We are offering several classes and workshops for the 2023-2024 season.
Fall/Winter/Spring 2023-2024
Tuesday Nights
- Open Houses: 8/16/22, 8/30/22, and 9/13/22
- New Mainstream (Beginner) Class: Starting 9/13/22 (last night to join our class is 9/20/22)
- Advanced Workshop: Begins 9/13/22
- Plus Class: Begins 9/13/22
- Challenge 1 Class: Begins 9/13/22
For more details, please refer to the detailed programming descriptions below.
Time and Location
All Tuesday night classes/dances/workshops run from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m and are held at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion. We use the entrance at 2111 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA. Note: The August Open Houses only, will run from 7-9 PM.
Class/Workshop Descriptions
Mainstream (Beginner) Class: Begins 9/13/22 with Betsy Gotta
If you’ve already joined us for one (or more) of this year’s Summer Open Houses, then you already know how fun Modern Western Square Dancing can be! And if not, then this is your opportunity to learn for yourself in a fun and welcoming environment. Our instructor will take you step by step through the first stages of learning how to dance all of the calls on the CALLERLAB Mainstream list. And once you’re through, you will be able to square dance anywhere in the world! And it’s not only fun, but it’s good for you too.
This class runs concurrently in one room with the Challenge 1 class.
Plus Class: Begins 9/13/22 with Mark Franks
Our Plus class is a logical continuation for those who have attended our Mainstream workshop, or for anyone who has learned the Mainstream program and is ready for something new. Those wanting to refresh their Plus skills are also welcome.
This class runs concurrently in one room with the Advanced workshop.
Advanced Workshop: Begins 9/13/22 with Mark Franks
Our Advanced workshop is designed for those dancers who have been exposed to the full Advanced I and II set of calls and general concepts, and offers a chance to explore more complex formations, calls, and concepts. All calls on the Advanced I & II lists are covered.
This class runs concurrently in one room with the Plus workshop.
C1 Class: Tuesdays, Begins 9/13/22 with Betsy Gotta
Our Challenge 1 class is designed for those who are proficient at the Advanced 2 level and are interested in the next step. Our instructor, Betsy Gotta, has over 50 years’ experience and is the best at teaching the Challenge level. Experienced C1 dancers are welcome to join us as well for a refresher.
This class runs concurrently in one room with the Mainstream (beginner class).
Prepayment
Prepayment includes all Tuesday classes and dances/workshops in a prepayment period. If prepayment is not paid by the second night of each prepayment period, the dancer must pay the payment-at-the-door rate through the remainder of the current period.
Prepayment is only available as a payment option to dues-paid club members (Independence Squares or other square dance clubs) and first-time Mainstream class students.
Prepayment and door fees will be posted by the end of the summer.
Dues
Dues are $45 annually for the period from June 1 through May 31 of the following year, whenever paid, and are due before – or at – the club’s annual meeting in the spring. All dancers are eligible for dues-paid club membership after completion of a full Mainstream program class. Each member owes dues whether or not he/she is taking a class and/or workshop. Dancers attending a Mainstream class for the first time do not owe dues.
Members who need assistance paying dues are welcome to speak confidentially with our treasurer.
Bad Weather Cancellation Policy
If Philadelphia schools have an early dismissal, are closed, or cancel afternoon or evening activities due to bad weather, then Tuesday night classes and workshops are cancelled. Some resources for finding out if schools are closed:
- Philadelphia Schools Snow Hotline – 215-400-INFO (4636)
- Philadelphia School District
- NBC Philadelphia School Closing Page