Archive for the ‘Country Dancing’ Category
Let’s Dance
Isn’t that a common statement or question? Well it means many different things to everyone. I think everyone has their idea of what “dancing” is. I’ve done many types and styles of dancing since the 1970’s and they are totally different. If you want to dance with a partner whether that’s to Ballroom dancing, Country dancing or Swing dancing then you should take some dance lessons and get the basics under your belt. After that you will have confidence on the dance floor for all those parties you will be going to in your life.
Country Dancing in Seattle
There are very few places to go Country dancing in Seattle anymore. Country dancing slowed down after its hayday during the 1990s but has been steadily on the rise again. In the late 1980s through the 1990s there were many Country bars and clubs in the area like the Riverside (Tukwila) , Little Red Hen (Seattle), Parkers (North Seattle), McCabe’s (Tacoma), Club Broadway (Everett), Jerry Andel’s (Everett & Auburn) and the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn (Renton).
The Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn is by far the biggest one left. One thing that sets the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn apart from the other places to go dancing is there is no alcohol. It is a place to just dance and have a good time. With 4,000 sq. ft. it is the largest hardwood dance floor for any kind of dancing in the Seattle area.
If you live in Seattle or are visiting Seattle this is a club you really should put on your list of places to go for Country Dancing. The best night for country dancing is Friday night and the fourth Saturday of the month. There is still Country music at the other weekend dances and there is weeknight dancing too. There are dance lessons every night and even during the day.
I’ve never danced where should I begin?
Of course you should start with a beginner, novice or introduction level dance class. First you need to choose whether you want to dance with a partner or do line dancing.
Partner dancing or social dancing is usually done in connection to your partner. There are many connections, holds and positions for partner dancing and every style has different ways to connect with your partner.
Line dancing can go to all types of music and you never need a partner. It is done with as many dancers as you can get but you don’t have to hold on to a partner. Line dancers get in lines all facing the same direction. They dance in unison with memorized steps with turns and many different rhythms and footwork. There are thousands of line dances out there done to every type of music you can think of and almost every song has at least one line dance that works to it.
If you choose partner dancing then you need to choose what style of dance. That begins with what type of music you like or what type of music you would like to dance to. The main types of social dance music is Ballroom or Big Band, Country music, Swing music, Latin music and Top 40 or Pop music. There are more but these are the main ones.
Ok, you have decided on the type of music you want to dance to. Now you need to choose which dance or dances in that genre (type of music) you want to learn. If you are still unsure, you can call or email a dance studio like the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn that offers Seattle dance classes and Renton dancing or look on Youtube for videos in those types of dance lessons. There is sure to be a video for every type of dance out there.
What to wear to a Dance Class
Many students call asking about the “dress code” for our dance classes. We don’t require that you dress a certain way or get dressed up for your Renton and Seattle dance classes at the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn. We recommend coming dressed in comfortable clothes, especially layers.
When you first arrive to your dance class it may feel cool or cold. Once you start dancing you will realize why it is nice to have a cool temperature in the room. By wearing layers such as a sweater or second shirt you can remove it after you have started warming up. It’s also possible you will cool off towards the end of class and want to put that shirt or sweater back on.
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