COVID-19
When will classes & dances resume?
As of now (May 2020), we do not have a specific date for our return and will continue to offer online classes via our Northwest Swing Dance Co. Facebook page and Retro Rhythm YouTube page.
We are discussing the possibility of starting classes only in Post Falls, ID at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center in July.
We have visited the JACC and measured out 6' sections to keep people at a safer distance and are diligently planning safety protocols to keep all of our dancers healthy!
Class offerings in Washington will most likely be on hold until late summer or fall.
We are unsure as to when social dances will be able to start up again but will of course get the word out as soon as we are able to offer those again.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Coronavirus and how it relates to the Northwest Swing Dance Co. please contact us!
COVID Protocol for Classes
In order to be as safe as possible in the classes we are offering we are planning on the following steps:
* LIMITED SPACE/SPOTS - Only 20 spots available to be 6' apart - we encourage you to pre-pay since spots are limited
* PARTNER CLASSES will have no rotation and you must sign up with a partner to attend in person. Only 20 spots available
* MASKS - Although we are not requiring it we highly encourage you to wear a mask in class. Please try wearing a mask and going for a light jog for 30-45min prior to attending class to be sure you can handle the use of a mask while doing physical activity.
* TEMPS will be taken upon entry - anyone over 100.4* will be asked to not attend class
* ARE YOU ILL? - If you are feeling ill in any way please do not come to class. This includes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, etc.
* ENTRY to the JACC will be in one location (the double doors on the porch) and we encourage you to maintain social distancing of 6' while waiting to enter - then, find a spot on the dance floor. If you need to leave the room for any reason, please use the back EXIT to do so.
* EXIT from class with be through the back door while continuing social distancing. The only exception will be those that are taking multiple classes - those students can remain in the main room
* We encourage you to use the wipes & sanitizer available if you use any of the facilities in the JACC
* COVID PHASING UPDATES - If for any reason the state changes the phase/status of activity due to COVID we will refund the full amount of remaining classes
Classes & Social Dances (When They Resume As "Normal")
If I'm new to Swing Dancing, where do I start?
First of all...welcome and congrats on starting your Swing Dance journey!
If you are brand new to Swing Dancing then you will want to sign up for one of our Beginner group classes. You will learn the basics for dances like Jitterbug, Lindy Hop and (Lindy) Charleston.
We usually recommend taking the Beginner class 3 times. The first time, everything is so new that you may not be able to take in all the information given and transfer it to your feet and body. The second time, you are more familiar with what is being taught so you can focus less on what your feet are doing and more on the connection and shaping of the dances. The third time, you are finally ready to hear what the instructors are saying and apply it immediately...you might actually start to dance to the music that's playing!
If you are eager to improve and want to move on to more Intermediate classes and material, you should consider taking private lessons and attending social dances in addition to the group classes. The private lessons will give you personal one-on-one feedback that is difficult to receive in a large group class setting. Social dances allow you to practice, practice and practice some more!
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us :)
What should I wear/bring?
Classes are very casual. Wear something comfy such as workout clothes or jeans and a t-shirt. Shoes should be comfortable as well. Tennis shoes (that aren't too sticky on the bottom) or Keds are great.
Bring a water bottle and a towel if you get super sweaty!
When attending a social dance:
Wear whatever you will have fun in! You can dress in jeans and a t-shirt, nice casual or (what we recommend is) wear clothes that you would see in the 1920s-1950s. Dressing up on nights that feature a live band is highly encouraged.
Comfortable shoes again are recommended but there are some great vintage style shoes (that have a suede or leather bottom to them) and will dress up any outfit. Check out
Dancestore.com or
ReMixVintageShoes.com for some great shoes. Please tell them that JOEL PLYS sent you!
Again, it's a good idea to bring water and a towel with you - although there should be water available at the social dance venue. Bringing an extra shirt (or 2 or 3) is good if you want to be courteous to your dance partners and not sweat all over them when you dance the night away!
Do I need a partner?
Nope!*
You can come solo or with a partner if you like. In classes, we rotate often giving you a chance to experience various connections and styles which will improve your skill level.
At social dances you can meet so many friendly people and participate in our mixers which will allow you to dance will multiple people during one song, make some new friends and have fun!
*Due to COVID-19 we are not rotating in classes so you must sign up with a partner. There are no social dances scheduled for 2020 yet...
Am I required to rotate in class?
You are not required to rotate while taking a class but we do highly recommend it. Rotating partners will boost your lead/follow skills by feeling different connections and styles which will mimic your social dance floor experience. Also, if you dance with the same partner and you both are doing something incorrectly, you will be practicing bad habits for the duration of the class.
If you do choose to stay with the same partner for an entire class, we just ask that you step aside with your partner when it's time to dance/rotate.
What types of dance do you teach?
We specialize in the Swing Era dances from the 1920s through the 1950s!
The dance styles that we love to teach are:
- Jitterbug (also known as 6 count or East Coast Swing)
- Lindy Hop
- (Lindy) Charleston
- Balboa
- Collegiate Shag (Single, Double & Triple Rhythm)
- St. Louis Shag
- 1920s Charleston (Solo & Couples)
- Jazz
- Blues
We have videos and short descriptions of all of the dances that we offer on our
ABOUT SWING DANCING page!
Dance Etiquette
Click here for an excellent article written by Bobby White on Dance Etiquette.
If you don't have time to read the entire article just make sure you come to a dance/class smelling good, bring extra shirts if you sweat a lot, be kind and respectful towards others, do not expect EVERYONE to dance with you and be gracious if someone says no to a dance.
Harassment of any kind is not tolerated and you will be asked to leave if you have made someone feel uncomfortable in any way.
