Descriptions of dance classes and lessons

Here are the classes we offer — singles and couples are always welcome in any class!

BLUES/ ONE STEP

Beginning Blues — Beginning
Love those slow dances but wearly of the hug drape high school version? In this class, we'll explore common blues steps and rhythms and show you how to connect with a partner creating a playful sensual conversation that is comfortably appropriate for dancing with a sweetheart or acquaintance.
No prerequisite

Traveling One-Step
With the expanding slow oozy blues movement, we rarely see taught the one-step and yet if you look around on the dance floor, it is everywhere and often combined with slow blues. Originally a dance from the Ragtime-era, popularized by Vernon and Irene Castle, it combines grapevines, pivots and swing-type moves in a one-step pattern to zip around the dance floor in great style and play. We'll also show how you can integrate other dances, like Waltz and Latin into your One-step creating a more dynamic dance.
Prerequisite: Dancing any closed position dance at an intermediate level.

One-Step to Blues — Beginning/Intermediate
We'll stop briefly in time in 1915 with the Ragtime animal dances where it all began, then move on to the elegant, upright Castlewalk of the 1920s, adding pivots, swivels and grapevines, and then move into the later variations from the 1930s to today for a real down-into-your-body Blues.
Prerequisite: Any Swing 1 class

Those Other Dances: One-step, Blues and more
When those "other dances" come on, take to the floor with confidence and style! We'll explore One-step and Blues for those slower delicious tunes and take a quicker look at Polka and Schottische as well.
Prerequisite: Any Swing 1 class

BLUES & SWING

Swing into Blues — Mix It Up!
Some of the best dancing is all about response and creativity — creatively responding to the music, your partner and available floor space. There is a sweet tempo zone where Swing, Blues, traveling, and being stationary can all come together. We will explore moving between these two and dancing well in both.
Prerequisite: Dancing Swing at an intermediate level

FOXTROT

Fred and Ginger Foxtrot
Originally a Ragtime pattern dance offshoot from One-Step using the novelty of slow and quick steps, Foxtrot was quickly popularized as a creative partner dance. One of the earlier versions and most commonly known today is the SSQQ (Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick) style. Fun, useful and easily combined with Swing, it allows you to gracefully and playfully travel around the dance floor. (Fred and Ginger dance SSQQ Foxtrot in their films, they also slid in and out of a number of other Foxtrot patterns, which you can learn in Waltz 2: Waltztrot.)
Prerequisite: Confidence with any closed position partner dance

Waltz 2: Waltztrot — Just 6 Little Steps
You love Waltz, and you want Foxtrot? Well here's your chance to do both! We'll highlight and add on to your Waltz in 3/4 time and move these great moves into 4/4 Foxtrot rhythms. From this class you'll come away with a whole new appreciation for the finer points of both. As we explore the moves and the differing styles, well explore body attitude, clarity of movement and marvelous partnering interactions.
Prerequisite: Solid understanding and ease with Waltz 1 basics, other partner dance experience and ready for a little challenge

Foxtrot Fusion (Waltztrot and other influences)
Sometimes a Swing isn't really a Swing, it's much better to Foxtrot! We'll take Waltz and other dance styles and bring them into Foxtrot not only exploring these moves, but transitions in and out of Swing. A perfect class for intermediate/advanced Waltzers who love to travel on the dance floor. "Look out, comin' through!"
Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material

LATIN

Beginning/Intermediate Cha-Cha
We will look at classic patterns so you have the basics but move onto more complex patterns. Cha-Cha is fun in it's sensuality and spicyness — come gain a solid foothold in this popular dance!
Prerequisite: Other partner dance experience

A Taste of Cha-Cha-Cha
Add a little Latin spice to your dance. Cha-Cha is a great dance that keeps popping up at most live and DJ'd dances around the city — don't feel like you have to sit out or stumble through. Learn a tasty variety of classic moves to feel hot, hot, hot! on those summer nights and beyond.
Prerequisite: Other partner dance experience

NIGHTCLUB TWO-STEP

Beginning Nightclub Two-Step
Ari Levitt will teach the dance that he first brought to the Seattle area in the 80's directly from Buddy Schwimmer, the inventor of the dance. Ari's way of thinking and teaching this dance transforms it; every time Ari teaches this dance I hear rave reviews and I have had a dozen requests to teach it. This class will give you all the basics, looking at the sweeping dynamics and directionality of this dance as well as many beautiful moves.
Prerequisite: Any beginning partner dance class

