Dance Lessons

Individuals as well as couples of all ages and abilities are invited to attend the pre-ball dance lessons.  No prior dance experience will be expected or required.  Because there will be frequent rotations of partners at these lessons, they will also provide an opportunity for introductions to additional  dance partners for the ball.

For all dance lessons comfortable shoes are recommended.  It is suggested that women not wear high heels to a first dance lesson.

Free Lessons

Free beginner dance lessons will be offered in December at several different times and locations in the Portland area..  Each lesson will cover the:

Grand March

Fledermaus Quadrille

Galop

Polka

19th Century Waltz

Prospective ball attendees are encouraged to attend these lessons, especially those who may feel somewhat apprehensive about their abilities.  You will be pleasantly surprised to discover that you have mastered the Grand March, Fledermaus Quadrille, Galop, and Polka within a matter of minutes.  Reservations are not required.  Although each of these free lessons covers the same material, those who desire additional practice are welcome to attend more than one of these lessons.  

 

Sunday December 3rd   4:00-6:00 PM   Dance Studio - Conestoga Recreation Center 9985 SW 125th Avenue, Beaverton Tuesday December 5th   8:00-10:00 PM   Ankeny Street Studio - 9th Ave and Ankeny St 975 SE Sandy Boulevard, Portland Saturday December 9th   2:30-4:00 PM   Club Sport - Studio #2 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard Monday December 18th   7:00-9:00 PM   Dance Studio - Multnomah Arts Center 7688 SW Capitol Highway, Portland Thursday December 28th   7:30-9:30 PM   Studio Nia - Fourth Floor 918 SW Yamhill Street, Portland Monday January 1st   Noon-2:00 PM   Ballroom - Scottish Rite Center 1512 SW Morrison Street, Portland

At the ball we will be dancing the Viennese waltz and the 19th century waltz, where couples turn at 30 revolutions per minute, rather than the more common "slow"  (7.5 rpm) waltz, which is only viable at much slower tempos.  A few hours of practice are suggested for those who are new to these waltz tempos.

Modern Viennese Waltz Lessons

In addition, a series of four group lessons on the modern Viennese waltz will be offered on Wednesday evenings (Dec 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th) from 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM by Rachel Lidskog at Ankeny Street Studio in Portland.

Although not as easy to learn as the 19th century waltz, which everyone danced in the Strauss era, the modern Viennese waltz is the international standard that people dance today in Vienna and around the world.

Pre-registered tuition will be $75 per couple or $38 per person for the series, or $12 per person for each lesson.   Rachel can be reached at DanceWithJoy2@aol.com or (503) 704-5617.