Classes

Tuesday nights at the Dovercourt House

805 Dovercourt Road (west of Ossington, just north of Bloor) http://www.dovercourthouse.com/

  • August 24-September 28th – "Back to School" Series
  • October 5th-November 9th
  • **Annual CAMH Benefit Dance – Tuesday, November 16th – Details TBA**

6:30-7:15 p.m. “Rising Stars”
Content changes month-to-month. Students must be experienced West Coast Swing dancers (more than six months). Focus on concepts rather than moves.

7:15-8:00 p.m.  Level 2
Content changes month-to-month. Students must have completed the Level 1 Beginner series or similar. Focus is on building West Coast Swing repertoire.

8:00-9:00 p.m.  Level 1 (Beginner)
An introduction to the basic concepts and patterns of West Coast Swing.  No experience or partner required!  Get dancing West Coast Swing fast!

8:45-10:45 p.m. Weekly GroovyTuesday West Coast Swing Practice starts during the Level 1 Class. Practice what you learned with some of the best West Coast Swing dancers in the city! Only $5.00 per person or *FREE* for current students. (The last Tuesday of every month is BluesyTuesday where the emphasis is on Blues music. )

Pricing as of August 24th : $75 for six weeks (now includes HST) with weekly practice
Practice only:  $5.00

Class FAQs

Do I need to pre-register?
No – simply show up a little early the first day of the new series, or whenever you’re joining, and complete a short registration form to submit with your payment (cash or cheque) 

What should I wear to class?
Just about anything you’re comfortable in that doesn’t restrict your movement. Many people come directly from work and don’t change clothes before class; they just bring dance shoes.

What kind of shoes do I need?
Again, it’s all about your comfort. You don’t want shoes that will come off easily (like flip-flops or sandals), nor do you want something with a heavy tread that will stick to the floor and prevent you from turning. Women who like to wear heels can certainly do so; Ballroom or Latin dance shoes would be fine, though I personally prefer a lower heel for West Coast. Whatever you choose it should be a shoe dedicated to dancing and not worn outside. That way the dance floor stays cleaner (and safer) longer.

Do I need to bring a partner?
Absolutely not. To really enjoy the dance, and to become a better West Coast Swing dancer overall it’s best to learn how to dance with multiple dance partners, so we ‘rotate’ in class. You’ll learn more quickly, and become part of a great dance community.

I might miss a class; will I be able to catch up?
Learning to dance is all about repetition and practice, practice, practice. Every class includes a review of the previous week’s lesson, and I’ll assist students individually whenever possible. You should be able to miss a class and still progress with everyone else.

Do you teach Private Lessons?
Yes, preferably at my "home studio" (which I share with two cats) or at 15-minute Coach’s Corner sessions during the Tuesday night practices. I will openly admit a bias towards working with students who are willing to come out on Tuesday nights, though.  It’s a bit like the song from Cabaret: "What good is *dancing* alone in your room?"