Learn how to warm-up, practice, improvise, and enjoy unique practice games.

  • Dive into Jazz History

    Discover the rich history, foundations, artists that contributed and influenced the birth and spread of Jazz music, dance and culture.

Unlock the Secrets of Solo

Find out why over 5057 dancers have joined us and start learning to dance today!

Get started today →

Who are these courses for?

Swing dancer Sandra practicing solo jazz dance

Never danced before?

We’ve got special courses for you such as Solo Jazz 101. Start from zero. Explore the fundamentals of jazz music, rhythm, body movement and learn your first signature jazz steps.

Dance solo jazz for a while and feel stuck?

Take our courses on improvisation, variations & creative concepts. These will open your mind and body to new ways of using the material you already have and get you unstuck.

Dance partner swing and want to improve?

No better way to skyrocket your partner dance than to work on your solo. Work on body awareness, jazz improvisation and footwork variations so you feel free to express yourself.

A pro in other styles and curious about jazz or new material?

Try 20s charleston, authentic jazz or improvisation. Browse the library to cherry pick footwork or choreographies to add to your repertoire.

Teaching solo dance, searching for new material and how to teach it?

There is no better way to improve your teaching than by becoming a student again and watching great teachers teach. Material of all courses is refined from years of international touring and teaching. Finding the best way to deliver it to students.

Not a dancer?

In 7 years we had many non-dancers joining the school to improve their well- being. Charleston & jazz are high intensity styles. They can compete with sports. Get yourself in shape, improve rhythm, develop ability to move with the music, energize and motivate yourself for life.

young swing dancer Maria

No matter what your level is...

You’ll always know what to work on next thanks to our step by step progressive courses. Making your practice more efficient and learning more enjoyable.

What our community says about us...

Nerea López
Nerea López
February 18, 2023

Secrets of Solo is a wonderful online school

Secrets of Solo is a wonderful online school. Well organised and numbers of contents. Highly recommendable for all those dancers who are looking for training at home or at the studio, seeking for inspiration and ways to improve their own dance expression and technique. Ksenia is an unique teacher and great dancer.

Kelly
Kelly
January 12, 2023

Best dance courses ever!

I absolutely loved Ksenia's solo jazz dance courses and highly recommend them. The curriculum is well-structured with the beginner in mind, but they also have lessons to challenge the very experienced as well. I had only ever taken partner dance courses and I found the fundamentals course to be just the right level for me, but I also dabbled in the Charleston course. The video production is excellent and Ksenia's joy for dancing is contagious!

Lucy Findlay
Lucy Findlay
December 21, 2022

Secrets of Solo takes you into a world…

Secrets of Solo takes you into a world of continual discovery! I recently took Ksenia's online feedback programme. She started by asking us what our goals and expectations were, and asked us to submit a video of ourselves dancing. Then she made each of us a personalised practice plan for two weeks and sent us a video with feedback from her on our dancing. This went on for two months and we also had a one-to-one Zoom call with Ksenia as well as a final group call to draw the programme to an end. Ksenia is among the best Jazz Solo dancers of our times and yet as a teacher she is very humble and kind. She puts herself in your shoes (literally!), whatever your level is. If you are struggling with a step, she always manages to get to the root of the problem and show you a simple way of improving. She is also genuine in her encouragement when you do well. Ksenia transmits so much joy, creativity and enthusiasm, it is contagious - I just look at her and I want to dance! The feedback program enabled me to make an important leap forward in my dance. Improvising is now part of my daily routine. I am more comfortable dancing to faster tempos. I still have a long way to go but I now know exactly what I need to do on a daily and weekly basis to keep exploring and enjoying planet jazz! I couldn't recommend Secrets of Solo enough, thank you Ksenia!

Monika Grabowska
Monika Grabowska
December 19, 2022

Absolutely amazing!

Absolutely amazing! I have been a member of Ksenia's website since the beginning. I've seen each course grow and I'm always excited to follow them. The amazing thing is that every time I come back to the lessons, I discover something new. For the last 2 months I’d taken part in an amazing course “Feedback & Coaching”. It was one of the most creative, stimulate and intensive journey in my life. Ksenia took care of every moment during our training, in terms of motivation and organization. The exercises were personalized for each participant and consequently also the feedbacks. I felt followed at any moment. She is a great and inspiring teacher who loves to share her passion for dance with the students.

James Geyer
James Geyer
December 15, 2022

Feedback & Coaching!? YES!!!

I was lucky enough to be able to take the Feedback & Coaching Programme with Ksenia. I have had a subscription to Secrets of Solo and I’ve learned a lot through it but I jumped at the opportunity to get one on one feedback from Ksenia. It was completely worth it. I can honestly say that I had revelations about my dancing. Ksenia is so generous with her time and her feedback. It was hard work but so much fun. I recommend Ksenia and her Secrets of Solo and the Feedback & Coaching Programme to all dancers. Everyone will get something important and revelatory from it.

Neval
Neval
December 11, 2022

Wow.. Amazing Online Solo Jazz Class

Wow... What an amazing experience that was taking online classes with Ksenia. I learned so much in so little time thanks to her very focused keen eyes, full attention and excellent personalized feedback to what I have been doing in every move and how to improve it. Her two month long online course was a lot more valuable compared to in person group classes even private classes I had taken in the past. She has a very well crafted program. I highly recommend her to anyone at any level who would like to learn solo jazz or improve dancing skills.

Fannie ERB
Fannie ERB
December 9, 2022

A unique experience !

I began this program full of questions, unhappy about my dancing, but also a lot of hope. Ksenia’s personalized Feedback&Coaching program helped me so much with gaining confidence and helped me grow as a dancer. I was thrilled with the training sessions, which were very well adapted to my weaknesses and to what I wanted to work on. I especially enjoyed the feedbacks on videos. During the whole program Ksenia was very kind, sweet and dedicated and I thank her so much for everything she taught me as well as the time she put into it. I would definitely recommend this Feedback&Coaching program and do it again in the future !

Tilde
Tilde
December 1, 2022

Starting out

Completely beginner in dancing, the class helped me lay down and understand the fundamentals. So now I have a much better foundation too build upon! Ksenia is very sweet and talented, definetly recommend her as a teacher.

