What class “Styles” do you teach?
I offer many classes in East Coast Swing, Salsa, Waltz, Foxtrot, Lindy Hop, Cha-Cha, Blues and more! Our goal is for you to come into each level one class and after six weeks be able to have fun dancing with style and safety. I currently teach three nights of the week. Usually Tuesdays are at the Hollywood Schoolhouse in Woodinville, Wednesdays in Bothell and Thursday evenings at The North Bellevue Community Center. Each night there are three - four classes to choose from depending on your level of mastery in a selection of dance styles. Note: I also teach workshops and other groups beside LFB. Check out the Salsa page.
Can you describe a typical class?
After everyone has signed in at the door, we usually start with a warm-up to get moving. We then talk through and walk through moves, combinations and footwork in an easy to understand comedy. We rotate partners every couple of minutes so you can try it new ways with new people. We then combine everything together with music, dancing with everyone in the room. (Not all at the same time.) During the music Jodi & assistants will count everyone through the moves while helping people one on one with questions. We then discuss any difficulties or problems, and then move on to the next item. We finish the class dancing and laughing. The best way for you to learn is for you to dance as much as possible without feeling the need to be "Perfect".
Do I need to bring a partner?
NO! We advertise the slogan, "Singles, couples and all ages welcome!" We mean every word of it. We spend hours on the phone each session making sure the classes are as close to lead/follow balance and humanly possible. We usually have one or two extra leads or follows each evening. No one set's out! We rotate every couple of minutes so everyone takes a much-needed moment to rest and then is back into the action.
What If I have trouble learning the steps?
Don't worry. Jodi & Friends have been teaching normal people just like you to dance for the last 6 years! Each move and footwork is carefully walked through multiple times emphasizing safety, and clarity of the lead and follows roles. Who are we kidding? The first time you learn a move or footwork it wont be perfect. Look around you in class and realize everyone else is usually right with you. No one will be watching and scrutinizing your dancing because they are just as nervous and focused as you are.
What if I need to miss a class?
Everyone misses a class from time to time. Don't worry! Just make sure you come to the next week on time. The beginning of each class is spent reviewing the moves and footwork that were taught the previous week. If you need to miss more than one week in a row, talk to Jodi for additional help.
How do I take the first class for free?
We offer your First class free as an introductory policy. We want to give you the chance to try if you are at all unsure. If you are unsure if a specific class is right for you come to the first night for free and then decide. You must call and let us know which class you are interested in as the class may be full.
What should I wear?
Come as you are! Take a look at the photos around our site. We want you to be comfortable. Men- slacks, nice jeans, button up shirt, vest, t-shirt, ect... Wear comfortable shoes to class. Women- skirt, dress, slacks, nice jeans, blouse, t-shirt, ect... Wear comfortable shoes to class. (Please don't wear your tallest high heels.) Please do not wear any heavily scented perfume or cologne! Many people have allergic reactions to these.
What happens If I need to cancel out of class?
Our cancellation policy is the same as Cascadia Community College. It reads "You will receive a 100% refund if you cancel two business days prior to the first day of class. No refund will be given after that date."
What do you mean by "Lead" and "Follow"?
Lead:The person who directs the dance. They "lead" the "follow" through the dance. Traditionally this is men's role.
Follow:The person who takes direction from the "lead" is the "follow". Traditionally this is the women's role.
Jodi can both lead and follow. After becoming skilled at one role, many students take classes to learn the other role. You will find women and men leading and following in our classes.
Who else will be in the class?
Everybody who's anybody! Please take a look at the photos around out site. Depending on the class you might find teens to mid-fifties, or you might find late twenties to mid-eighties. Dance is at it's best when shared with the whole community! We mean it when we say, Singles, Couples and All Ages WELCOME!
How do I know what level I should take?
Read the pre-requisites for the classes. If you are a beginner any class with a number "1" by it is a good place to start. If you have had some dance experience and are new to Left Foot Swing contact us. We will figure out together where you will be most comfortable. I or my co-teachers are happy to dance with you to target your comfort zone.
What is the cost?
Our classes cost $65. per person for each six week class.
What’s the deal on dance shoes?
Here's the skinny on shoes:
buy dance shoes
convert your favorite shoes
or be forced to wear white men's gym socks, the choice is yours....
BUYING SHOES:
Several dance stores are listed below.
Some folks prefer suede soles, or dance sneakers with special plastic soles, or leather soles (though these can feel a bit 'slippery.')
most dance shoes run in the neighborhood of $50 to $90.
online , check out:
STREET SHOES GONE DANCE!
By far, my favorite is to get a pair of beloved shoes and...
1. Take them to a cobbler to be converted. (Swanson's on 45th in Wallingford is great!) about $25 to convert. Hard leather or suede soles can be glued on to manmade soles, even to some sneakers.
2. Create your own dance sole: A piece of good leather or suede (chrome - artificial suede) and barge cement are the ingredients. Trace the sole of the shoe on the leather and cut it out. Rough up the current soles of the shoes with sandpaper or by scraping. Apply barge cement on both the bottom of the shoe and the leather. Let dry till tacky, then align and push together. Let the shoes dry. Trim. Dance!
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3. Super fast & cheap: cover your soles with duct tape OR moleskin (found at a drugstore for foot blisters-- AHA! double duty!) OR use first aid tape followed by a layer of talcum powder. These 3 options will create a temporary dance shoe solution.
OUR FAVORITE SHOE STORES:
Petticoat Junction Dance Shop
14523 Hwy 99, Lynnwood
425-743-9513
Arabesque Dance Shop
22811 100th Avenue W, Edmonds
425-771-4525
Character shoes (smooth leather or suede soles) $50-100 Jazz shoes (suede soles) $55-up.
Center Stage Dance Shop
5012 University Wy NE, Seattle
206-527-4697
Jazz shoes (soft soles) - women's $50, men's $65 Character shoes and flats, women and men's styles, $50-75.
Dance Etiquette from Dana
From time to time (pronounced “randomly”) we’ll post illustrated notes that we hope will answer some of the more common dance etiquette questions. Since these questions and situations have happened to everybody, no actual person will be singled out for ridicule. Except maybe this “Dana” character, who clearly should take up another hobby.
Please send us your questions and/or tips so we can help make the dance floor a place where everybody, regardless of their shoe size, can have a safe and enjoyable dance. (just click on the “contact” button in the upper right)
Frequently Asked Questions
