Square Dance Lessons
Square Dance LESSONS (Basic and Mainstream levels)
The first Mainstream (Level 1) Square Dance lesson will start on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The first two lessons are FREE (Sept. 21 & 28). October 5 through March 15, 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, Wayne Tauer. Enter Door #2.
See below for FAQ's. And see the lesson schedule below for locations in the future (the school hasn't confirmed the dates yet) since locations are not yet set.
Mainstream lessons (level 1) are Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Starting Monday, September 21)
Plus lessons (level 2) are Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Starting Monday, October 5))
Most lessons are at
Northdale Middle School cafeteria, (Door #2) Exceptions are in the lesson schedule below in red. (will be soon)
Location - Northdale Middle School Cafeteria. Enter Door #2
Lesson Schedule 2020 - 2021
"The alternate location for lessons is at "PCOM", Presbyterian Church of the Master, 789 Northdale Blvd NW in Coon Rapids.
The church is at the northeast corner of Northdale Blvd NW and Olive St NW. It is a 3 - 5 minute drive from the school location.
Grab the map above and look northwest, to see the church location.
Mainstream Lessons Begin at Northdale Middle School:
Sept. 21
Sept. 28
Oct. 5 at PCOM (Presbyterian Church of the Master) 789 Northdale Blvd NW (west of Foley Blvd) (?)
Oct. 12 at PCOM (Presbyterian Church of the Master) 789 Northdale Blvd NW (west of Foley Blvd) (?)
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov.9
Nov. 16
Nov. 23
Nov. 30
Dec. 7 Used Clothing Sale 6:30 - 8 p.m. (?)
Dec. 14
Jan. 4, 2021
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Feb. 1
Feb. 8 at PCOM (Presbyterian Church of the Master) 789 Northdale Blvd NW (west of Foley Blvd) (?)
Feb. 15
Feb. 22
March 1
March 8
March 15 Graduation
PLUS LEVEL (level 2) Square Dance Lessons
Plus lessons (2nd level of square dance) begin October 5, 2020 and go through March 8. 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 Wayne. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions by New Dancers
Our lessons start September 21, 2020. We recommend attending all lessons since steps are taught in sequence.
What is the cost of lessons?
The first two lessons are FREE (September 21 & 28, 2020). 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 80+. Our senior most dancer is 91. 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.
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, Wayne Tauer
Caller, Dean Libby
Big thank you to Dean Libby for being Hotfoot Stompers Caller for many years! Here is a poem from Dean:
