Joy of Motion Dance Center - Ballroom & Social Dance Classes

SOCIAL DANCE

Please do not wear shoes worn on the street in class. Students should bring shoes for class separately.

Social Ballroom (American Style)
Learn the basics of partner dancing in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Tailored for people new to dance, this class introduces 3 major social dances commonly danced at weddings and other social events including Waltz, Foxtrot, and Swing. Gain the skills to be comfortable on the dance floor at your next formal or casual event. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class.

Beginning I: An introduction to 3 major social dances: Waltz, Fox Trot, and Swing. In addition to learning music recognition and how to lead or follow, elements of style and technique will be a part of the basic social dance skills and vocabulary that are introduced.
Beginning II: Building on the skills introduced in Beginning I, this class will introduce new figures and footwork while reinforcing basic skills and enhancing lead and follow techniques. Prerequisite: Beginning I Social Ballroom.

Club Latin
Latin music is becoming a staple in many clubs so learning the basics of the most popular Latin social dances will keep you grooving all night! Tailored for people new to dance, this class introduces Cha-cha, Bachata, Cumbia and Merengue. Gain the skills to be comfortable on the dance floor enjoying the variety of music and movement that Latin dancing brings. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class.

Beginning I: An introduction to Bachata, Cumbia and Merengue. In addition to learning music recognition and how to lead or follow, elements of style and technique will be a part of the basic social dance skills and vocabulary that are introduced.
Beginning II: Building on the skills introduced in Beginning I, this class will emphasize new figures and footwork while reinforcing basic skills and enhancing lead and follow techniques. Prerequisite: Beginning I Club Latin.

Latin Ballroom
Learn the Cha Cha, Rumba and Tango ! - in this compact, intensive course. Each week expand your knowledge of leading/following, basic patterns and fun variations in each of these exciting dances.

Latin Jam
A blast of a class that's constantly moving, fun and up to the minute trend keeping. No partners required - just dance your hips into oblivion with the best Salsa, Merengue, ChaCha, Samba, Bachata, Reggaeton and Rumba music ! All levels of dancers will enjoy !

Salsa
Be a part of the Latin explosion in today's music and culture! Learn the skills and moves to get you on the dance floors of the hottest clubs from New York to Miami, including right here in Washington, D.C. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class.

Beginning I: Learn the basic rhythm and footwork of salsa dancing, lead and follow technique, and elements of style while building confidence and a foundation for progression.

Beginning II: Building on the skills mastered in Beginning I, this class will introduce new figures, turns and footwork while reinforcing basic skills and enhancing lead and follow techniques. Prerequisite: Beginning I Salsa

Intermediate: Take salsa dancing to the next level - work on style and explore more advance footwork and movement patterns including arm styling. This class will strengthen partner dancing skills, which will help students feel comfortable and dance well with any partner. Prerequisite: Beginning II Salsa

Salsa Stylings
Salsa Turns, Shines (free-style), and Styling.

Being able to dance with a personal style demands more than learning moves/tricks and practice with a partner. If you want to learn how to add embellishments to your dance create your unique and sensual style come to this class and learn all the secrets. The material covered in the class will help you to dance with clean turns, as well as shoulders, arms, hip and feet styling, the skills will allow you to better connect with your dance partner, as well as dancing on your own.

Argentine Tango
The Argentine Tango, with its soulful roots and musical tradition, is an improvisational social dance that began along the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires and spread all over the world. The essence of its technique is leading and following punctuated with precision leg and foot action and accented with dramatic flair.

Beginning I: Learn the basic components of Tango including the essential 'lead' and 'follow' skills that the dance requires. Students will also be introduced to basic footwork and simple elements of style.

Beginning II: Students will further develop the skills covered in Beginning I by learning new steps and figures with an emphasis on timing and execution.
Prerequisite: Beginning II Tango.
Intermediate: Take Tango dancing to the next level - work on style and explore more advance footwork and movement patterns including arm styling. This class will strengthen partner dancing skills, which will help students feel comfortable and dance well with any partner.
Prerequisite: Beginning II Tango.

Hand Dance
Hand Dancing is the D.C. area’s version of swing dancing or the jitterbug. This dance originated in the 1950’s and is called Hand Dancing characterized by its complex hand patterning. It is a touch partner dance noted for its smooth footwork, hand turns, continuous partner connection and floor contact.

Swing
Learn the basics of the timeless American dance called Swing, also known as Lindy Hop. This energetic and versatile dance form can be performed to a variety of music styles including big band, rock and roll, country-western and pop. No partner necessary and we will switch partners frequently during each class.

Beginning I: This class introduces lead and follow technique, 6-count basic steps (open and closed), turns and passes. Aspects of “Collegiate Shag” and “Balboa”, two dances often integrated with Lindy hop, will be covered.

Please do not wear shoes worn on the street in class. Students should bring shoes for class separately.