Home > Classes > Class Descriptions & Prerequisites CLASSES OFFERED BY NORTHWEST DANCE NETWORK Some of our classes are taught every session, some in alternate sessions, and some just once a year. The class schedule lists our current classes. Classes are beginning, intermediate, or advanced: Beginning Classes (Beg.) have no prerequisites. Intermediate Classes (Int.) have one or two prerequisites. Advanced Classes (Adv.) require significant experience and prerequisite We recommend that you begin with Swing 1, Waltz 1, Blues 1 or Salsa 1. Please complete the prerequisites for and have clarity and confidence with the material taught before moving on to the next class level; this may mean repeating a class. Unless otherwise noted, all level 2 classes require competence with equivalent level 1 material. This is a long page, so here is a table of contents. To quickly get to the desired class, click on the link below: Swing Beginning - East Coast Intermediate - East Coast Advanced - East Coast West Coast Swing Waltz Latin Salsa Other Latin Dance Other partner dances, including Hustle Night Club Two-step Country Western Two-step Slow Dance/Blues/One-step Foxtrot Zydeco SWING CLASSES SWING 1 Beg. Swing is a perfect place to start partner dancing, and a great way to meet new people who love to have fun! You'll learn smooth-style Lindy (also called Jitterbug or East Coast Swing), and we'll cover two footwork basics: Single-time (simpler, and for faster music) as well as triple-time (for use with a vast variety of swing music). You'll gain a solid foundation in 6-count Swing by practicing the fundamentals of good partnering along with a number of exciting and versatile moves. Most importantly, our delightful and compassionate instructors will make dancing so easy and fun, that you'll be overjoyed you took the leap to learn. Prerequisite: None. SWING 2 Options The three different Swing 2 classes may be taken in any order or simultaneously. Each Swing 2 class will also continue to explore triple-time East Coast Swing. Prerequisite: Swing 1 and confidence with the material. SWING 2 x 4 Int. Journey through the rhythms of Swing as we explore single-, double- and triple-time music and moves, respectively, in the first three weeks, and then introduce Whiskey River Jitterbug (a red hot Louisiana dance mixing elements of swing and zydeco) in the final class. We’re looking forward to stretching out with you in this two-hour format, adding saucy summer moves to your swing repertoire, whether it be lazy or quick! SWING 2: NOW YOU'RE COOKIN'! Int. You've tasted swing, and you're hungry for more--more moves, more style, and a better connection with your partners. We'll mix in movement and styling with hot new moves to sate your appetite. And we'll learn the recipe for that extraordinary presence that makes 'em go "WOW!" To dance is delicious, but to swing is divine! SWING 2: AMERICAN BANDSTAND Int. Rock Around the Clock with this amazingly popular dance style adapted for the rockin’ 50s tunes and crowded spaces found on the set of Dick Clark’s wildly successful TV show, “American Bandstand.” Reaching across generations, Bandstand style is perfect for those tunes too fast for Triple- and too slow for Single-time, and is essential for your repertoire. Moreover, you can stretch out a lazier, more sultry version to suit those slower, swingin’ blues. American Bandstand is exceptionally versatile, widely practiced, and it just plain looks and feels cool! SWING 2: BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Int. No matter what side of the partnership you¹re on, learning to move both boldly and beautifully will fill your dance card faster than you can say 'Next!' Practice moving with easy grace and style, and with a daring that can make your dances so delightfully fun. We¹ll delve into moves that help us develop self-assurance and explore how, with minor adjustments and a bit of flair, our movement and dancing can be both more enjoyable to us and so very attractive to others. Moves and movement exercises vary from one series to the next. [new material each session] SWING 2: FAST & DRIVIN' Int. Step on it, James! Like 007, learn to keep your cool when things start moving fast. Traffic or no, we’ll execute nice tight patterns to dangerously hot music, learning to care for ourselves and our partner, all while having a darn fine time! There’s a sweet spot in any maelstrom —where all is calm and orderly even though it appears we’re recklessly speeding — and we’ll not only find it, but through a combination of balance and solid partnering we’ll learn to stay there, safely and thrillingly ensconced. [new material each session] SWING 2: HOT SUMMER MOVES Int. Put some serious zing in your swing with Cathy Hopkins and a cast of four separate NDN instructors — Lilli Ann Carey, Winfield Hobbs, Dean Paton, and Sean Donovan — each of whom will teach a single class. Think of it as a swing feast, where you’ll enjoy the best ingredients each week, and employ them to create your own tasty gumbo of hot moves, delicious movement, and simmering style. SWING 2: THE HEN & THE FOX (TRAVELING SWING) Int. It’s time to find out what’s on the far side of that chicken wire, where foxes roam at will. Make friends with your wild side, break out of that caged swing basic (whether it be single or triple time), and discover the many pleasures of adventurous travel. Learn to whisk your partner from one area