If you want to learn to do partnership dance yourself, find resources to improve your dance knowledge, or teach someone else, select the following links for valuable information:

• Basic patterns in social dancing,
  
• Defining partnershp dancing,
• Levels of dancing,
• Benefits of partnership dancing,
• Endorsements for the arts and dancing,
• Promoting partnership dancing, (including teaching it) and
• Additional helpful resources (in Mesa, Arizona, and on the Internet)
  
  This dance information has been developed as a collaborative effort with Larry Caves, my dance coach since 2005, the director for twenty-seven years of the enormously-successful ballroom dance program at Arizona State University, Tempe, a ballroom instructor for decades, and the coach of over a dozen leaders of the round dance movement. Personally I have been dancing for decades, taught round dancing in person for ten years as well as through written descriptions of how to dance in my books, and gleaned knowledge from many round dance teachers as well as other ballroom instructors.
  
  Building this website is a long-term project so, in time, links to referenced information will be available.
  
  

  Some information is located on other websites. To return to this site, select the Browser "back" button or use the "history" menu.

  
  

Basic Patterns in Social Dancing

Most people begin a journey in dancing via social dancing where the most common music played has what is known as 4/4 timing. Social Foxtrot, Single Swing, Rumba, and Cha Cha as well as other rhythms can all be danced to such music. The other common rhythm is Waltz which uses music in 3/4 timing (See Understanding Music Timing).

Social dancing usually starts with Social Foxtrot since every pattern uses four changes of weight, similar to walking, and every pattern begins with the same foot. Additionally, with knowledge of just one pattern in this one rhythm, dancers can participate in social dancing. As they gain confidence and become tired of a single pattern, they can add other patterns and then incorporate other rhythms. Dancing is a journey, and each person or partnership can choose how varied they want their dancing to be as well as whether or not, and how rapidly, to progress.

Each of the rhythms below includes basic concepts (timing, characteristic music, components, and positions) and several interchangeable basic patterns with beat-by-beat descriptions for Lead and Follow and (as they are added to the website) videos, footprints, and additional notes. Also see the tutorial for Mastering the Timing Pattern for Social Foxtrot and Single Swing which is an essential first step in learning to dance.

• Social Foxtrot
  
• Single Swing
• Waltz
• Rumba
• Cha Cha
  

In the descriptions for each pattern (figure) one can find the name as used in the classes we taught, the dance position, and a concise definition described for the Lead as is common for dance information.

In the pattern descriptions themselves, a step that changes weight is written in bold type. There are notes of what occurs between steps which are included in parentheses. Commas separate the counts, a semi-colon denotes the end of a measure (4 counts in one measure of 4/4 time), and a hyphen is used to indicate that the preceding step consumes a second beat where no additional change of weight is made and where there is no significant body action to explain. These punctuation conventions are standard when writing descriptions in round dancing.

Other helpful information:

• Dance Positions (two-hand hold, hip-to-hip, regular dance position, outside partner)
• Body Awareness of Walking Steps
• Understanding Music Timing
• Synchronizing Walking and Timing
• Basic Components and Princples
• Improving Leading and Following
• Social Dance Etiquette: Select "Dance Floor Rules" and "10 Commandments of Dance Floor Etiquette"
  

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Defining Partnership Dancing

Partnership dancing occurs as social dancing, ballroom dancing, and round dancing (which is also known as cued ballroom or choreographed ballroom dance). Each of these three interrelated aspects have connon elements and roots as well as unique contributions to the fabric of this beneficial pastime.

Essentially two people partner each other as they move together in time with music around a dance space. All aspects of partnership dance use rhythms and patterns common in modern ballrooms and club dancing situations, though descriptions and terminology often differ from place to place.

Social dancing depends upon the Lead creating choreography in real time for the pair. Ballroom dancing focuses on memorized routines for competition or performance. And round dancing (which is sometimes paired with square dancing) features dancers performing the same routine simultaneously which has previously been carefully choreographed to match the music and is cued so dances need not be memorized.

