Couples Workshop Descriptions

If the instructor has provided us with additional information about the focus or content of what they will be teaching, we have included it here.   (If we don’t have it here, that only means we don't have information other than the dance style and expected level.)  The line dance songs and step sheets, visit the Line Dances page.

About Two-Step: There are two styles of Two-Step — San Francisco-Style (danced slow-slow-quick-quick, SSQQ, with some swing influence) and Progressive (danced quick-quick-slow-slow, QQSS).  At Rain Country, we teach and dance SSQQ, so most of our two-step workshops at Emerald City Hoedown are SSQQ, but we have a couple QQSS workshops on the schedule.

About Night Club: Similarly, there are two styles of Night Club — one danced SQQ and one danced QQS.  They generally are not very different, with the rhythm of the music dictating which style you can do, and most patterns translate to the other style with minimal effort.  At Rain Country, we teach and dance SQQ, but workshops at Emerald City Hoedown may be QQS.

FRIDAY

Beg/Imp Two-Step (SSQQ) — 9:00 am

(Two-Step — Beginner-to-Improver —  Ingu)

We’ll start with a quick review of two-step basics, including the rhythm and connection between leader and follower, and then explore basic moves at a pace tailored to the skill level of the class, with a focus on the leader-follower connection.

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Beg/Imp West Coast — 9:00 am

(West Coast — Beginner-to-Improver —  Patrick & Jane)

Focus on connection and confidence building.

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Int/Adv Waltz — 10:15 am

(Waltz — Intermediate —  Jim)

Jim always has an interesting waltz sequence or two up his sleeve to give you something new to master.

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Intro to Lindy Hop — 10:15 am

(Lindy Hop — Beginner —  Spencer)

Learn the foundational rhythms and patterns of Lindy Hop, the original Black American social swing dance in an ELEF style (Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows). This class is taught with an Open Role mindset, where both partners can suggest ideas and support each other in the dance, creating a queer-positive and collaborative learning environment that leaves gendered power dynamics often associated with partner dance off the floor. Spencer and Adam are excited to share, join us!

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Line Dance 101 — 11:30 am

(Line Dance — Beginner —  Barb & Ever)

A beginner-friendly dive into the true basics of line dancing. Perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a reset, this class explores how line dances work.  Think structure, phrasing, and the go-to steps you’ll see again and again on the dance floor!  We’ll move through a few absolute beginner dances, build spatial awareness, and focus on feeling comfortable dancing in a group.  No prior experience needed, just show up as you are!

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Beg/Imp Shadow — 11:30 am

(Shadow — Beginner-to-Improver —  Rob)

Learn the basics of sultry partnerless shadow dance.  No partner needed.

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Musicality — 2:45 pm

(Technique — Intermediate (by suitable for All Levels) —  Ingu w/ Rob)

Take your dancing to another level!   Musicality is about listening with intention to the music you’re dancing to, and dancing accordingly.  We’ll discuss how to listen to music, and practice adjusting your dance style and moves to what you are hearing.  Fluency with two-step and waltz recommended.

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Int/Adv Two-Step (SSQQ): “Leveraging Your Movement” — 4:00 pm

(Two-Step — Intermediate —  Jim)

Covering higher-level techniques involving leverage and spin movement redirection.

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Beg/Imp Night Club: “Easy Spins, Easy Connections” — 4:00 pm

(Night Club — Beginner/Improver —  Léo)

Focus: Staying connected and in sync through simple spins
Technique: Clear spin prep and release with grounded weight transfer

This class focuses on adding simple spin options in Nightclub Two-Step while keeping partners connected and moving together in sync. We’ll work on preparation, timing, and ease so spins feel smooth, repeatable, and ready for the dance floor.

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Beg/Imp Two-Step (QQSS) — 2:45 pm

(Two-Step — Beginner/Improver —  Levi)

• Understanding lead/follow roles (Verbal instruction)
• Understanding dance position (Verbal Instruction)
• Basic QQSS steps (start/slow down/stop)
• Basic Inside Turn / Basic Outside Turn
• Cuddle position
• Cuddle Switcheroo
• Sweetheart position
• Sweetheart Switcheroo

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Imp Two-Step (SSQQ): “Dance Like You Know What You’re Doing” — 1:30 pm

(Two-Step — Improver —  Lindsey)

Take your Two-Step to the next level!  This Improver class will cover fun, flashy, and straightforward moves to add to your repertoire — primarily out of the promenade.  No partner needed, good attitude required.