of the dance floor to another, or hit the traveling lane for a full tilt circuit. Practice highly intentional leads, inviting your partner to hit that mark like a beak on a bug. Add flourishes to your following, brandishing your foxy style as you keep those wily little roosters guessing. And accomplish all this while maintaining a great connection and footwork that’s sure and timely. Whether you find yourself dancing in a crowded pen or on a wide open range, you’ll develop skills that’ll keep you and your partner safe, happy, and free. SWING 2: MAGIC SWING Int. You know how to swing, and are hungry for more. More moves, more style, and a deeper connection with your partners. Those "magic dances," where you and your partner are swept off your feet, are available to everyone, and we'll practice how to make them more likely to occur. We'll practice movement and styling along with the moves, and learn how to bring an extraordinary presence into partnering others -- a responsiveness which makes 'em go "Wow!" After this class, you'll not only know better how to swing, you'll know better what if feels like to swing! SWING 2: MOTOWN MAGIC SWING Int. Breathe deep and settle into that slow, sensual Motown groove, where time can be your endlessly entertaining friend. Rather than feel sluggish, transform your leisurely triple time into an elastic, dreamy sweet connection with your partners. Travel, twirl, and twist the night away with fun, stylish moves while learning to be ever more spontaneous and creative. As the song says: “You can’t hurry love!” SWING 2: OHHH, MADE YA LOOK! Int. There are some moves that just catch attention and smoothly done, make for pure partnering pleasure. We'll build on the basics with great made-ya-look Triple-time moves and delicious combos while adding those stylin' touches to make it Wow! SWING 2 REFRESHER Int. Enjoy a review from all three Swing 2 classes: Single-time, Double-time and Triple-time. This class will be a reunion of the good old days of Swing 2 helping you conjure up all those details and subtleties. SWING 2: ROLE REVERSAL Int. 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 truly Swingin'. Prerequisite: Very comfortable with Swing 1 material in your traditional role. SWING 2: SLAVE TO THE GROOVE Int. To paraphrase swing icon Frankie Manning, “It’s all about the music!” Once we abandon ourselves to that concept, we can be magically transformed, from plodding move-meister to spontaneous co-creator. Sure, moves are cool, and we’ll learn our share in this class. But the dancers who stay fresh — and who consistently delight — are those who ride the rhythms at hand, using the music as their guide. Being one with the music ain’t easy — or is it? You’ll be the judge, as we practice anticipating and interpreting musical phrases, and dancing to varied tunes while asking why, and in what way, they make us want to move. We’ll use rhythm play to fill in the blanks and allow specific instruments to add emphasis to our movement. We’ll also explore how to maximize our creative flexibility by making and maintaining great connections with our partners. If you like inspired dancing, perk up your ears and come join us. Woof! SWING 2: SUMMER SHINES Int. You've tasted swing, and you're hungry for more – delve deeper into triple-time with more moves, more style, a better connection with your partners, PLUS Shines that will express and impress. We'll mix in movement and styling with hot new moves to sate your appetite. And we'll learn the recipe for that extraordinary presence that makes 'em go "WOW!" To dance is delicious, to swing is delightful, and to SHINE is divine! SWING 2: SUBSTANCE & STYLE Int. Come feast on basics such as partnering, frame, and meat-and-potatoes footwork, then add a healthy slice of attitude for dessert! Learn to create the best possible connection with each new partner, while inviting playfulness and spontaneity into your dance. From both the lead and follow perspective, we’ll cover how to serve common moves with flair, practicing utility moves for that confident base, then adding just the right amount of flourish for variety and spice. We’ll also learn new moves to sate your hunger for the fresh and innovative, so you can delight your partners with the unexpected delicacy. SWING 2: SWING 'N' SPRING Int. Swing dancing is nothing if not elastic, and we’ve chosen moves for this class specifically for their ability to impart that thrilling rubber band effect. Partnering skills, body positioning and dance frame are paramount to achieving the tensile strength necessary for a good launch, so we’ll be covering techniques that will not only make for fun flings into safe orbits, but will translate into making all your dances more easily joyful and satisfyingly connected. SWING 2: SWING SURVIVOR Int. Be the last one standing! SWING 2: WAIT! WEIGHT Int. Linger before you leap, and learn to throw your weight around — in a good way! Find the sweet spot which occurs when you tarry that extra few milliseconds — both in terms of creating extraordinary communication with your partner, and in an enhanced ability to correctly interpret and anticipate the music — which can make you appear not only thoughtful and sensitive, but rhythmically prescient. By the same token, ably using momentum and counterbalance are tactics that will generously increase the fun factor in your dancing. Learning to use and fuse your body weight with that of your partner can dramatically expand the creative breadth of moves you already know, lend to the spontaneous creation of new moves and movement, and help you hang with partners of any skill level. SWING 2:TRIPLE-TIME SWING - MIXING 6-COUNT AND 8-COUNT Int. Look smooth and be confident mixing 6- and 8-count moves seamlessly. Those 8-count moves add the depth, energy and rotation you've been looking for in your swing repertoire. SWING 2 with SINGLE-TIME SWING Int.Become more confident dancing to fast tempos that lend themselves to single-time, often called "Jitterbug." SWING 2 with DOUBLE-TIME SWING Int  Gain a "foothold" in the vast amount of great, swingable music between single- and triple-time tempos that fits this touch step rhythm.  