Consequently, round dancers concentrate on having fun and learning patterns or figures instead of leading on the fly or memorizing routines. They do need to learn names of figures (patterns) and acqure the skill of listening to a forthcoming cue while simultaneously performing the previous one. Other advantages are that they can

• enjoy a huge variety of dance rhythms and routines,
• profit from a carefully-structured curriculum where they are in charge of their own learning, and
• enjoy friendships locally, nationally and abroad, since the cuing is always done in English wherever in the world it is done.

Also, dancers select the level they wish to dance, the rhythms they desire to learn, the routines they wish to do at weekend festivals, and even the degree of technique they choose to exhibit as they dance.

See also:

• "Three Aspects of Partnerhip Dance: Social Dancing, Ballroom, Round Dancing," published in Leisure World AZ News, October 2023
• 30-second video, as well as a longer version, explaining round dancing
• Round dancing in action, showing dancers enjoying the activity as well as instructors from three continents
  
  and other articles about Walk In, Dance Out and/or Round Dancing published in the Leisure World AZ newspaper:

• September 2023: "You Can Learn to Dance; We Can Help"
• April 2023: "Walk In..., Dance Out"
• August 2022: "Forget the Nursing Home,... Die Dancing"

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Levels of Dancing

The basic patterns described here constitute Level 1 dancing which concentrates on the beat and the feet in dancing some common rhythms and gets dancers accustomed to moving in close proximity with someone else as well as going to social dance situations to enjoy dancing! When learning additional patterns, often the first goal is mastering the timing and where the feet go. This is generally the focus in most dance lessons.

The additional notes related to the patterns as well as links to other documents also provide suggestions for Level 2 dancing which focuses on how the entire body moves, with focus on the shoulders and the hips. The continuous dance movement actually occurs between the steps. The steps themselves are simply checkpoints in time as one changes weight from one foot to another. Such knowledge is also exremely helpful for leading and following. How the body moves varies from rhythm to rhythm to expresses the character of each rhythm as dancers attempt to visually depict the music as they dance, so a particular component (such as the Walk) can be done in various ways. Knowing such information can also lead to smoother and more enjoyable dancing.

An even higher level of dancing is available where dancers seek to understand three-dimensional patterns their bodies make through the dancing space. Much of this information has evolved over time and is very current. Even some professional dancers have not fully made the transition to 3-D dancing as seen in their competition routines. WDSF (World DanceSport Federation), which has been selected as the authority for world-class dancing for the Olympics, includes dancers who exhibit 3-D dancing, though there are other dance societies which also describe dancing figures and techniques and host ballroom competitions which are proponents of a more traditional style.

The level of dancing that individuals choose, including the authorities they prefer, is a personal matter; all levels are welcomed in the dance community.

One should also understand that dancing continues to evolve as dancers discover better ways to use their bodies so that their dancing is more natural, visually appealing, and more readily depicting of the music and character of the various rhythms. And dance instructors themselves are continually learning and attempting to discover better ways to describe how to dance so that their students can understand helpful concepts and apply them more rapidly.

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Benefits of Partnership Dancing

Cultures around the world have incorporated dance as a component which brings cohesion to the society. As the most ethnically-diverse nation on earth, the USA should promote partnership dance to develop an inclusive national culture which positively addresses many contemporary social ills. Not only is partnershp dance found around the world, but also it has roots from diverse cultures on four continents (Europe, Africa, Latin America, and North America).

At a time when people in the United States need:

• physical activity to counteract obesity and a sedentary lifestyle,
• continual learning opportunities to promote healthy brain functioning and lifelong learning,
• social interaction to combat isolation,
• a sense of community to overcome national divisiveness,
• a worthwhile purpose to balance self-centeredness,
• a healthy activity which provides discontinuous time to counteract the stresses of modern living, and
• a recognition of the value of both genders in creating a co-equal pardigm for society,

a common-sense antidote for all of these needs is dancing, and particularly partnership dancing, since it is the one dance form which two people can participate and which can be enjoyed from childhood through senior citizenship!

