Rec department classes are free and open to residents and guests only. No pre-registration is required to attend any ongoing class, but during the season (January through April) you may want to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to ensure that you can get in. Residents have priority when space is limited, so if you have guests, they may be asked to wait until residents have gone in before they are admitted, and there may not be room.
Currently, all classes are under restricted attendance limits, and students are requested to wear masks when entering and leaving, although they are optional in class.
For all classes, wear comfortable clothes and shoes or sandals with backs or straps. If you're used to dancing in heels, they are fine, but they also should have a back.
Despite what you may see on the squares, flip-flops are NOT appropriate footwear for dancing, and some instructors will ask you to leave a class if they notice you are wearing them.
Which shoes are best?
If you prefer to wear street shoes and your feet are in good condition, look for any comfortable shoes with real leather soles. Laces or a strap across the instep will keep them securely on your feet (laugh if you will, but I've seen shoes go flying during energetic dancing).
For added support, look through your closet for the oldest, most comfortable pair of athletic shoes you have. Check for the smoothest sole--the deep tread patterns on some of the newer shoes may be fine for basketball and tennis, but you don't want your shoes to grip when you're dancing.
You do want cushioning and support--I use gel pads and arch supports.
When you're starting out, you will not be doing fancy turns and spins. Nonetheless, you should be able to move smoothly on the floor. Some people cut 2-3 inches off the tops (not the toes) of an old pair of socks, then slip these over their shoes at the ball of the foot, leaving the toe exposed for stopping. It may take a little time to get used to the different feel. Some instructors (including me) also sell specially-made "foot tubes" with elastic that serve the same purpose. I order them for Peter and me anyway and they come in lots of two dozen. These aren't strictly necessary if you are dancing at the beginner level, but they can be a big help as you progress--just remember to take them off before you walk outside.
Leave the perfume at home
We prefer to keep all line dance classes "fragrance free zones" in consideration of those with multiple chemical sensitivity, and ask that everyone PLEASE refrain from wearing scented personal care products--fellas, that includes aftershave.
Cellphone courtesy
Also, please turn your phone off or to the vibrate setting so you do not distract your instructors or fellow students. If you are waiting for an important call and need to keep your phone on, answer quickly and leave the room to conduct your conversation.
And now, a word from "Mr. Personality," professional instructor and choreographer John Robinson, with some suggestions to help you grow as a dancer:
