COVID-19
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:
* Masks are highly encouraged but not required. Please do what you want/need to feel safe & healthy.
* Students wearing maks vs. not wearing masks will be kept separate during class.
* If you do not want to rotate partners in class that's ok! Please be sure you sign up with someone though.
* We will be offering a separate room for MASKS ONLY for social dancing. The main room for social dancing will be masks encouraged but not required.
* We will have hand sanitizer available. Please be diligent about sanitizing and washing hands as much as possible throughout the night.
* Please take your temperature before driving to our classes/events. If you have a fever please do not attend and we will refund you for that evening missed.
* 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.
* Please be respectful of others. Everyone is handling this pandemic in their own way. Some may have medical reasons not to wear a mask. Some may want to wear a mask to be safe. If you do not feel comfortable attending then please stay home and join us again when you can!
* By attending our classes & events you are agreeing to not hold Joel & Jackie Plys, Northwest Swing Dance Co., or their staff liable for your health. We cannot control if you get COVID-19 or not. By you choosing to attend you are placing yourself at risk of infection. Actually...just be leaving your house to go anywhere you are!
* 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!
We personally think you would look best in one of our swing dance shirts that we sell in our
online store :)
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 keeping masked vs. un-masked students separate. If you do not want to rotate that's ok! Please be sure to sign up with a partner.
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 here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
- Come to a dance/class smelling good but please no excessive perfume or cologne.
- Bring extra shirts or small towels if you sweat a lot.
- No aerials or air steps on the social dance floor. Those are for jam circles, competitions, or performances only!
- Be kind and respectful towards others.
- Do not expect EVERYONE to dance with you and be gracious if someone says no to a dance.
- Do not just grab someone onto the dance floor. Always ask first and wait for their answer.
- Harassment of any kind is not tolerated and you will be asked to leave if you have made someone feel uncomfortable in any way.
Is what you offer kid friendly?
Yes!
It depends on the age of course.
If your child wants to take a Beginner Class we would recommend at least 8-10 years old. They just need to be able to stand for the hour class, listen, and be respectful of others.
Also please be sure that an adult stays with the child during the class or dance event.
All ages are welcome at our social dances but we ask that you make sure your child does not run through the middle of the dance floor. They could get hurt and hurt others that are busy cuttin' a rug! (That's vintage slang for dancing)
If you are interested in a Swing/Jazz dance class for younger babies or toddlers please contact us and we can get you put on our list of people to contact when we start one!
