Singles and couples pay monthly or drop in as you like.

Classes progress month to month.  A banner on our calendar  Entry Level  marks classes which are new and "begin from the beginning" no matter the dance level.  SERIES USUALLY BEGIN THE FIRST WEEK OF A MONTH.

Students rotate with everyone in the classes, gaining experience dancing with various partners and assistants in the class. (this helps you learn to be a better leader or follower for your favorite dance partner).

It's best to prepay to hold your spot since the class limit is 40.  If the class is full you can be placed on our waiting list.

Most classes are 55-minutes in length, and are paid monthly.  Private lessons are scheduled at various times Monday through Saturday, also 55-minutes

CLASS PROGRESSION for new dancers: 

• Wednesday Newcomer Intro to Dance or Friday Couples Only

• Basic Classes - (next step up from Newcomers)

• Intermediate / Advanced Classes - (prerequisites would be the prior class or Instructor approval)

• Workshops - for anyone with basic knowledge of the dance

Our Basic Schedule

NEWCOMER INTRO TO PARTNER DANCE 101              A, B, C and D Series -- each series lasts one month --Slow paced for those who haven't danced before and need to learn survival skills on the dance floor -- rhythm, movement and partnering skills-- Also great for practicing fundamentals--                Take these classes in any order.  Each is 4-weeks

MONTH A  (Waltz & Cha Cha)

MONTH B (Foxtrot & Salsa)

MONTH C (West Coast Swing & Rumba) or

MONTH D (Swing & Nightclub Two Step) 

This 4-month course quickly builds confidence in any dance situation and provides the basic movement skills and fundamentals for all our other classes.  Repeat until you're comfortable with the rhythms and movement; then join any BASIC classes.    Check for prices

 Learn

ABOUT THESE CLASSES:  Students going on from Newcomer class  into other classes find they have a big advantage.  They’re already familiar with rhythm, basic pattern, and elements of lead and follow and can focus on their new dance patterns.   For a list of dances and their difficulty levels scroll down

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COUPLES ONLY CLASS      (one month:  4 WEEKS) -- -  Slow paced, as Newcomer Intro Class, for those who wish to dance only dance with their own partner-- rhythm, movement and partnering skills-- Also great for practicing fundamentals-- 

 Learn

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BASIC SERIES    (one month each class:  4 WEEKS)                ENTRY LEVEL CLASS.  Faster-paced than INTRO and focuses on one dance and step patterns.  Best if you learn movement easily or had other forms of previous dance experience or rhythmic sports.  Or you can take a private lesson to prepare for this class.   Plan to repeat the series at least once as class material changes during each sequence to present more patterns at the level.  Series lasts one month, or 4 weeks.  Check for prices

Learn

• first 5-10 step patterns and variations

• movement skills

• faster-paced

• more technique

• better partnering skills for intricate turning and patterns

• preparation for Intermediate/Advanced class

MORE CLASS LISTINGS>>>>>>>>>>>>>

TECHNIQUE WORKSHOPS
For all levels.
Basics in form & technique, Latin motion, spins & turns, movement, arm styling, connection, etc. Intermediate intensive training Workshops for problematic patterns. 

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM Become an excellent dancer and really understand each dance.  Learn what the best Pros know about all the steps, choreography, technique, and dance vocabulary as well.  More information see  Professional Training

STUDENT MEDALS PROGRAM  Know you are progressing by a National standard; and receive an attractive certificate of achievement, personal feedback by a National examiner, and a little public recognition of your progress!   More information, see Medals Program or  Competition Program pages.

The DANCEWELL PERFORMANCE TEAM performs different routines in the general Portland area for Senior Centers, fairs, etc...  NOT a formation team, mostly socially danceable material that  can be performed by one couple or many.

Qualifications for PERFORMANCE GROUP
As above, plus — commitment varies of routine choreography, practice and performance dates. Some knowledge of dance vocabulary necessary. Pre-screening and a partner is required. Dance Routines are taught, with performances at various venues as the goal.

PRIVATE LESSONS 
Personal attention will ease and speed the learning process by 30% and can be scheduled at convenient times.  Check for prices

MORE NOTES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Points to consider before moving from BASIC to INTERMEDIATE or ADVANCED classes:
Have I evaluated where I may need improvement?
Am I stepping where and how I need to?
Am I consistently with the rhythm of the music?
Is my dance frame stable?
Am I clearly leading/following my partners?
If not...
Any class will help improve general partnering  skills and understanding.  Is there another DanceWell class in the same general style (of Smooth, Latin or Swing) available?   Will a couple of private lessons prepare me for the next level?

Some dances are easier to learn than others.  NOTE:  This does NOT mean you should not learn the dance you want -- just that it may be a little more difficult until you have developed movement and partnering skills.  Our classes are usually a blend of both American and International style dancing unless listed otherwise.   For descriptions of the dances click the link below. 

Dances taught include

       LEVEL I DANCES.....LEVEL II DANCES........MORE DIFFICULT

for descriptions of the dances above  Dance Style Descriptions