New Line Dance Classes in June

Line Dance classes are expanding! Classes in Aloha will now be 90-Minutes for the same low price! And we’re adding afternoon classes in Parkrose too!

Thursdays in Aloha 1-2:30 PM
Saturdays in Aloha 11:30 AM – 1 PM

The first 40-Minutes are aimed a little more towards the beginner level, and the last 40 towards the Intermediate level. And, bonus, the price goes down a little the more classes you buy. Such a deal. So, let’s get Line Dancing!

And we’re just starting some classes in our Parkrose location as well!

Tuesdays in Parkrose: 2:30-3:30 PM

April 29 Day of Dance

2022-04-29
FUN-tastic party April 29th!  Our celebration of the International Day of Dance was b-u-s-y all night; we stayed open until almost 11 PM with open dancing, mini-lessons, line dancing and drawings. Several of our helpers went above and beyond:  Dori Yates with such great nibbles and elegant presentation; Rick Davis sharing basic steps with so many beginners new to dancing; and Patti Drewry’s decorations and Line Dancing fun for those who didn’t always have a partner.  Line dance is a great way to become used to many of the movements and rhythms we use in social dancing.

Thank you all for joining in the good times.  We were pretty even Leaders to Followers, with lots of faces who were blasts from the past and lots of new faces too.  There were almost 50 attending which is a good amount for our location. 

Winners of ticket drawings were Shonte Williams., Cameron Braithwaite and Inae Kim. 

7 Social Ballroom Dance Tips for Followers

***Dealing with Social Dance Parties***

First, what does Follower mean? In Ballroom dancing there are designations for the 2 dance partners’ roles. The “leader” subtly guides and initiates the steps while the “follower” interprets his signals and performs the suggested movements.

This post today is for Followers, because sometimes we just need a little information for self-care mixed with a little empathy. Listed are some basic Ballroom Social Customs and reminders especially for followers. Suggestions from Linda Springstead, Ballroom dance instructor since 1988.

  • FOLLOWER TIP #1 – Most important? MAKE DANCING PLEASANT for both yourself and your partner with preparation. 
    • FOR SAFETY wear snug dance shoes that will not stick to the floor and jewelry that won’t cause injury. 
    • To AVOID fashion faux pas, a basic rule of thumb is that the more formal the dance, the more formal the clothing.  In all cases a dancer’s comfort is key.
    • FRESHEN UP before a dance. Deodorant, body powder on hot days, and bring breath mints. 
    • SMILE and enjoy the music.  And of course, KEEP LEARNING to dance and follow better and better, becoming a favored partner on the dance scene.
  • FOLLOWER TIP #2 – THE CUSTOM of dancing no more than 2 consecutive dances per partner allows you to meet and become comfortable with others in attendance and keeps the energy flow of the event positive.  Also, it’s customary that the first and last dances of the evening be with the partner you came with.  If you’re only comfortable dancing with your partner, especially during covid, that’s okay too. Just try to stay in the spirit of being “social”.     
  • FOLLOWER TIP #3 – You are ALWAYS WELCOME to ask others to dance.  Please don’t feel you need to wait until someone asks you.  This especially applies to followers who come with a partner.  You may automatically be viewed as unapproachable unless you make the effort repeatedly. If refused, LISTEN to the reason, taking it at face value. It is NOT MEANT TO BE a judgment of yourself as a person.
  • FOLLOWER TIP #4 – Ladies choose HOW CLOSE to dance with a partner.  However, also pay attention whether your PARTNER is uncomfortable with being too close. In either case use your arms to steadily and gently press yourself away.
  • FOLLOWER TIP #5 – OFFER NO ADVICE to a partner while dancing unless asked. Simply dance to your partners ability as much as possible. Do explain to your partner if something is uncomfortable to you, and then either let it go – OR thank the partner and end the dance if necessary. 
  • FOLLOWER TIP #5.5 – You are NOT REQUIRED to dance a full dance with anyone. If ever feeling discomforted due to too advanced moves, or the speed or force of the “Leader”, REQUEST WHAT YOU NEED. If a Leader cannot comply, then thank them, apologize and excuse yourself to sit down — even in the middle of a dance.  If asked why, stand your ground; be honest and explain that you’re not comfortable following their style and choose to stop. If you like, suggest a different kind of dance for later during the evening. ***Please TRY NOT TO DISCOURAGE newer dancers as they work to become tomorrow’s good dancers. If possible, continue dancing with a smile for those making effort to be better. In all cases BE KIND, and make explanation, not attack.
  • FOLLOWER TIP #6 – DECLINING A DANCE gracefully means a) you don’t know the dance; b) you need to rest; c) you’ve already promised the dance to someone else; d) you have just danced 2 consecutive dances with that person; or e) you know the person to be repeatedly an inconsiderate dancer, either unsafe or uncomfortable to partner. Depending on the reason remember to be polite and gracious in your response, and to expect politeness and graciousness in return. REPORT any disrespectful issues to the staff.
  • FOLLOWER TIP #7 – ASKING FOR AN ESCORT.  If uncomfortable when leaving any event unescorted, please request from the staff that someone trusted escort you to your car.

