BEG C&W : TEXAS TWOSTEP - tba
No Prerequisite

The Texas Twostep is the most important Country and Western dance. It is easy to learn and fun to use. From George Strait's "Fool Hearted Memory" to Shania Twain's "Holding onto Love", the Twostep is used to a wide variety of C&W music. 

When you live in Houston, Texas, you should get plenty of opportunities where a little knowledge of the Twostep will come in pretty handy. And don't forget the Twostep is a fixture at Rodeo time. Come learn the fundamentals of this famous dance!

 

DIRTY DANCING - Ben
Prerequisite: Couples Only, No Switching

This "Dirty Dancing" is unquestionably one of the most popular Crash Courses in the history of the studio. The moves are taken directly from the movie and would be quite impressive to watch if we could just get everyone to quit laughing so hard!!

Yes, the moves are quite sexy, but everyone has too much fun to take them seriously. Bring a smile and an open mind. You will have a ball!

 

BEG WESTERN CHA CHA - Anita
No Prerequisite

Western Cha Cha is the traditional Cha Cha used to slow, graceful Polka-speed music. Many of the songs Western Cha Cha works best to can be described as romantic or sultry, often with a Latin beat in the background. 

The most famous Western Cha Cha is "Neon Moon" by Brooks and Dunn. "Shagging" by Alabama and "Tequila Sunrise" by the Eagles are two more examples. The Western Cha Cha is a clever dance that works well as an alternative dance to the Polka.

Quite popular in Western clubs in other parts of the country, Western Cha Cha is also a fixture at Western Dance Competitions. The patterns vary from the simple to the complex and use double turns when the mood strikes. Best of all, the Cha Cha has an attractive hip motion that makes Wrangler Jeans do for Western dancing whatever it is that Gap Khakis do for Swing dancing. 

Cha Cha is flirtatious, sexy, easy to learn, and lots of fun!

 

BEG WESTERN WALTZ - Jill
No Prerequisite

Western Waltz is considered the "Romantic" Western dance. The stakes being what they are, no sensible man should ignore this important dance!  The moves are quite graceful and the music is very pretty.

 

Western Waltz patterns are taken from Ballroom Waltz. Some Waltz patterns travel and others such as the Box Step are danced in one area.  Western Waltz moves include the Ballroom Waltz patterns that automatically "travel" around the floor just as a Twostep or Polka would.  At the party later on expect plenty of Western Waltzes like “You Look So Good in Love” and “Open Arms” to practice to at the dance party.

 

MORE SYNCHRONIZED POLKA - Scott
Prerequisite: Previous Synchronized Polka Crash Course

Synchronized Polka is a form of Western Polka where the man and the woman do the same footwork and dance the same patterns at each other's side to Polka-rhythm Western music.  

For a simple example, think of the Cotton-Eyed Joe which is basically the 'original' Synchronized Polka dance... both people start with their right foot and both people dance side by side.

Synchronized Polka has always been an all-time favorite Crash Course.  There are several reasons for the popularity of this dance form.  One, when your regular patterns to Polka get old, Synchronized Polka offers some pretty neat alternatives.  Second, when the lady is tired after lots of double turns, Synchronized Polka offers her a chance to catch her breath.  Third, the patterns are pretty easy to learn and fun to use.  Fourth, Synchronized Polka is very flowing and rather Romantic as well as two people dance side by side in the Sweetheart Position. 

Assuming you already know how to Polka and have had at least Beg Western Swing, you will really enjoy this course!

RICK ARCHER'S NOTE: Scott taught the BEG SYNCHRONIZED POLKA CRASH COURSE IN MARCH.  Tonight he will teach totally different patterns.  Take the class if you wish, but do not complain if you think he is going too fast.