Class Description

Beginner – no Prerequisites

NO PARTNER REQUIRED

If you can walk and move start with a Beginner class (Level 1). Our instructors will guide you with the basic steps, frame and lead/follow of the dances.  

If you are a more experienced dancer (mastered the beginner steps) review the Intermediate and Advanced descriptions below.

SCHEDULE

REGISTER – beginner

REGISTER – upcoming classes, workshops and social dances

Prerequisites for American Level 2 (Intermediate)

If you are ready for Level 2 (Intermediate), you should have an understanding of the basic character and movement of each dance taught in level 1 (e.g., Waltz floats and Two Step smoothly travels around the dance floor, while Cha-Cha is a more stationary, Latin influenced dance). You should also be able to dance most of the basic figures of each dance taught in level 1 with:

• correct timing
• good posture, frame and tone and the ability to use these to effectively lead/follow
• good basic foot work (heel lead verses toe lead etc.)
• the ability to apply line of dance and general floor craft rules

Social/Ballroom figures you should know before taking American Level 2 (Intermediate):

Basic Country figures you should know before moving to American Level 2 (Intermediate):

Prerequisites for American Level 3 (Advanced)

• You have mastered your basics and a variety of figures in multiple dances and are now an intermediate level social dancer.
• You have a more in-depth knowledge of the character and movement of the various dances taught in level 2 (eg. Waltz uses rise and fall, long strides and rotations to portray the couple elegantly swooping and gliding across the floor)
• You have the ability to dance the majority of figures of each dance taught in level 2 in addition to the basics from level 1 (see prerequisites for Social 2) with such elements as:
  correct timing
  good posture, frame and tone and a more in-depth application of these with regards to leading/following
  enhanced footwork (use of supporting foot, elevation etc.)
  beginner level of various expressive elements such as: cuban motion, rise and fall, arm styling etc, effective floor craft and pattern combinations

Social figures you should know before moving to American Level 3 (Advanced):

Prerequisites for International Silver

• You are an intermediate level dancer. You have experience and knowledge of many of the figures in the International Bronze syllabus OR have completed a year of level 3 in the social program and are comfortable using closed (body contact position) in the ballroom dances
• You have refined the characters and typical movements of a variety of dances and now easily use elements such as hip action, rise and fall, and arm styling to express yourself on the dance floor
• You have the ability to dance a variety of intermediate level figures in multiple dances with such elements such as: (1) correct timing, (2) good posture, frame, and tone, and effective lead/follow skills (3) refined footwork and improved balance and weight transfers, (4) intermediate level of expressive elements – hip action, rise and fall etc., and (5) good use of pattern combinations and good floor craft.

Figures you should know before taking International Silver

Prerequisites for International Gold

• You are an seasoned, intermediate + level dancer.
• You have have taken the Silver class, preferably for a minimum of 2 years AND feel confident with the material presented OR you have other dance experience and are confident with the majority of the figures in both the International Bronze and Silver syllabus (see also Silver prerequisites)
• You have refined the characters and typical movements of a variety of dances and now easily use elements such as various hip actions, rise and fall, sway and arm styling to express yourself on the dance floor
• You have the ability to dance a variety of intermediate level figures in multiple dances with such elements such as: (1) correct timing and some basic phrasing, (2) very good posture, frame and tone and effective lead/follow skills, (3)  refined footwork and improved balance and settling of weight, (4) intermediate level of expressive elements – hip action, rise and fall etc., (5) very good use of pattern combinations, and (6) good floor craft.

Figures you should know before taking International Gold