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SATURDAY

Two-Step 101 (SSQQ)—9:00 am

(Two-Step — Beginner —  Barb & Ever)

Aa beginner-friendly intro to the true basics of SSQQ two-step.  You’ll learn essential rhythm, timing, and patterns that help you move comfortably with a partner and navigate the dance floor with ease  No prior experience required!  Barb and Ever bring a dynamic mix of experience and energy: Barb as a longtime, beloved instructor, and Ever as an up-and-coming teacher with a playful, curious approach.  They’ve taught this class before and were lovingly one of the goofiest teaching duos around.  Come ready to move, laugh, and surprise yourself!

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Beg/Imp West Coast — 9:00 am

(West Coast — Beginner-to-Improver —  Igor)

Focus on basic moves and how to change them to make dancing more interesting and fun.

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Couples Turn Technique — 10:15 am

(Two-Step/Waltz — Improver —  Rob)

Focus on leading/following turns with balance, control, and smooth connection.  No partner needed.

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Int Two-Step (SSQQ) — 11:30 am

(Two-Step — Intermediate —  Klint)

Klint will teach on of these options: Role Swap Flip-Flop, Turn & Burn (But Make It Two-Step), or The Flirt Factor: Two-Step with Benefits.

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Beg Waltz — 11:30 am

(Waltz — Beginner —  Ingu)

This workshop assumes no previous experience with partner dancing.  We’ll focus on the basic waltz step and the connection between leader and follower, moving on to some basic turns as the basics are mastered.

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Shuffle — 1:30 pm

(Shuffle — Improver —  Jim )

Shuffle is an old-school “honky tonk” couples dance which really moves around the dance floor (and lives on in dance competitions called “Triple Two”), with roots in two-step and swing.  Don’t think “old school” means old music, there are a lot of shuffle-rhythm songs on the charts today.

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Beg East Coast Swing — 2:45 pm

(East Coast Swing — Beginner —  Klint)

Beginner-friendly fundamentals, covering basic moves, connection, and a few turns/variations.  (This will be double- or single-rhythm East Coast, rather than triple-rhythm.)

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Imp/Int Night Club: “Letting the Dance Breathe” — 2:45 pm

(Night Club — Improver/Intermediate —  Léo)

Focus: Smooth flow and expressive shaping
Technique: Controlled rotational energy through the center

This class explores ways to add more flow, shape, and expressive movement to Nightclub Two-Step through rotation and timing.  We’ll focus on transitions and movement quality that help patterns feel smoother and more expressive on the dance floor.

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Imp/Int Two-Step (QQSS) 1:30 pm

(Two-Step — Improver/Intermeidate —  Levi)

• Eggbeater
• Basket Whip
• The Pretzel
  

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SUNDAY

Imp Two-Step (SSQQ): “Side by Side” — 11:00 am

(Two-Step — Improver —  Jim)

There are all sorts of side-by-side “promenade” positions we can dance in, with different things you can do with each: you’ve probably danced in cape, cuddle, and skaters, but how about hammerlock, clothesline, bridal, and pretzel?  Let’s tie you into knots on the last day of the hoedown!

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Int Bachata: “Hammerlocks & Hip Rolls” — 11:00 am

(Bachata — Intermediate —  Léo)

Focus: Hip rolls and fluid movement
Technique: Weight shifts and body isolation for smooth hip action

This class focuses on hip rolls and fluid movement in Bachata, emphasizing grounded weight shifts and smooth body action that travels comfortably through partnership.  We’ll work on timing, flow, and connection so the movement feels musical and natural on the dance floor.

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Int Shadow — 12:15 pm

(Shadow — Intermediate —  Rob)

Add a whole bunch of fun moves to your repertoire.  No partner needed.

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Imp Lindy Hop — 12:15 pm

(Lindy Hop— Improver —  Spencer)