Magic Shoes

by Diana Journot

"Magic Shoes" by Diana Journot is a copy of a flyer available at the KC Swing Dance Club. Since the flyer was first done there have been some minor changes in schedule, but very few.

Any typos are mine (Mike Strong). KCDance .com, email

Magic shoes, (like Dorothy of Oz) enabling us to become excellent dancers instantly, is a secret wish we all possess. In reality most of us can only become excellent dancers through practice, practice, practice and patience, patience, patience. (And give me the patience .... right now!).

KCSDC's main function is to help each of you become an excellent dancer. To that end, classes are set up for a step by step (pardon the pun) program on learning. Each series of four classes begin the first Sunday and/or first Wednesday of each month.

Sunday 1 p.m. and/or Wednesday 7 p.m.

Beginning Six-Count Class is designed to give you a firm foundation. Participants should attend all four classes at least once, with lots and lots of practice in between.

Sunday 2 p.m. and/or Wednesday 8 p.m.

After completing ... and comprehending the four Six-Count Classes, (with lots and lots of practice), comes four classes of Eight Count with lots more practice. Without these basic patterns, there is nothing on which to build. Take your time. Be patient with yourself. Get comfortable with basic six and eight count before going on to the next classes. Most "better dancers" take these basic classes over and over to sharpen and refine their skills. If you have any doubts about whether you are ready to go on to the next series of classes, ask our fine instructor Toi Shaw, Bill Posladek or Paula Marie to help you decide.

Sunday 3:30 p.m. and/or Wednesday 9 p.m.

Now you are ready for Beyond Basics classes. With your solid foundation of basic six and eight count you are ready to learn some frills. Intermediate patterns, basic spin techniques, rhythm variations, basic syncopation, hammer lock, and neck wraps are taught. Again, there are four consecutive classes, requiring lots of practice, patience and repetition. But ... look how far you have come!!! It is recommended that this series of classes be repeated until the patterns and techniques become familiar. It is not unusual for a dedicated student to spend a year getting to this point.

Sunday 4:30 p.m.

This class series is called Advance Dance Concepts (ADC). As the name implies, advanced patterns, spin patterns, and syncopation are taught, as well as double resistance, lead/follow, Cuban motion, and on and on. Now, you own magic shoes.