Check out:

• Benefits of Partnership Dancing
• National dances around the world
• Dance Quotes to Get Your Body Moving

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Endorsement for the Arts and Dancing

In 1994 the U.S. government passed Goals 2000 legislation which for the first time in its history, specified that the arts (dance, music, theatre, and visual arts) should be included in the curriculum so that all Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) students can become conversant in all four areas of the arts and a specialist in one. The goals were set by President Bush and the governors of all 50 states. This vision for the arts is a very worthy goal!

As part of this effort, national standards for the arts were developed for dance (primarily by dance educators specializing in ballet and modern dance). These standards "include concepts and skills related to movement and dance technique, improvisation and creating choreography, observing and analyzing dance, and understandig dance in the context of culture and history" but are silent on HOW TO TEACH DANCE.

Previously arts groups created International Dance Day (1982) which is also called World Dance Day, celebrated annually on April 29, and later the U.S. government established National Dance Day (2010), celebrated on the third Saturday in September each year. The goal of both is to focus on dance as a beneficial activity and make it accessible and inclusive to everyone.

Despite expired funding for Goals 2000, and with less than 10% of the nation's schools teaching even a modest amount of dance, the worthwhile vision described above remains inspirational unless individual citizens recognize the value of teaching dance and work collectively to learn to dance themselves and help others learn as well.

Many organizations do promote the arts in general and dance specifically:

• "Why the Arts Matter," National Endowment for the Arts, September 23, 2015
• Arts Action Fund Organization states "the arts are essential to the proper functioning of our society" and provides state-by-state factsheets on the impact of the arts on social issues
• Arts Education Partnership, a national network of more than 200 organizations dedicated to advancing arts education, published Dance Counts
• Arizona Commission on the Arts contends that "the arts are the heart of our national life" and provides resources for artists
• Arizona Citizens for the Arts profess that "Arizona's official education policy says the arts must be taught in our K-8 Schools."

Two major difficulties exist today in teaching dance: suficient personnel to teach dance to everyone and knowledge of what to teach which anyone can have ready access to. While organizations exist to help people learn to do partnership dance including dance studios, dance societies, and a few university programs, the sad fact remains that everyone does not have access to such resources with obvious impediments of both geographical and financial limitations.

Everyone has the ability to learn to dance and share what they know with their friends, relatives, and neighors. There have been individuals who have learned from observing others (in person or via the internet), and round dancing itself began with folks taking the initiative to teach what they know to others. Perhaps it is time to embrace an "each one teach one" philosophy again.

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Promoting Partnership Dancing

Learn to dance yourself. Hopefully you will also be motivated to learn new patterns (figures) and new rhythms. Recognize that learning to dance does take a lot of repetition and practice, and there is a constant experience of refinement to make the dancing smoother, easier, more intresting, and more fun. Even the most accomplished profesionals continue to seek coaching to improve their dancing.

Teach at least one other person what you know. The best way to learn something is to teach someone else. Don't wait until you know "everything," because no one does! If each one teaches one, collectively we can make great progress in helping others learn to dance, which in turn can help create a more wholesome and happy nation! Consult material on this website about basic patterns. Also find

• A WIDO Teaching Sequence
• Suggestions for advertising to recruit prospective students (modify them for your situation) including:
  • an article in the Leisure World AZ newspaper
  • a public service announcement (psa) sent to several local papers,
  • posters and flyers at many dance events,
  • email messages to known dance organizations and to local businesses (enclosing the flyer or poster), and
  • word of mouth, as people were encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors to a class.

Support local dance organizations by becoming members, attending their functions, promoting local leaders, and helping to recruit new students or members.

