Courses in Ballroom, Latin, Swing Offered at La Plata, Leonardtown Campuses
This fall, the College of Southern Maryland will offer a variety of dance courses as part of its continuing education program. The courses, for beginners through advanced, individuals and couples, start Sept. 2 on the La Plata and Leonardtown campuses. Among the styles offered this fall include ballet, ballroom, Latin, hand and swing dancing. Each course, regardless of the style, will teach students the dance's basic concepts and techniques. Students do not need to have previous experience or a partner.
“In the past, our dance classes have had a high number of enrollments, as they are a great outlet for people to do something fun and to become more active. The courses are designed for individuals and couples who want to learn dance steps for an upcoming wedding, a cruise or as exercise-and are a great way to meet new people,” said Shaunda Holt, program coordinator for adults and personal enrichment programs.
According to the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), dancing benefits the body by strengthening bones, toning muscles, improving one's posture and balance, increasing stamina and flexibility, reducing stress and tension, building confidence and warding off illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and depression. In addition, it is a great activity for older adults as the level of physical exertion can be easily varied, preventing injuries.
“Couples dancing is fun for everyone-millennials through seniors-and a great way to connect with other fun-loving people in the community. Next spring, we will add Calvert County to locations where we offer dance classes as we provide instruction at the Prince Frederick Campus,” said Holt.
Registration for the courses is accepted up to the day prior to the start of class and can be made online, through walk-in registration at any campus and the Waldorf Center or by mail using a downloadable form.
Students must register at least one day before the class begins. For information on these courses as well as others offered this fall, visit http://www.csmd.edu/CommunityEducation/ or contact 301-539-4760 or conedops@csmd.edu.
Calendar
Charles County
CSM Continuing Education: “Ballet I.” 1-2:20 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Dec. 16. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts (FA) Center, Room FA-149, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts and techniques of ballet and movement. This course aims to develop self-confidence, posture and body awareness. $79. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Ballroom Dancing.” 4-5 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 9-Oct. 25. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Learn basic ballroom dances like the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Tango as well as variations of the dances. Different leading and following techniques will be covered. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Latin Dancing.' 5-6 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 20-Oct. 25. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Learn different Latin dances such as Rumba, Cha Cha and swing to use in social settings like weddings, cruises or dance parties. The focus will be on footwork, timing, rhythm of the music and partner connection. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Swing Dance.” 3-4 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 20-Nov. 8. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C. Learn the basics of partnering technique as well as the basic step of East Coast Swing and a few minor turns. This swing dance class is a progressive class and each night builds on the other. No previous dance experience or partner required. $99. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Hand Dancing.” 7-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Nov. 24. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. This 10-week beginner class will teach students the basic steps, proper technique for spinning and turning, hand dance etiquette and correct footwork. No previous dance experience or partner required. $99. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Hand Dancing Intermediate” 8-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 22-Nov. 24. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Students will learn multiple footwork dance steps, double turns, wrap moves, and expanded lead-and-follow indications and executions. $99. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Ballroom Dancing.” 4-5 p.m., Sundays, Nov. 1-Dec. 13. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Learn basic ballroom dances like the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Tango as well as variations of the dances. Different leading and following techniques will be covered. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Latin Dancing.” 5-6 p.m., Sundays, Nov. 1-Dec. 13. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Physical Education (PE) Building, Room PE-120C, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Learn different Latin dances such as Rumba, Cha Cha and swing to use in social settings like weddings, cruises or dance parties. The focus will be on footwork, timing, rhythm of the music and partner connection. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
St. Mary's County
CSM Continuing Education: “Ballroom Dancing.” 7:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Wellness & Aquatics Center, Building D, Room D-113, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Learn basic ballroom dances like the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Tango as well as variations of the dances. Different leading and following techniques will be covered. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Latin Dancing.” 8:30-9:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Wellness & Aquatics Center, Building D, Room D-113. Learn different Latin dances such as Rumba, Cha Cha and swing to use in social settings like weddings, cruises or dance parties. The focus will be on footwork, timing, rhythm of the music and partner connection. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Swing Dance.” 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 24. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Wellness & Aquatics Center, Building D, Room D-113, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Learn the basics of partnering technique as well as the basic step of East Coast Swing and a few minor turns. This swing dance class is a progressive class and each night builds on the other. No previous dance experience or partner required. $99. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Ballroom Dancing.” 7:30-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 17. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Wellness & Aquatics Center, Building D, Room D-113, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Learn basic ballroom dances like the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Tango as well as variations of the dances. Different leading and following techniques will be covered. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
CSM Continuing Education: “Latin Dancing.” 8:00-9:00 p.m., Thursdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 17. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Wellness & Aquatics Center, Building D, Room D-114. Learn different Latin dances such as Rumba, Cha Cha and swing to use in social settings like weddings, cruises or dance parties. The focus will be on footwork, timing, rhythm of the music and partner connection. No previous dance experience or partner required. $89. conedops@csmd.edu, 301-539-4760, http://csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.