Dance and Swing

What attire should I wear?
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing is best. Slacks rather than skirts for the ladies and slacks for the gentlemen.

What type shoes do I need?
For the beginner, I always recommend comfortable shoes with a slick, smooth sole and low heel. No sneakers, boots, or open-toed sandals. As one progresses, he or she may wish to consider investing in a pair of ballroom dance shoes, specifically design for ballroom dancing.

Do I need a partner?
Not necessary, but helpful.

May I show up at any time during the sessions?
Our classes and dance parties are held in a social, alcohol free, smoke free atmosphere. The group lessons are geared so that anyone may attend at any time during the sessions. Certainly it would be most beneficial to begin at the introduction of a session, but not required.

How long does a session last?
Typically, each session will last the number of weeks in that month, usually 4 weeks. Occasionally, there is that month which has 5, so we go with the flow.

Do I need to pre-register for the group classes?
Not at this time. Current the group lesions are on a ‘come when you can’ basis. However, if you plan on attending for the entire month, you receive a discount when you pre-pay at the first of each month.

What age groups attend the classes?
All ages are welcome. Often the range is 19 to 80 years of age. It just depends on the week!

What dances do you teach?
Instruction is available for all the ballroom dances, including east and west coast swing. The ballroom dances include: Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Salsa, Bolero, Polka, Merengue, Hustle, Samba, and the Swings. East Coast Swing includes Jitterbug, Single-time Swing, Double-time Swing, Triple-time Swing, and Jive. We also teach Swing Circuit West Coast Swing.

What about the Social Dances (a.k.a Dance Parties)? Who participates and what are they like?
The Social Dances are just what the description implies. Dancing socially in a safe, smoke and alcohol free environment. Essentially they are for fun. Students practice with others, relax, and have a good time. Dance music emphasizing the most current sessions of group lesions is played with the students socializing with each other, but mostly, practicing what they have learned.

The 10 Essential Rules of Dance
1: Stay in the line of dance
2: Never let your elbows go past the front of your body
3: a. Ladies, go the direction you are led until your leader changes your direction
b.Go with the same momentum until your leader changes your momentum.
c. Keep turning in the same direction until your leader stops or changes your turn.
4. The Gentleman gets to lead.
5. The Gentleman still gets to lead.
6. Don't look at your feet.
7. Don't look at your partner's feet.
8. Don't look at the floor.
9. Don't look at the ceiling.
10. Relax and have fun.

Dance Floor Etiquette
Dance floor etiquette is important as several different dances are many times done during the same song. Foxtrots and Waltzes should be done in a counter clockwise manner staying along the outside of the dance floor. Stationary dances such as Rumba, Swing, and Cha Cha should be done toward the center of the floor. This creates a flow so that everyone can receive the optimal benefit of the dance floor. Be aware of others and be courteous.