Lna
Lna
September 16, 2022

About Ksenia’s feedback program

Hi Ksenia I’m late to send you a video testimonials about my experience, anyway, I can’t do it because I don’t speak English well. I’m going to try to write down about it. I hope it help you. For me, it is a good opportunity to remember how much I learnt at this amazing feedback program. Firstly, it opened my eyes about how I have to dance jazz-swing music. Learning to heard and following the structure of the song. Now, improvisation is rather easier. Besides, I learnt to dance with whole my body and feel the floor under my feet. I enjoyed a lot of that special feedback program. I regretted not taking full advantage of the program. I spent too much time taking the decision to send my first video. don’t do that. You should take advantage from this amazing opportunity. The process to choose the music, the main idea to get feedback, recording your dance many time until you feel a little bit proud of it, it’s tough but very interesting. Finally, the feedback from Ksenia arrive, you know that she has been watching your video and she is going to give you the better advice to get better results. That was not the end, it was just the beginning of a new way to dance. When I finished the program I felt proud of myself and it give to me security and power on my dance. I recommend that program to everyone who wants to grow at this incredible dance style. This is my opinion about feedback program. It was really useful for me. Thank you ksenia. I’m really sorry, I can’t record a video. I hope to see you soon Yours kindly Lna

Amani Jaafer
Amani Jaafer
January 13, 2022

AMAZING, WORTH EVERY PENNY

I have never thought, I would be so excited learning from an online class, especially a dance one that requires a presence and a whole atmosphere. I finally could understand the basics, how to count, how to understand music... Very detailed content, loaded with fun and Ksenish vibes. PS: I normally skip reviewing and giving online feedbacks xD but with this one, I felt it was a must. Ksenish (adj.) = energetic, exciting, and exquisite. Mille mercis pour l'effort !!

Yuliya Kim
Yuliya Kim
October 4, 2021

What a great experience

What a great experience! Thank you so much Ksenia, you are a sunshine and make my days beautiful with your energy and positivity. It's a pleasure to go from one lesson to another guided by a great teacher and music. I definitely see the progress.

Helena Horvat
Helena Horvat
September 29, 2021

This is an excellent course

This is an excellent course! Everything is explained really well, there are lots of steps and variations to be learned. Ksenia is an excellent teacher and she has a lot of positive energy! She shows you lots of tips, tricks, and secrets to make your dancing look really good! The quality of the videos is great! Warm recommendations for this course.

ClaudiHa
ClaudiHa
June 21, 2021

More than I ever expected!

I am a hobby musician and my guitar teacher recommended I should start dancing to practice rhythm. I hate dancing!!! So I thought. But then I discovered swing and found these absolutely wonderful courses by Ksenia. Pure fun in an absolutely professional way. I have finished the first part of the beginner's course and I am looking forward to my summer holidays which will be filled with much more of it. The videos are perfect, sound and music are very motivating and the explanations couldn't be better. And after 1 year of Corona-laziness it's the best way imaginable to get some physical exercise. I will never be a dancer, but these courses are improving my rhythm, my ability to move with the music and they are abolutely motivating even after a long and hard day to just choose a great swing song on youtube (the playlist is a great help) and to do just a couple of minutes of swing dance. After that you've forgotten all the day's trouble and your mood has been lifted. I even caught myself listening to a swing song in the supermarket, and starting some steps before I noticed the expression on some people's faces around me. More than I ever expected! Thank you so much!

andres carballeira
andres carballeira
April 25, 2021

Es una suerte dar que profesionales tan generosos, solo me sale una palabra, gracias

Gergő Keresztes
Gergő Keresztes
March 14, 2021

I was always very sceptical about…

I was always very sceptical about learning to dance using online materials, but Ksenia's lessons are very detailed, well thought and built, so I feel that solo jazz has become accessible to me. I think she feels by intuition how many times to repeat some stuff to be accessible for the learner, her videos have a high level of practicality which I describe as top quality. I am now hesitating to continue with Secrets of Improvisation or Charleston. Thank you, Ksenia, it is amazing! ;)

Eleni Merm
Eleni Merm
February 20, 2021

Thank you Ksenia <3

Ksenia is a multitalented, amazing teacher with sharp, kind and helpful personality! She is unique and opens for her students a brand new world, with her entirely new perspective on dance. Highly re commented for regular classes and any kind of jazz workshop!

Irene Festa
Irene Festa
January 28, 2021

The best 2021 decision so far!

When deciding to purchase a dance course online, everyone has the same doubt - will I be able to learn as well as in person? The answer, for me that tried both, is YES and even better than in person! Ksenia’s videos are so perfect in explanation, she uses simple metaphors that make the steps clearly understandable. Plus the white background makes you really focus on the movements and she has always so many tips and tricks to share. I also participated in the Sunday live sessions of zoom and I love how she structures them around a singular move and helping us to get out of the scheme and experiment and be spontaneous as we should be in jazz! I highly recommend her course for every level (I started from zero!)

Roberto Donati
Roberto Donati
January 17, 2021

Beautiful courses to improve your authentic jazz =)

Ksenia is great Dancer, great Teacher... What's else?... also a great singer... She is a complete Artist!

Ingrid / Germany
Ingrid / Germany
January 16, 2021

Excellent!

Bin seit einem Monat dabei und nach wie vor begeistert. Super aufgebaut, enorm viel Inhalt, super erklärt. Kleine Lektionen mit wenigen Minuten, die man sich Stück für Stück erarbeiten kann, egal ob Anfänger oder Fortgeschritten. Professionelle Lern-Videos einer weltklasse Tänzerin. Absolut empfehlenswert!

Maria Heckmann
Maria Heckmann
January 10, 2021

Die Online-Kurse von Ksenia und ihrem Team sind einfach großartig! Alles ist so professionell aufbereitet, von den Videos, den Erklärungen bis hin zur Webseite und dem Support. Ksenia ist eine hingebungsvolle und erfahrene Lehrerin, der es wirklich daran liegt, das Beste aus jedem einzelnen Tänzer herauszholen, das habe ich persönlich erlebt. Ich bin sehr glücklich, diese Kurse für mich gefunden zu haben und kann sagen, dass sie mit Abstand die besten sind, die ich je hatte. Dank Ksenia's Feedback habe ich in den letzten Monaten so viel dazugelernt, es war eine wunderbare Zeit! Ich habe Secrets of Solo schon vielen Bekannten und Freunden emphohlen und würde es immer wieder tun. Danke, liebe Ksenia!