Be aware of beginning round dance classes in your area (the Roundalab site, Find an Instructor, lists locations; round dance instructors are encouraged to submit information for their classes!) and encourage folks you know to attend. Especially encourage younger folks. Volunteer to provide support for their attendance by babysitting their children, providing transportation, etc. In Mesa, Arizona, beginning lessons are posted in the Mesa Brochure (published in both the fall and spring) at gphurd.com.

If there is no beginning class nearby, discuss posibilities of beginning a class with an area cuer. Often classes have been organized when prospective dancers recruit a sufficient number of new students.

Join the dancer organization, the International Choreographed Ballroom Dance Asociation (ICBDA) and encourage others to do likewise. On the public home page left-hand menu select the link "Become a Member." This organization supports round dancing and hosts an annual convention. Members volunteer their time and talent to promote dancing. They also are the sponsor for Carousel clubs around the world which feature round dance teaching and practice for experienced dancers (phases 4-6). ICBDA, as a dancer organization for all levels of dancers and as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit U.S. corporation, welcomes contributions. Donations from IRA funds paid directly from the financial organization to ICBDA can even save on your annual income tax bill (it's a win-win situation!). There are also other worthwhile organizations, such as those listed above, which promote dancing and welcome new contributors.

Consider attending ICBDA's annual convention featuring sessions for newer dancers as well as experienced ones. New dances are taught by some of the movement's most accomplished teachers, and dancers can forge friendships with others and be inspired to increase their level of dancing. Information is available on ICBDA's public home page in the right-hand menu.

Attend other dance festivals which are designed as social as well as learning opportunities. ICBDA lists such opportunities on their website (on the member homepage, find "Upcoming Dance Events" under the heading "WHERE TO DANCE" on the right-hand menu (teachers and organizers are encouraged to list their events). Additionally, their quarterly newsletter lists such events.

Roundalab has also begun listing upcoming events on their website which are available to the general public. Select "Dances & Classes" in the blue menu bar. Roundalab members (teachers and cuers) are also encouraged to list their events (of round dancing as well as rounds paired with square dancing) and upload their flyers at this site.

Do something to dance yourself or promote a dance event on both International Dance Day, (also called World Dance Day) and National Dance Day.

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Additional Helpful Resources

Social Dancing in the Phoenix area:

• Merrymakers Ballroom Dance is a Mesa club offering weekly social dancing to live music for couples and singles at Las Palmas Grande from November through April. They list on their website not only their program with scheduled bands but also venues for other dancing opportunities in the Phoenix metro area with contact information (see AZ Dance Venues).
  
  
• Many of the residential communities, such as Leisure World, and RV (recreational vehicle) parks in Mesa as well as the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center host social dances on a weekly basis, often with live music.
  
  

Round Dancing in Mesa, Arizona:

Billed as the "Round Dance Capital of the World," there are over fifteen venues with large ballrooms offering round dance activities within a very compressed geography (thirteen miles west to east from Lindsay to Meridian and five miles north to south from Brown to Guadalupe) during the "dance season" from mid-October to mid-April. Dancers from around the country and abroad are drawn to this area to participate in the dance activity.

Most events feature hearing enhancement capability to assist dancers in hearing the music and/or cues.

• Mesa Brochure at gphurd.com lists contact information for area cuers for the dance season, weekly events, beginning lessons, and weekend festivals. The site also hosts the Mesa Area Photo Directory.
  
  
• A weekly schedule of round dancing is published by Lee Boyle listing specific dance routines to be taught or reviewed and often listing the programmed routines for party dances for those wishing to review ahead of attending. Dancers may also sign up to receive weekly email messages providing this information.
  
  
• The Shall We Round Dance Club in Leisure World invites area dancers to join their club.
  
  
• DEFINITIONS OF EVENTS:
  • "Workshop" - an event where a specific dance routine is taught and/or reviewed from a previous week. Generally there is also some programmed dancing to practice previously-taught routines.
    
