Menu
Log in


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.



Registration Schedule

(*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
Courtyard (Couples)

Morning Mobility & Musicality

All Levels

Shannon & Jason

Friday 10:15 - 11:15 AM

Downstairs
Downstairs
Courtyard (Couples)

CW 2 Step

Beginner - Intermediate

Rob

Friday 10:15 - 11:15 AM

Downstairs
Courtyard (Line)

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
Courtyard (Couples)

Exchanges into Swing

Beginner - Intermediate

Léo

Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 AM

Downstairs
Courtyard (Line)

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
Courtyard (Couples)

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
Courtyard (Couples)

Workshop

Level TBD

Instructor TBD


Class Levels

Dance Levels & What to Expect

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.




Understanding an "All Levels" Class for Different Dancers

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:

"What does 'All Levels' mean?"

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.

"How will I get value from an All Levels class?"

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.

"What can I expect in an All Levels class?"

✅ 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!

"How do I approach an All Levels class with the right mindset?"

  • 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. 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software