Progressive Level 1: Basic West Coast Swing (6:30-7:30pm) Welcome to our Level 1 Basic West Coast Swing class! This progressive series is designed for new dancers or those looking to solidify their foundation ...
Progressive Level 1: Basic West Coast Swing (6:30-7:30pm)
Welcome to our Level 1 Basic West Coast Swing class! This progressive series is designed for new dancers or those looking to solidify their foundation in West Coast Swing. Over the course of this class, you will learn the essential building blocks of the dance, including fundamental techniques and basic patterns.
What You'll Learn:
Proper connection and frame for smooth partner dancing
Foundational patterns: Sugar Push, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, and Whip
Timing, rhythm, and footwork fundamentals
Lead and follow techniques for clear communication
Why Take Your Time in Level 1?
Building a strong foundation is crucial for your success as a West Coast Swing dancer. We recommend dedicating at least 3 months to this class before advancing to Level 2. This allows you ample time to practice, gain confidence in the basics, and develop muscle memory for smooth transitions between patterns.
What to Expect:
Each week, the class will build on the previous lesson, reinforcing what you’ve learned while introducing new concepts. Our instructors provide clear, supportive guidance and personalized feedback to help you improve at your own pace.
Join us to start your West Coast Swing journey and enjoy the fun of dancing with confidence!
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Level 2: Building on the Basics (6:30- 7:30pm)
Take your West Coast Swing to the next level in our Level 2 class! Designed for dancers who are comfortable with the basic patterns and foundational techniques, this class focuses on enhancing your skills, expanding your repertoire, and developing your unique style.
Prerequisites:
Dancers should have a solid understanding of the basic Level 1 patterns, including the Sugar Push, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, and Whip, and feel confident with timing, rhythm, and connection. We recommend completing at least 3 months of Level 1 before advancing to this class.
What You'll Learn:
Variations of foundational patterns to add flair to your dancing
Intermediate-level patterns and transitions to expand your versatility.
Techniques to refine your connection and partnership skills
Musicality: how to interpret the music and match your dancing to its dynamics
Footwork variations and styling options to personalize your dance
What to Expect:
This progressive class builds each week on the skills introduced, focusing on smooth transitions and adaptability. Our instructors will provide detailed guidance and plenty of practice opportunities to help you refine your movements and elevate your confidence on the dance floor.
Whether you’re looking to polish your skills or prepare for social dancing, our Level 2 class will help you dance with more creativity, connection, and fun!
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The Bridge Class: Connecting Basics to Mastery (7:30-8:00pm)
The Bridge Class is the perfect step for West Coast Swing dancers looking to smoothly transition from foundational skills to more advanced techniques. Designed for those who are eager to challenge themselves further, this class focuses on bridging the gap between Beginner and Intermediate dancing.
Who It's For:
Dancers who are confident and are ready to explore more intricate concepts, styling, and musicality. This class is ideal for those preparing to join advanced-level instruction or simply looking to elevate their social dancing skills.
What You'll Learn:
• Advanced pattern combinations to enhance your repertoire
• Techniques for dynamic movement, including spins, turns, and momentum control
• Connection-focused skills for seamless lead and follow execution
• Enhanced musicality and phrasing for interpreting different styles of music
• Styling and footwork variations to develop your personal dance expression
What to Expect:
Each week, you’ll explore new patterns and concepts, with an emphasis on technique, creativity, and adaptability.
The Bridge Class is your opportunity to solidify your foundation while exploring the artistry and nuance of West Coast Swing. Join us and take the next step toward becoming the dancer you’ve always envisioned!
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Intermediate West Coast Swing: Elevate Your Dancing (8:00-9:00)
Take your West Coast Swing to new heights in our Intermediate class! This class is designed for dancers who have a solid grasp of the fundamentals and are ready to explore more intricate patterns, techniques, and musicality.
Who It's For:
Dancers confident in Level 1 and Level 2 skills, including basic patterns (Sugar Push, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, and Whip), connection, and timing. This class is for those ready to refine their technique and expand their dance repertoire.
