Lessons 2022 - 2023
Square Dance Lessons
Mainstream and Plus
The first Mainstream (Level 1) Square Dance lesson will start on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The first two lessons (September 19 & 26, 2022) are FREE. October 3, 2022 through March 20, 2023 lessons cost $5 per adult. Students 17 & under are free.
Angels (returning dancers) are free.
With a few exceptions, lessons are held at the Northdale Middle School cafeteria, 11301 Dogwood St.,
Coon Rapids, MN every Monday night from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m with Caller, Dan Sahlstrom. Enter Door #2.
See below for FAQ's. And see the lesson schedule below for locations in the future (there may be a change in location).
Mainstream lessons (level 1) are Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Plus lessons (level 2) are Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Starting Monday, October 3rd)
Most lessons are at
Northdale Middle School cafeteria, (Door #2) Exceptions are in the lesson schedule below in red.
Location - Northdale Middle School Cafeteria. Enter Door #2
Alternate Lesson Location - Presbyterian Church of the Master
Lesson Schedule 2022 - 2023
Mainstream Lessons Begin at Northdale Middle School on MONDAYS:
Location changes are still possible. Those dates listed in red may be at PCOM. Those in black will be at Northdale Middle School.
To see a list of steps that will be taught and their definitions, go to the bottom of the LINKS page. (These are from the Basic and Mainstream lists)
Sept. 19, 2022 FREE FOR ALL
Sept. 26 FREE FOR ALL
Oct. 3 PLUS starts 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 10
Oct. 17
Oct. 24
Oct. 31
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28
Dec. 5
Dec. 12
Jan. 2, 2023 PLUS IS BACK! 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 9
Jan. 16
Jan. 23
Jan. 30
Feb. 6
Feb. 13
Feb. 20
Feb. 27
March 6
March 13
March 20 Graduation - Hotfoot Potluck 6 p.m. (No Plus Lesson)
PLUS LEVEL (level 2) Square Dance Lessons
Plus lessons (2nd level of square dance) begin usually on the third lesson date of the year and go through March 13th. Plus students should be comfortable dancing all the Basic and Mainstream calls and have graduated from Mainstream.
Plus Lessons are held from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (before the Mainstream lessons), and cost $2 per person, even if you consider yourself an angel.
Pay the $2 at the table in front of Dan. We will use tagging in to the square (when you're squared up) for those who are not in a square.
It's a way to take turns. If you've tagged out, tag in the next time the dancers are squared up at "home".
Frequently Asked Questions by New Dancers
Our lessons start September 19, 2022. We recommend attending all lessons since steps are taught in sequence.
What is the cost of lessons?
The first two lessons (September 19 & 26, 2022) are FREE . After that, October through March lessons are $5 per adult. Students 17 & under are free.
Do I need a partner?
No, you do not need a partner. Singles and couples are most welcome at the Hotfoot Stompers club. Angels (veteran dancers) will dance with new dancers to help them at lessons. Everyone dances in a square with 7 other people.
Can I bring other people with me?
Yes! Please bring friends, neighbors, co-workers, and relatives in September to lessons. Everyone is welcome.
How old should someone be to start dancing?
We have a range in ages of dancers from 7 years old to 90+. Our senior most dancer is 93. As our long-time caller (teacher), Dean Libby said, "As long as you know your right from your left and can walk to the beat of the music, you can square dance."
Is square dancing competitive?
No, not at all. Square dancing is purely for fun. People square dance for a variety of reasons including for exercise, to meet new people, and to learn something new.
What do I wear?
The dress for lessons is casual. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. We only wear square dance attire for dances and demonstrations. We have a used clothing sale every year where you can purchase square dance clothes if you desire. There are also square dance shops (see the Links page for more information).
When can I go to my first square dance?
New dancer dances are offered starting in January. Make sure to check if the dance is a new dancer dance before going! Once you graduate from lessons, you can attend any Mainstream dance anywhere in the world.
How many levels of square dancing are there?
Level 1 is called Mainstream. The next level is called Plus, then Advanced 1, Advanced 2, Challenge: C1, C2, C3A, C3B and C4. Square dancers finish one level before going onto the next, and since square dance is just for fun, some people learn Advanced while others prefer just to learn Mainstream. It is not a competition and only you will be able to judge which level you are comfortable learning.
Light refreshments are provided. Bring your smile!
Caller, Dan Sahlstrom
Caller, Wayne Tauer
Caller, Dean Libby