SWING 2 with TRIPLE-TIME SWING Int. You've tasted swing, and you're hungry for more--delve deeper into triple-time with more moves, more style, and a better connection with your partners. We'll mix in movement and styling with hot new moves to sate your appetite. And we'll learn the recipe for that extraordinary presence that makes 'em go "WOW!" To dance is delicious, but to swing is divine! SWING 3: MIX YOUR SWING WITH BLUES AND FOXTROT Adv. Why not learn—right now—what the best dancers took years to figure out? That most dance tunes aren’t “just” Swing. Or Blues. Or Foxtrots. Many songs are suited to all three styles of dancing, and the good dancers often mix Blues, Swing and Foxtrot into the same three-minute dance. Follows will benefit from these concepts as much as leads, and when you learn these moves and principles you’ll not only turn heads but also discover more people wanting to get on your dance card. Prerequisite: Any two Swing 2 classes or permission of instructor INTRO TO LINDY HOP Int. This is the original form of swing dancing that all others (Swing, Jitterbug, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Western Swing, etc.) developed from. Lindy Hop offers so much variation in moves and patterns, as well as being adaptable to all tempos of music, it appeals to all ages, from teens to retirees. This dance combines 8-count and 6-count rhythm to provide the ultimate swing dance experience. Come see why this truly American dance has been around since 1927 and has resurged explosively around the world over the past twenty years. Prerequisite: Any Swing 2 class LINDY HOP (1 & 2) Adv. Savoy-style Lindy Hop brings back the lively, entertaining, and energetic Swing of the '30s and '40s. Lindy Hop mixes 6-count Swing moves with more complex 8-count moves and tandem Charleston steps. Prerequisite: Any two Swing 2 classes and confidence with Swing 2 material. Lindy Hop 1 is to be taken at least twice before Lindy Hop 2. SMOOTH LINDY (A, B & C) Adv. Expand on the basics you learned in Intro to Lindy (or other Lindy class,) adding dynamic and flirtatious new variations to familiar ones. This class will show you how to match your dancing rhythm to the rhythm of the band and open up a whole new realm of creativity for playing with your partner! In each class we'll break out of the basic footwork and add hot syncopations, sweeps and embellishments to flavor your style. Lindy C is for Charleston which we will combine with other new variations. These classes can be taken in any order and be repeated since we always add some new material into each class. Prerequisite: Any two Swing 2 classes or Intro to 8-count. SMOOTH LINDY (Hot & Cool Summer Swing) Adv. All new Smooth Lindy material for you hot dancers who want some cool moves and syncopation. We'll expand on the repertoire from our past Lindy classes with way fun partnering play and footwork as well as elegant swing moves. Prerequisite: Smooth Lindy A, B, C or instructor permission. TRIPLE-TIME SWING Int./Adv. You'll learn fun rhythm changes, sweeps and freezes, as well as more complex moves; while creating space for your partnership to play with the music and each other. Prerequisite: Any 2 swing 2 level classes and very comfortable with triple time footwork HOT SWING LOW DOWN Adv. Having proven itself in a red hot (too short) weekend workshop series, we went ahead and fun-sized HSLD. This series uses Swing to explore three essential facets of any partner dance: connection; movement/expression; and musicality. You'll learn to connect more deeply with your partners. You'll gather new rhythms from African to Lindy to Zydeco. And with any luck, you'll be able to feel "really feel" the music. Sure to be exquisitely fun and full of juicy results, this class will be a guaranteed good sweat and good time! Prerequisite: Swing 2 level and above. WEST COAST SWING (1 & 2 & 3) Int. Perhaps the most versatile dance you'll ever learn. This incredible dance is one of the most popular dances in America and Seattle boasts the oldest West Coast Swing Club in America. It's danced to blues, Jazz, Country, top 40, contemporary and more, and is usually danced to slower to medium tempo music. It's perfect for all ages and although it's more challenging than East Coast Swing, there's much more playfulness and individual expression in this dance. Prerequisite for WCS 1: some dance experience - and if you have experience with East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop, you will have a great start Prerequisite for WCS 2: WCS 1 at least once and comfortable with the basics. Prerequisite for WCS 3: WCS 2 at least once and confidence with the material. WALTZ CLASSES WALTZ 1 Beg., 2 Int. & 3Adv. 