Dance Classes: 2025
Dancing is good for the body and mind. Ballroom dancing is one of the best ways to prevent dementia – a scientific fact! Being social increases longevity. And, it’s just plain fun, fun, fun.
Mondays
Folk Dance Classes at The Dance Castle:
Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
7 – 8 p.m.: Beginning Folk Dance
8 – 9 p.m.: Intermediate Folk Dance
Dancers and non-dancers of all ages will have fun learning these beautiful international dances. No partner is needed. We are loving the music, the dancing, and the wonderful time together with other dancers. Join us! There is no charge to be with this fun group!
for more information, contact Carlos at (209) 743-1109
Tuesdays
No class at The Dance Castle tonight so we can all go to Erika & Tom’s Salsa Classes at Revive Coffee, 81 South Washington Street, downtown Sonora!
6:15 PM Beginning Salsa – For people who are new at salsa dancing and are still learning the basic steps.
7:15 PM Intermediate Beginner – For people who know the basics by heart, and have been doing salsa for a while. (Not for brand new beginners.)
7:45 – 9:30 PM Salsa Dance Party! ✨Stay, socialize and practice your salsa skills!
Free class . . . but donations are appreciated!
Please bring shoes that allow you to turn
Wednesdays
CLASSES WITH Ilene
4 week classes, January 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 2025 at The Dance Castle
6 p.m.: Beginning Country 2-step
7 p.m.: Beg WC Swing
$10 per person per class
Wednesdays, March 5 – April 9, 2025
6 Wednesdays with Ilene at The Dance Castle (sponsored by Columbia College):
6 – 7 p.m.: Beginning Ballroom
7 – 8 p.m.: Beginning Swing
Enrollment is $50 for the 6 week session through Columbia College Community Education. Link available soon.
Thursdays
THURSDAYS with Amy at The Dance Castle
January 9, 16 & 23, 2025
6 p.m.: Beginning Rumba
7 p.m.: Beginning Night Cub 2 Step
$10/person/class
Contact Amy for more information:
call or text at (510) 387-8260; or email at thepainawayplan@gmail.com
Private lessons also availableFridays
Hot LATIN Fridays!
with Erika & Tom
*** every other Friday ***
Next Class is on January 10, 2025
6:15 p.m.: Beginner Bachata
Bachata is a Latin dance from the Dominican Republic. This vibrant dance style has gained worldwide popularity. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced dancer wanting to perfect your skills, this class will guide you through every step, from mastering the fundamental footwork to learning fun dance patterns.
7:15 p.m.: Salsa Technique –
Cost: $10/person/class
For questions, please contact Tom at sonorasalsaclub@gmail.com
See this link for what Bachata looks like!
Time to learn some new dances; join us!
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Next Flash Mob . . . . coming soon!
links & videos: A vault of memories . . .
Many thanks to our former instructors; we’ve had so much fun learning so many forms of dance from them . . . .
Video: we’re learning a dance combination, choreographed by Angela!
Reverence Routine, choreographed by Angela Cordes:
Photos from July 14, 2014 class: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.729045513819934.1073741833.103779559679869&type=
***Links for FOLK DANCING:
Location:
The Dance Castle is at 23496 Gold Springs Drive, Columbia.
From Sonora, take Highway 49 towards Columbia. Turn RIGHT onto Parrott’s Ferry Road and go past he State Historic Park. Drive about another mile and turn LEFT onto Gold Springs Drive. We are the 2nd house on the RIGHT.
Price:
All dance classes (except Community Education) at The Dance Castle are on a donation basis (usually $10/person) to help support our instructors, the overhead and the the Dance Galas. Join in the fun!!!
Call (532-1859) or email Ilene if you have any questions. You have to go through the “Contact” tab so I don’t get spammers!
QUINCEANERAS:
I wanted to share Teresa’s Quinceanera Dance with you; we loved choreographing the dance for her celebration.
