Line dance classes are available in the Villages no matter what level of dance you enjoy. Below are “loose” definitions assigned to classes in the Villages.
Note To New Dancers:
Level 1 - Absolute (Ultra) Beginner classes are for those with no line dance experience or knowledge of basic steps and step patterns. The inexperienced dancer will learn basic steps used in short dances. Easy straight rhythm dances are taught at a slow pace using these basic steps.
Level 2 - Beginner classes are intended for dancers who are ready to build upon the skills learned at the Ultra Beginner level. The following questions will help you determine readiness for this level. Do you already understand the following fundamental concepts?
- Wall
- Face-of-the-clock reference points
- Line of dance
- Weighted step vs. touch
Can you recognize by name and correctly perform without step-by-step cues at least the following steps?
- Basic and Vine patterns, including right and left 1/4 turns
- Step-touch/kick patterns like the K-step, Montana Charleston, and Zig-Zag
- Rock steps, including a Rocking Chair
- Toe and heel steps like Touch, Strut, and Bounce
- Box steps, including Rumba and Jazz
- V-step
- Step-Pivot Turns, right and left
If you answered yes to all, you are probably ready for Beginner (Level 2). Some familiarity with basic triple (cha-cha-cha) and waltz patterns will be helpful but is not required.
If you answered no to any element, we strongly encourage you to begin with an Ultra/Absolute Beginner class. Time spent on the fundamentals will help prevent injury, reduce frustration, and ultimately make line dancing more fun.
For those who are ready, Beginner level line dance classes will introduce additional step patterns and may use up to two turns for example two 1/4 pivot turns in sequence or two 1/4 turns at the end of a traveling pattern e.g. chasse or grapevine. Routines may also include different rhythms like Waltz or Cha Cha and the tempos may range from slow to moderate. Routines at this level will show how different steps flow one into the other and provide some basic styling principles - looking up and body posture. At this stage, cross body movement such as cross rocks and weaves could be introduced. Generally dance routines at this level would not be more than 32 - 48 counts but may contain more than one direction change as in two 1/2 turns in opposite directions. Routines will use different rhythms and dancers should begin to feel the music and gain self confidence.
Level 3 - Beginner Plus (Also Called Improver) classes are geared toward line dancers who have some experience as well as knowledge of steps and terminology. Most students at this level have spent at least a year in a Beginner class or have equivalent experience.
Level 4 - Low Intermediate classes typically consist of many Beginner Plus dances and some Intermediate dances. Classics that are danced in The Villages and elsewhere also may be featured. Dancers at this level know line dance steps and terminology, have spent a year or two at the Beginner Plus level and are ready to move on.
Level 5 - Intermediate classes are offered for experienced
line dancers who know steps and terminology and want to learn dances
that typically are 64 counts and higher with numerous turns, tags and
restarts. The classes focus almost exclusively on the most popular
Intermediate and Advanced dances in the world as reported in weekly line
dance surveys.
Click here for a Beginners Guide to line dancing posted on CopperKnob.
Click here to view in-depth definitions Listed in Line Dancer Magazine.