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. Prerequisites:      Waltz 1, No Prerequisites      Waltz 2: Waltz 1      Waltz 3: Waltz 2 and confidence with the material Prerequisite: Waltz 1. Prerequisite: None. WALTZ 1: THE WORLD'S MOST ROMANTIC DANCE Beg. Waltz is the world's most romantic dance. Learn the art of twirling around the room with a partner to glorious music. Don't worry; we start with gentle, easy twirls. Take this class as often as you like to fine-tune your basics. Know that some dancers take it in conjunction with Waltz 2, even Waltz 3. We focus on simple moves that can propel even beginning waltzers confidently onto the dance floor. Prerequisite: None BLUE WALTZ 1 Beg. There’s the waltz (“Oh, how sweet...”) and there’s blues (“Wow, that’s hot!”). But what happens when the waltz music sounds sultry, and the two dance styles yearn to merge? Well, for some time we’ve researched that very question, and what emerged is what we call the Blue Waltz. Mind you, the waltz may be a highly respected dance form today, but it was considered, as recently as the late 1800s, a “wicked dance” full of the “voluptuous intertwining of the limbs.” Indeed! So we’re just taking it back to its roots. Not to worry, we’ll teach you how to maintain your personal space — and your reputation — while exploring and practicing the solid partner connection necessary for spontaneous expression. We’ll learn the basic waltz with proper form, then seek to corrupt its morals a bit with some down home, inspired blues moves and movement. And while today, we wouldn’t expect prim social leaders to be “aghast,” as they were after “an indecorous exhibition” of waltzing in 1834, one simply can’t tell what might culminate from this sweet, hot union. Prerequisite: None (save for decent to good walking skills). TURNING WALTZ 1 Beg. Waltz is the world's most romantic dance. Learn the art of twirling around the room with a partner to glorious music. Don't worry; we start with gentle, easy twirls. After Turning Waltz 1, dancers can go on to Turning Waltz 2, and/or try out another form of waltz, e.g. "Cross-step waltz 1. Prerequisite: None. VIENNA BALL PREPARATION Beg. Join the festivities on October 21st, 2007, and whirl this elegant night away! The class will explore both slow and turning waltz, gentle polka and one-step, teaching you the basics as well as some playful variations. We will also cover ballroom etiquette and floor craft. This class will be be geared for the beginner with no- prerequisite, but will be valuable for the intermediate dancer as well. Even if you are not planning to attend the ball, “Evening in Vienna,” on October 21st, you will still find this class fun and informative. Prerequisite: None. RACE CAR WALTZ: AN INTRODUCTION TO WALTZ ACROSS THE BACK ROADS OF EUROPE Beg. Have you been interested in learning Waltz, but Slow Waltz sounded just too slow? Can't get away this summer to somewhere exotic? Well, start your engines and we'll match up classy drivers to sleek curvy sports cars. We'll rotate often so you'll get to drive all your dream cars! Playing with car analogies, we will teach the fundamentals of Waltz while we tour Ireland, Spain, France and England through music and anecdotes. We'll even pull out the traffic cones for a little Grand Prix. Prerequisite: None. This class is designed for beginners or reviewers that want more time in on the road before using the passing lane to a level two class. WALTZ 2: BEYOND THE BASICS Int. You've learned the basic waltz step, along with a few moves, patterns and rhythms of 3/4 music. This class will have you taking the next steps - not only introducing new moves and footwork, but building on the foundations learned in Waltz 1. We will increase your confidence in dancing the waltz, as well as add to your repertoire with new patterns, twists, swoops and creative variations. Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material. WALTZ 2: A NEW ROMANCE Int. Just like life, Hesitations, Drama and Flourishes make up the distinctive identity of the flirtation and courtship. This class will look at building a dance through the details, emphasizing musicality, starts, builds and finishes. A variety of music will be explored as we look at possibilities in a wholly romantic dance. Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material. BLUE WALTZ 2 Int. What to do with those sultry waltzes that feel so darn bluesy? Why, turn on the heat and turn up your attitude! Elevate your connection and sink into your body, so that you can flow with your partner while grooving with your own bad self — all guided, of course, by that lovely, luscious music. Merge graceful form and familiar waltz moves with near-scandalous hips and sweet blues breaks. Learn footwork that floats, incorporate listening skills which inspire, and practice the rich and subtle communication only movement can describe. Prerequisite: Blue Waltz 1 or Waltz 1 at least once, and comfort with Waltz basics. WALTZ 2: TOWARD TURNING BLISS Int. In this intermediate waltz class we will immerse you in that most romantic of dances--rotary waltz (sometimes thought of as Viennese waltz). By focusing on both leads' and follows' mutual responsibilities in the turning process, we'll help you begin to discover the passion and bliss of this magical dance. Prerequisite: Solid confidence with Waltz 1 material. WALTZ 2: CLASSICS - VIENNESE Int. 