What You'll Learn:
• Intricate patterns and creative combinations to elevate your repertoire
• Advanced techniques for connection, tension, and momentum management
• Musical improvisation and phrasing to fully interpret and embody the music
• Dynamic styling and movement options to develop your personal expression
• Performance-level skills, including precision, fluidity, and floor presence
What to Expect:
This class focuses on blending foundational skills with creative, intermediate-level concepts. Each week, you'll work on mastering new material while refining technique and improving adaptability on the dance floor. Our instructors offer detailed feedback to help you grow as a dancer and achieve your goals.
Whether you're preparing for social dancing, performances, or just looking to improve your skills, our Intermediate West Coast Swing class will challenge and inspire you to shine on the dance floor!
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BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE LESSON
$15 Drop-in
$12 Monthly
BRIDGE CLASS
$10 Drop-in
$5 Monthly
LAST TUESDAY SOCIAL
Free for Monthly Students
$5 for Drop-in
PRIVATE LESSONS
Ready to level up your dance skills?
Private lessons are the way to go!
Melissa Rutz
Text: 415-944-0404
Email: [email protected]
Parker Dearborn
Text: 415-994-6698
Email: [email protected]
Parker Dearborn is a world-renowned professional dancer and instructor with a passion for partner dances. With an impressive 30-year journey in the world of dance, Parker's expertise spans various styles, including West Coast Swing, Ballroom, Latin, and Country. Hailing from San Diego, California, Parker embarked on his professional dance career at the young age of 17.
Throughout his illustrious career, Parker has made significant contributions to the dance community. As a competitor, choreographer, judge, event director, and teacher, he has left an indelible mark on the global dance scene. His dedication and commitment to his craft have taken him across the world, sharing his love for dance through workshops and performances.
Parker's remarkable talent, distinctive style, and captivating showmanship have garnered him numerous accolades in the realm of West Coast Swing. He proudly holds the titles of three-time US Open Swing Dance Champion and two-time Grand
National Swing Dance Champion, among others. His exceptional skills have also led him to showcase his abilities in various artistic endeavors. He graced the stage in the off-Broadway production of Swango and made appearances in the Hollywood movie, Love and Dancing. Moreover, Parker showcased his creativity and innovation as a choreographer for the popular television series, So You Think You Can Dance.
Driven by a genuine belief in the transformative power of dance,
Parker Dearborn has devoted his entire life to this art form. His unwavering conviction that dance can inspire joy and bring about positive change in people's lives fuels his passion and motivates him to continue sharing his talent and knowledge with dancers and enthusiasts worldwide. Parker's unwavering commitment to the art of dance has made him an influential figure in the industry, leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration and excellence.
Melissa Rutz is a highly accomplished and versatile dancer with a lifelong passion for the art form. She commenced her dance journey at the tender age of four, training at Star Dance Studio in San Francisco. Melissa's diverse background includes extensive training in classical ballet, ballroom, and theater arts, providing her with a well-rounded foundation for her dance career.
As an esteemed professional in the field, Melissa's expertise extends to various aspects of dance. She is actively involved in teaching, competing, judging, choreographing, and performing on a global scale. Her talent and dedication have earned her a prominent position among the world's top west coast swing dancers.
Melissa's outstanding achievements in the realm of West Coast Swing are a testament to her skill and passion. She has achieved remarkable success in numerous champion level competitions, triumphing in categories such as Showcase, Classic, Strictly Swing, Team, and Jack & Jill's. Her dance versatility, coupled with her soulful musicality and expressiveness, sets her apart as a true artist on the dance floor.
Melissa's reputation as a world-class dancer and instructor continues to soar as she captivates audiences and inspires fellow dancers worldwide. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her innate ability to convey emotion through movement, has made her an influential figure in the dance community.
Driven by her love for dance and a relentless pursuit of artistic growth, Melissa Rutz continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons within the world of dance. Her passion for sharing her knowledge and expertise with others fuels her teaching endeavors, as she seeks to inspire and empower dancers of all levels. Melissa's impact on the dance world is marked by her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the enduring legacy she leaves through her remarkable performances and contributions to the art form.
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