Julieta.Swing
Julieta.Swing
December 15, 2020

Improving a lot and having a good time with Secrets of Solo online school

I have been part of the Secrets of Solo Online School for 9 months now and I totally recommended to dancers of all levels (beginners and advanced). I have been dancing before for more than 10 years and I have noticed a great improvement since joining Ksenia’s online dance school thanks to her detailed video explanations, methodology and her feedback. Furthermore the content of the online school is very varied and you have such a great time while learning. My best investment of 2020 ;)

Valentina Consoli
Valentina Consoli
November 21, 2020

You will never regret it!

Ksenia is one of the most amazing dancers on this planet and she is a marvellous teacher too! I'm a professional contemporary dancer and I started dancing lindy hop and solo jazz a few years ago and Ksenia changed my life! I think that the online school Secrets of Solo by Ksenia is doing really great for me for a lot of reasons and you must try this if you enjoy dancing! Ksenia put a lot of effort in every detail of every video and follow you step by step. The website is very easy to use and to learn little by little and there is tons of cool material that you could go through. Ksenia's school will help you becoming a better dancer and I'm sure that you will never regret starting this wonderful journey for yourself!

jean-marc sylvestre
jean-marc sylvestre
November 5, 2020

Bonjour  J'adore votre pédagogie et votre style. Vous rayonnez et votre charisme nous séduit à chaque fois.  J'y trouve tous les détails que je recherchais depuis longtemps.  C'est tellement bien fait, que j'avance doucement,  très lentement même.  J'ai l'impression de re-découvrir le Swing.  Donc juste Topissime  Ces choix pédagogiques parfaits pour moi : Une video D'explications / une vidéo de pratique . Et cette excellente idée de prendre une base et nous proposer des variations. Excellent, chacun peut vivre "son émotion " au travers d'un seul pas. Bravo Merci beaucoup  . Jean-Marc  FRANCE // Ile De La Réunion

RON
RON
October 23, 2020

I had a good friend give me a gift of a…

I had a good friend give me a gift of a free month. A lot of content and just the right amount of focus and guidance that I was ready for. I happily subscribed monthly after the free month. :)

Elena Bulai
Elena Bulai
July 30, 2020

Great courses!

I am honestly very happy with Ksenia's courses! I just finished Solo Jazz 101 and it was an amazing experience! She explained everything very well and clear and it made it easy for me to understand the music as well! She teaches with pleasure and energy and I liked the constant encouragement to try out new stuff and to not be afraid of just dancing, if that makes sense and to find my own style! The video quality is really good, sound as well! I have not experienced anything bothering so far! I would recommend it to anyone, really, begginer, intermediate or advanced! I am looking forward to taking the next courses!

Glenn Zasman
Glenn Zasman
July 15, 2020

It's no secret

It's no secret, Ksenia's solo jazz courses are simply the best - short and sweet, to the point and very accessible. The videos are presented in a highly professional, yet friendly and challenging manner. "T'aint what you do (tis the way that you do it)". That sums it all up. I can highly recommend these online classes to all who want to get to grips with authentic jazz dance and progress at their own pace.

Lobke Mienis
Lobke Mienis
July 13, 2020

Great to start with solo jazz

Great to start with solo jazz. The classes are short and clear and I enjoy them! Finally a place were I can learn this, wanted to start with this already for many years. I would like to learn even more about understanding the music. Although I didn't explored everything there is to learn in the school yet :)

Juan Castellarin
Juan Castellarin
July 7, 2020

I really loved the site

I really loved the site. I would strongly recommend you to sign up for the premium content as the Monthly feedback you get from Ksenia is absolutly amazing and helpful. The courses content are very clear and well organized and you can follow along with her guidance which help a lot to correct the movements. You will find powerful tools to learn improvisation as well and lots of variants so you can start exploring and defining your own style. +10

Sandra Reaño
Sandra Reaño
June 20, 2020

More than I expected, great blend of technique and musicality

The quality of the videos is outstanding, great visuals, audio and content. As a musician that has never danced anything before Lindy and Solo Jazz I chose this course to get a technical but very musical approach of the dance. It was more than I expected, you can really tell Ksenia has poured all of her knowledge and experience into the courses.

Yawo
Yawo
June 19, 2020

Every feature of the course is Excellent, Would definitely recommend to friends.

Every feature of the course is Excellent, Would definitely recommend to friends.

Tango TeEspero
Tango TeEspero
June 18, 2020

I enjoyed Kseinia's Charleston classes

I enjoyed Kseinia's Charleston classes. Very professional and steps are broken down very well. So much fun. Thank you!

Roberta Bons
Roberta Bons
June 16, 2020

Secret of Solo is truly the best dance course…

Secret of Solo is truly the best dance course! Ksenia is an incredible teacher, she is clear and makes the classes very fun and enjoyable. Her lessons are precious and inspire to practice steps, variations and body movement. She knows to explains how to use your body and how to hear the music. I have very much enjoyed my first month with Secret of Solo.

Manuela
Manuela
June 15, 2020

If you want inspiration, you have to take the Ksenia classes!

The online school is incredible, because she is incredible! I am not a dancer, but I love to dance. For a long time I wanted to learn swing and solo jazz. Her school allows it from the most basic to the mostcomplex, it is excellent! Her classes are clear, the courses are very well ordered and you also have extra info on many topics (history, technical advices). Step by step you discover a magical world full of movement, expressiveness, music, even singing! Thanks to her I have felt like dancing again!!

Renja Salonen
Renja Salonen
June 10, 2020

New inspiration for dancing

Ksenia's Secret of Solo online courses are wonderful! I like how the classes are structured. There are short separate videos of technicality of steps, separate practice time to music, putting steps together into short sequences and some improvisation. Ksenia is very clear in her instructions and makes the classes very enjoyable with her energy and excitement of dancing. I have very much enjoyed my month with Secret of Solo and will definitely go back for more. She has inspired me to keep on practising everyday, even if it is just 10 min.

Constance Hurlé
Constance Hurlé
June 5, 2020

I love the Online School

I love the Online School, you can do the courser whenever you want, view and review them. there is a lot of material. The only thing I miss (but you can search for the live lessons and you'll find it) is a section of warming up, because I love Ksenia's warming up, they are so funny and complete!! Anyway, the platform is great, also the assistance!

kathy pfeiffer
kathy pfeiffer
June 4, 2020

Ksenia's online class is THE BEST

Ksenia's online class is THE BEST! She's an incredible teacher: clear, fun, great at breaking down steps and articulating exactly what to do with your body, Plus, she helps you really hear the music. I had an unexpected bonus too: my foot pain (plantar fasciitis pain - of nearly a decade!) is seemingly gone. I think it must be from using different lower leg and foot muscles than I have in the past. I can walk barefoot on wood floors with no pain - even first thing in the morning. My feet, legs, heart and mind all love her teaching methods! Sign up! It's FUN!

