Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between East Coast and West Coast Swing?

East Coast Swing is also known as the Jitterbug. It is very fast and bouncy and is danced to the big band music of the forties and fifties, as well as to contemporary rockabilly. It was the dance featured in the movie "Swingers" and is now very popular in bay area nightclubs like Bimbo's and Cafe du Nord. East Coast Swing is similar to City Swing; East Coast Swing is danced to slower music and is danced with a triple step (the basic step is "trip-le-step, trip-le-step, rock-step"), whereas City Swing is danced to very fast music and uses a single step (the basic step is "step, step, rock-step"). East Coast Swing is also similar to Jive, which is an International style ballroom dance used at dance competitions. It is generally danced in standard dance position with leader and follower facing each other. East Coast Swing is upbeat and very easy to learn.

West Coast Swing is danced to the blues and contemporary music; typical West Coast Swing artists are Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal, and Joe Cocker. It is danced in a "slot", which means the follower moves back and forth around the leader in a straight narrow path known as a "slot". Leaders and followers must each know their steps independent of each other, and for this reason West Coast Swing is known as a "smart" dance. West Coast Swing is playful, sensual, earthy dance with syncopated rhythm which can be a bit tricky to pick up at first. At advanced levels, the follower has more autonomy and control over her steps than in any other ballroom dance.

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What should I wear?

You should wear something that is comfortable, easy to move in, and not too warm because hopefully you'll be working up a little sweat burning up the dance floor! Cheryl Burke Dance does not have a dress code, and most dances are not formal. The Swing parties tend to be more casual than the Ballroom parties. At Swing parties, many women wear comfortable dresses or skirts and tee-shirts; many men wear casual slacks and cotton shirts. Some Swing dancers arrive decked out in 40's regalia, some come in jeans. The Ballroom parties tend to be a little dressier, with the men in often in dress slacks and the women in dresses or nice slacks. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can move freely.

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Do I need to buy dancing shoes?

If this party is one of your first forays into the world of partner dancing you certainly do not need to buy special ballroom dancing shoes. You should wear comfortable shoes with leather or suede soles that stay on your feet well; shoes that lace up or have adjustable straps work very well. Sneakers, rubber-soled shoes (e.g. Doc Maarten's), and shoes that are too big are very difficult to dance in.

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How much do dancing shoes cost?

Most of our ballroom dancing shoes cost between $60 - $110.

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Do I need to bring a partner?

You do not need to bring a partner to any Cheryl Burke Dance party or class. During the class, the instructor will have you rotate partners every few minutes so you will have the opportunity to dance with everyone in the class. Dancing with a variety of people is the best way to learn social dancing and is also a great way to meet people.

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Do we have to rotate?

Although we recommend rotating partners as it has been proven to help your dancing, rotating is not mandatory. You and your partner are free to stay with each other for the whole class; just be sure to stand slightly outside of the rotation so the people who are rotating will not be confused.

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Are there more women or men at these parties?

Although it's impossible to predict the ratio for any given party, generally there are roughly the same number of leaders and followers. If there are extra leaders (or followers), the extra leader (or follower) should stand between two couples in the rotation so when the instructor has the students rotate, the extra leader (or follower) will get a partner in the next rotation.

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Is it all right for two men or two women to dance together?

Of course. If you would feel more comfortable, we do have a number of same-sex dance parties, but you are welcome at any Cheryl Burke Dance party. In fact, many people in our teacher training program attend the parties to practice dancing both the leader's and the follower's part, so same-sex couples are very common on the dance floor.

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What is the age range at the parties?

At Cheryl Burke Dance, we have dancers of all ages from teenagers to people who are 70+. There are generally a large number of people in their thirties and forties. The dancers at the ballroom parties tend to be slightly older (in general) than the people at the Swing, Hustle, and Latin parties, where there are also a large number of people in their twenties. Everyone should feel welcome at all parties.

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Can I skip the lesson and just come to the party?

If you have never danced Swing (or Foxtrot, or Hustle, etc.), you should come to the lesson to learn the basic steps. This way, you will be able to dance with everyone at the party. You can, of course, dance freestyle to our music, but most people come to Cheryl Burke Dance parties to dance the specific dances with a partner. Unfortunately, partner dancing looks easier than it is, and you really need a bit of professional instruction in order to feel comfortable on the dance floor.

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Can I join in a lesson late?

You should definitely join right in. The instructor will teach the remaining steps from scratch, and you will probably be able to pick up any steps you've missed from watching the other dancers and the instructor's review.

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Do you have rock'n'roll parties?

