Social Dance & The Marriage Vocation

Date – Time

January 13, 2024 – 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Additional Information

Social Dance          

&

The Marriage Vocation

 

 

Ballroom Dance Lessons in The Nelson MethodTM

Paired with Catechesis on Holy Matrimony

For Married & Single Men and Women* 

 

Course Instructors: Dr. & Mrs. Foster Lerner, members of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, trained by Dr. Nelson in his unique approach to social ballroom dance instruction (see course description below). 

Dates: Saturdays, lessons 4-6 pm (followed by optional potluck dinner) on November 4, 11, 18, and January 13, 20, 27

Location: Dance lessons at St. Peter Claver Hall; Babysitting provided on-site in the parish classrooms

Cost: Cash payment due at first lesson for the whole 6 week series. The fee will cover the cost of babysitting, materials, and the hall. Any profits will be donated to the St. Joseph the Worker Building Fund. 

  • Married Couple - $60
  • Single* - $40
  • Youth (12-17)* - $25 

* NB All participants must attend the series with a partner of the opposite sex.

Attendance: Participants are expected to attend all 6 sessions  because the classes are cumulative in nature. Exceptions will be made in cases of sickness, family emergencies, etc. Attendance is required so that everyone can learn at the same pace and not fall unduly behind.  

Limit: 20 couples (need not be romantic couples) - Sign up to reserve your spot ASAP! Registration open until October 31st 

Dress Code: Follow the Vatican rules for modest dress

  • Men: slacks and collared shirt (polo is acceptable)
  • Women: skirt and blouse or dress
  • All: shoulders and knees must be covered; necklines must be modest; no transparent or skin-tight clothing
  • Shoes: smooth soled shoes with backing; no flip flops, no sneakers

Class Format: We will begin with a 45 minute dance lesson, followed by approximately 30 minutes of catechesis and theological discussion on Holy Matrimony, building upon the principles underpinning social dance which serves as an apt metaphor for marriage as well as the Christian life in general. Theological topics will be based upon relevant passages from Sacred Scripture, elucidated by Sacred Tradition and Magisterial teaching. The lesson will then conclude with 45 minutes for practice and review of the lesson, in keeping with Dr. Nelson's insistence on the importance of "practicing beyond proficiency." 

Course Description
This six week series is based on Dr. J.M. Nelson's Ballroom Basics course, which provides a foundation for all social ballroom dances. Everything you will ever need to know about partner dance can be derived from what you learn in Lessons 1 and 2. Ballroom Basics builds confidence for dancing to any music encountered in our culture, provides variety sufficient to avoid boredom on the dance floor, prepares you to go beyond the basics in Foxtrot, Rumba, and Waltz, and it prepares you to learn other dance styles efficiently and easily. Students enrolled in Ballroom Basics will be provided a detailed class outline and suggested practice activities.

Lesson 1 (Nov 4) - Stepping to the music. If you can't do it independently, you can't do it with a dance partner.
Lesson 2 (Nov 11) - Principles of partner dancing. Progressing from dancing independently to dancing with a partner.
Lesson 3 (Nov 18) - Linear variations, movements that add variety without much complexity.
Lesson 4 (Jan 13) - Breaks, adding a little "spice."
Lesson 5 (Jan 20) - Underarm turns, movements that add a bit of spin.
Lesson 6 (Jan 27) - Sequencing and styling. Sequencing variations and adapting movements to traditional dance styles for Foxtrot, Rumba, and Waltz.

Who needs Ballroom Basics?
Absolute beginners who want the best start in partner dancing.
Experienced dancers who know more about steps than they do about dance.
Dancers who can’t explain their every move on the dance floor.
Dancers who are never sure who missed a lead.
Leaders whose partners are not gushing with gratitude.
Followers who wonder why a good leader rarely comes back.
Dancers who occasionally bump others on the dance floor.
Dancers who regularly try to avoid stepping on others or getting stepped on.

Class Design

Ballroom Basics is comparable to traditional courses in Foxtrot, Rumba, and Waltz. It differs in that it consolidates common elements in the initial lessons. This increases efficiency and reduces anxiety. Thus, lessons 1 - 6 cover up to 18 weeks of traditional studio instruction by:

Consolidating common elements in ballroom dance.
Structuring content so that students are not overwhelmed.
Emphasizing opportunities for learning transfer.
Providing materials for independent study.
Prescribing activities in preparation for subsequent classes.

*** Save the Date! Our Candlemas Ball will be held on February 1, 2024!

A perfect opportunity to put your new dance skills into practice. ***

Signups

Signup is currently closed.

The Signup Deadline for this event was 10/31/2023 – 12:00 AM CST

Email the Event Coordinator – lernerdomestic@gmail.com

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