Louis Clément
Louis Clément
June 4, 2020

The lessons are amazing and very well…

The lessons are amazing and very well explained. The figures are fluids, beautifuls and i'm looking forward to show them on the dancefloor :-)

Debbie B
Debbie B
June 3, 2020

I will be a member forever

I will be a member forever. Ksenia is truly the best dance teacher I've ever had. I've learned so much and I can feel in my dancing how my musicality is improving. I've also learned a lot more about jazz music and have been inspired by Ksenia to read several books about jazz and jazz history. This is such a fun learning adventure with Ksenia. I never want to stop being her student.

Francesca Gaviglio
Francesca Gaviglio
May 25, 2020

Very good course

Very good course, I can learn when i’m free and I can focus on more interesting topics! And i like very much the jam circle: I feel followed in my learning!! Thank you Ksenia For this month together, we stil have 11 months!! Top!!

janne
janne
May 23, 2020

seems like forever..

seems like forever.. that i´ve been dancing with you, and it´s only a month now! to be honest, i wanted to bridge the gap until the lockdown is lifted and my group classes resume. a few minutes into your course, though, it was obvious that this is no substitute, it´s a miracle!! the combination of your sophisticated teaching skills (precise, vivid and funny), your incredible musicality (in dancing AND singing and conveying your feeling for the rhythms we use) - plus the structure of the course is all i could ever wish for. i like your general suggestions for a regular practice, too - and it is SO! easy to come back to the course every day!! so much fun and i love everything about secrets of solo, from the organizational framework to the tiniest little detail in a camel walk ** thanx a million and keep swingin` ! janne

Dianne Romain
Dianne Romain
May 22, 2020

Wonderful classes for students and teachers!

I’ve been studying and teaching Lindy Hop for a few years, and I like to incorporate solo jazz in routines. I’m delighted to be learning more solo jazz steps—especially now that we’re sheltering in place! I love these classes, which explain and demonstrate steps clearly and thoroughly! I use the classes to improve my dancing and to help me become a more effective teacher.

Maillard odalric-ambrym
Maillard odalric-ambrym
May 22, 2020

It is so much more than a dance class!

Ksenia is an amazing teacher and dancer. The classes do are challenging, but they really worth it. She is very enthusiastic, joyful and extremely precise. Also, she is very encouraging and benevolent. What I really appreciate is that Ksenia is not teaching you just how to dance. She shows you how to express yourself, how to blend dance with the music, intuition, and fun. She is really passionate about it, and her enthusiasm is communicative! The classes are very organized, step by step each with "that little detail" that makes you feel you not only know the step, but own it. Thank you a lot.

Hannelore Rivière
Hannelore Rivière
May 18, 2020

The best online course so far!

As a dance teacher (International Ballroom) I can only recommend Ksenia’s online course! It is well structured, following a consistent methodology suitable for both beginners and advanced dancers. The cherry on top is that Ksenia’s positive vibes are contagious and will definitely brighten your day!

Laura Steffner
Laura Steffner
May 14, 2020

I definitely recommend this course

I definitely recommend this course. I found the courses well structured and the explanations easy to follow. Besides, Ksenia's enthusiasm is contageous :)

Sara Angius Dance
Sara Angius Dance
May 12, 2020

As a professional contemporary dancer I…

As a professional contemporary dancer I can totally recommend this course suitable for both beginners and professional. It is complete in exploring all the aspects of the Solo Jazz/Charleston Dance. The teaching methodology is structured in a very intelligent way and it allows the students to build their knowledge in a very consequent way. I am fully satisfied and enthusiast to get to know Ksenia's beautiful universe and I strongly recommend it!!

Sooskool
Sooskool
April 26, 2020

Highly recommended!

Ksenia is simply the best in everything! An amazing dancer, a perfect teacher, great attitude, beautiful smile =) She is the most generous teacher I've ever known and she really takes you to the higher level! I totally recommend her online classes, definitely worth it!

Ed B.
Ed B.
April 26, 2020

The Teacher I've Been Waiting For

I've been taking Lindy Hop lessons for 20 years, and Ksenia offers a deeper knowledge of the dance than I've ever gotten anywhere else. When she explains something -- anything -- she goes into such depth, that even if it's something you've had explained a hundred times before, you'll hear things you've never heard before, and you'll understand it afresh. I especially love that she emphasizes technique with everything she says, so whatever she's teaching, steps, choreography, whatever, you learn how to do it the right way, AND you can always apply that technique to everything else you do.

Oonagh
Oonagh
April 26, 2020

Enjoyable classes

Really fun way of learning to dance, Ksenia is a great teacher, loving the online classes

Sara A.
Sara A.
April 26, 2020

best investment for learning and improving your dancing!

I have been taking Ksenia's online courses for the past six months and to say it's worth every penny is an understatement. You can feel her passion and love for dancing even through the screen and it definitely rubs off! For me she's one of the most inspiring dancers and teacher. She breaks things down so creatively to not only help you understand moves but actually to tell stories through your dancing and to help you find your expression. She is the only dancer who has opened my eyes to the communication aspect of dancing -- with others and perhaps even yourself. I highly recommend her brilliantly organized secrets of solo courses,

Nadezda Kantur
Nadezda Kantur
April 26, 2020

Dancing through this together

Thank you very much, Ksenia and David, for the opportunity to unite with so many people from around the world to practice solo jazz in these uncertain times! Thank you for your attention and time for making these courses! It really makes me feel connected and hope that we will get through this COVID crisis very soon.

Eleni Merm
Eleni Merm
5.0

Thank you Ksenia <3

Ksenia is a multitalented, amazing teacher with sharp, kind and helpful personality! She is unique and opens for her students a brand new world, with her entirely new perspective on dance. Highly re commented for regular classes and any kind of jazz workshop!

Debbie B
Debbie B
5.0

I will be a member forever

I will be a member forever. Ksenia is truly the best dance teacher I've ever had. I've learned so much and I can feel in my dancing how my musicality is improving. I've also learned a lot more about jazz music and have been inspired by Ksenia to read several books about jazz and jazz history. This is such a fun learning adventure with Ksenia. I never want to stop being her student.

Hannelore Rivière
Hannelore Rivière
5.0

The best online course so far!