Intermediate Nightclub Two-Step
Build upon what you have learned in Beginning Nightclub 2-Step by adding new variations to your repertoire! Swirls, checks and more dynamic patterns.
Prerequisite: Beginning Nightclub 2-Step or the equivalent

POLKA

Polka Play
Polka may be the most rollicking good time of all the social dances — it has remained popular since the early 1800's and in this class we will explore promenade, turning and linear patterns. We dance Polka to not only Polka music but to Irish Gigs, Techno and popular tunes that will make you laugh. Flat-soled shoes that slide on the floor a must.
Prerequisite: 6 months or more partner dance experience

SWING

Swing 1: Beginning East Coast Swing
Starting from scratch, learn the basics of 6-Count East Coast Swing. We focus on great connection, natural movement, and technique that will have you dancing after the first class. The Six-Count moves you learn here will translate to playful fun on the dance floor in patterns that are recognizable at any Social Swing dance.
Prerequisite: None

Swing 1.5: Beyond the Basics
We'll spend time in both single-time and triple-time swing, reviewing the basics, adding flourishes and new moves to expand your repertoire.
Prerequisite: Swing 1

Intermediate

Swing 2: 6+8=Great! (Bread and Butter meets PB&J)
You've been dancing swing for awhile and see Lindy Hoppers but don't think that fast pace is for you. But still, you love the look of some of those cool patterns. This class will explore a relaxed entree into the delights of 8-count swing. 8-count patterns fit the music like peanut butter and jelly and work well with the bread and butter 6-count moves you already know. Prerequisite Swing 1 and at least one Swing 2 class or instructor permission

Swing 2: Cool Moves
Some Swing moves just attract attention — they look and feel great. Some break the rhythm, some call for styling and new footwork patterns. Move your swing up a notch, both for leading and following the unexpected.
Prerequisite: Swing 1 and at least one other Swing 2 class

Swing 2: Footwork, Styling & Charleston
More cool moves, fancy footwork (don't worry we'll take it one step at a time!) and even some Charleston. A rollicking good time!
Prerequisite: Swing 1

Swing 2: Intro to Savoy Style Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop has been well established in Seattle since the early 1990s. We will explore classic moves and partnering in this intermediate-level dance class.
Prerequisite: Two intermediate Swing 2 classes

Swing 2: Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop was the king of the swing in the 1930s and 1940s, and you can learn it in it's authentic form! Use the foundation of moves and style you learned from six-count, and put them into this exciting and playful eight-count basic. We'll teach you to feel confident with the structure of the dance, while learning to play with breaks, hops, and styling. T'aint what you do, it's the way that you do it!
Prerequisite: Swing 1: East Coast Swing A & B or instructor permission

Swing 2: Role Reversal
They say that if you want to truly understand someone, bop a mile in their shoes. Become a better dancer in your traditional role by finding out what it's like on the other side. Reverse your role, laugh a lot, swing a mile in someone else's shoes, and forever experience your dance with a deeper understanding of how it all works and what makes a partnership really swing!
Prerequisite: Confident in your traditional role at an intermediate level

Swing 2: Single-time Swing and Fred and Ginger Foxtot
When the Swing music gets fast, you want to look cool and feel comfortable. We'll review footwork, add way fun variations and show you how to move smoothly from Single-Time Swing to Foxtrot (Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick.) They are just natural together — one stationery, and one travels to smoothly respond to your creative desires and the music moods.
Prerequisite: Swing 1

Swing 2: Swing to Hop — Moving on...
You've had beginning swing and are ready to move to the next level refining and developing your skills and increasing your knowledge of the dance building on what you already know. In this class you'll learn more 6-count patterns and gently begin to learn 8-count footwork of and some beginning patterns of Lindy Hop. It's a great next step!Prerequisite: Swing 1

Swing 2: The Moves You'll Use
You have some basics, now add on with classic moves like the Tuck 'N Turn, Push Turns and more. We will also add some cool footwork and attitude into your basics to give you that awesome Swing look.
Prerequisite: Swing 1

Advanced

Swing 3: Advanced Triple-Time
Breaks, freezes and footwork are the order of the day in Advanced Triple-Time. Staying in the gentle 6-Count Triple-Time Swing variation, we'll spiff up your styling, body motion, attitude and moves.
Prerequisite: At least two Swing 2 classes or instructor permission

