Dance - One of the few physical
social activities that can be enjoyed over the course of a lifetime. No
matter your age, ability, or musical preference - there IS a form of dance that's right
for you! It's a great way to meet people,
stay in shape, exercise the body, mind, and soul ~ all set to music! Just dance!
Need
to find a class near you? Email me!
Line Dance Basics! Just a bit on what is commonly known as
C&W dancing. (While titled Country Western
Dance, it incorporates aspects of nearly every style of dancing and genre of music.) SE
Michigan has great local instructors with years of dancing and teaching
experience who make learning easy and fun.
Come experience Metro
Detroit's varied and active dance community! Classes
& Levels A
wide variety of Line, Pattern Partner, Couples Lead & Follow C&W dance classes, with levels
of instruction from brand new beginner to experienced are offered locally throughout the week.
Speak to each venue's instructor for more class specifics and find
a class that's just right for you! These terms are commonly used in both line dance descriptions
and class types or levels.
Newcomer/Ultra Beginner:
Class level suited for those with NO previous dance experience. Beginner: Class level suited
for those with little or no previous dance experience. Instructors typicially break down each step, introduce
common universal dance patterns, and explain termonology. See Patterns 101 info below. Novice/High Beginner: Class
level suited for those comfortable with common basic patterns, usually about 8 weeks experience.
This is typical of much of the dancing done in Country Bars, and makes up most of the commonly known "standards
and classics" you'll see there. (Also known as Advanced Beginner or Low Intermediate) Intermediate: Class level is
suited for those that have been dancing regularly usually a year or more and have a solid foundation of basic patterns
used in dance. Instructors typically use termonology rather than breaking down each pattern and may teach
at a quicker pace than lower level classes. Advanced:
Speaks for itself ~ Class level is suited only for those with extensive prior dance experience.
Tips & Tricks: For Beginners Here
are a few suggestions that may help get you started on the right foot.
The Dreaded T Word! Technique
The majority of social dance classes focus
on fun! We all just want to dance!!!
Proper technique is usually slipped in by an instructor in a subtle fashion, keep an ear
out for things like "look up" or "take small steps", that's part of technique! It
also includes posture, balance, foot positions, and includes "prep" cues", which
we talk much less about but incorporate.
HOWEVER, it makes learning to dance MUCH EASIER and allows you to do MORE in far less time!
Technique helps you to flow
from one step to the next, reduces risk of injury, and makes learning all the stuff that looks hard - easy - easier anyway! It's
especially helpful in turning. We do lots of turns! The T word - Try it - you'll like it!
Dance Patterns 101 There are several common basic patterns used
throughout every form of dance. These patterns have "general" standards in termonology; such
as a Vine, Rock Step, Jazz Box, Shuffle, Kick-Ball-Change, Pivot etc.
Learning
the fundamental basics is where everyone starts.
These common patterns are the foundation of "learning
to dance" and will be used continually as you progress.
Below are some great
links with either written or video instruction for most common step patterns.
(Note: When it comes to
termonology, there are no absolutes, just frequently used terms. Each instructor has their own style when
teaching and "queing" steps. For example, a Triple step, Shuffle step, Chasse, Cha-Cha-Cha,
are basically the same thing used interchangeably)
| Tampa's Round Up Instructor Paula Messier |
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| Clik pic to visit Paula's breakdown of basics steps w/ video |
Onlinedancing: Video of 8 basic patterns
Linedancer Magazine's online Glossary
Glossary of more dance termonology
Glossary of still more dance termonology
Glossary of even more dance termonology
A
Country Western Dance Floor is divided into different areas - even in the clubs. The
center of the floor is used for Line, Swing, Stationary Couples, AND Free Style dancing. The outside edge or track is
used for couples and LOD - "Line of Dance", dances. (Dances that travel counter clockwise on the floor.)
Practicing dance floor etiquette ensures everyone has a chance
to dance. When the DJ “calls” a dance, that dance has the “Right of Way”
on the floor. When dancing something other than “called”, please select an area away from the outside
track that is not being used. The track consists of approx 4-6 foot (or more if space allows) around
the outside border, or edge of the floor. It helps to watch a few patterns of a dance being done to see
how far it travels before deciding where there’s room for another dance. When joining an existing dance, CONNECT
with that group. The dance floor may have several dances being done at once. Since some dance floors have limited space and EVERYONE came out to dance, it's
especially important to remember and help promote good dance floor
etiquette. EVERYONE
is equally entitled to a fair share of both time spent and space used on the dance floor! HAVE FUN & DANCE!
| Dance Floor Etiquette Designated Areas |
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Resources
There are tons of websites with line dance information including specific dance
instructional or demo videos, as well as step sheets. Some of these require subscriptions but many of them
are free. Sites with video storage capacity like youtube and google are expanding the potential for more dancing online.
Seek and you shall find :)
Search dance by video on Kickit
Search by key words on youtube
Carol Craven's video index
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