As a dance teacher (International Ballroom) I can only recommend Ksenia’s online course! It is well structured, following a consistent methodology suitable for both beginners and advanced dancers. The cherry on top is that Ksenia’s positive vibes are contagious and will definitely brighten your day!

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Learn from the best.

Ksenia Parkhatskaya
Instructor, CEO

Ksenia Parkhatskaya is an award-winning dancer who has worked with artists as diverse as Postmodern Jukebox, the Paris Opera Orchestra and Christian McBride.

Trained in professional ballroom dance since the age of 6, method acting, West African dances in Senegal, contemporary techniques, Ksenia became famous through her 20s Charleston show on “So You Think You Can Dance” (UKR).

Ksenia has taught workshops at over 250 international swing and jazz festivals over the past 10 years. This demand is due to Ksenia’s unique, inspirational teaching methods, contagious energy and passion for dancing.

“Her ability to break down movements using powerful imagery and visual associations for dancers of all levels has made her online dance tutorials the perfect way to learn solo dance”
- HK dance magazine

ksenia parkhatskaya toe turn rock that swing festival solo jazz dance show
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The primary dance style of our school is Solo Jazz dance

Solo Jazz is a modern umbrella term collecting dance styles rooted in African dance traditions developed in America throughout the 20th century and danced to various styles of jazz music.

Some of the courses are fully based on vernacular movement. Yet other courses present a hybrid form of jazz. The school recognises jazz dance as a continuum rooted in African tradition and constantly developing.

Dancer Bee Jackson doing the charleston
#flapperdance

20's Charleston

The “King'' of dances that swept America during the early 1920’s with its fast tempos, dazzling footwork and eccentric moves done to “hot jazz” and ragtime music (ie. Secrets of Charleston 20s).

Charles Cholly Atkins, a dancer who created and popularized many solo jazz dance steps
#foundations

Jazz Roots

Style includes steps and vocabulary of the vernacular jazz tradition with it’s “animalistic” movements and syncopated rhythms (ie. Solo Jazz 101).

Leon James & Willa Mae Ricker lindy hop and solo jazz
#rhythm

Swing

A style of dancing that developed along with swing music with its signature “swinging” rhythm that dictates its own way of movement.

Picture of male swing dancer black and white
Ksenia Parkhatskaya solo swing dancing in a blue suit no background

Improvisation

A heart of jazz culture. Originality and individuality are not only admired, they are expected in jazz. A sense of play, curiosity and bravery, deep connection to your own self, your body and music is what we develop with learning how to improvise and express ourselves through jazz.

Learn at your own pace

Choose to follow one of our guided courses or pick your own starting point.

Stay Motivated

Our system keeps track of where you are in the course to help you reach your goals.

Have Fun

Connect to joy & get energised

What you will discover

Secrets of Solo opens the door to a wide range of movement, styles, and creativity

Elevate Your Journey

Courses, Docs, and History at Your Fingertips

Discover the origins of solo jazz, lindy hop, and charleston dance with our History blogs series, or get the best tips on how to use the courses, warm up routines, and practice games from the comprehensive Guides & Docs area.

four apple devices showing the exclusive features of the Secrets of Solo online dance classes and learning experience, such as a huge course library of online dance classes, blogs about the history of lindy hop and charleston

Ready to start making breakthroughs in your solo dancing?

Find out why over 5057 dancers have joined us and start learning to dance today!

Sign up today and you’ll get:

  • Full access to ALL courses and content
  • 30-day-money-back guarantee
  • Incredible support

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Becoming a member is risk free.

We believe in the material we offer, and the results we have seen. We have confidence you will find it valuable, but if you don’t, send us an email in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

portrait photo of Ksenia Parkhatskaya
Jazz dancing opened a new way of living for me...

”…an expressive, joyous, free and independent life! And I wish that for you too. Whether you are an absolute beginner, an experienced dancer or a teacher there are hours of content for you to explore and discover here with me”

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Amy O'Hara
November 11, 2024

Secrets of Solo is amazing, Ksenia's videos and way of teaching is so easy and really takes you to the base of swing dance, the groove. I only wish, and I will dedicate more time to practice! I am so glad that I signed up. Really enjoying it, thank you Ksenia.

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Indrė Vereniūtė
November 6, 2024

I have to admit it took me ages to write a review for Secrets of Solo because I could not find the right words to express what an amazing and inspirational teacher Ksenia is! Her magnetic personality motivates me to keep going everytime! The SoS website is so well thought out, Ksenia shares practice playlists which you can easily access on Spotify. There are bite size or long videos with warm ups. Loads of different practice techniques and many many choreos to keep your creative juice flowing! There is a blog which will help you expand your knowledge in jazz dance as well. SoS is suitable for complete begginers and advanced dancers alike and I could not recommend it more! How I ended up here?! My solo jazz journey began with live lessons, the teacher opted for teaching routines straight away and I felt that I needed a comprehensive beginner course on basic solo jazz steps, so SoS was supplementing live classes at the start but quickly took over my schedule as I was fascinated by the abundance of material with thorough and detailed explanations. I keep finding something new every time I revisit a class and it's simply a joy to watch Ksenia dance. She is an an amazing dancer, artist and talented teacher and I'm so happy I stumbled upon her online classes 🙂 I can feel that Ksenia puts in her heart into SoS community and wants her students to surprise themselves, there is heart in every bit of this dance school! ❤️

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Atcha Lamlertpanya
August 29, 2024

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the school and the community. The weekly assignment builds a good habit for me to work on my solo jazz every week and the feedback Ksenia provides is invaluable and really helps guide me in my solo jazz journey. Thank you so much Ksenia!

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Annie Escobar
August 12, 2024

It is a clear, concise and complete dance course that comes from a professional and full of love dancer. Great methodology of teaching. It is interesting how the dancing styles are approached applying biomechanics of movement to avoid injuries. There are many options to improve your dance wherever the process you are. The classes are full of charisma and super graphic for different methods of learning too. I learned how to learn, study and practice every day to improve my dancing and thanks to Ksenia's feedback everything is more clear.

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Alice Tivarovsky
July 19, 2024

Huge wealth of dance knowledge. Even 1 month in of 5x per week practice, I see a difference and I’m getting great feedback on the dance floor.

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Best solo jazz course Ive ever participated in. I love how Ksenia uses scatting and metaphors to help me feel the music, feel the move instead of just mindlessly copying the shapes. I live in VN so the price is a little bit high for me.

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Chris Lewis
July 10, 2024

A lot of fun and all the feels! As a beginner, it had everything I wanted and needed including, practicing individual moves and complete choreographed routines.

