The 2025 Emerald City Hoedown will feature over 40 hours of workshops, featuring guest instructors from all over North America as well as our regular Rain Country Dance Association instructors and favorites from the Northwest. We will have three tracks of workshops on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in ballrooms and meeting rooms on two floors of the hotel — both Country Couples (two rooms, for different sized workshops) and Line Dance.
(*Badge Pickup is in the Courtyard Ballroom on Thursday Night. Full Registration is in Madison Foyer.*)
Day |
Time & Location |
Thursday |
Badge Pickup Only: Courtyard Ballroom, 3rd Floor Foyer |
Friday |
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Madison Foyer) |
Saturday |
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Madison Foyer) |
Sunday |
10:45 AM - 3:00 PM (Madison Foyer) |
Beginner-Friendly Class Schedule
New to dance? Check out this Beginner’s Guide: https://www.copperknob.co.uk/articles/3/beginners-guide
Time |
Location |
Workshop |
Level |
Instructor(s) |
Friday 9:00 - 10:00 AM |
Upstairs Madison |
West Coast Swing |
Beginner+ |
Barb |
Friday 9:00 - 10:00 AM |
Downstairs |
Morning Mobility & Musicality |
All Levels |
Shannon & Jason |
Friday 10:15 - 11:15 AM |
Downstairs |
CW 2 Step |
Beginner - Intermediate |
Rob |
Friday 10:15 - 11:15 AM |
Downstairs |
Like Whiskey |
Improver |
Gabby |
Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 AM |
Upstairs Madison |
Morning Mobility & Musicality |
All Levels |
Shannon & Jason |
Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 AM |
Downstairs |
Exchanges into Swing |
Beginner - Intermediate |
Léo |
Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 AM |
Downstairs |
Everything She Ain’t |
Phrased Beginner |
Nico |
Saturday 10:15 - 11:15 AM |
Upstairs Madison |
CW Shuffle |
Beginner+ |
Jim |
Saturday 10:15 - 11:15 AM |
Downstairs |
Synch & Synergy on the Dance Floor |
All Levels |
Shannon & Jason |
Sunday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Upstairs Madison |
Where’s My Yellow Brick Road? |
All Levels |
Shannon & Jason |
Sunday 12:15 - 1:15 PM |
Downstairs |
Workshop |
Level TBD |
Instructor TBD |
Level | What to Expect | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
Beginner | No prior knowledge needed. Learn basic steps, dance frame, floor etiquette, and partner safety. | None—perfect for first-time dancers! |
Beginner-Intermediate | Reinforces basics with deeper technique drilling. Dancers gain confidence with fundamental patterns. | Comfort with basic steps and rhythm. |
Improver | Dancers are comfortable with the basics and begin refining technique, improving frame, and enhancing partner connection. | Ability to execute basic steps confidently and maintain timing. |
Intermediate | Focuses on frame maintenance, hand-to-hand connection, and incorporating turns or step variations. No full advanced patterns. | Strong understanding of fundamental movements, good frame control, and ability to follow/lead turns. |
Advanced | Designed for dancers with fluid movement and mastery of fundamentals. Teaches sophisticated moves, styling, and adaptability. | Strong execution of dance techniques, comfort with musicality, and ability to dance complex patterns. |
All Levels | Open to everyone! These classes provide foundational concepts for newer dancers while offering deeper refinement for experienced dancers. Instructors layer instruction to meet everyone’s needs. | A willingness to learn, explore, and adapt—dancers of all backgrounds can participate. |
For dancers who are still learning or redefining their level, "All Levels" can sometimes feel ambiguous. They may wonder, "Will I be lost?" or "Will this be too easy?" A thorough way to describe "All Levels" would be:
An All Levels class is designed to offer something valuable for everyone, regardless of their experience. Whether you're just starting out, refining your technique, or an experienced dancer looking for deeper insights, the class will provide layers of instruction that match your needs.
If you're newer to dance: The class will help you build confidence in foundational movements while allowing you to explore styling and technique without pressure. Instructors will break down the key steps so you can follow along at a pace that works for you.
If you're intermediate: The focus shifts to refinement—understanding your movement, musicality, and lead/follow connection more deeply. You’ll explore subtle adjustments that elevate your dancing beyond just knowing the steps.
If you're advanced: You’ll find value in how you apply the concepts, not just in what you learn. Advanced dancers can focus on precision, partner adaptation, musicality, or styling variations. You’ll also benefit from working with dancers of different backgrounds to enhance your adaptability.
✅ A welcoming and inclusive space where dancers can work at their own pace
✅ Instruction that starts with fundamentals and builds complexity for those who want more
✅ Opportunities to apply concepts in different ways depending on your level
✅ Encouragement to focus on quality over quantity—even advanced dancers can refine simple movements!
Go in with curiosity rather than expectation—every class has something to offer.
If you're new, focus on grasping the foundations.
If you’re intermediate, focus on refinement.
If you’re advanced, challenge yourself to fine-tune technique and experiment.
Ask yourself:What can I take away from this class that I didn't know before?
Rain Country Dance Association is an LGBTQ+ nonprofit social dance organization driven by our members. |