Information

Regular classes are taught in Class Sessions throughout the year. Each Class Session consists of one 60 minute lesson per week for each week of the session. Sessions vary in length from 3 to 6 weeks. The Wednesday 8:00pm class also accepts drop-in attendance. The Wednesday dance is included for those taking classes on the same day and are also open to those not taking classes. The Sunday Practice Session is free for all K2 students taking classes on any night. To get notified of Class Session dates join the mailing list.

No partner required, singles and couples welcome. These are adult classes, but teens are welcome to attend. In general, partners are rotated during classes, which is helpful in learning, plus a fun way to meet classmates. For couples who would prefer not to switch partners, that is fine as well.

Registration

Pre-registration is highly recommended for all Class Sessions either by email or phone. Payment can be made in advance by credit card, PayPal or check; or on the day of class by cash, credit card or check.

You can also enroll at the first or second week of a session, just arrive 15 minutes before class time to allow time to register and make payment. Class Sessions are closed to enrollment after week 2.

For drop-in classes just turn up and pay at the studio on a class by class basis. Please arrive 15 minutes before class time to allow time to check-in.

If you are new to K2 Dance Studio and would like to try out a class, you may register and if you decide not to take the Class Session contact K2 before the start of the second lesson for a refund (less $15). Otherwise, there are no refunds for missed classes when registered for a Class Session. The instructors are always happy to help in deciding which level is the best fit.

SHOES: Please be sure to bring soft-soled dance shoes or clean dry sneakers (smoother soles have less traction and are better, allowing for easy turning). No hard soled, or black rubber soled shoes that leave marks. Please change shoes on the entrance mat to help prevent outside wet, salt and grit from getting on the wooden floor.

Private Lessons

Private Lessons for individuals, couples and groups are available by arrangement, just contact K2.

Lindy

The Lindy began with the birth of Swing music in the mid to late '20s. The dance evolved from the Charleston in the ballrooms of Harlem before sweeping across the US and Europe. Characterized by a carefree, relaxed style, Swing soon came to represent a whole generation and time, when Big Band music was popular and musicians were judged by how well their music could swing. As it spread it became known by many names including Jitterbug and Jive. Over the decades that followed, Lindy evolved into many other Swing dance styles including West Coast Swing, Hand Dance and Swing. Lindy itself has also evolved and today it is danced to a great variety of music, including Big Band, Jazz, Blues and Rock 'n' Roll, and to a wide range of tempos. Lindy includes both 6 and 8 count triple step basics.

Swing

Swing, also known as East Coast Swing or Jitterbug, is derived from Lindy and has a 6 count triple step basic which makes it easily accessible to new dancers. Often people start with Swing and then progress to Lindy. Both dances can be danced to the same music.

Balboa & Bal-Swing

Balboa is a closed position dance which originally developed in the early 1930s in California. It evolved to include swing inspired moves which were known as Bal-Swing. These days it continues to grow in popularity among dancers across the U.S. and beyond and includes both pure Balboa and Bal-Swing. A real plus is that since it easily mixes in with Lindy and Swing, you can add it to what you already know. Balboa has great partner connection and goes especially well with medium to very fast tempos.

Blues

Blues dancing is done to slow, bluesy songs. It is great for working on connection and interpreting the feel of the music.

Jane Ford

Jane Ford is the owner of K2 Dance Studio and has been teaching dance for over 20 years. Trained in Ballroom dance during her college years, she has instructed at several studios in the Washington and Baltimore areas.

Turning her attention to Swing dancing, Jane competed in Lindy Hop and has danced in various performance groups. Performance credits include appearances at the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Kennedy Center. She has also formed several performance groups of her own.

Jane is the originator of the Wednesday night swing dances at 94^th Aero Squadron and now at K2 Dance Studio. Under her guidance K2 has become one of the most popular dance studios in the DC Metro area and has become a nationally known swing venue! Jane also teaches at local Universities, such as the University of Maryland and Catholic University, and travels across the country teaching and judging at national dance events.

Yvonne Evrard

Yvonne recently moved to the DC area from Houston, Texas. She has been dancing since 1996 and teaching Swing and Lindy Hop since 1998. She was a member of NeoSwing under the guidance of Tena Morales and danced in Sydney, Australia during the 2000 Olympics. She taught Lindy Hop, Balboa and Blues for 3Êyears at the Houston Swing Dance Society while in Texas.

Donna Barker & Mike Marcotte

Donna has taught Swing, Lindy, Waltz, Blues and Argentine Tango in the DC area since 1984. In 1991 Donna appeared in a PBS television special on Swing Dancing in the U.S. and since then has performed and competed in many other dance events throughout the U.S. Donna has served voluntarily on many dance programs in the area and produced numerous events. Mike began dancing in 1997 and rapidly acquired a flair for Lindy, Waltz, Blues, and Argentine Tango. Together Donna and Mike have won several dance competitions including 1st place in Lindy and Jitterbug at the 2002 VSO Championships. Mike is nationally recognized as a talented DJ for Swing, Lindy and Blues dancing, and continues to DJ regularly at K2 and other local venues.