Synopsis Of Class Offerings For 2008-2009

Beginning Club Dance

Goal: To teach students to be able to dance in a club setting where the size of the dance floor is limited.

Dance Instruction Offered: eastern swing, triple-time swing, one-step, slow dance, and Latin (cha cha, rumba, and salsa)

Featured Music: swing, blues, jazz, retro, and Latin

The instruction will be in three 2-month sections (see 2008-2009 schedule). The first month of each section will cover basic moves, and the second month will include mostly intermediate moves.

Beginning Progressive Country

Goal: To teach students to be able to progress (move) around a large dance floor. Navigational skills are also featured.

Dance Instruction Offered: two-step, waltz, polka, country Latin, schottische, and several line dances.

Featured Music: country

Dance frame will be emphasized. Ballroom etiquette will be taught. The students will also be taught how to recognize and dance to different rhythms. Transitions from a country styling to a more traditional ballroom styling will also be covered.

Intermediate Swing

When students have realized a solid swing base and are able to perform a respectable eastern swing and triple-time swing, they will be ready for this course.

Goal: To teach students to be proficient in dancing swing along the full swing spectrum (from 80 beats per minute to over 200).

Dance Instruction Offered: intermediate swing, triple-time swing, west coast swing (featuring different styles), lindy hop, and 30’s Charleston.

Featured Music: swing, jazz, and blues

The syllabus will be determined by the experience of the dancers in the class. Also, the desires of the students will greatly determine what will be taught during this 6-month course.

According to the swing rotation, we are scheduled to cover intermediate and upper-intermediate eastern and triple time swing. The balance of the sessions depends on the experience and the desires of the students.

Intermediate Latin

The students will need a solid base of cha cha instruction.

Goal: To cover the full spectrum of Latin tempo.

Dance Instruction Offered: cha cha, rumba, salsa, meringue, and Latin free-style.

Featured music: Latin, Latin, Latin

My goals in intermediate Latin are a bit more specific than in intermediate swing. I would like to teach three cha cha amalgamations. I would also like to transition as many moves as we can to rumba and salsa. I plan on teaching more free-style Latin than what we have done in the past to spice up your chases. Also, a section on merengue will be taught. The dancing in this Latin class will be a bit faster and sexier than what has been done in the past. The thermostat will definitely be turned up.