Lessons 2023 - 2024
WELCOME!
Square Dance Lessons
Mainstream and Plus
Please watch this page carefully for Lesson
DATES & LOCATIONS. Some locations may change.
(See calendar dates and locations below. Scroll down.)
If you have any questions, please write in to the Contact form at the bottom of the HOME page.
.The first Mainstream (Level 1) Square Dance lesson started on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The first two lessons (September 18 & 25, 2023) are FREE. October 2, 2023 through March 4, 2024 lessons cost $5 per adult. Students 17 & under are free.
Lessons are sequential (and they "build on each other") so it is important to attend as many of the weekly lessons as possible. This is a group activity with eight people in each square.
With a few exceptions, lessons are held at the Northdale Middle School cafeteria, 11301 Dogwood St.,
Coon Rapids, MN 55448 on Monday nights from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m with Caller, Dan Sahlstrom. Enter Door #2. PLUS level lessons are from 6 - 7 p.m. starting on October 2, 2023. Angels learn PLUS after initially graduating from Mainstream if they wish and are confident about their MS level dancing.
When the school is not available, we will dance at Faith Lutheran Church
11115 Hanson Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, 55433.
From Hanson Blvd --After turning into the church off 111th Ave NW, turn LEFT and go until you reach the parking lot.
(Park in the lot facing Hanson Blvd -- furthest lot to the west) Enter door #1 and walk down the hallway.
See the lesson schedule below for locations and dates.
Mainstream lessons (level 1) are Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Starting with the free lessons on Mondays, September 18th and 25th, 2023)
$5 per adult per lesson from October 2, 2023 - March 4, 2024
Plus lessons (level 2) are Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Starting Monday, October 2nd).
$2 each for all participants, including angels.
Most lessons are at Northdale Middle School cafeteria, (Door #2). Exceptions are in the lesson schedule below in red and will be at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids (Door #1). Scroll down and see the lesson schedule below.
Location - Northdale Middle School Cafeteria. Enter Door #2
See the lesson schedule below for changes in location.
Alternate Lesson Location - Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids
11115 Hanson Blvd NW Coon Rapids, 55433 (Hanson Blvd & 111th Ave NW)
Park in the lot facing Hanson Blvd NW and Enter door #1 .
Lesson Schedule 2023 - 2024
Mainstream Lessons begin at Northdale Middle School on MONDAYS:
Those dates listed in red will be at Faith Lutheran Church. 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)
MONDAYS:
Sept. 18, 2023 New dancers started for free from 7 - 9 p.m.
Sept. 25 New dancers second lesson free from 7 - 9 p.m.
Oct. 2 PLUS starts 6 - 7 p.m. / MS from 7 - 9 p.m.
Oct. 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30 (costumes optional)
Nov. 6
Nov. 13
Nov. 20
Nov. 27
Dec. 4
Dec. 11
Dec. 18
Jan. 8 PLUS from 6-7 p.m. / MS from 7 - 9 p.m.
Jan. 15
Jan. 22
Jan. 29
Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb.19
Feb. 26
March 4 Graduation
PLUS LEVEL (level 2) Square Dance Lessons
Plus lessons (2nd level of square dance) begin usually on the third lesson date of the year (October 2, 2023) and go through February 29, 2024. 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.
Angels (dancers who went through lessons and graduated) dance for free when dancing Mainstream level at lessons. It is recommended that you angel at Mainstream lessons to strengthen your MS steps. It will help you in MS and in PLUS.
Frequently Asked Questions by New Dancers
Our lessons start Monday, September 18, 2023. We recommend attending all lessons since steps are taught in sequence and build on each other.
What is the cost of lessons?
The first two lessons (September 18 & 25, 2023) 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 92. 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." It helps if you can hear and if you are a good listener.
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. Layering is also a good idea. You may become warm when dancing. 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 " or ND dance before going! Once you graduate from lessons, you can attend any Mainstream dance (MS) anywhere in the world. All are called in English.
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 by the angels. Bring your smile!
Caller, Dan Sahlstrom
Caller, Wayne Tauer
Wayne is still our caller for Daytimers though he retired from MS & Plus lesson teaching/calling. He may fill in at lessons when Dan Sahlstrom is out of town.
Caller, Dean Libby
