Country Dance Clinic: Here by Popular Demand!
You asked, we listened! Thanks to the interest from our community poll, we’re bringing you a fun-filled Country Dance Clinic with beloved instructors Suzy and Hondo of Bemidji, Minnesota.
Whether you enjoy classic country or today’s new country hits, we’ve got the steps for you. This beginner-friendly class will introduce the basics of Two Step (with a foundation in the Fox Trot), Waltz, and Polka in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Participants will learn foot positions, framing, step patterns, musicality, and simple underarm turns, all set to country favorites like “Honky Tonk Blues” and “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” You’ll also build confidence in leading and following while learning how movement and rhythm work together on the dance floor.
And if you think you don’t have rhythm, don’t worry, we’ve got that covered, too. Suzy and Hondo’s small-town approach to partner dancing has earned rave reviews from students over the years for making dance approachable, enjoyable, and easy to learn. Teaching together since 1990, they bring decades of experience, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping every dancer find their stride. . . and maybe even their “ah-ha!” moment.
Whether you’ve never stepped onto a dance floor or simply want to brush up on the basics, this class is sure to have you smiling, learning, and dancing in no time.
DETAILS
Partner Class: No partner? No problem! This is a partner-style class, and we’ll rotate so everyone gets a chance to dance.
What to Wear: We recommend dressing in comfortable layers, as it can become warm once class is underway. Please wear shoes that are comfortable, secure around the foot, and have a smooth sole that allows for easy movement on the dance floor. Work boots, flip-flops, athletic sneakers, and dirty shoes are not recommended. Feel free to dress up for class if you’d like, or keep it casual with comfortable attire such as sweats. Most importantly, wear clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely and comfortably. Learn more>
Dance Floor Etiquette: Learn more>
Cost: $20 per person
SUZY AND HONDO
Suzy and Hondo formed their unique partnership in 1990 and have been using their skill set to teach Adult Enrichment courses ever since. They both have a background in athletics and use the science of social dancing to teach rhythm and movement. Students will find them at their Bemidji dance studio, teaching through various community based organizations, and/or at Bemidji State University.
Suzy and Hondo have about 80 years of combined dance experience between them, most of it teaching beginners; and they have a background in hundreds of dances. Their greatest joy is to hear their students tell them of their “ah-hah” moment after learning how to dance.
Their courses, lessons, and parties are easy, great for beginners, and always fun-filled. They are credited with the oft-used phrase “it’s never the wrong foot, just the other foot; the only time it’s wrong is if she says ouch!”
They host monthly dance parties, dance in several of the assisted living centers in town and lead dancing nights out as often as possible. Suzy is also employed at Bemidji State as a dance and yoga instructor and together they coordinate the dance clubs and annual BSU Funtastic Dance Follies on campus.
Suzy and Hondo blend the most relevant dances styles such as Ballroom, Country, Swing, Line, Folk, and Latin into a social dance tool kit that students and teachers can choose from when planning their dance program. They also specialize in the empathy, trust, and confidence that it takes to form a life-long dance floor partnership.
The duo have found great pride in building their small business in Bemidji, MN., having both been raised there. Serving an underserved area is one of their greatest accomplishments and their textbook “Island of Dance” leverages a portion of their skill set in building a program to empower small town dancers and teachers everywhere.