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Diane Stapleton
July 9, 2024

I love these dance lessons. Ksenia is an amazing dancer and performer. I also like it that the lessons are "bite size," meaning it's easy to commit for 5 or 10 minutes a day. She demonstrates everything, and also explains the point of the lessons. I'm so glad I signed up!

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Gabriele Di Pofi
June 7, 2024

Simply the best

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Sarah Huntington
May 14, 2024

I love how she doesn't just teach the steps, but she goes into nuances of how to move your arms, shoulders, chest, and hips, to give the dancing a real jazz feel to it.

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Irene Fiordilino
April 18, 2024

I can’t recommend enough this platform, do join Ksenia to have the most wonderful time dancing jazz :) every video is crystal clear and super engaging, and Ksenia has a very special way to teach that goes well beyond the steps and really helps you immerse into the music and the style! I still can’t believe how much progress I have done in so little time, and my passion keeps growing every day! From traditional steps, to original choreography, to improvisational games and tips… you’ll never get bored!

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alexia muiños
January 27, 2024

The secrets of solo is an amazing training. So rich with different workshops suitable for all levels. She facilitates how to navigate through it and inspires the dancers with spotlight challenges which make you feel in a community and encourage you to practice. Mention aside the top notch quality of the videos and user friendly website. I had always admired her dancing but I confirm she is a devoted teacher as well. I strongly recommend it.

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Jacqueline Savidge
January 26, 2024

I highly recommend this course! I have always shied away from anything online especially as (for me) this was a substantial investment. It is so worth every penny....the videos are clear, the teaching easy to follow and understand, and Ksenia gives very good feedback within the groups you can follow once on the course. I am only a month in but already feel I have learnt a lot and I have fun....even in the many moments I feel I have three left feet! 😃 If there were one thing I'd like more of it would be the name of a track to practice specific moves to. Thank you Ksenia for this introduction to the world of jazz, both music and dance!

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Estafine Hu
October 26, 2023

Vidéos très pédagogues et bien structurées. On apprend pas à pas et on en découvre toujours plus.

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Claire
September 24, 2023

I’m a beginner to charleston dancing and have found Ksenia’s courses really helpful and fun! I would really recommend the secrets of solo to anyone who would like to grow as a dancer. Each session has a teaching and practice video which is great when learning a new dance as you can get help with the individual steps and once you’re ready to go through the whole routine you can play the practice video as many times as you like. I also like how she helps you with the styling and accentuation of moves. Ksenia is a really good teacher and I’m looking forward to progressing through the rest of the course!

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Işıl Göksu Edeer
September 20, 2023

I'm just amazed and happy to have access to such a great resource. almost every video that I've studied has made my day, and her focus on feeling the music first is also really helps me a lot 🤍 💐 (+ Ksenia's energy and approach is very sincere, encouraging and exciting you and going beyond the screen. )

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Oliva Olivetta
August 16, 2023

Credo che non esista una scuola migliore nel mondo. Il materiale fornito è abbondante e sempre nuovo: ci sono numerossimi corsi, ognuno dei quali è inerente a un tema diverso (charleston, solo jazz, monografici dedicati ai singoli passi o al movimento del corpo o delle mani, improvvisazione, coreografie, ecc.). Non si finisce mai di imparare. E Ksenia è una ballerina fantastica, direi geniale, di un talento e una preparazione eccelsa, capace di trasmettere il suo sapere in modo molto dettagliato e semplice. È inoltre una persona di grande magnanimità, come tutti i grandi artisti, sempre presente e pronta a dare suggerimenti e consigli personalizzati (al corso di coreografie è associato anche un gruppo whatsapp molto coinvolgente). Consiglio questa scuola online a chiunque voglia imparare un’arte, a chi vuole mantenersi in forma divertendosi, e anche a chi ha bisogno di ritagliarsi un momento di felicità e serenità nel caos della vita moderna, perché ogni volta che si accede a un corso e si inizia a ballare con Ksenia, esce, spontaneo, un sorriso. Non posso che esprimere la mia gratitudine a Ksenia e a tutti i suoi magnifici collaboratori.

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Antonio Napolitano
July 14, 2023

Secrets of Solo is a online school, the way to improve your own dance expression and technique. The video production is excellent and the courses are well-structured in my opinion. Ksenia is an unique teacher and she is very humble and kind. Her passion stands out from every single word.

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Silvia Pelli
June 15, 2023

I recommend this course to everyone: from the beginner who would like to try solo jazz for the first time, to a more expert dancer looking for technical improvement. Ksenia is an amazing teacher, the classes are clear and effective. It's a great guide for your practice! ❤️

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Very well structured. You have a first video with explanations followed by another one to practice. Within each big topic there are sub-sections to explore that particular aspect of dancing. Currently, I need to improve my styling and technics so it's just perfect for me. Thanks Secrets of solo :)

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Kelly Reed
January 12, 2023

I absolutely loved Ksenia's solo jazz dance courses and highly recommend them. The curriculum is well-structured with the beginner in mind, but they also have lessons to challenge the very experienced as well. I had only ever taken partner dance courses and I found the fundamentals course to be just the right level for me, but I also dabbled in the Charleston course. The video production is excellent and Ksenia's joy for dancing is contagious!

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Lucy Findlay
December 21, 2022

Secrets of Solo takes you into a world of continual discovery! I recently took Ksenia's online feedback programme. She started by asking us what our goals and expectations were, and asked us to submit a video of ourselves dancing. Then she made each of us a personalised practice plan for two weeks and sent us a video with feedback from her on our dancing. This went on for two months and we also had a one-to-one Zoom call with Ksenia as well as a final group call to draw the programme to an end. Ksenia is among the best Jazz Solo dancers of our times and yet as a teacher she is very humble and kind. She puts herself in your shoes (literally!), whatever your level is. If you are struggling with a step, she always manages to get to the root of the problem and show you a simple way of improving. She is also genuine in her encouragement when you do well. Ksenia transmits so much joy, creativity and enthusiasm, it is contagious - I just look at her and I want to dance! The feedback program enabled me to make an important leap forward in my dance. Improvising is now part of my daily routine. I am more comfortable dancing to faster tempos. I still have a long way to go but I now know exactly what I need to do on a daily and weekly basis to keep exploring and enjoying planet jazz! I couldn't reccomend Secrets of Solo enough, thank you Ksenia!

