Spring 2018 Workshop Series at The Sou’wester
Into the Whirl: Cross-Step Waltz
with Steve Carruthers
Discovered and popularized by Stanford University Professor Richard Powers, Cross-step Waltz comes to the north coast! It is a beguiling, accessible partner dance, beloved the world over, with popular music of many genre. Together we will learn this turning and gliding dance in a circle, with a short, easy, repeating routine. As we practice and solidify the basic Cross-step Waltz, we will add skills in lead/follow technique, and learn a basic 3-steps “starter” move to be able to take waltzing outside the group circle, to travel and dance around the room freely with a partner, moving together in the moment. All-levels welcome, no partner needed to register. We will rotate partnering. We’ll take breaks through the time. Bring a hearty snack to keep yourself fueled.
Steve got hooked on partner dancing in 1990, beginning with Scandinavian folk-dancing in Portland. He began teaching lead/follow partner dancing in classes and private lessons in 2011. He has taught at The Viscount Dance Studio and currently conducts a weekly class at Multnomah Arts Center – Portland Parks & Recreation. He and other dancers and teachers are establishing the ‘de-gendering’ of social dancing such that today any person may learn and do either or both roles. Steve keeps the perspective of the learner in mind by continually being a student himself, taking classes and lessons in Portland and at dance festivals. He has a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “the music made me do it,” revealing the way he likes to be, and hopes everyone can be; connecting with each other, as two dancers collaborating in the moment, tuning in to each other and the music, co-creating a work of kinetic expression of color and emotion in the music. Steve is a Warrenton-Hammond native and especially pleased to bring Cross-step Waltz to the north coast.
COST: $28 per person or $52 per couple
BRING: Wear light comfortable shoes, smooth soles, no high heels. Option for dancing shoes-free, bring snug fitting socks. Bring water bottle, and hearty snack to stay fueled. (hot tea and coffee provided) (Optional – bring a sack lunch for after 1:30pm & optional open studio to practice after 1:30pm also)
Come alone or with a partner, no partner needed to RSVP. 18 students max.
RSVP: souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.c
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644