    
  • "Review" or "Catchup" - an event where a specific dance routine is reviewed in its entirety consuming the entire session.
    
    
  • "Dance" or "Party Dance" - an event featuring programmed dancing of previously-taught routines. Often even dancers who know figures at a particular level can dance routines which they have not been taught. Also, most of the dances progrmmed are those most recently taught, so even newer dancers can enjoy most of the dancing at their preferred level in a relatively short period of time.
    
    
  • "Basic Technique" - a class which focuses on one or two rhythms, introducing and practicing the figures via "hash cuing" to gain much floor time (practice) with a new rhythm or a new level of figures. (Hash cuing provides practice to music of patterns taught, but it is not a choreographed routine.)
    
    
  • "Beginner's Class" - an event usually focusing on one rhythm which systematically teaches figures for non-dancers and/or those wishing to learn a new rhythm.
    
    
• SPECIAL FESTIVALS OR DANCES
  • * Dancing in the Desert Lite - a Phase 4 event typically held in combination with Dancing in the Desert
  • * Dancing in the Desert - a Phase 4-5-6 weekend, often the first weekend in January
  • * Cactus Capers - a Phase 4-5-6 weekend, typically the first weekend in February
  • * Mesa Magic Weekend - a Phase 2-3-4 weekend, often the first weekend in March
  • Sunday Dance Party - on designated dates, an event featuring Phase 3-4 and soft-5 dances
    
  • Combined Cuer Fun Dance - a dance featuring all area cuers for Phase 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 level dancers held at the end of the season.
    
    * Indicates that new dances are taught at these events. Often friends from out of state or out of country attend.

Internet Resources for Round Dancing

• Cuedballroomdance.com includes a video catalog of round dance routines, color coded by difficulty, with spreadsheets for many dance rhythms (rhythm selections are at the bottom of each spreadsheet). Selecting the name of a dance links to a cued demonstration of the routine via YouTube. Bookmarks can be inserted to repeat selected portions of the routine.
  
  
• ICBDA offers for members:
  • Videos of all dances taught or demo'd at their convention over the decades
  • Videos of clinics from various conventions which can be purchased
  • A Technical Dance Manual (written instructions) for phase 4-6 and unphased figures
  • Beginning dance manuals by Kaye West (formerly Anderson) including footprints for some basic figures in Waltz, Two-Step, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Argentine Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Mambo, and Jive
  • Links to other sites for teaching materials, some freely available and others requiring a subscription
  • ICBDA Clinic Notes from various conventions, indexed under HOW TO DANCE
  • Lists of popular dances (Hall of Fame and convention dances) with links to cue sheets
  • Links to cue sheet sources
  • A Facebook page (all are invited to "like" this page!)

  and for anyone in the world, Cold Feet II - a beginning manual featuring Waltz and Two-Step figures with footprints (available on ICBDA's left-hand menu of the public home page)

• Roundalab, the organization for round dance teachers and cuers, has the responsibility of standardizing cues and rating figures on behalf of the movement. Besides other services they offer to their members, the following are available to anyone on their website:

• Links to find an instructor or a round dance event (under "Dances & Classes")
• Pictures and descriptions for various positions used in round dance routines (under "General Information")
• Information about using equipment for round dancing (under "General Information: Technical Information")
• Videos of all phased figures (available by subscription under "Shop Roundalab")
• Roundalab Manuals describing all phased figures (available by subscription under "Shop Roundalab")
• Index of Rounds, a searchable database of routines choreographed for round dancing (under "Cue Sheets")
• Classic Dances, some with links to cue sheets (under "Cue Sheets")
• Abbreviations (under "Cue Sheets")
• Cue Sheet Writing Guidelines (under "Cue Sheets")

• Curt and Tammy Worlock offer Bootcamps twice a year (four days each on one specific rhythm). See a sample video at Dance Demos. They also have teaching subscriptions and online figure clinics. Check out their website including dance clips of dances at various rhythms!

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