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Monika Grabowska
December 19, 2022

Absolutely amazing! I have been a member of Ksenia's website since the beginning. I've seen each course grow and I'm always excited to follow them. The amazing thing is that every time I come back to the lessons, I discover something new. For the last 2 months I’d taken part in an amazing course “Feedback & Coaching”. It was one of the most creative, stimulate and intensive journey in my life. Ksenia took care of every moment during our training, in terms of motivation and organization. The exercises were personalized for each participant and consequently also the feedbacks. I felt followed at any moment. She is a great and inspiring teacher who loves to share her passion for dance with the students.

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NoZ
December 11, 2022

Wow... What an amazing experience that was taking online classes with Ksenia. I learned so much in so little time thanks to her very focused keen eyes, full attention and excellent personalized feedback to what I have been doing in every move and how to improve it. Her two month long online course was a lot more valuable compared to in person group classes even private classes I had taken in the past. She has a very well crafted program. I highly recommend her to anyone at any level who would like to learn solo jazz or improve dancing skills.

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Fannie Erb
December 9, 2022

I began this program full of questions, unhappy about my dancing, but also a lot of hope. Ksenia’s personalized Feedback&Coaching program helped me so much with gaining confidence and helped me grow as a dancer. I was thrilled with the training sessions, which were very well adapted to my weaknesses and to what I wanted to work on. I especially enjoyed the feedbacks on videos. During the whole program Ksenia was very kind, sweet and dedicated and I thank her so much for everything she taught me as well as the time she put into it. I would definitely recommend this Feedback&Coaching program and do it again in the future !

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Farooq Khan
December 3, 2022

I've found Secrets of Solo to be an extremely comprehensive and helpful online dance program that has had a profound effect on my jazz dancing. I appreciate the structure and there's always something I can dive into to push myself in my dancing. Even when I watch a video a second time, there's more golden nuggets with the viewing experience. I enjoy the energy of Ksenia's program and it's also pushed me to be more energetic and given me confidence to explore different aspects of jazz. Highly recommend for anyone of any level; there's something here for everyone.

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Neval1
April 29, 2022

Ksenia is a creative, clever, amazingly artistic dancer and an excellent instructor. She is becoming a legend and making gigantic strides in dance history. Her teaching is clear, brief, and memorable. I subscribed to her channel and her teaching classes to learn how to decode many moves of many legendary dancers, contemporary and traditional. She shed light and untangled every question I have so far and I am continuing to learn day by day. She opens the doors to the wisdom and queeingdom of dancing. I am grateful that I live in the same century and have the opportunity to learn from her first hand. Her artistic creations and teachings will be part of dance culture and history in this virtual generation time and space forever. Looking forward to seeing her at Broadway or anyway, anywhere, in any opportunity.. she is an inspiration.

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Jo Rusbridge
April 27, 2022

This is an amazing course with so much content and Ksenia explains things so clearly and with such enthusiasm and passion it makes a happy learning experience.

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Namiko Mitarai
March 29, 2022

Secrets of Solo is a fantastic online school to learn dancing. The online materials cover wide range of topics, from basic to advanced, and even improvisations, combined with great selection of music. Ksenia is excellent at explaining the essence of the move and proposing how to practice in a progressive manner. I was also lucky to get access to the premium option where one can get a personal feedback. Ksenia’s feedback was always great help to find out what to work on next, and also she was so supportive that I could keep my motivation high even when I was struggling a lot. She taught me the difference between doing shapes/movements and dancing. Strongly recommended to anyone who wants to dance!

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Rosie Rose
March 3, 2022

Ksenia shares her dance secrets and her prior knowledge by exchanging tips, how she practices plus all things jazz! She has got it! She has an encouraging honest demeanour and is very passionate which is infectious. I have applied the course practice games to the styles I do and that's my point this website has had a lot of thought behind it. It's for movers/ dancers. All types and sizes can get something from what she has to offer. (collaborations are also happening on this platform) best wishes, Rosie Rose

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Valentina Consoli
July 17, 2021

You will never regret it! Ksenia is one of the most amazing dancers on this planet and she is a marvellous teacher too! I'm a professional contemporary dancer and I started dancing lindy hop and solo jazz a few years ago and Ksenia changed my life! I think that the online school Secrets of Solo by Ksenia is doing really great for me for a lot of reasons and you must try this if you enjoy dancing! Ksenia put a lot of effort in every detail of every video and follow you step by step. The website is very easy to use and to learn little by little and there is tons of cool material that you could go through. Ksenia's school will help you becoming a better dancer and I'm sure that you will never regret starting this wonderful journey for yourself!

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Daria Ivleva
July 5, 2021

The course is simply wonderful! It covers all the most important aspects of solo jazz dance and it's great for everyone from the very beginners to the advance dancers. Ksenia explains every detail of the moves bringing to light the essence of it and then you can immediately see how it should work. There is another thing that I think makes this platform very special, it's the option with personal feedback from Ksenia. It's a real boost for ones practice, not only for the feedback itself but for all those times that you try to make a video to send and thus practice again and again analyzing your dance. Thank you for creating such a great platform for learning jazz dance!

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Alinda Mirón
July 4, 2021

Secrets of solo is the best online dance school for everybody who loves Jazz ! Both if you are beginner and professional you can always find the right material for your needs. Ksenia Parkhatskaya is an amazing teacher and her online courses are excellent! They provide you with lot of details about dancing technique, style, suggestions, feedback. In the website secretsofsolo.com you can also find history related content, blog posts about dance, her personal dancing tips! Who can ask for anything more?! Enjoy!

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Choreo Collection

Course Content

Class: Take The A Train

Practice: Take The A Train

Class: Potato Chips

Practice: Potato Chips

Class: Apollo Jump

Practice: Apollo Jump

Class: Shiny Stockings

Practice: Shiny Stockings

Class: Basie Talks

Practice: Basie Talks

Class: Till Tom Special

Practice: Till Tom Special

Class: My Major Is Minor

Practice: My Major Is Minor

Class: Jumpin’ At The Woodside P1

Practice: Jumpin’ At The Woodside P1

Class: Jumpin’ At The Woodside P2

Practice: Jumpin’ At The Woodside P2

Practice: Jumpin’ At The Woodside FULL

JazzArms

Course Content

Introduction & Warm Up

Introduction to JazzArms

Warm Up (cooler)

Warm Up (hotter)

The Body

Body Awareness

Body-check in dance

Tension scale

Tension scale Part 2

Practice: Tension scale

“Puppet” tension 0-5

Practice: “Puppet” tension

“Hot chocolate” tension 5-10

Practice: “Hot Chocolate”

