Swing Dance Classes

Late Night Swing

Thursdays features the DJ'ing of Terry Gardner playing the top swing tunes.

Remember we now offer Late Night Swing, our popular Thursday night DJ dance, free to 1st Thursday Swing Lesson students! Come to the 1st Thursday Beginning Swing Class and the Late Night Swing dance is FREE. It's a great way to practice those new moves you just learned, and to get your friends into the 'swing of things.' Bring them to class and get them started on their new favorite pastime, then stay for a great night of dancing.

3rd Friday Swing Dances

When: 3rd Fri. of each month, 8:30 pm-12:30 am. Cindy and Terry get you started with a Swing dance lesson at 8:30, and the DJ starts spinnin' at 9:00
Admission: $10 general admission; $8 Tapestry members and students. please note that an ID is required for the discount.

First Saturday Swing Dances

New England-style Contra Dances

Basics are taught at 7:30pm, and all dances are called to live music starting at 8pm. These dances are lively social, easy to learn, and because each dance may last 5min, they can be aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn't necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in "long-way sets" (partners facing in long lines down the hall).

Challenge Contras

No contra dance basics are taught, so come prepared for more challenging dances! We suggest dancing the Saturday night Contras for a couple of months before trying this.

First Sunday Scandinavian Dancing

Tapestry is the only place in the Twin Cities with regularly scheduled Scandinavian dance instruction. Usually, a lesson is given during the first hour, but basic Scandinavian dances like the waltz, schottish, polka, snoa, and hambo can be learned throughout the evening. No prior dance experience necessary. There is always live music played by some of the best musicians in the country. Musicians are welcome to participate in jamming during the last half hour of the dance and the mid-evening break.

Beginning International Folkdancing - Dance Around the World

Fun for those who have never danced before, or for anyone who wants to learn the fundamental steps and patterns that are the building blocks of the world's dances. We'll learn a wide variety of line and couple dances from many countries: the Balkans to England, the United States to Israel and everywhere in between (and beyond). The dances will start off easy, little more than walking to music, and we'll gradually get more complicated as the year and our skills progress. Feel free to start coming at any time; come whenever you can. There's no need to bring a partner; there will be plenty of opportunity to trade off partners and to learn all the steps. Above all, we'll have fun learning to dance together. Remember: we are 'the folk' and these dances are meant for us.

After class, stay for request dancing to taped music with the regular International class.

Note: Dance Around the World is on summer break and will resume on September 5th, 2008. There will be four teachers this year: Ed Stern, Fer Horn, Theresa Mish, and Kathy Gray.

International Folk Dancing

Discover heritage and dance roots! Ethnic dances from around the world, Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Armenia, Scandinavia, Brittany, and a little English Country. Dances are taught from 7:30-9pm (except for 3rd Fridays.) Request dancing to taped music follows from 9-11:30pm. We encourage dancers to try out most dances by following the leader. The dance instructors rotate every few weeks with a wide variety of talented and experienced teachers.

Advanced International

Features teaching and review of dances for experienced international dancers. Coordinated by Mary and Dan Garvin. Taught by Dan and Mary with occasional guest teachers.

English Country Dancing

First Sundays feature live music starting at 6pm and cost $6 - other Sundays we dance starting at 7pm for just $5. The dances are elegant and social with beautiful music. You do not need to come with a partner and all dances are taught. Beginners are welcome. These events are co-sponsored by Woven Ring English Country Dance.