Unfortunately, we don't have freestyle parties per se. However, learning a partner dance will have you feel more confident, graceful, and relaxed on the dance floor and will teach you to hear the beat in the music. Your freestyle dancing will improve as a result, and you can even use some of the steps you use in our class! You can also sign up for private lessons and our instructor will help you work on your freestyle dancing.

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Should I take private or group classes?

We recommend both. Private lessons will provide you with individualized instruction and work on your technique, your leading (or following), and any specific difficulties you may be having. Private lessons are essential if you are interested in becoming a serious dancer.

Group classes are a great way to practice the steps until they become ingrained in your "muscle memory". Group classes also provide you with a great opportunity to practice dancing with a variety of partners and to meet new people and potential dance partners. Our Introductory Special will give you three private lessons, one four-week group class, and one weekend party for a great price (significantly less than if you had purchased these classes separately).

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How will I know what dances to work on in my private lessons?

You will work out a plan with your individual instructor. You may prefer to concentrate on one individual dance, or you may prefer to get a general overview of all the dances. Your dance plan is flexible; you can start out focusing on one dance and then decide you'd rather have a bit more variety. All our instructors are qualified to teach you all the dances.

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What hours are instructors available?

We have instructors teaching seven days a week, weekends, and evenings. Your private lessons will be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.

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First Wedding Dance recommendation?

We have a special wedding workshop once a month. This is a two hour class which will teach you the basic steps to the foxtrot and swing. In addition, you can get two private lessons where your instructor will help you choreograph a brief routine to the music you've selected. You can also purchase a series of private lessons alone if you already know the music you'd like to dance to and would like more extensive work on your routine.

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How do I get a dance partner?

We have a book of practice partners. You can look for someone interested in the same dances and at the same level as you are, write down their number, and give them a call. You can also leave your name and phone number on the pages for the dances you want to practice.

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Do I need a partner to compete in Ballroom Dancing?

You don't need a partner to dance in any competition. You can enter in the Pro-Am (Professional-Amateur) division and dance with your teacher.

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What is the difference between International Style and American Style?

International Style is used in dance competitions and is based on strict, formalized patterns and foot positions. It is not generally used in social dancing.

American Style is freer, easier to learn, can be danced in open position, and is used for social dancing. Beginners should definitely start out learning American Style, and can then progress to International Style if they would like to compete or to push their dancing to a new level.

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What dances should I work on if I want to go out dancing in the clubs?

Salsa and Swing (including Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing and City Swing) are the most popular dances in Bay Area nightclubs right now. These dances are fun and easy to learn, and the clubs have a variety of live bands that will keep you hopping all night long.

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Where are some good places to go Swing and Salsa dancing?

Cheryl Burke Dance has Swing parties every Friday night and monthly Salsa parties on Sundays! But other San Francisco clubs like Bimbo's on Columbus, Cafe Cocomo, 333 Ritch, Cafe du Nord on Market, Coconut Grove on Van Ness, and DNA on 11th Street all offer swing nights. Popular bay area Salsa clubs are Kimball's in Emeryville, Sol y Luna on Sacramento, The Glass Kat, Roccapulco and Cafe Cocomo. You should call these clubs before going as their schedules change frequently. You can also check the Guardian and SF Weekly for a schedule of live bands every week.

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Do you have Disco dancing like in "Saturday Night Fever"?

Yes we do! Disco dancing is called "Hustle", and we play Hustle music in our Friday night parties. We also offer Hustle group classes and workshops on occasion, and our instructors can help you work on Hustle during your private lessons.

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Where is a good place to eat around Cheryl Burke Dance?

Within walking distance to the left on 17th Street there's Connecticut Yankee, which has burgers, sandwiches, and salads. To the right on 17th two blocks there is also a good Chinese restaurant, the Garden of Tranquility. You can also go up to Potrero Hill (go left on 17th and then right on Connecticut up the hill). There are a number of good neighborhood restaurants (Greek, Thai, Italian, pizza, and ice cream) around that area, but you might want to drive. The cafes on De Haro at 16th are not open on weekend evenings.

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Is there parking at Cheryl Burke Dance?

There is generally ample street parking around Cheryl Burke Dance on weekend evenings. We have a security guard on duty at all times during our weekend parties.

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Is the area around Cheryl Burke Dance safe?

Yes. Our safety record over the past ten years is excellent. However, Cheryl Burke Dance is located in an urban area and you should use the same caution you would in any urban setting at night--- for example, don't leave valuables in plain view in your car. Our security guard will happily walk you to your car and will be on duty patrolling the streets at all times during the parties.

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