Northern Virginia
Country-Western
Dance Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I take country-western dance lessons?
A: NVCWDA offers brief lessons at the beginning of each dance, usually one line dance and one couples dance. We suggest that you check the Fairfax County Park Authority's dance classes listed in their PARKTAKES catalog. They offer 8-week couples and line dance classes. The NVCWDA newsletter usually lists some lessons on the calendar page. Several dance studios have country-western dancing. A few of the local clubs (Nick's and Pepe's) offer lessons. Check out our links page for other dance web sites and sources of information for lessons.
Q: Is country-western dancing the same as square dancing or clogging?
A: No, country-western dancing is not the same. We move around the floor somewhat similar to square dancing, but we don't have someone calling the moves (you're on your own!) and we don't change partners except during a "mixer" dance. (We don't wear those ruffled outfits either.)
Q: Do I need a partner?
A: No. Both singles and couples attend our dances. Singles often are asked to join in couples lessons and couples open dancing. If you would like to dance with people, please wear a smiley face sticker. Feel free to approach others and ask them to dance with you.
Q: Do I have to dress up like a cowboy?
A: Some people wear traditional western wear such as jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots, but many don't. Wear something comfortable so that you can move and wear shoes that don't stick to the floor so that you won't hurt your knees.
Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes, we welcome children so that we pass along our love for dancing to the next generation. However, we ask that parents please supervise their children and for safety do not let them run around on the dance floor and keep them from ravaging the refreshment table. Thanks.
Q: Where else can I go to dance?
A: Check out our links.
Q: How do I join NVCWDA? What are the benefits?
A: Check out the membership info.
Q: What is dance floor etiquette?
A: Dance floor etiquette is a system in which faster dancers move around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction on the outside of the dance floor. Slower dancers dance to the inside. Line dancers and swing dancers use the middle of the floor. All dancers respect the space of other dancers to avoid conflicts.
Q: What is a "couples specialty" dance?
A: This is a dance in which all couples on the floor dance the same set sequence of steps. It's somewhat like a line dance choreographed for couples, but the dancers usually move around line of dance. Everyone supposedly is on the same move during the whole dance. Some examples are El Paso, Wooden Nickel, Sidekick, and Sixpack Summer. In contrast, during a two-step or waltz, everyone does their own moves in whatever order they want. Most couples specialty dances also can be danced without a partner.
Q: What is a "mixer" dance?
A: A mixer dance is one in which everybody changes partners at a set sequence during the song. Some examples are Barn Dance, Bull Shift, and Cheeseburger. We usually do at most one mixer dance each evening. This gives people a chance to meet other dancers and to dance with a new person about every 32 beats of music.
Q: What is the age group?
A: Most of us are baby boomers. So what if we have done a lot of trips around the dance floor.
Q: What are those smiley face stickers at the admissions table?
A: The stickers are for people to indicate that they would like others to ask them to dance. Some people want to dance only with their spouse or a specific partner and might turn down a request to dance with someone else.