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: TURNING TIGER, DANCING DRAGON Int. Solidify those Waltz 1 basics and then...roam into the realm of magic movement! We’ll tap your inner tiger to tackle silky twirls and smooth turns, and develop your dragon-like prowess — that is, attuning that innate sense of movement and music we all possess — to create a more powerful connection with yourself, your partner, and the beautifully inspiring music of waltz. Suspend your disbelief at the door — here, anything is possible. [new material each session] Prerequisite: Waltz 1 at least once. WALTZ 2: WALTZTROT - JUST 6 LITTLE STEPS Int. You love waltz, You want Foxtrot? We'll here's your chance to do both! This two hour/nite 4-week intensive (with breaks I might add) will explore 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 silky smooth 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. WALTZ 2: HESITATION WALTZ Int. Learn how to relaxedly dance to those fast tempo Waltzes. Hesitation Waltz was very popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It mixes slow and quick steps, very much like Foxtrot, in contrast to even walking steps. Prerequisite: Waltz 1, Foxtrot, or NC Two-step WALTZ 2: VIENNESE AND OTHER ELEGANT VARIATIONS Int. Just as there is no end to the delicious creative possibilities with waltz, there are many steps and variations that have been sweet classics for years. This class will continue to expand your right turning skills using faster music and add dynamic turning moves to your repertoire. You’ll also learn the exciting left rotary turn, commonly known as Viennese waltz. Prerequisite: Confidence with Waltz 1 material. WALTZ 2: ROMANTIC MOVES Int. 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 figures and gentle dips. Prerequisite: Confidence with Waltz 1 material. WALTZ 2: SMOOTH.TURNING.WALTZ Int. A class focused on partnering, connection, play and perfect hesitations—as we integrate both right- and left-turning basic into your dance. And we’ll guide you toward another secret to dreamy waltzing: moving with ease, no matter the move or the tempo. Prerequisite: Confidence with Waltz 1 material. WALTZ 2: ROLE REVERSAL WALTZ Int. 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. INTRO TO LATIN WALTZ Int. This dance is a lovely adaptation of salsa moves and styling to waltz music. No salsa experience needed, you'll learn how to incorporate the fundamentals of this sensuous style into your regular waltzing and be prepared for more advanced moves in the future. Prerequisite: confidence with Waltz 1 material. LATIN WALTZ (A & B) Int. Add even more spice to your waltz by transforming hot Salsa moves into flowing Waltz variations. We'll begin to add transitions between traditional turning waltz and Latin waltz. Explore the sensuous possibilities of the crossover of these great dance forms. A & B can be taken in any order; we'll start by fine tuning the basics and cover separate material in each class. Prerequisite: Any Waltz 2 level class. Confidence with right turning waltz. TURNING WALTZ 1 Int. Learn the turning, or Viennese-style, version of the most romantic partner dance using faster music. You can use the turning skills learned in this class in most other dance forms. Many styles of waltz music are used. Prerequisite: Waltz 1. CROSS-STEP WALTZ Int. 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. TURNING WALTZ 2 Adv. Enhance your turning (Viennese) waltz skills with more turning refinements, pivot variations, faster spinning steps, and a few new moves. We will also explore other turning dances such as Snoa and Zweifacher. Prerequisite: Turning Waltz 1. TURNING DANCES Adv. Learn the basics, plus variations, of the popular Scandinavian turning dances, Hambo, Polska, and Schottische. Walter and Angela dearly love these dances. Prerequisite: Turning Waltz 1 and comfort with turning. CROSS-STEP WALTZ Adv. Done to slower Waltz music this fun variation of Waltz stays in closed position and cruises around the dance floor with many creative twists and turns. Prerequisite: Waltz 2 or Turning Waltz 1 or a Richard Powers Cross-step Waltz Workshop. LATIN WALTZ Int/Adv. 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. ADVANCED VIENNA BALL PREP: SCHOTTISCHE AND FUSION POLKA Int/Adv. Schottische - Ever wonder why the dancers that jump at the chance to Schottische look like they are having so much fun - must be the runs, hops and pivots! We'll take that Schottische pattern and add a generous variety of variations so that you can jump into the dance with confidence and ease. Polka - OK, so we admit some people don't like polka music, or the beer barrel attitude, but this class is about creating a gentle playful fleet-of-foot-polka, mixing in some new footwork and dancing to music that will inspire you to want to stay on the dance floor past class time. Don't miss this roll out of Fusion Polka! No polka dots required but low heels or flats a big plus. Prerequisite: Intermediate dancer with confidence in pivots or partner turning--any dance style. WALTZ 3: PERFECT ROTARY WALTZ. WITH PIVOTS. AND FINESSE. Adv. If you can dance the basics of turning waltz—that is, you can travel down the floor rotating left as well as right—this class is the stepping-stone to waltzing mastery. Even if you’re already a good lead or follow, six weeks with this material is guaranteed to make you more of a