Our next lesson series starts on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The first two weeks (January 15 and 22) are a free taste…everyone is welcome to give dancing a try with no obligation to continue. If you like it (and we think you will), you can continue with our weekly lessons every Wednesday through early May. Our graduation dance will take place on Saturday, May 10.
When and where are the lessons?
The lessons take place at the Bridgeport United Church of Christ, 621 NE 76th Ave., Portland 97213. Lessons start promptly at 7 pm and continue until 8:30 pm. If you are curious, you are welcome to drop in to observe a lesson.
Modern square dancing is based on standardized calls (moves), which are linked together to create patterns or figures. To be a successful dancer, you need to learn the calls. The good news is that these calls are the same internationally and are always called in English, so once you take lessons with the Ramblers you can dance virtually anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or the world.
How do I prepare for lessons?
No special preparation is required. You don’t need prior dance experience–we will start from the beginning. Dress comfortably since you will be getting some physical exercise. You don’t need to come with a dance partner. We make sure that all of the students have a dance partner for the lessons. Also, like most LGBTQ square dance clubs, we welcome solo dancers at our monthly social dances. You just join a square, and a dance partner will magically appear!
You will want to think about whether you want to dance on the left side of the couple (traditionally, the male dancer) or the right side of the couple (traditionally, the female dancer). You can choose whichever you like–we only ask that you stick with that position for the full lesson series. Although most Ramblers eventually learn both dance positions, it’s best to stay with one position for the first lesson series to avoid confusion.
What do the lessons entail?
Our club follows the International Association of Square Dance Callers square dance program. There are five dance programs named (in increasing degree of complexity):
- Social Square Dance
- Mainstream
- Plus
- Advanced
- Challenge
Our January lessons will be taught at the Social Square Dance level. This is the most accessible program and prepares dancers for social dancing. Some dancers will stay dance in this program forever and have a great time attending social dances. Other dancers want more of a challenge and seek to move up to higher programs. Each dancer decides what’s right for them. There is never any pressure to move to a higher program. The main thing is to have FUN.
If you decide you want to take the lessons, it is essential that you commit to attending every week. The lessons are cumulative, and if you miss lessons, you will not be able to keep up and this will adversely affect the other students, too. We understand that everyone needs to miss a lesson or two, but if you know in advance that you will need to miss more than two weeks, please defer your square dance education to a time when your schedule is more accommodating.
What happens at a typical class?
We try to start promptly at 7 to make the best use of our limited time. We will square up, generally trying to include a mix of students and experienced dancers (called angels) in each square. Because the angels are already familiar with the calls, they can help students learn more quickly.
We usually spend about 20 minutes reviewing the calls taught previously and then take a short break. We will then learn some new material and break around 7:50 pm for club announcements. After the announcements, we will finish by practicing both the new and old calls, developing familiarity and proficiency. This is a chance for students to ask for additional work on calls that they find particularly challenging. We finish promptly at 8:30.
How much do the lessons cost?
A series of lessons costs $100. We accept cash, check, or Venmo (@rosetownramblers). Students may request financial assistance, which may consist of installment payments, reduced tuition, or volunteer work for the club in lieu of payment. Our desire is to not refuse anyone for lack of funds.
If you’re not sure whether square dancing is right for you, you’re welcome to attend the first two weeks of the series free of charge. You’ll only pay if you decide to continue with lessons after the second week.
Tuition includes the student’s Rosetown Ramblers membership through June following the first class, a Rosetown Ramblers name badge upon graduation, and free admission to all club dances (generally, the second Saturday of each month) through graduation. (Ramblers dances are free to current students. If you go to another club’s dance, you will pay according to that club’s payment policy.) In addition, students who complete one series of Social Square Dance lessons can re-take the next series at no additional cost. It is a great opportunity to strengthen knowledge and gain proficiency.
Where can I get more information?
You can get more information by sending an email to info@rosetownramblers.com.