Lessons in Dance offers private and group lessons in Night Club Two Step, Hustle, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Cha-Cha, Waltz, and Country Two Step. Not sure what any of these dances are like? We are currently offering group and private lessons in several styles of dance. Visit our Class Schedule page or contact us for more information. Contact Jennifer by phone at 208-860-2132 or by e-mail at jennifer@lessonsindance.com
Looking for the next event that local dancers are attending? Click on the images below for more details on these fabulous events.
DANCE CONVENTIONS - JUST DO IT!
by Trula Schafer of the Seattle Swing Dance Club
The fall season in the Pacific Northwest is a great time to consider more entertaining ways to enjoy your dancing this year. Have you been thinking about attending a dance convention but are worried that it’s not the right outlet for your dancing? Well, you are wrong! Dance Conventions are exactly for you! Here’s why….
LEARN
Dance conventions are all about bringing the professionals to you! Group classes are typically held for all dance levels with professionals who’ve been training dancers for years. Group classes are “safe”, no pressure places to learn new moves, technique and partnering skills while having dedicated practice time. And, the best benefit of all is meeting new people, making new friends and finding new social dancing targets which is so easy to do as you rotate partners during the class!
Professional instructors are often available for private lessons during conventions. The most effective way of improving your dancing is through private lessons. Hook up with your favorite instructors to get focused and individualized instruction. And don’t worry! As scary as they may be, the pro’s don’t bite! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the speed at which they are able to identify areas where you can instantly improve your dancing and how they relay such information in a positive and encouraging manner. Most of the time, your only opportunity to get private instruction is at dance conventions.
BE ENTERTAINED
Amazing dancing happens at dance conventions. Competitions at all levels push dancers to be their most creative and athletic and their efforts provide the audience with the highest levels of dance performance to appreciate. There are often dance demonstrations and vendors of dance-related products. And don’t forget you can explore nearby new shopping and eating establishments as well as other tourist activities.
COMPETE
If you are into displaying your talents to an audience of judges then this is your place! The challenges and opportunities that come with competing at a dance convention are endless! And if you are an audience member, then it’s your time to scream and clap for your local dance companions and friends.
SOCIALIZE
Partner dancing is all about relationships. Dance conventions bring people from all over the US, Canada and even other countries to share in something loved by all. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people who may become life-long friends or make new business networking acquaintances. Dance conventions get us away from work to de-stress and spend much needed time with people we care about and with whom we share our passion for dance. And the late night dancing is where you will have the best, most soul-touching dances of your entire life.
DO IT!
I admit that going to your first dance convention is really scary. It is! Most of us have to be coerced, forced or bribed. I sure was. But once you go to your first convention you will be hooked! There’s so much energy, excitement and mind-melting information coming in that you quickly forget to be scared, nervous or self-conscious. You will be amazed at the joy of getting to just “be” in the midst of so many others sharing the same sense of joy.
Seattle’s Easter Swing is just around the corner. It’s the largest west coast swing dance convention in the Pacific Northwest! It’s the BEST place to give a dance convention a go for the first time. If you go, I’ll bet you will be planning your next event on your way home. You’ll see….
See you on the dance floor!
Trula Schafer
Member, Seattle Swing Dance Club
Team Member, Seattle’s Easter Swing
Forever a Dancer
New Years Dance Camp in Palm Springs Comp Results
Thomas placed 4th in Open Hustle, and placed 5th in open Night Club Two Step
Jennifer placed 1st in the Open Hustle J&J
High Desert Swing Dance Club Members WIN at
Mountain Magic Dance Convention
18 local dancers made the trek to South Lake Tahoe, Nevada for the 11th Annual Mountain Magic Dance Convention. Mtn. Magic is a very fun, social event that focuses on West Coast Swing, Night Club Two Step and Hustle, and offers competitions in all three of these dances. Idaho and Alaska (our "sister" dance group that we meet there every year) did very well in the competitions and had dancers placing in every event that they competed in! Congratulations go out to the following local dancers:
- Jennifer Babione - placed 5th in Novice West Coast Swing J&J (the most competitive and coveted competition at any event) and 3rd in Intermediate Hustle J&J.
- Thomas Babione - placed 1st and 3rd in Novice Night Club Two Step Jack & Jill. Since they were short men, he had to dance twice and placed with each of his partners! Thomas also placed 5th in Novice Hustle J&J.
- Kathleen Brady - placed 3rd in Novice Hustle J&J.
- Sarah Sleger - placed 3rd in West Coast Swing 101 J&J.
In addition, we had several people that made Mountain Magic their first event! Everyone had a fabulous time dancing until the wee hours of the morning and taking as many classes and workshops that their feet would allow. Visit the HDSDC's facebook page to view some video coverage of all the fun times.