Swing 3: Double-time and Bandstand
You've been dancing Single-Time and Triple-Time Swing and you want to amp up the fun and the skills. This is class is for you — two alternate footwork pattern and a host of complimentary moves — all of which will translate to your other swing basic footwork patterns. Double-Time Swing is the perfect answer to the music that's a bit too fast for Triple-Time and too slow for Single-Time — it's marvelous in the middle! Bandstand is a swing variation of the 1950's with a special swing and sway all it's own. Come expand and your 6-Count repertoire while you delve deeper into those great Swing patterns.
Prerequisite: At least one Swing 2 class

Swing 3: Savoy Style Lindy Hop, “Fancy Footwork and Classy Styling”
Lindy Hop has been well established in Seattle since the early 1990s. We will explore moves that offer a distinctly classy flair along with some of those footwork patterns that will keep you just a bit challenged and ready for more!
Prerequisite: Intermediate Lindy skills or better

Swing 3: Traveling Triple-time
Take your Triple-Time Swing basic on the road and zip around the floor using adaptations of moves you likely already know. The basic is great fun with gentle pivoting and forward motion aspects. A sweet cross between one-step Blues and Swing.
Prerequisite: Beginning and at least two intermediate Swing classes

WALTZ

Waltz 1: Beginning Waltz A and B
Learn the basics of this graceful elegant dance that is the only one danced to 3/4 time music. Even the pros started at this level. It's perfect for weddings, parties or dances. You'll be introduced to moves that are true mainstays of a dance you can use the rest of your life virtually anywhere in the world. We will focus on basic techniques and style to help you look good and have confidence on the dance floor.
Prerequisite: None

Waltz 1: Slow Waltz Essentials A and B
Waltz is a beautiful romantic music and dance. Some say they dance a style of dance for the dance, some say they dance for the music — Waltzers dance for both. Each class will start with the basics and then develop along two separate tracks of moves that you will see on any social Waltz floor in Seattle — teaching fundamentals, grace, leading and following.
No prerequisite for either class, may be taken in any order; take both classes for a firm footing in this playful beautiful dance

Intermediate

Waltz 2: "A Fine Romance with no Glitches..."
We'll take several new intermediate waltz moves, teach them, and then focus on lead/follow partnering and execution. We will look at the fineness of connection, the ease of turning rotation, and the points of motion control and balance. Want a fine romance like a couple of "hot tomatoes?" or dance like your "old maid aunt?" Join us for the fun and the pleasure of dancing well!
Prerequisite: Waltz 1 basics

Waltz 2: Ball Prep
You have some Waltz under your belt but want more moves and skills before The Ball. We'll review and expand on both your Slow Waltz and Turning Waltz variations as well as give you brief introductions to Polka and Foxtrot. You'll be ready to dance the night away!
Prerequisite: Beginning Waltz

Waltz 2: The Best of Richard Powers and more!
Richard Powers came to Seattle in Feb 2011. This class will review the best (in our humble opinion) of the figures as well as add a variation or two. Great for review if you came to the workshop and great if you missed it!
Prerequisite: You will need the basics of Rotary and Cross-step Waltz for this class

Waltz 2: Classics — Viennese
To everything is a season (turn, turn, turn) and this is Waltz Season! Viennese, Rotary, and the Natural Turn are all names for Turning Waltz, left and right. We will expand upon the right turn adding beautiful variations, introduce the left turn and put it all together with smooth transitions so you will be ready when the Orchestra or DJ strikes up those great mid-tempo and faster Waltzes.
Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material

Waltz 2: Cross-Step Choreography
Learn and master both moves and a choreography with the intent to perform at dances and events. Enjoy the camaraderie of learning and working with a creative group of motivated and fun individuals! And the side benefit? Once you learn a move for a choreography, you rarely forget it!
Prerequisite: Confidence with Waltz 2: Cross-Step Waltz

Waltz 2: Cross-Step Waltz
We'll explore the early 20th century Waltz form called Cross-Step that is danced all up and down the West Coast. This variation is particularly beautiful for slower tunes and will add a delightful flowing, playful style to your repertoire. We will also delve into other variations that work nicely with slower tunes and combine seamlessly with cross-step.
Prerequisite: Waltz 1 and comfortable with Waltz basics