Previous Flash Mobs:
Choreographed and taught by Lia Metz
“Classic” West Coast Swing Flash Mob at Columbia College’s Cram Night, December 8, 2016:
“Let It Snow” at Columbia College’s Cram Night, December 4, 2014:
Sing Sing Sing, Flash Mob performed at Columbia College (youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6_CVGA1koc&feature=youtu.be
Sing Sing Sing, Flash Mob performed during Spring Festival (photos by Heather): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152337975561049.1073741852.590826048&type=1&l=4498d7883d
“The Clapping Song”, Flash Mob photos from July 26, 2014, Twain Harte Arts & Wine Festival: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.737548492969636.1073741835.103779559679869&type=1
“The Clapping Song”, Flash Mob photos July 12th, 2014, Downtown Sonora’s Second Saturday Arts Night and KASA Open House, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.729048063819679.1073741834.103779559679869&type=1
Flash Mob Practice Clips:
“The Clapping Song”
Back View from July 7, 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjA7x0X-yRg&feature=youtu.be
“Sing, Sing, Sing”
“Just One Person”
Practice Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Tzu1a1om8&feature=youtu.be
“Let It Snow” Practice Link:
2014 Version: http://youtu.be/SPO-8kjjLqU
Front Row: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSRKZ83MzcM&feature=youtu.be
Back Row: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6twu2c9eRY&feature=youtu.be
Whole Dance review: http://youtu.be/1vzz3UmwrfA
Review Clips from Cari’s Class: Keep practicing!
Shim Sham, Back View: http://youtu.be/uMBdct8Ki4Q
Thriller (zombie walk and Michael Jackson routine) Review:
The “Thriller Zombie Walk” uses 8 classic moves from the “Thriller” choreography and is fast and easy to learn. Previous “Thriller Walk” videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbH0AauiGZM,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFOiCEgtdUo
For more of a challenge, this is The Official “Thrill the World” Choreography that we’ll be learning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuHFna5mcpo
More information at the “Thrill the World Sonora” group page:
Other Classes in Sonora:
note: Please contact the instructors to verify dates and times
Second Saturdays, on-going, 7:00-9:00 p.m.: Sonora Ballroom Dancing meets at the Aronos Club, 37 E. Elkin Street, Downtown Sonora for community ballroom dancing. $10 per person
Every third Saturday, 7:30-10 p.m.: Contra Dancing at Aronos Club, 37 E. Elkin St., Sonora. Optional potluck at 6:30. For more information: www.squaredancer8.wordpress.com.
Tuesdays, on-going, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.: Twain Harte Twirler’s Square Dancing at Soulsbyville Elementary School. New classes start September 12, 2023. 20300 Soulsbyville Rd, Soulsbyville, CA 95372. 12 week class is $60/person. For more info call Kelly Michel at 209-586-0175, michelk830@gmail.com
Wednesdays, on-going, 7 p.m.: Round Dancing at the Sonora Senior Center on Greenley Road. Beginners class starts at 6 p.m. 2013 classes start on October 9th. $4/person. For more information contact Mike or Carolyn Wunder, wunderwood@mlode.com.
Line Dance Classes!!!
Mondays, on-going, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.: Introduction to Line Dance at Black Creek Center in Copperopolis, 920 Black Creek Drive. Free class to learn the basic steps and terminology for line dancing. All ages welcome. Call Tess for more information, 785-6176.
Mondays, on-going, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Beginning Line Dancing with Pat Lincoln at the Sonora Senior Center. $2 donation
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.: Line Dancing at First Presbyterian Church (49’er Church) in Columbia, 11155 Jackson Street, with Carolyn Sylva. Free. Call Carolyn for more information: 984-4546.
Thursdays, on-going, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Beginner Line Dance Class at Black Creek Center in Copperopolis, 920 Black Creek Drive. Free classes for all ages. Call Tess for more information, 785-6176.
More community Dance info at Sonoraville Dance Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/219015694923889/
Good morning,
I am looking for a ballroom and swing class. Am I on the right track?
Yes! We currently have on-going classes in Lindy Hop, Salsa and Bachata. In March 2024, we’ll be teaching introductory Swing and Ballroom! Can’t wait to get you dancing! Ilene
What is going on here? I thought I’d have to compromise living out here in the beautiful mountains, having no where to dance, but what is this!!! I’ll see you soon.
Hi Chris!
Thank you for joining us. We have lots of dancing planned and you are such a wonderful addition to our dancing community. Later, Ilene
Hello! My family and I recently moved to Columbia. My daughter is 10 and we are both looking to join a dance community. We’d like to start off with beginner’s classes. Where is a good place to start?
Hi Kulani,
I would start with the Thursday classes with Kayla. We usually have many classes offered, but getting into the holidays, classes will taper off until after New Year’s. I think we’re the only active dance community in Tuolumne County. I’ll add you to my email list. Looking foward to meeting you family! Ilene
Ilene,
We are ready to get back to dancing, esp swing,2 step, LATIN. We’ ll be visiting Leah in Santiago, Chile and will need to dance
Hi Ken and Trish!
