NEW WINTER SESSION

WEEK 4 IMPROVER PIZZAZZ

Waltz Across Texas by Lois and John Nielson.  Warning:  LOL   This dance is very old.  The step sheet is outdated in its explanations.  It is not written or danced with Pizzazz in the online videos.  We all will give Waltz Across Texas a facelift and look like stars. 

Of all the waltzes out there, why did we pick this one?

1. It has two different types of turns; a traveling three step turn and a traveling half turn.  In contrast, the pivot turns in Get It Right are stationary turns. 
2. We can work on the fundamentals of waltz rhythm without lots of other patterns getting in the way of looking great. Don’t worry, there won’t be any Dancing With The Stars arms, but we will feel like Spanish Moss flowing in the wind 😊
3. This dance will help us decide how much to challenge the class for week #5 😀

RECAP OF WEEKS 1 -3

Where Oh Where by Jo Thompson Szymanski:  West Coast Swing Rhythm

1. Cool syncopations – our bodies are feeling the musicality – whoo hoo
2. Syncopated sailor
3. Syncopated weave (2 kinds)
4. Syncopated rock steps
5. Syncopated kicks
6. Variations of the jazz box – typical of the rhythm, and a great “cooler than I am” tool.

Get It Right by Maddison Glover – Two Step Rhythm

1. Quick and light footwork patterns
2. Half pivot/Quarter pivot combination
3. Vaudeville step

Bigger Houses by Helen Parkyn – Night Club Two Step Rhythm

1. Counted:  1  2&  3 in many instances.  The dance is flowy and dreamy.  Your body will sway in the wind.
2. Important steps learned
3. Night Club Basic
4. Step Sweeps
5. Syncopated Forward Rock Step

METHOD TO OUR MADNESS IN TEACHING THIS CLASS

1. Introduce a few new patterns each week, (not usually taught at the beginner level).
2. Use the KIS theory (Keep It Simple) for the dances chosen because practicing good execution and feeling comfortable with pizzazz comes from comfort in knowing patterns.
3. Give tools to enjoy the learning process so you can incorporate your newfound knowledge in all the dancing you do. Often, it’s not about the 32 ct dance.  It’s about what you do with all the other tidbits you take with you regarding execution, style, and rhythm.  

These dance dates may be of interest to you:

Scooter Lee Workshop

March 13 -15, 2026 Fort Myers

https://www.dancingforthedream.com/RegistrationFtMyersMarch2026.html

Niels Poulsen workshop

Beginner/Improver Tuesday, Feb. 10

Contact Jan Walter for tickets and more info:  janwalter1537@gmail.com

Upcoming Enrichment Class OfferingsIntroduction to Line Dance - Bradenton Rec Center - Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:20 amBeginner Line Dance -  Bradenton Rec Center - Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 am

NEW CLASS3 week session  Mondays:  April 6,13,20  Bradenton Rec Center 1:30 - 2:30Classic Novelty Dance:  Go Greased Lightninghttps://youtu.be/BNQ_3RlQ9wc?si=TMdP1qbY48CnLK-u
Put a little jazz in your line dancing!!  It's gonna be fun!

Improver Line Dance With Pizzazz

May 20 - July 1  Hibiscus Recreation Center   3 - 4 pm

Different dances than January session