dreamy, sought-after partner. With simple exercises and passionate instruction, we’ll refine both the left-turning basic and right-turning basic; we’ll fine-tune your frame and footwork so the steps get smaller as your dance gets smoother; we’ll explain and instill the instructors’ favorite waltz moves; and we’ll teach both the physics and joy of pivots. Prerequisite: Any two Waltz 2 level classes or permission of instructor. WALTZ 3: PIVOTS & MORE Adv. This class is for dancers very comfortable with right turning waltz. We'll ramp up the speed and excitement as we insert fast pivots into your dance repertoire as well as complex elegant figures to use as a break from all that spinning! This class is for confident waltzers who are ready for a challenge! (High-heeled dance shoes are not recommended for this class.) Prerequisite: Any two Waltz 2 level classes. WALTZ 3: THE 34TH AIRBORNE DIVISIONE Adv. 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. WALTZ 3.5: ROTARY WALTZ - MOVING TOWARD MASTERY Adv. Less is more. More is magnificent. At this level, it’s mostly about fine-tuning. We’ll seek to make minor adjustments to your left and right turns, as well as pivots (because you can never learn enough about these foundational steps). But in this class we’ll tailor instruction to individual needs, and explore musicality in ways that make waltzing easier. And we’ll teach half a dozen little-known techniques to integrate style, efficiency and grace into your waltz. The class is based on a simple yet vital credo: Perfect turning waltz depends on the cardinal rule of all good art: Less is more. Prerequisite: Any two Waltz 2 level classes or permission of instructor.   LATIN DANCES SALSA 1 Beg. Learn the energetic and passionate Salsa. Become familiar with the steps and styling that have made this dance one of the most popular dances in the world. Salsa 1 is designed to be taken twice before moving on to level 2 classes. New material is taught in alternate sessions of Salsa 1. No prerequisite for Salsa 1. LATIN CLUB DANCES Beg. In this class you'll learn to dance to other styles of music most often played at Latin clubs. Bachata, the hot new dance sensation from the Dominican Republic with a truly infectious beat. Cumbia from Columbia. Merengue, also from the Domincan Republic. The always popular Cha-Cha, and some Rumba for a slow yet playful Latin rhythm. Includes a field trip to a Latin dance club. No prerequisite SALSA 2: FANS, FLIPS & FAKES Int. Fancy up your Salsa with some eye popping styling. Fake out moves, arm checks, shoulder stops, and combinations of large and small moves add variety and musicality to your Salsa dancing. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: SPINS & PIVOTS Int. With more turns and twists than a mystery novel, this class will have you spinning and stopping on a dime. Learn to use pivots, weight transfers, and spotting to achieve clean, grounded spins with partner or on your own Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: CHECKS, BLOCKS AND PASSES Int. Just in time for the football season, we've got a game plan to get you off the sideline with some snazzy Salsa moves (without the crunch and bangs). A few of the items we'll cover include fancy pro level footwork, how to recover from a fumble, sneaky end runs, Broadway Joe, additional tips on Latin hip action to get the backfield in motion, and more lead/follow advice to earn that extra point. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Int. Find the hidden jewels in your Salsa dancing. In this class agents Jim and Jodi will help you crack the secret code of double spins without self-destructing, and decoding the mystery of Salsa styling and footwork. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to have fun learning an exotic combination of moves and patterns. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS Int. Add a little street styling to your Salsa the way they do it in Havana, Spanish Harlem, and in the barrios of San Juan. Hip jiggles, fancy footwork, hand styling, and many playful moves will take your Salsa around the world. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: TRICKS & ILLUSIONS Int. Hand drops, hairbrushes, drapes, and catches all add to salsa styling and make it more fun. Learn how to make simple Salsa moves more exciting using these tricks. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: SMOKE & MIRRORS Int. Take artful deception to a new height. Sleight of hand tricks, stop and go moves, hand drops all add to the mystique and hocus pocus of Salsa magic. More tricks and illusions conjured up just for you. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 at least once SALSA 2: ROTATIONAL MOVES Int. In this class we'll reveal the secrets of taking Salsa out of the slot and into rotational moves like Round the World, Waist Wrap, and the Carousel. Easy crossover steps and fun turn patterns add more spice and variation to your Salsa. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 at least once SALSA 2: ROTATIONAL + MERENGUE Int. Learn to master getting in and out of intricate and fancy connected moves like the Double Cross Body Lead with new Drape & Toss combinations -- safely, easily, smoothly. Stay loose and relaxed, be ready for fun!. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: PRETZEL MOVES Int. Learn to master getting in and out of intricate and fancy connected arm moves like the Double Tunnel, Reverse Hammerlock and the Windmill -- safely, easily, smoothly. Stay loose and relaxed, be ready for fun! Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: POPULAR CLUB MOVES Int. Learn the trendiest new moves done by all the Salsa hotshots. Fancy variations, more tricks, and plenty of new combinations. Includes fancy footwork and styling tips for both partners. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: COOL MOVES Int. Looking cool and playful is the key to developing Salsa style. Class will focus on body control, spins, and partnering. Also learn more cool patterns, sizzling footwork, and styling for both partners. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: HIDDEN ELEMENTS Int. Focus on the hidden elements of Salsa dancing: hands, head movement, and all the finer details to help you connect with your partner and make your dancing pop! Incorporate what you learn in this class into a set of fun, fancy combinations and turn patterns. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 and/or Salsa 2 SALSA 2: VARIATIONS ON THE CLASSICS Int. Add a new twist to many of your favorite Salsa moves, and learn how to creatively mix and match classic combinations. Reverse cross body leads. Variations on turns, copas, traveling moves, open and closed positions. More fancy footwork. Cool styling for both leads and follows - including body isolations, funky Cuban movements, and a quick history tour on the roots of classic Salsa music from the Mambo Era. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 and/or Salsa 2 SALSA 2: TIE THE KNOT! Int. (no partner required) Gift wrap your Salsa with cuddles, wraps, hammerlocks, and various pretzel type figures to make your dancing a treat for the eyes. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 2: LA & NY STYLE Int. Add some flavor and spice to your Salsa dancing from both coasts. Learn how to incorporate LA style flash and NY style playfulness to your dancing. Lots of hand styling, fancy footwork, and a collection of hot new moves and combinations to keep you looking great on the dance floor. Includes tips on spinning, body isolations, and valuable lead/follow technique. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 SALSA 3 Adv. For the seasoned Salsa dancer, this class will cover many superstar moves including the Copa, the Salsa Box, and a host of challenging turn patterns. Also, we'll go in-depth into understanding various Salsa rhythms, incorporating body isolations to enhance styling, and how to string several shines together to create a fancy footwork routine. Tips on fluidity in your dancing and strengthening your partnering skills will also be covered. Prerequisite: Any two Salsa 2 classes and definite confidence with the material. LATIN CLUB DANCES Int. Learn Cumbia, Merengue, and the hottest new "get down" dance from the Dominican Republic, Bachata! Many Latin clubs play a variety of music besides Salsa, each with its own rhythym and flavor. Round out your Latin dance experience and get ready to pump up the fun factor! This class concludes with a field trip with Instructors to a Latin club that offers a hot music mix! Prerequisite: any Level 1 partner dance LATIN CLUB DANCES 2 (Mucho Mas!) Int. Much more Bachata, Cumbia, and Merengue with even spicier and more challenging moves. Prerequisite: Latin Club Dances 1 or Salsa 1 LATIN CLUB DANCE SAMPLER 1 Int. Wanna boogie to the beat of every song at a Latin club? Here's your chance to learn the differences between Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Cha-Cha and the hottest partner dance craze from the Dominican Republic, Bachata. Learn how to dance the basic steps and more to every one of these smooth infectious beats. Be prepared for a class field trip with Jim and Jodi to a sizzling Latin club and dance the night away with your fellow students and even a fun stranger or two! Prerequisite: any Level 1 partner dance CHA CHA CHA-BOOM! Int. Savory and inviting, the Cha cha cha fuses African and Cuban Rhythms into a dance rich with possibilities for movement and fun. Learn to incorporate styling, body movement and rhythm play into this sensuous and energetic music, and practice the characteristic hip motion and fluid footwork that you can readily translate into your swing, zydeco and salsa. Prerequisite: any partner dance class CHA CHA: LATIN SUAVE TO COWBOY COOL Int. What do you get when you mix classic latin moves, a choreographed country line-dance, playful rhythm replacements and a cha cha 8-count? Cha Cha: Latin Suave to Cowboy Cool, of course! We'll play with the cha cha forms of Latin dance, pretzel-y country moves, cha cha/swing (did somebody say Motown?), and get oh so cha cha creative in slow-mo blues. Prerequisite: any Level 1 partner dance (or currently enrolled in one) CHA CHA / RUMBA 1 Int. Now that you've fallen in love with that Latin rhythm and those Latin hips, learn the footwork of the Cha Cha and Rumba. You'll learn to playfully bring the moves you've learned from Salsa into these two smoth Latin dances. And you'll find out how easily these versatile dances can be danced to contemporary and traditional music. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 or any two Swing 2 classes CHA CHA / RUMBA 2  (Int.) Get fancy and stylish with even more challenging moves and turn patterns. Smooth Rumba and Cha-Cha styling will be emphasized as well as Cuban hip motion to make your dancing playful and hypnotic to both traditional and contemporary music. Prerequisite: Cha Cha / Rumba 1 or Salsa 1. LATIN CHA CHA 1 Int. Cha Cha is simply Salsa slowed down (triple-time) but no less fiery and passionate. Moves learned in Salsa and Cha Cha are usually interchangeable. Learn Latin styling, classic steps along with new variations. Prerequisite: Salsa 1, Swing 1, or any partner dance class. LATIN CHA CHA 2 Int. Add breath and depth to your Latin Cha Cha with new moves and additional emphasis on Latin styling. Prerequisite: Latin Cha Cha 1 RUMBA 1 (Int.) A slow, smooth Latin dance originally from Cuba. The slow-quick-quick step pattern resembles Nightclub Two-step but is done with Latin flavor and styling. As with Cha Cha the Rumba rhythm is found in many forms of traditional and contemporary music. Prerequisite: Swing 1, or any partner dance class. RUMBA 2 (Int.) Continue your skills in this slow, smooth Latin dance with a quick-quick-slow step pattern, originally from Cuba. As with Cha Cha, the Rumba rhythm is found in many forms of traditional and contemporary music. Prerequisite: Rumba 1 RUEDA (Int.) Learn the exhilarating dance that first became popular in Cuba in the late fifties. Rueda means "wheel" and is much like country square dancing with a caller, but done by couples in a circle – to hot Salsa music with constant changing of partners! Come expecting a fun, exciting workout. Prerequisite: at least one level 2 Salsa class. MERENGUE/CUMBIA (Int.) These are two Latin dances with energetic driving beats. Merengue, danced frequently at clubs, is an easy, fun one-step basic. Cumbia steps can be mixed and matched to spice up your Salsa. Prerequisite: Salsa 1   OTHER PARTNER DANCES: BALLROOM: INTTRO TO FRED & GINGER (Beg.) A buffet of Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, and One Step. We’ll demystify the art of dancing in the arms of another, and show you how to move joyfully to all kinds of music. Prerequisite: none. HUSTLE 1 (Beg.) Closely related to West Coast Swing, this smooth, sophisticated, and fast-paced dance is done to slower Funk, Pop, Soul or R & B music. Instructor Tom Clifton is director of the Seattle Hustle Club. Prerequisite: none. NIGHT CLUB TWO-STEP 1 (Int.) This dance emphasizes the quick-quick-slow rhythm, and is based on a smooth back step. Originally developed for confined dance settings, this is a romantic dance to slow music. Prerequisite: Any Swing 2 class or currently in any Swing 2 class. NIGHT CLUB TWO-STEP 2 (Adv.) Go beyond the basics of the beautiful alternative for slow dance music. You'll learn more intricate patterns, movement, style, and technique in level 2. After this class you'll feel much more confident getting up on the dance floor when a Night Club song is playing. It's the perfect dance for any occasion when a slow song is played. Prerequisite: Night Club Two-Step 1 from NDN or a good knowledge of basic Night Club Two-Step 2 . NIGHT CLUB TWO-STEP 2a (Adv.) This romantic elegant dance is a great alternative for slow dance music. It can be danced in a small space or traveling around the floor. It's become one of the most popular dances across America and is danced to a very wide range of slow songs from oldies, to contemporary or country love songs. Prerequisite: Night Club Two-Step 1 from NDN or a good knowledge of basic Night Club Two-Step 2 . COUNTRY WESTERN TWO-STEP 1 (Beg.) Join the stampede. Learn the basics of one of the most popular dances in the world. This great Country Western dance features many fun variations that make traveling around the dance floor a hoot! And we'll throw in a line dance or two, just for the fun of it. Prerequisite: Partner dance experience. COUNTRY TWO-STEP: LITTLE RED HEN STYLE (Beg.) How do you and your partner navigate a super tight space with bodies flying everywhere, and big, corn-fed cowboys stomping on your turf? You dance! Using Country Two-step and Western Swing moves, we’ll learn to execute fast moves with super-connected frame, and practice being nimble and precise with your leads and follows when there’s not much room to maneuver. We’ll also address how to maintain a more global awareness, incorporate caring for your partner, yourself, and other dancers into your everyday dance habits, and investigate how truly fun a crowded and energetic dance space can be. Yeehaw! Prerequisite: Swing 1 - or currently enrolled in Swing 1. COUNTRY WESTERN TWO-STEP 2 (Int.) Join the stampede. Learn the basics of one of the most popular dances in the world. This close cousin to Foxtrot features many fun variations that make traveling around the dance floor a hoot! Prerequisite: Any Swing 2 class or currently in any Swing 2 class. COUNTRY WESTERN VARIETY(Int.) Go beyond Country Western Two-step and learn a variety of other popular dances including Cowboy Cha Cha, Ten-step, Tush Push, etc. Prerequisite: Any Swing 2 class or currently in any Swing 2 class. COUNTRY TWO-STEP & SWING (Int.) Y’all get ready to go Two-Steppin’! Get up to speed fast on the basics, and learn combinations, like the Cowboy Kama Sutra, that’ll make you and your partner hoot and holler. We’ll also practice smooth transitions from Two-Step to Swing, throw in some mighty fine stylin’, and practice one of the sweetest partner line dances ever, the Cowboy Cha Cha. There are lots of places to go Honky-Tonkin’ in town, so c’mon now, saddle up! Prerequisite: Swing 1 at least once.