Group Class Expectations
Classes with DanceWell.
In a group dance class you can enjoy learning your social dancing skills and new dance patterns, as well as making new friends and moving to all types of music! And you don’t need a partner since we encourage partner rotation.
If the dance you’d like is not currently on the calendar, you can make a class request below or join a class of a similar style to continue your dancing progress. Many dances use the same type of movement and partnering. See our Dance Recommendations page. Here’s a curriculum overview: Class Levels
Ask for a Planning Chat and we’ll help you decide which classes and levels are the best fit for you and when is best to move to the next higher level.
What can I expect at the first dance class? And after that.
Classes usually begin the first week of a month and are 45 minutes each week with 15 minutes practice. Each monthly series is 3 to 4 weeks (example: 4 Mondays @ 7pm).
We teach social technique skills as well as dance patterns. It’s one thing to be able to get around the dance floor – it’s another to get around the dance floor with PANACHE! Note that classes are PROGRESSIVE -they build on skills learned in previous weeks. Starting with Level 1, working your way to Level 4 gradually. Practice lots and repeat class series several times. This will help you learn and reinforce that “auto-pilot” movement from mind to body, while focusing on skills instead of steps.
Wear casual clothing and shoes that are snug-fitting with leather or smooth-soles, so they don’t stick to the floor. And plan to arrive a few minutes early to sign in with the DanceWell staff, meet the teacher, get a name tag and breathe a little …
When the class starts, Enjoy! learn the new skills, meet the other students and learning something new. Feel free to ask questions. Each week review last week’s material, add new material –and add practice !
DanceWell instructors brilliantly blur the lines between levels based on an initial assessment of the students who sign up for the class. If a beginner class already have some dance skills, the instructor might introduce new patterns sooner, etc.
The Program
DanceWell offers classes in 2 locations: Parkrose and Aloha Beaverton OR. See the Dance List: Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country & Nightclub dances
Unlimited Class Card options and a Rewards Points Program. ONLINE BOOKING — and notifications. On your DanceWell profile say yes to AGENDA reminders so you will get notifications of any class changes — and we get an idea of class numbers.
Practice at our weekly dance parties which are open to the public.
Private lesson appointments are by request
NOTE TO DANCEWELL SOCIAL DANCERS:
Dance is not just about the steps --- It's about everything else in-between the steps.
Being proficient with the basic fundamental skills is THE support for all the more advanced skills.
We hope that before -or while- advancing to our Intermediate level classes you will continue learning to be a competent social dancer in the Basics classes...that you'll try to "get" that fundamental movement and footwork of the dance down. And that you'll work to make your partner-to-partner connection good either as leader or follower.
Curriculum Overview
- SWING-1 (a Beginner or Intro class) –no skills needed. repeat to “set” your basic skills on auto-pilot.
- SWING-2 (Beyond Beginner or Improver class) should have 2-4 months experience in beginner steps before joining this class and plan to remain in this class level for a year or longer.
- SWING-3 or 4 (Intermediate to Advanced class) Students in this class should have already been studying this dance for 1 year or more. there are many variations to learn.
Repeating our classes is encouraged to build a solid foundation in social dancing while developing skill and style. How long you should I stay in a certain class level? This is directly related to how much dance time you put in outside of class… Speed up the process! Attend our dance socials and private lessons to practice the new steps you’ve learned.
Skill-Set: LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. For brand new dancers and also for those who have experienced some sort of dance rhythms and partnering. A half hour private lesson or two can be of help if you get started if you wish.
Your BEGINNER goals: 1) Learn simple Rhythms to music. 2) Learn balanced movement with a partner. 3) Learn some partnering “lead/follow” skills” turning, traveling, twirling and more. 4) Learn usually the first 5-7 patterns of a certain dance. 5) “Get by” at a dance event.
Note: All patterns at a level cannot be taught in one 4-week series. Each time you repeat a class series you’ll learn better form, partnering and movement skills and a few more patterns too.
ADD MORE DANCE STYLES: Each new dance learned improves your general timing, partnering and movement skills. BALLROOM like Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango. SWING like East Coast Single, East Coast Triple, 4-count Swing, West Coast… NIGHTCLUB & COUNTRY like Nightclub 2-Step, Hustle, Country 2-Step… LATIN like Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa.
Skill-Set: 3 MONTHS DANCE EXPERIENCE IN THE DANCE LISTED. For those who can already comfortably transition with partners between many basic patterns.
Your goals in an Basics & Beyond class: 1) Improve your partnering skills and style. 2) Improve turning, traveling, twirling. 3) Add to your repertoire of dance moves, usually steps 8-10 of the foundation social patterns. Note: all these variations cannot be taught in one 4-week series.
Repeating class series lets you “forget” the steps and begin to shine.
Skill-Set: 1 TO 2+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE PARTICULAR DANCE BEING TAUGHT. Continuously improving your skills, ready to add new exciting moves to your dance repertoire. For those already comfortable with their lead/follow skills in a particular dance style.
Your goals in an INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED class: 1) Understand and use the fundamentals learned earlier. 2) Apply your skills to more difficult steps. 3) Add to and improve your dancing skills with more advanced form and finessed movement. Become free to express yourself.
**You can stay at this level for a long long time. Many many new variations to learn!
Skill-Set: 2-3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE DANCE BEING TAUGHT. Continuously improving your skills, able to quickly review and add or create new combinations. Preparation for Medals Testing if desired.
Your goals in an ADVANCED class: 1) Review of all steps in a certain level. 2) Continue improving technique skills, lead/follow and variations. True mastery of the dance!
Quick Links
Contact Details
Need help? EMAIL or call Linda 503.241.0460.
DANCEWELL PDX SCHOOLS
BEAVERTON (near Aloha) 3425 SW 185th Ave., 97006
NE PORTLAND (Parkrose) 4848 NE 105th Ave.,97220
Click HERE for maps and directions.