Tension extremities

Practice “Shaking the Dust Off”

All Parts of The Arm

Guidelines of Elbows

Elbow research

Practice: Elbows

Practice: Elbows (adv)

Cliff of the Wrist

Practice: Wrists

Practice: Wrists in full dance

The Eye of the Palm

Practice: Palms

Finger Orchestra

Finger Tricks

Warm Up for fingers

Practice: Fingers

Arms & Upper Body

The Rope of the Arms

The Tree of the Upper Body

360 body

Elevator

Practice: Arms & Upper body

Action Arms

Action arms

Practice: Action – only

Practice: Action arms in dance

Percussive Hands

Caress, Act or Direct

Practice: Touch & Rhythm

Creative Exercises for Arms

Introduction

Accentuate the footwork

Practice: Accentuation

Asymmetric shape

Practice: Asymmetric shapes

Action for your hands

Practice: Hand action

Introvert vs Extrovert arms

Percussive hands

Practice: Percussive hands

Look – Don’t Look

Practice: Look & the hands

Pose

Think “360”

Practice Games

Course Content TEST

Practice Games: Introduction

Introduction to Practice Games

Why Practice & How?

How to use Practice Games course

Practice Games I: Footwork Games

Game: 4 walls

Practice 4 walls

Tips for “4 walls”

Game: One step. Many pictures

Practice “One step. Many pictures”

Game: Just Kicks

Practice Just Kicks

Game: Deconstruction

Practice Deconstruction

Thoughts on Deconstruction

Game: Marriage

Practice Marriage

Tips for “Marriage”

Game: Elongate a step

Practice Elongation

Practice Elongation (cross step)

Practice Elongation (Faster tempo)

Practice Games II: Musicality Games

Game: Swing a note L1

Practice Swing a note L1

Game: Swing a note L2

Practice Swing a note L2

Game: Pause

Practice Pause

Tips on Pause

Practice Pause 2

Game: Phrase Length

Practice Phrase Length

Game: One Step Song

Practice One Step Song

Game: Melody & Rhythm

Practice Melody & Rhythm

Tips on Melody & Rhythm

Practice Games III: Contrast Games

Introduction to Contrast Games

Game: Even vs Accentuated

Practice Even vs Accentuated

Tips on Even vs Accentuated

Game: Spot vs Travel

Combo for Spot vs Travel

Practice Spot vs Travel

Game: Small vs Big

Practice Small vs Big

Tips on Small vs Big

Game: One vs Many

Combo for One vs Many

Practice One vs Many

Thoughts on One vs Many

Game: Frontal vs Rotational

Practice Frontal vs Rotational

Tips on Frontal vs Rotational

Game: Groove vs Rhythm

Practice Groove vs Rhythm L1

Practice Groove vs Rhythm L2

Thoughts on Groove vs Rhythm

Secrets of Improvisation

Course Content

Chapter I: Back to Basics

Introduction to “Walking Bass”

“How to step?” Form & Repetition

“How to step?” Rotation

“How to step?” Rond

“Walking Bass” Combination

“How to step?” Slide’n’Hop

Little Conclusion

Inject Swing 8th. What is it?

Practice your Swing 8th

Inject Pauses & Practice

Inject Triplets. “What is it?” by Cormac

Triplet Drill with Cormac

Triplet Drill with Cormac (Slower)

Final Recipe. Your Melody

Bonus: Ksenia’s Improv

Chapter II: Limitation – Concept & “Travel” Tool

About Improvisation

“Limitation” Concept

Tools to practice improvisation

First tool – “Travel”. Concept

“Travel” on the Rocks

“Travel”. Try mid-tempo

Chapter III: Limitation – Repetition Tool

Second Tool – “Repetition”. Concept

“Repetition”. Breaking down

Chapter IV: Limitation – Form, Rotation & Picasso

Third Tool – “Rotation”. Concept

Step & “Rotation”

“Rotation” on Kicks

Fourth Tool – “Picasso”. Concept

Chapter V: Limitation – “Time: Minus”

Fifth Tool – “Time: Minus” Concept

“Time: Minus”. “Fluff” on count 3

“Time: Minus”. “Fluff” on count 4

“Time: Minus”. “Fluff” on count 5

“Time: Minus”. “Fluff” on count 6

“Time: Minus” Conclusion

Chapter VI: Limitation – “Time: Plus”

Sixth Tool – “Time: Plus” Concept

“Time: Plus”. Shuffle Evolution

“Time: Plus”. Kick Ball Change

“Time: Plus”. Try to mid-tempo

“Time: Plus”. Kick Ball Change + “Rotation”

“Time: Plus”. Mix & Match Demo

“Time: Plus”. “Fluff”

Chapter VII: Play With Cross Over

Cross Over. Evolution & Tools

Cross Over. Practice Demo

Cross Over. Swung 8th

Cross Over. Change the form & get “Scissor Kicks”

Cross Over. Final Practice

Chapter VIII: Play with Fall Of The Log

Fall of The Log. “Rotation” tool

Fall Of The Log. “Repetition” tool

Fall Of The Log. “Time: Minus” tool

Fall Of The Log. “Time: Plus” tool

Chapter IX: Colouring a Dance Phrase

Charleston & Cross Over Combo 1

Charleston & Cross Over Combo 2

Charleston & Cross Over Combo 3

Charleston & Fall Of the Log Combo 1

Final word & Bon Voyage!

Chapter X: Dance Phrasing

Dance Phrasing. Introduction

Steal the Melody

Dance Phrasing. Demo to “Honeysuckle Rose”

Vocalising. Create your own phrase or “fill”

Chapter XI: “Pilllow”

“Pillow”. Concept

Cormac & Ksenia Improvising “on the Pillow”

Tips for your “Pillow” practice with Cormac

Your own “Pillow” practice with Cormac

“Pillow” Improvisation to Duke Ellington

“Pillow” for Uptempo tunes

World of Kicks

Course Content

Chapter I: Acquaintance with Kicks

Meet Mr. Kick

Twist the Kick

Hold & Drops

Scoop of Ice Cream

Combo to “How could you?”

Breakdown of the combo “How Could You?”

Combo to “Don’t Be That Way”

Breakdown of the combo “Don’t Be That Way”

Chapter II: Side Kicks

Side & Travelling Kicks

Loop Kick

Combo to “Nappin’ John”

Breakdown of the combo to “Nappin’ John”