Lessons 2021 - 2022
Square Dance Lessons
Mainstream and Plus
The first Mainstream (Level 1) Square Dance lesson will start on Monday, September 20, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The first two lessons (September 20 & 27, 2021) are FREE. October 4, 2021 through March 21, 2022 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).
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. (Usually start Monday, October 4th)
Most lessons are at
Northdale Middle School cafeteria, (Door #2) Exceptions are in the lesson schedule below in red. We are still
getting word from the school as to our lesson dates so DO check back in September for a more accurate list.
Location - Northdale Middle School Cafeteria. Enter Door #2
Alternate Lesson Location - Presbyterian Church of the Master
Lesson Schedule 2021 - 2022
"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 on MONDAYS:
Location changes are still possible. Keep watching here in September to check on the locations. Those dates listed in red are at PCOM. Those in black will be at Northdale Middle School.
Sept. 20 FREE FOR ALL
Sept. 27 FREE FOR ALL
Oct. 4 LOCATION CHANGE to PCOM PLUS starts 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 11 LOCATION CHANGE to PCOM
Oct. 18 LOCATION CHANGE to PCOM
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 22
Nov. 29
Dec. 6
Dec. 13
Jan. 3, 2022
Jan. 10
Jan. 17
Jan. 24
Jan. 31
Feb. 7
Feb. 14
Feb. 21
Feb. 28
March 7
March 14
March 21 Graduation
PLUS LEVEL (level 2) Square Dance Lessons
Plus lessons (2nd level of square dance) begin usually on the third lessons of the year and go through March 14th. 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 20, 2021, if the school and state allow. We recommend attending all lessons since steps are taught in sequence.
What is the cost of lessons?
The first two lessons (September 20 & 27, 2021) 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 80+. 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."
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, Wayne Tauer
Caller, Dean Libby
