Get Ready to Dance
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Partner Dancing
We usually have beginning two-step lessons, so even if you've never danced before, we can get you going with the basics. We try to keep our lessons casual and with no pressure.
You do not need to bring a partner. Our instructors rotate partners frequently, so even if you come with a specific partner, you'll have the opportunity to dance with different folks during the course of a lesson. (Switching partners is optional.)
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Dance Floor Etiquette
The most fun thing about dancing to country music is the variety of dance styles. Some types of dances include two-step, west coast swing, waltz, east coast swing and line dancing.
We like to practice safety first at Stomptown! This means that we follow the line of dance. When dancing a two-step, dancers will move in a counter clockwise circle around the dance floor. Fast dancers will stay on the outside and slow dancers will stay towards the middle of the dance floor.
If multiple types of dance are occurring at the same time, stationary partner dancing and line dancing happen in the middle of the dance floor & moving partner dances remain on the outer rings.
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Line Dancing
A majority of line dances played at Stomptown are beginner friendly and do not require a partner! If you want to learn a dance in the moment, jump in and try a wall!
FAQs
When should I arrive?
Stomptown starts the lesson at 7pm. Anyone can show up at any time during the social dance, but for the best experience it's best to arrive at 6:50pm and be ready to go at the start of the lesson.
Do I have to bring a partner?
Definitely not! This is social dancing for our community.
What should I wear? What kind of shoes do I need?
Come ready to dance in anything that makes you comfortable. Fancy is fun, stretchy pants are comfy and bandanas make a great fashion statement.
The dance styles we do are best done in slick-soled shoes. Leather soles are wonderful and will be physically easier for most people. Rubber soled shoes are not recommended.
Do I lead or follow?
You don't have to pick, it's totally cool to be bi-danceable or ambi-dance-trious or, you know, just experimenting.
During the lessons, it's best to pick one and stay with it for the entire lesson, to help with the flow of the class. During the social dance you can certainly switch it up! Most experienced dancers in our community both lead and follow, even if they prefer one over the other.
It's respectful to ask, even if you've seen someone dancing another role earlier in the evening.
If you only feel comfortable in dancing one role, say so upfront.
How do I ask someone to dance?
Saying, "Would you like to dance?" is a great way to ask. It’s great to practice the follow-up question of “Do you lead or follow?”
Another example: If you want to follow the next dance, you could ask someone “Would you like to lead the next dance?” This makes your expectations of dance rolls clear and allows for a clear response from your potential dance partner.
How do I say no to a dance?
"No" or "No thanks" is a great answer, and is all you need to say.
If there is a specific reason for your no, and you'd like this person to ask you again, you can add that information- "I don't know how to swing, but you could ask me for the next two-step?" or "I'm going to take a break right now, but I'll come ask you or you can ask me a little later" or "This song is too fast, maybe the next song?"
If someone tells you No. Respect the decision and ask someone else.
No one is obliged to dance with you just because you ask. However, if you choose to say no, it is customary to sit out the rest of the dance.
The importance of consent.
Our Values
Stomptown is a queer dance community. We build our community through our shared love of dance and the joy it brings to all of us. Above all other things we strive to ensure that this space is safe for any and all who choose to join us in community. You are welcome regardless of your gender/gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, employment status or sexual orientation.
Don't use racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist language. Respect pronouns.
Consent
When joining into a partner dance it is important to always be modeling consent. As such, before making any physical contact, and if space allows before entering someone's personal space even, seek, and receive, specific positive consent to dance with them. Keep in mind that each individual dance, that is each song danced to, should have its own consent negotiation. Remember that someone can revoke consent at any time for any reason and if they agree to one dance that does not imply or mean that they have consent to any other dances or activities. Making Stomptown a safe space means that it has to be safe to say no so please handle rejection with the grace, gentleness, and style to which we all aspire to and fight for.
Red Wristbands
Stomptown provides red wristbands as an additional visual marker. If someone is wearing a red wristband this means that they have chosen not to engage in open social dancing and wishe to only dance by themselves or their predesignated chosen partners. Please respect this boundary and do not approach them to ask for a dance.
Physical Boundaries
When engaging in a partner dance you should expect some amount of physical contact with your dance partner. Our dances should not involve contact outside of specific areas. This should include and be limited to the hands, arms, front and back of the shoulders, and occasionally the hips. As always your body is your own and please feel confident and empowered to tell your partner if you do not want to be touched in a particular way. Not everyone can perform every move you might want to do in a particular dance and if you're asked not to do a thing or touch a place please respect the wishes of your partner.
Dancing can be very intimate, both with our dance partners and in our relationship to our own bodies. Many Queer and Trans folk have long tried to hide or blend in by now owning space in their bodies or feeling connected to their bodies. Dancing has been for many a first opportunity to really celebrate their body as is. This can bring up a lot of different feelings and we at Stomptown are committed to keeping this space safe for people's myriad of emotional experiences as they join this community.
Event Policies
Please be aware that we may be taking pictures or recording video at our dance events. Your picture may be taken and used for future marketing and promotional purposes.