| Renaissance Ballroom Dance Studios Class Levels and Descriptions Beginning # 1: These classes are designed for the brand new dancer. These classes will cover the basic rhythm and timing of the dance, as well as, basic patterns. This level of class will also be good for students who have danced before, but not the class offered, (i.e. You have taken 4 months of Waltz, but have never danced Cha Cha. In that instance, you should start with Cha Cha Beginning # 1), or if it has been more than 3 years since you have taken lessons, (depending upon your ability level at time of stopping previous lessons). At the completion of a Beginning # 1 class series, with us, you should be able to successfully dance 3-7 basic patterns, find and stay with the beat of the music, and enjoy the dance you have learned. This is great if you are learning to dance for; a cruise, a wedding, a party, etc. If you have been “bitten” by the “dance bug” however, you will most likely want to do more than just our Level 1. Beginning # 2: These classes will begin where our Level # 1’s left off. By continuing with our Beginning # 2 classes, you will learn; more patterns, more technique, more about dancing to the music and more ways to enjoy couple’s or partner dancing. If you have danced before, but it has been a while (3 -12 months), these classes would probably be appropriate for you, as long as you have taken lessons in the class offered. At the completion of a Beginning # 2 class, with us, you should be able to successfully dance 3 -7 additional patterns, be able to understand what differentiates specific types of music as it relates to specific dances, and feel confidant to go social dancing. If you are learning to dance for a cruise, wedding, party, etc., you will definitely feel ready for that situation at the end of Level 2. If you have been “bitten” even harder by the “dance bug”, then you will probably want to keep going! Beyond Beginning: This is a funny term, but it really applies to couple’s dancing. These classes are designed to bridge the gap between Beginning and Intermediate level classes. Quite often, newer dancers especially, take a Beginning Level series, and then jump into an Intermediate Level series, and feel like they have landed on Mars. Or, better yet, it’s like going from 1st grade to 12th grade, without anything in between. Well, that’s where these classes come in. They will fill in the information, patterns, and technique to help you make a successful transition to upper level classes. These classes are appropriate for students who have danced the dance listed for at least 2-6 months; they are not designed for brand new dancers, (See Beginning # 1 for that). Intro to Intermediate: These classes are designed to bump you up to the next level! Technique is the basis for these classes. Our “Silver Smooth” classes will give you the “know-how” to dance like the big kids! You will learn; how to gather, or collect properly, how to pass your feet properly, and important additional details on frame and connection. Our “Silver Latin” classes will get your hips moving the right way. Latin motion doesn't have to be a mystery anymore! You will learn; hip motion, back motion, arm styling, plus details on frame and connection. Our “West Coast Swing w/ Style” classes will help you to find your groove. You will learn; connection, Intermediate and above lead and follow techniques, foot movement, and more. Intro to Intermediate fills the gaps that so often create stress and frustration for many dancers. By learning these relatively simple techniques, you will be amazed at your progress! Intermediate: Intermediate Level classes are designed to challenge you! These classes will progress at a faster pace, and will involve not only more patterns, but more complicated patterns. There will still be focus on “how” to dance, not just steps, and we will go into more detail of the nuances which make couple’s dancing so irresistible. To feel comfortable in these classes, especially if you have not taken classes from us before, you will definitely need to know all of the basic patterns for the class you are planning to take, and be comfortable with changes in rhythm (if applicable). If you are unsure as to whether this level of class is right for you, talk with Chris or Michelle. Intermediate/Advanced: The next step in the progression of dancing! As with our Intermediate Level classes, our Int/Adv classes will continue to progress in pattern difficulty, more technique, more styling, more everything! Don’t be afraid of this level, just be ready! If you are unsure as to whether this level of class is right for you, talk with Chris or Michelle. Advanced: Advanced Level classes are really fantastic! We are looking forward to putting these on our schedule. They will definitely be challenging, but they’re supposed to be! To participate in these classes, you will need to talk with Chris or Michelle first. So as to not slow the progression of these classes, all class participants will be expected to meet certain ability criteria. That way we will ensure that everyone taking the class will get the very best we can give! Questions??? Call us at 503-722-9922 Tuesdays – Saturdays, or email us at chris@renaissanceballroomdance.com |
Renaissance Ballroom Dance Studios
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Class Levels