Contents of this Page

The First Year: Newcomer and Intermediate Classes
Where to Next?
      Non-syllabus Classes
      Formation Team Dancing
      International Style
Pre-bronze Classes
Bronze Classes
Silver Classes
Gold Classes
Medal Classes

The First Year: Newcomer and Intermediate Classes

Newcomer I

Prerequisite: None

This is a beginner-level course for those with little or no previous experience in ballroom dancing. Following is a list of the dances and steps that will be taught in the Newcomer I class. Other steps and dances may be added at the discretion of the instructor. On completion of Newcomer I, you are eligible to proceed to Newcomer II.

Social Foxtrot	Forward Basic; Check Step (& turning left); Promenade Basic; Side Basic.
Waltz	Progressive Basic (Closed Changes); Basic Box; Zigzag (outside partner); Lady’s Underarm Turn.
Tango	Walk; Rock Turn; Back Corté
Jive (single rhythm)	Fallaway Rock; Change of Places Right to Left; Change of Places Left to Right; Basic in Open Position; Link.
Rumba	Basic; New York; Solo Spot Turns (to Left and Right).
Cha Cha	Basic; New York; Solo Spot Turns (to Left and Right).

Newcomer II

Prerequisite: Newcomer I

This course is a continuation of Newcomer I and builds on the basic steps and skills taught in that course. On completion of Newcomer II the student will be eligible to attend Intermediate. The following dances and steps will be taught in the Newcomer II class. Other steps and dances may be added at the discretion of the instructor.

Social Foxtrot	Review Newcomer I; Quarter Turns (Forward and Back Basics); Promenade with Lady's Underarm Turn Right.
Waltz	Review Newcomer I; Left Box Turn; Right Box Turn.
Tango	Review Newcomer I; Progressive Link; Closed Promenade.
Jive (single rhythm)	Review Newcomer I; Fallaway Throwaway; Change of Hands Behind the Back.
Rumba	Review Newcomer I; Shoulder to Shoulder; Lady’s Underarm Turns.
Cha Cha	Review Newcomer I; Shoulder to Shoulder; Lady’s Underarm Turns.
Samba	Reverse Basic; Natural Basic; Rhythm Bounce; Whisks; Progressive Basic.

Intermediate

Prerequisite: Newcomer II

Social Foxtrot	Review Newcomer II; Progressive Basic (Closed Changes); Box; Box Turning Left; Box Turning Right; Lady’s Underarm Turn; Zigzag (Outside Partner)
Waltz	Review Newcomer II; Basic Amalgamation
Tango	Review Newcomer II; Progressive Side Step; Open Reverse Turn Lady Outside
Quickstep	Quarter Turn to the Right; Progressive Chassé; Natural Turn
Jive (triple rhythm)	Newcomer I and II steps converted to Triple Rhythm
Rumba	Review Newcomer II; Hand to Hand
Cha Cha	Review Newcomer II; Hand to Hand
Samba	Review Newcomer II; Samba Walks in Promenade; Side Samba Walk; Travelling Voltas Left & Right

Where to Next?

After completion of Newcomer I, II, and Intermediate, students are eligible to continue in the International Stream which starts at the Pre-Bronze level and progresses through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels – please see the description that follows.

Non-syllabus Classes

If you just want less structure you might want to consider one of the non-syllabus classes being offered in the current term.

These may include any of the following: Line Dances, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and others – please check the term schedule. These classes may not have any prerequisites.

Formation Team Dancing

After Pre-Bronze III consider Formation Team Dancing. This is a two or three term commitment of an evenly balanced class (male/female) which incorporates steps from two or three different dances into a choreographed production number.

1. Participants must be prepared to dance with numerous partners.
2. Participants must be prepared to participate in demonstrations at VBDS dances and possibly other events towards the end of the final term
3. Participants must be prepared to purchase a simple costume (blouse/shirt, skirt/pants).

Prerequisite: completion of Pre-Bronze 3

Class membership will be limited to the first ten females and ten males, plus one alternate of each gender.

International Style

The International style of ballroom dancing constitutes two distinct streams in our Society: the Standard stream, which focuses on Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz, and the Latin stream, which focuses on Jive, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Paso Doble. The student should note that each level of classes in the International style from above Pre-Bronze is taught over the three terms from September to July, with instruction in each term building on what was taught the previous term. Entry to Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels will normally be permitted only in September. The International style may be entered upon completion of Intermediate. Note that in order to satisfy the prerequisite given for a particular higher-level International class, all three terms of the listed prerequisite must have been completed (e.g. a student wishing to enter Silver Latin must have completed three progressive terms of Bronze Latin). With the permission of an instructor however, a student may enter any level deemed appropriate.

Pre-Bronze Classes

Pre-Bronze I is the first part of a three-term introduction to the study of International technique in nine of the ten dances that form the International curriculum: Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive. In addition to steps, students will learn about the timing, posture, rhythm, footwork, connections, and ambience of each dance. On completion of each section of Pre-Bronze the student will be eligible for the higher level.

Completion of Pre-Bronze Latin and/or Standard I, II, & III makes you eligible for Bronze Latin and/or Standard.

Pre-Bronze Standard I

Prerequisite: Intermediate

Slow Foxtrot (International)	Feather Step; Three Step.
Waltz	Hesitation Change; Outside Change.
Quickstep	Review Intermediate Steps; Forward Lock; Natural Turn with Hesitation; Chassé Reverse Turn.
Tango	Review Intermediate Steps; Progressive Side Step Reverse Turn.