Waltz 2: Shadow Figures and Other Variations
Shadow Waltz is tandem Waltzing! It is beautifully suited to slower and mid-tempo music and will fit with all your slow Waltz and Cross-Step moves. We will teach you the transitions in and out and a lovely set of variations you can't wait to take to the dance floor.
Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material

Waltz 2: Festival Waltz
Get the skinny on how to Waltz happily in tight spaces. Don't want to just march around those crowded summer dance floors? Come learn comfy cool moves that adapt to dancing and sharing space well with a hundred or more of your best friends.
Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material

Waltz 2: Romantic Moves
We'll explore moves that add romance, grace and style to your Waltz, while developing partnering skills needed for any dance relationship. You will further develop your Right Turning Waltz, adding spins and turns, shadow and open frame figures and gentle dips.
Prerequisite: Confidence with Waltz 1 material

Waltz 2: Role Reversal Waltz
They say that if you want to truly understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Become a better dancer in your traditional role by finding out what it's like on the other side. Reverse your role, laugh a lot, dance a mile in someone else's shoes, and forever experience your dance with a deeper understanding of how it all works and what makes a partnership truly fabulous.
Prerequisite: Very comfortable with Waltz 1 material in your traditional role

Advanced

Waltz 3: Advanced Cross-step
You've been dancing Cross-Step and know the basic variations. This class will add more challenging variations, pivots, pivaloops, transitions and combinations while refining your basic, your partner and music connections.
Prerequisite: confidence with Waltz 2- Cross-step or equivalent

Waltz 3: Advanced Rotary!
This class is for dancers very comfortable with Right Turning Waltz and some experience with left turns. We'll ramp up the speed as well as adding elegant figures and styling! This class is for confident Waltzers who are ready for a challenge!
Prerequisite: Any two Waltz 2 level classes. (High-heeled dance shoes are not recommended for this class.)

Waltz 3: Latin Waltz
Learn how to bring spice into waltz by transforming Salsa moves into flowing Waltz variations. Explore the possibilities of the crossover of these great dance forms. New material will be offered each session. 
Prerequisite: Two Waltz 2 level classes. *This fusion of Waltz and salsa was created by David Wilbur over eight years ago. Yeah David! for being one of the earliest pioneers of Fusion Waltz movement

Waltz 3/4: Dancing to Difficult (and Great) Music
Love stretching and increasing your flexibility? Tick it up a notch with this class and get more comfortable with dancing to Waltzes that are just wonderfully out of the norm. We'll play with Waltz oddities, listening and identifying the music and how we might interpret through our dance, the music. There is some awesome music out there to play to — explore the possibilties. Students are welcome to bring selections for exploration. Prerequisite: At least one Waltz 2 class

Waltz 3/4: Relaxed Rotary Waltz
Waltz a little, talk a little, be social and still play while enjoying these free-flowing variations.
Prerequisite: Dancing Rotary waltz at an intermediate level or above.

Waltz 3/4: Rotary Waltz Meets Latin Waltz
We will explore not just Rotary Waltz variations — left and right — but infuse every class with Latin Waltz. These forms go hand-in-hand. Latin Waltz, often stationary, combines beautifully with it's traveling cousin, allowing you to infuse the passion of Latin into your Turning Waltz.
Prerequisite: At least one Waltz 2 class

Waltz 4: Musicality
Join Lilli Ann and partner for an intensive exploration of music interpretation. You'll learn how to be a composer of dance, fitting your movement to the flavor and cadence of the musical phrase. While this class is not primarily about new moves, we will be using our favorite Waltz variations, as well as some we have never taught before, as embellishments to the music, highlighting the drama contained in the best Waltz music.
Pre-requisites: high level of confidence with right Turning Waltz at a range of tempos and previous experience with left turning Waltz. Any Waltz level 3 class or instructor permission

Waltz 4: The 34th Airborne Division — Advanced
You won’t need a pilot’s license to get airborne in this class as we work gently and surely into the more complex and beautiful figures available in Waltz. Among them are the Mazurka Waltzes, all of which involve light slides, hops and leaps. You will feel the euphoria that comes with these forms when put to the powerful and dynamic Waltzes that virtually lift them into being. We will combine these with other complexities suitable for Waltz 3 dancers looking for challenge. Flats or low heeled shoes a must.
Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Right Turning Waltz and any two Waltz 2 classes or instructor permission

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Full Class Descriptions