I love hearing from you! Kayla will be teaching a beginning SALSA class starting on July 15th. I don’t know the time yet, but I thing salsa would be great to add to your repertoire!
Take care and see you soon!
Ilene
Hi I’m interested in the adult beginning ballet class. How do I sign up and how much does it cost? Thank you
Hi Victoria!
The Ballet Class starts next Tuesday, June 4th at 5:15 p.m.! The cost is $7.50/class. Come enjoy with us!
Let me know if you have any questions . . . wear something comfortable!
Ilene
Country Western 2 Step! Needed at 7 pm any nite also the waltz at 7 pm any nite!
Yay; you got it! Looking forward to seeing you again!
Hello! I’m so excited to have found you! I have been wanting to learn Swing, Jitterbug and Tango for YEARS AND YEARS!! I have the number to call for the Tango on Sundays (which I’m super psyched about, and if you know any men who are looking for a dance partner, I need one) — but I’d like to know when the new swing classes start and also if there’s a jitterbug class. Thanks in advance!!! Gina in Angels Camp!
Hi Gina!
We’ll be bursting with classes after the holidays. Most of the classes are now winding down. I’ll add you to my email list so you know when the classes and other great dance events come up. We’ll also do the beginning swing and ballroom class in the spring through Columbia College. Can’t wait to have you join us! Ilene
Hi Ilene, I hope yours and Jims holidays were awesome… I’m curious when do the new classes begin?
Hi Shelly!
Just saw your comment; we are doing classes right now and new classes start again in March! Hope to see you soon!
Looking for country swing lessons? Do you offer them or know of anyone who does?
We offer East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Country 2-Step. Maybe the Cravalho’s can help you in Oakdale? gonedancin2@gmail.com
Hello,
I am inquiring for group ball room dance lessons. Looks like I missed the Colombia college classes. I would also like to learn about private lessons.
Thank you,
Jon Faust
Dear Jim and Eileen,
Just getting your emails means a lot to me. I don’t come and dance or am able at this time to participate. I am a widow and sure don’t like to think I have to end my days dancing alone with a broom stick. When I find a partner, I will come running. However, in the meantime, getting your emails and feeling like I am still thought of and not forgotten is worth my life some days. They are never wasted. Keep them coming. What you don’t realize is that your emails and invitations are nearly as important as coming to the classes. So for some of us who do not come, your including us is everything, emotionally.
Appreciate and love you guys for that.
You had no idea how important what you do is for mental and emotional help just with the emails.
Hi Daisy! Thank you so much for your sweet email. I am so taken that our small gestures can mean so much to you and our community. I hope you can join us for our galas, even if you just want to enjoy the music. Our dance community is so friendly and nurturing . . . you will love the energy! We are here for whenever you are ready; no partner ever necessary! Lots of love, Ilene
Hi. I’m looking for ballroom dance classes and swing but I don’t have a partner.
Hi Kelly,
We’re looking forward to having you join our galas and classes. See the “classes” and “gala” tabs for more information!
Hey Ilene, it was a pleasure seeing you again after all these years at Black Oak. I am just now reading up on your events, programs, and lessons. It was so great to get back together with you two and touch bases, not to mention be reunited with some dancers, I look forward to going to the dance castle soon. 😀
Hi Stephen, We were so impressed how far you’ve come since dancing with us and are so proud of you! I’m so glad our classes influenced you and your passions. I know you will keep learning in addition to sharing your dancing with others. Hope to see you again soon! Ilene
I met Barbara and Eden at a Swing Gitane event tonight at the Aronos Club, and they recommended you for dance classes for my boyfriend and I. So, please add me to your mailing list, and I will also check this website for classes.
Thank you,
Janelle Peterson
Hi Janelle, I added you to my email list so you will receive information on classes, dance galas (parties) and local events. Next series start in January. Let me know what dances you are interested in! Thanks, Ilene
Let Ilene know what classes you would like to take for future planning; thanks!
Hi Ilene, will you be offering east coast swing lessons? Love, love that you have so much going on in the dance community! Bernie and Randy from Twain Harte
B
Hi Bernie and Randy!
We are finishing up a beginning East Coast Swing class this week. You can join us tonight (Wednesday) if you are familiar with the basics, or just come and watch. Let me know what level of swing you are looking for and we’ll add another class!
take care!
Ilene