Welcome to the blog for Introduction to International Dance.

This is where you can find the current information on the class and International Dance.

We use the term International Dance for the class because it not only covers traditional folk dance but also covers some of the more modern urban ethnic dances currently being done around the world.

Many of the traditions we are teaching are still alive and vibrant both in the countries of origin and in the diaspora of peoples around the world.

So at our class you can expect to see a dance from Serbia, U'Sest, or a dance done by the Serbians of Sacramento, Sa Sa.

This is an Introductory Class. The general format for the class is to dance a few of the easier dances that need little to no review. Then we teach one to two new dances, and continue working on a harder dance. Followed by a quick review of some of the dances taught in the past, especially any requests of favorites.

Dance Etiquette

Remember when dancing as in the rest of your life the golden rule, do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

We cover two main types of dancing in class: couples dances and the more communal line dances.

Line Dance

Line Dances are the dances done in a line or circle of dancers holding hands in a chain. There are a few basic rules to line dancing to make the dancing more fun and comfortable for everyone.

1. Be aware of the direction a dance moves and who is leading the dance.
2. Do not join at the head of the line unless invited; instead join at the trailing end.
3. Observe the hand-hold used by the rest of the line, the floating hand when everyone else is down, or down when everyone else is up, may annoy the people dancing with you.
4. Support you own weight, hold up your hands, so you don't drag down on your neighbors.
5. Do not squeeze your neighbor's hand; instead provide a good firm hook connection.
6. Keep up with the person on the side to which the dance is moving. Most of the line dances we do move mainly to the right but a few do move to the left.
7. If you drop hands in a dance, as when turning, reconnect with the person in front of you and leave your other hand in a position for reconnection that is convenient for the person behind you.