Requirements for the Introductory Class are a willingness to move, learn, and get out of your comfort zone! No dance experience is required to take this class!
Requirements to take the Level 2: Beginner Walk-In Classes:
Have completed the Level 1: Introductory Class and can effectively execute the Modern Country Swing basic.
Lead's Waistline Turn and Follow's Underarm Turn
Stay on a 3 count rhythm (with or without holds)
Follow correct floor pattern (Lead travels to D, Follow travels to B)
Show basic stretch in the settle
Have a basic understanding of 1-step and QQS timing in the basic.
We recommend that students have taken the Level 1: Introductory Class 2-3 times.
These workshops are geared specifically toward students interested in entering the competitive scene as a First Timer or Beginner level.
These workshops are designed to be taken concurrent with the level 3 classes.
Requirements to take the Level 2.5: Beginner Competition Preparation Workshops:
Are enrolled in level 3 classes
Have completed all Level 2 classes and workshops
Can accurately determine if a song is 1-Step or QQS appropriate
Can generate a stretch consistently in each settle in both 1-Step and QQS
Can maintain timing in both 1-Step and QQS 50% of the time
Can explain the basic concept of Integrity
Can execute a Starter Step in both 1-Step and QQS
Can demonstrate a rocking settle and paused settle
Demonstrates basic body angling in the settle
Can demonstrate knowledge of phrase change musicality
Can find the beat of a song on their own within 32 counts
Shows effective posting technique
Requirements to take the Level 3: Novice Walk-In Classes:
Have completed and passed a level 3 petition test which includes:
Accurately determine if a song is 1-Step or QQS appropriate
Can generate a stretch consistently in each settle in both 1-Step and QQS
Can maintain timing in both 1-Step and QQS 50% of the time
Can explain the basic concept of Timing Integrity
Can demonstrate a rocking settle
Demonstrates basic body angling in the settle
Can find the beat of a song on their own within 32 counts
Shows effective posting technique
Demonstrates accurate floor patterns and slot integrity
Demonstrates basic turning technique including collection steps, hip rotation, and spotting
Demonstrates basic changes in speed, and syncopations
Utilizies effective American Style leg actions throughout their dance including in a complete settle
Leads: Your timing, floor patterns, repertoire, choice of base rhythm, and ability to continuously dance will be specifically critiqued.
Follows: Your ability to match the Lead's rhythm, respond to cues, change speeds in response to the Lead, and slot integrity will be specifically critiqued.
During your Petition you will be expected to dance with an instructor for 2-3 songs while also being observed by another instructor. You partner will critique your connection technique, control of space, and cues/response, and the observing instructor will critique your general technique.
It is recommended to have competed all Level 2: Beginner Walk-In Classes and Level 2: Beginner Workshops at least once prior to petitioning.
Level 2: Beginner Competition Preparation Workshops are not required.
Petitioning is free during our Saturday Dance Socials.
Students must wait at least 2 weeks between petition attempts.
Students who do not pass petition will be given feedback on which aspects of their technique to improve upon before their next petition.
Some students will be placed on Probation, allowing them to attend the level 3 classes to practice their technique, but must retake the Petition every 2-3 weeks to remain in the level 3 classes until they receive a fully passing grade in a petition.
Requirements to take the Level 4: Intermediate Walk-In Classes:
Can keep timing for 1-Step and QQS during the basic 100% of the time, and can return to integrity during their basic consistently.
Can demonstrate appropriate floor patterns for a variety of moves, including combinations of various elements before returning to the basic
Can demonstrate Novice level connection technique including loading methods, body leading, and body following techniques
Can demonstrate counter balance and proper settling timing and technique
Can demonstrate Novice level stepping technique including striking, grounding, delayed weight change, peeling
Can demonstrate Novice level footwork technique including turnout, beveling, tendu, ronde, slide, step, rock, and toe-heel, and heel-toe actions
Can demonstrate variations in leg action for musical and stylistic purposes
Can demonstrate basic mirroring and styling technique for their role
Can demonstrate consistent phrase change emphasis movements, and lyrical or accent emphasis.
Can add basic syncopations to at least 3 movement patterns including appropriate connection, delayed weight changes, timing integrity, and synchonization
Can execute a starter step appropriate for the rhythm of the dance (1-Step or QQS)
Can determine 1-Step and QQS timings effectively within 16 counts of a song and maintain that rhythm consistently through the dance
Can utilize various connection points and how alter body position and connection points for effective cuing, control of space, and control of speed
Can demonstrate basic Opportunity techniques in connection, speed, and space
Use Novice level postural and frame techniques
Can demonstrate Novice level turning technique including pivot, chaine, posted (rides), and ronde methods of turning.
We recommend students have completed all Level 2 and Level 3 workshops, including competition preparation workshops.
Petitioning is free during our Saturday Dance Socials.
Students must wait at least 2 weeks between petition attempts.
Students who do not pass petition will be given feedback on which aspects of their technique to improve upon before their next petition.