Below is my definition of difficulty levels to help you decide which of my classes to attend. There are no established "rules," so this is based only on my experience as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer.

NOTE: Even though you may have been dancing elsewhere for quite some time, it may be difficult at first to transition into local classes if the dances being done are new to you. My suggestion is to do the walk-throughs with the class, and make note of any dances you want to review or practice at home (most instructors post their playlists, and mine are listed on my class pages). Do the new teaches along with all the other students, and within a few weeks you'll be all caught up.

• Introductory--for those with no experience. This level also is referred to as "basic," "AB" (absolute beginner), or "ultra beginner." There are multiple classes at this level throughout The Villages every week.
  

• Transitional (Beginner 1 and 2)--for those who have taken a basic class or who have some previous dance experience, and are familiar with all the basic steps (Yes, you read that correctly--our "beginner" classes are for people who ALREADY KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT LINE DANCING.) In a transitional class, you will do longer step patterns, more and different turns, and encounter different rhythms.
  

• Improver--for those who know the transitional steps well without having to see them demonstrated, and can do syncopated steps, several turns in sequence, and dances with odd phrasing (if you don't know what that means, you're not ready).
  

• Challenge/stretch--for those who have a good knowledge of all of the introductory, transititional, line dance steps, turns, and rhythms listed HERE, but who need more experience and confidence.
  

• Intermediate/Advanced--for those who regularly do longer/more difficult dances with many turns and intricate step patterns, unusual timing, angles, and multiple tags/restarts. Choreography at this level contains the full spectrum of patterns in any combination, and will embrace all tempos and rhythms. Although they can be very short, advanced routines are likely to include complex dance moves, a range of turns and direction changes, and many step patterns, all of which require good technique and coordination.
  

When to "move up"

This is a personal choice--there is no rule stating that students must continue to attempt harder dances. If you reach a level and a class and a time and location with an instructor that suit you, stay there!

In my experience, the students who have the most difficulty making the transition to intermediate level did not spend adequate time learning at the easier levels. They are not prepared for more difficult dances, and struggle to become dancers instead of followers. You should be able to visualize most steps and combinations your instructor describes without having to see them. Look carefully at the step lists above, AND ASSESS YOUR ABILITY TO DO THEM ALL EASILY AND SMOOTHLY before you attempt to move up. IF AND WHEN you decide you want more challenging classes, they are available to you.

A note to our seasonal residents

We are happy to have you join us in any class. We know you understand that we dance together all year, and cannot reteach dances that we know well already. We will slow down our reviews and do what we can to accommodate you, because we want your dancing experience in The Villages to be enjoyable. Just do what you can, keep smiling, and pick up the new dances along with everyone else.

I hope you will check this website frequently while you are away if you want to keep up with what we are doing. Also, you are welcome to write to tell me what you're doing in your other classes. I will be happy to review the dances to see if they're appropriate for my classes here so that you will know some when you return.