Frequently Asked Dance Questions:

What shoes do I wear?

Dance shoes typically have flexible suede soles with a nap to them.  If you are not ready to invest in dance shoes just yet, it is best to wear shoes with a hard sole, either leather or hard rubber.  Sneakers are often too grippy and can be hard on your knees when turning.  Make sure the shoes will stay on your feet.  Sandals or flip–flops are not advised. 

Also, if you are learning to dance for your wedding or commitment ceremony, make sure you practice in the shoes you plan on wearing before the big day. 

Do I need a partner for the classes?

All you need is a desire to learn and have fun.  We rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to dance with different people.  There are times when we have one or two extra people in class, but we try to keep it balanced and rotate often so that people get a partner most of the time. 

Do my partner and I have to rotate if we come to class together?

I firmly believe you learn faster when you dance with more people.  If you absolutely do not want to rotate, for whatever reason, that is okay. 

How do I find a partner?

Coming to classes and socializing with classmates is ofen the most effective way of finding a partner. 

What is the difference between American and International Style Ballroom Dances?

The main difference between the two styles in the Waltz, Foxtrot, etc. is the “frame” or “dance hold.“ In International Style, the couple stays in a closed hold throughout.  In American Style the couple opens up so they are at times connected with only one hand or not at all.  -Think Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

There are also differences in technique and tempo as well as figures. 

Why dance International Style?

International Style is the only style danced at the Gay Games and OutGames.   Contrary to popular opinion in the United States, the International Style dances can be danced socially.

What’s the difference between East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing is a slotted dance.  That is to say that the couples line up next to each other in the middle of the floor and dace up and down a line on the floor.  East Coast Swing is more of a circular dance. Couples have a general area of the floor where they are dancing. 

A little trivia: West Coast Swing is the state dance of California.  

What’s the difference in the music? 

Both dances can be danced to all different types of music, but classically, East Coast is danced to big band music and West Coast is often danced to more Country or Bluesy music. 

If you can’t tell which dance to do, watch to see what people are dancing and then join in. 

What is Lindy Hop?

Lindy Hop is the grandmother of all swing dances.   It originated in Harlem during its renaissance in the early 1930s.  In my view, it is the most expressive, playful, improvisational and fun of all the (swing) dances.  There are many websites with Lindy Hop history and culture, so I won’t try to cover it here. 

Where do you get the manuals and instructional videos?  

One place is Dance Vision.  They are great about shipping things quickly. They also have certification tests for teachers if you get really into it.
http://www.dancevision.com/