Wed Apr 3, 2024: WNH's 19th birthday with Clint Baker’s Golden Gate Swing Band, New Class Series Start, and New Mask Policy

Wednesday April 3

6:45 pm: Doors open

CLASSES
7:00-8:00 pm: Adventure & Deep Dive
8:15-9:15 pm: Beginners & Core Concepts
8:15-9:15 pm: Newcomer Taster

DANCE
9:30-11:30 pm: Live Music w/ Clint Baker’s Golden Gate Swing Band

Register online NOW.
We won't be taking payments at the door.

Register Online

We made some changes:

Starting in April, a new mask policy will take effect.
- For the past few months, WNH steering has been constantly discussing our current masking policy. We have been monitoring local and global COVID+flu data, monitoring countywide, statewide, and nationwide policies, and noting the changes done by other similar communities. We have also gone so far as to monitor the fresh air quality in Fellowship Hall (our main dance hall) throughout all times of the night. Finally, we surveyed our team, teachers, and DJs on changes to the policy, making sure our discussions have been based not only on data-driven information but also on the people who contribute to our organization.
- Therefore, starting in April 2024, WNH’s new policy is as follows:
  - Masks are required during classes.
  - Masks are optional during the dance.
- WNH will continue to provide masks and hand sanitizer.
We only allow class series drop-ins on the 1st and 2nd weeks of the month.
You can register for the class series until the 2nd week of the month.
The Newcomer Taster class is $16 on DJ nights and $26 on live music nights. The dance admission is included.
We don't allow students to join the Taster lesson after 8:25 p.m. to ensure that all participants have heard safety tips at the beginning of the lesson.

Photo by Clever Plum Photos

Newcomer Taster Class (8:15-9:15 pm)

All levels are welcome; no dance experience is necessary!
Jump-start into partnered dancing and enjoy entry to the social dance afterward to practice your new skills and meet new friends.

WNH's 19th birthday with Clint Baker’s Golden Gate Swing Band (9:30-11:30 pm)

We will have the photo-booth set up, a birthday cake to celebrate and are delighted to announce the return of Clint Baker’s Golden Gate Swing Band, our house band, and we couldn’t be more excited!

No partner or experience is required, just show up with comfortable shoes. We would love to dance with you!

April Progressive Series (4 weeks)

Check out the descriptions below for this month's class series. You can register for drop-in classes on first and second classes of the series if you cannot attend the whole month.

Beginner FUNdamentals
Come learn Lindy Hop! You'll build the dance from the basics while learning some of the history of this Black American art form. Our progressive classes are designed to get you social dancing and having a blast at our weekly dance parties in no time.

PRE-REQUISITES
Series first week: None. Two-left-feet friendly, no partner required; just bring comfy shoes and your enthusiasm! | Other weeks: You will be expected to build on material learned the previous weeks.

FORMAT: There are four months of distinct curriculum mixing 6ct, 8ct, and Charleston.

6-count Lindy Hop
6- and 8-count Lindy Hop
8-count Lindy Hop
8-count Lindy hop & Charleston

Teachers: Sam Nguyen, James Yeh

Core Concepts | Introduction to Bal Swing
Join us for Bal Swing with our beginner-friendly class. Prior Pure Balboa experience can be helpful, however, is not mandatory. In this class, you'll learn basic footwork, connection techniques, and characteristics that define Bal Swing. Participants should be comfortable with close contact, as aspects of Balboa can involves maintaining close physical proximity with your dance partner.

PRE-REQUISITES: 4 months of Beginner FUNdamentals or comfort with 6-count Lindy Hop, 8-count Lindy Hop, and Charleston. No partner necessary.

Teachers: Patty Anderson, Chris Ortega

Adventure | Intro to Tap for Lindy Hoppers
Lindy Hop is a rhythmic dance at its heart, but a lot of Lindy Hoppers have never trained the essential rhythm dance, tap! This class aims to introduce tap fundamentals using the familiar language of Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. Students should expect to challenge their rhythm ears, learn essential tap steps and combinations, and understand the difference between making noises with your feet and tap dancing. The class will be conducted in normal dance shoes (no tap shoes please!). If possible wear a shoe with a leather or suede bottom and without a flat sole (ie a dress shoe instead of a pair of sneakers).

PRE-REQUISITES: Students should be comfortable with basic solo jazz movement (eg Shim Sham).

Teacher: Ed Paddock

Deep Dive | Turrrrrns! (me & myself)
Turns, turns, turns! What are the differences between spins, step step turns, and triple step turns? How do we make turns smooth and comfy? How do we make turns expressive and creative? In this collaborative learning class, we'll focus on exploring the turning mechanisms in our body and in our partnership. Our goal is to provide you with skills that extend beyond the course, empowering you to continually explore the topic in both social settings and during solo practice.

PRE-REQUISITES: 6 months of Journey, Level 2, or Intermediate/Advanced Level classes (or equivalent)

Teachers: Yifei Zheng, Stanley Hsu

Volunteering

Want to get these lessons for free? We have volunteering opportunities to get you into the dance and lesson(s) for free. Subscribe to volunteer email list via this form.

Put it on your calendar!

April 17: Plant Swap

Like a clothing swap, except you bring your plant babies. Adult plants are okay, too!
During the dance party, we will have a place to share plants. Our recommendations include: indoor plants, small outdoor plants, plant cuttings, herbs, flowers, and succulents. Even bring your struggling plants! Our collective knowledge may be able to help you revitalize them! You can also bring related things you'd like to part with, such as small gardening tools, plant pots and containers, and watering cans.
We do not recommend bringing dirt and soil to prevent any messes.

May 1: Dance Party to Live Music

Community Fund Donation

This is a way for dancers who have a little extra money to help those who cannot afford to take classes or come to dances. Anybody can donate, and anyone can ask to be subsidized. Find out details and donate on our website.