About Our Classes
Unless otherwise specified, all our classes are open to beginners. Whatever your definition of beginner is, you will fit in just fine. If it was up to us, we would do 12-16 week classes. However, most people are not ready to jump into a 16 week program and donate that much time without knowing what it entails. Also, some people just want to get by or get a taste of dancing. We understand that. This is why our classes are 4 weeks long, but we hope you take them again and again. We do, however, welcome you to take the first class of the month for a flat $10 without registering for the month. If you like the class, you can register afterward and apply the $10 to your fees for the entire month. This gives you a chance to learn something and try out a class before committing to a full 4 weeks. Taking a class for a second or third time is far from a waste of time. Each class is tailored as best we can to who is present. If a class has all new people, then it’s the very basics for 4 weeks. Usually we have a mix of new and return students and we teach more sophisticated elements and techniques to those who are returning. This mixture also allows the new students to benefit from the expertise of our “regulars” and progress faster.
Unless otherwise noted our classes run 50 minutes on the same day at the same time each week for 4 consecutive weeks. Some instructors feel that students can only learn for about 30 or 40 minutes and we agree. However, the time students spend practicing under supervision is likely more important than the amount of time spent actually learning new things. We feel this practice time is too important to not provide it to our students.
The size of our classes is subject to the size of the teaching area and never allowed to be too big to give anything but superior instruction. Classes generally have an 8 person minimum. We reserve the right to cancel classes that are too small as it is not cost effective - so please bring your friends. Additionally, Melissa is not alone in her teaching. Wade is present for all the group classes, and even though he is not an instructor, he is competent in all the dances taught. For all intensive purposes there are two instructors present giving you twice the attention.
Next Steps classes are for dancers whom we have taught several lessons. Next steps will focus the techniques that make all of your dancing not only look better, but more importantly feel better. Next Steps classes are NOT intended to totally replace our regular offerings, but rather to supplement them. If you think this class is for you please ask Melissa or Wade. These classes are also limited in size and cost a little more. This is because of the intensity of the program.
You do not need a partner to take any of our classes, unless specified otherwise. We rotate partners, giving everyone the chance to learn equally, avoid learning their partners weaknesses, and to gain from our “regulars” experience. We actually prefer having an extra leader in class, as they can usually benefit greatly from time without a partner. However, rest assured that when a follower has no partner during a rotation we have drills and exercises to keep them busy and improve their dancing.
About the Titles of Our Classes
Swing:
Notable from about a zillion movies and TV shows, most of us know what Swing is to some degree. Our classes teach what is commonly known as East Coast Swing, but elements of Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jive and who knows what else may be taught as they all go together seamlessly. Taught mostly in triple rhythm, this dance will accommodate a large range of music. We also teach single rhythm so you can keep up with those really fast tunes!
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Romance / Wedding Dances:
This class focus on the box step essentials from Rumba, Foxtrot and Waltz. Students will learn box figures that can be used in all three rhythms, allowing couples to dance to Waltz, Foxtrot or Latin Music. Wedding couples will be given entrances and exits for their big dance and may bring their wedding song to class if they have chosen one.
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Latin:
Latin will select from a plethora of dances, including, but not limited to Salsa and Mambo, Cha Cha, and Merengue. The class will usually touch on all the dances for beginners and then focus heavily on one particular dance for the remainder of our time.
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Ballroom:
What most people think of when the word Ballroom is used are these three dances: Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. Ballroom will usually focus on one of these dances, in particular American Social Foxtrot, American Waltz, and American Tango. All three of these dances are considered ‘progressive’ dances, meaning they move around the floor rather than staying in one general spot. The Waltz and Foxtrot can, of course, incorporate figures learned in the Romance class, but generally box figures will not be focused on in Ballroom. Like the Latin class, we will usually give a sample for new people of all three dances, but spend most of our time focusing on one in particular.
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Single Dance Classes:
These classes will focus on the particular dance in question. (e.g. foxtrot, cha cha, bolero, nightclub 2-step, etc) To learn more about these dances check our Dances Page or wikipedia has many great articles. You can of course contact us at anytime with your questions.