Wow! I really packed it in, and these are just for followers!

Scroll up and LIKE this post if it was helpful to you.

HOLIDAY EVENTS December 2021

HOLIDAY EVENTS December 2021

We’re holding some different and “last-minute” CHRISTMAS EVENTS this year!

1st:  A POP-UP FRIDAY CHRISTMAS PARTY since our monthly party falls on Christmas Eve this year. FRIDAY DECEMBER 10th in Parkrose 7:30-10PM

2nd:  AN AFTERNOON CHRISTMAS PARTY
SATURDAY DECEMBER 18th in Aloha/Beaverton  3-6:30PM

Dress: bling or casual.
Open dancing, Christmasing, surprises, socializing…
Music: FULL BALLROOM VARIETY MIX.  Requests Welcome

Shake Your Boo Thang October 31

VAXED HALLOWEEN DANCE
Ballroom – Latin – Swing – Club music mix
Shake YOUR Boo Thang with us!

7-10pm  Oct. 31 in Aloha
Lesson: Salsa.  Mixer dances, costumes & drawings, snacks.  

3425 SW 185th Aloha 97006
$20 p/p -Prepay by 2pm Sunday & Save $10

Reunion 1990 to 2009

September 30, 2021 Reunion

Connecting with dance friends from long ago!

Yes!  A reunion of that group of some of Linda Springstead’s students and friends who danced around — and around and around— the pillar in the old Tigard Dance Studio during the years 1990 till 2009

 

Outside [with no dance floor ] / · Covered Picnic Pavilion / · Potluck Appetizers /

 

Date:  Thursday September 30, 2021 from 2-5pm
Where:  Wilamette Park  1100 12th St, West Linn  97068

Drive straight down the hill on 12th and turn left at the bottom.  We’ll be on the east side of the park; look for the balloons.  Bring a potluck appetizer to share. 

We look forward to seeing you NEXT YEAR!
Contact LINDA to connect for the next reunion!
: linda@dancewellballroom.com
503 241 0460

Hosts:  Ernest, Tenora, Heidi, Susan, Phil…and Linda

Talk it up to your friends of that era! 

THIS WEEK updates — AUGUST 2

Good morning All,

Remember to preregister for your classes this week so you don’t lose your discount pricing.  Walk-ins are $15 @ door.  Students are requested to wear a mask IF -Not vaccinated or IF -Concerned about “at risk” others in their bubble. We’re looking forward to seeing you, mask or not!

This week in ALOHA

The AC is working great!

August 2
MONDAY          7:30pm — Intermediate SAMBA

August 4
WEDNESDAY  7:30pm — Intermediate WALTZ 
                        8:30-10pm — BALLROOM PRACTICUM — Open to Vaccinated Dancers, concerned should wear mask

August 7
SATURDAY     11:30am — YOUTH & FAMILY Class for Beginners   
                       1pm — Beginning NIGHTCLUB 2-STEP
                      7:30-10:30 — 1st SATURDAY BALLROOM DANCE —  Open to all, unvaxed or concerned dancers wear mask 

August 8
SUNDAY       4pm — Beginning EAST COAST SWING
                       5pm — Beginning FOXTROT
                      6pm — Beyond Beginner WEST COAST SWING

This week in PARKROSE

The AC should be working again next week!

August 3
TUESDAY     12pm — Intermediate FOXTROT
                       1pm — Beyond Beginning BACHATA
7pm — Beginning TRAVELING CHA CHA (COUNTRY CHA)
                       8-10pm — TUESDAY NIGHT BALLROOM DANCE — Open to all, non-vaxed or concerned dancers wear mask.

REGISTER EARLY FOR DISCOUNTS!

On the Calendar/Booking Tool click a colored box & BOOK NOW. 
*You may need to enable cookies to see the calendar.  If you need to reset your password call Linda on 5032410460 or email linda@dancewellballroom.com