Pre-Bronze Latin I

Prerequisite: Intermediate

Rumba	Review Intermediate; Progressive Walks Forward (side by side).
Cha Cha	Review Intermediate; Three Cha Cha Chas Forward (side by side).
Jive	Review Intermediate; Change of Places R to L and L to R with Change of Hands.
Samba	Review Intermediate; Whisks with Lady's Underarm Turns; Stationary Walks.
Paso Doble	Basic Movement; Sur Place; Chassé to Right & Left; Promenade Link; Drag; Attack.

Pre-Bronze Standard II

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze Standard I

Slow Foxtrot (International)	Review PB I; Natural Turn; Reverse Turn.
Waltz	Review PB I; Whisk and Chassé ; Chassé from Promenade; Natural Spin Turn.
Quickstep	Review PB I; Natural Spin Turn.
Tango	Review PB I; Open Reverse Turn, Lady in Line.

Pre-Bronze Latin II

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze Latin I

Rumba	Review PB I; Open Basic; Progressive Walks (Forward & Back, Closed or Open); Open Basic.
Cha Cha	Review PB I; Open Basic; Three Cha Cha Chas (Forward & Back, Closed or Open).
Jive	Review PB I; Hip Bump/Shoulder Shove.
Samba	Review PB I; Criss Cross Bota Fogos.
Paso Doble	Separation; Separation with Lady's Caping Walks.

Pre-Bronze Standard III

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze Standard II

Slow Foxtrot (International)	Review PB II; Closed Impetus & Feather Finish.
Waltz	Review PB II; Closed Impetus; Progressive Chassé to the Right; Back Lock.
Quickstep	Review PB II; Progressive Chassé to the Right; Back Lock; Closed Impetus.
Tango	Review PB II; Progressive Link; Open Promenade (with rock outside partner & closed finish).

Pre-Bronze Latin III

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze Latin II

Rumba	Review PB II; Side Steps to Left & Right; Cuban Rocks; Cucarachas.
Cha Cha	Review PB II; Side Steps to L and R; There And Back; Time Steps.
Jive	Review PB II; American Spin; Stop & Go.
Samba	Review PB II; Natural Basic (outside partner); Travelling Bota Fogo Fwd.
Paso Doble	Review PB II; Écart (Fallaway Whisk); Promenade Close; Promenade (optional); Huit (optional).

Bronze Classes

Bronze Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze III Standard

This course is designed for those who have at least six terms of ballroom dance background (usually Newcomer I, II, Intermediate, Pre Bronze I, II, and III). It introduces a progression of steps in Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, and is a prerequisite for the higher-level Silver I Standard course. The focus is on learning steps at the Bronze level, but the class will also emphasize styling, alignment, flow and character of each dance.

Bronze Latin (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Pre-Bronze III Latin

This course is designed for those who have at least six terms of ballroom dance background (usually Newcomer I, II, Intermediate, Pre-Bronze I, II, and III). It introduces a progression of steps in Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble, and is a prerequisite for the higher-level Silver I Latin course. The focus is on learning steps at the Bronze level, but the class will also emphasize styling, Latin movement, and the feeling and character of each dance.

Silver Classes

Silver I Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Bronze Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

This course is designed for those who have a significant background in ballroom dance and is a prerequisite for Silver II. It introduces a progression of steps in Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, and is a prerequisite for the higher-level Silver II Standard course. The focus is on learning steps at the Silver level, but the class will also emphasize styling, alignment, and flow.

Silver I Latin (Terms 1, 2, &3)

Prerequisite: Bronze Latin (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

This course is designed for those who have a significant background in ballroom dance. It introduces a progression of steps in Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble, and is a prerequisite for the higher-level Silver II Latin course. The focus is on learning steps at the Silver level, but the class will also emphasize styling, Latin movement and the feeling and character of each dance.

Silver II Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Silver I Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

This course is designed to improve techniques learned in Silver I Standard. Emphasis is on movement and partnering.

Silver II Latin (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Silver I Latin (Terms 1, 2, &3)

This course is designed to improve techniques learned in Silver I Latin.

Gold Classes

Gold Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Silver II Standard (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

This course is designed for those who have extensive background in ballroom dance and who desire a class emphasizing styling, alignment, flow, body and head positions, and partnering. It introduces a progression of Gold level steps in Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.

Gold Latin (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

Prerequisite: Silver II Latin (Terms 1, 2, & 3)

This course is designed for those who have an extensive background in ballroom dance and desire a class emphasizing styling, flow, body and arm movements, and partnering. It introduces a progression of Gold level steps in Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble.

Medal Classes

These courses are designed for members who wish to refine technique to attempt the appropriate level medal exam. There will be an additional fee set by the CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) and payable up to six weeks prior to the examination date. It is expected by the CDTA that the students will have reached a level which will ensure their passing the test before their names are submitted for examination. These classes are offered when we have sufficient numbers of interested people.

Bronze Medal Classes Standard

Prerequisite: all three terms of Bronze Standard syllabus

Students will be taught and examined on two of the syllabus Standard dances selected by the teachers (e.g. waltz and quickstep).

Bronze Medal Class Latin

Prerequisite: all three terms of Bronze Latin syllabus

Students will be taught and examined on two of the syllabus Latin dances selected by the teachers (e.g. rumba and jive).

Silver Medal Classes Standard

Prerequisite: all three terms of Silver II Standard syllabus

Students will be taught and examined on three of the syllabus Standard dances selected by the teachers.

Silver Medal Classes Latin

Prerequisite: all three terms of Silver II Latin syllabus

Students will be taught and examined on three of the syllabus Latin dances selected by the teachers.