El Camino Reelers: Square Dancing in Silicon Valley for the LGBTQ Community and friends

Beginner Classes

ECR recently wrapped up its 2023 "Yellow" Beginner (SSD) class. Our next Beginner class will start in late summer or early fall of 2024.

SSD-to-Plus Class

ECR will hold a class in the first half of 2024 to take SSD dancers up to full Plus level. The class will be on Tuesday nights starting on January 9, 2024.

Classes will start promptly at 7:30 pm and continue until 9:00 pm.

Download the Plus class flyer

Calls Taught So Far (2024 Plus Class) Click on a call name to see a description of the call, with diagrams, videos, and helpful hints. Instructors will update this list after each class.

For more info on square dance calls, concepts, and customs, see the Information for Students page.

More about the Plus class

  1. Who is this class for?
    This class is for those who are currently dancing at the SSD (Socal Square Dance) level. It is aimed at both recent ECR SSD class grads and anyone else who dances SSD and wants to move up to Plus. It's also for those who dance Plus but are in need of a refresher.
  2. What will I learn in this class?
    In this class you will learn the calls in the Plus curriculum. By the end of the class, you will be dancing at the Plus level.
  3. What's Plus?
    Plus is full-level square dancing. Most dances around the country (both straight and gay) include Plus tips. Unless there are new SSD dancers present, ECR callers call Plus level or above.
  4. How long will this class take?
    The class begins January 9, 2024 and is expected to last about 20 weeks, wrapping up in late May or early June. It will finish in time for you to dance Plus at the 2024 IAGSDC Convention in July.
  5. Who's teaching?
    Classes will be taught by our rotating line-up of club callers: Kurt Gollhardt, Michael Levy, Dave Decot, James Thompson and Mike Pogue. They will be assisted by experienced dancers, called "angels", who will pair up with students to help ensure a fun and successful class.
  6. I don't have someone to dance with!
    In LGBTQ square dancing, you don't need to bring a dance partner. Just bring yourself and a smile. We'll pair you up with angels and other students so you'll get to dance with different folks in every tip! (A "tip" is a roughly 15 minute dance set.)
  7. But I want to dance with someone specific?!
    For purposes of learning, we strongly suggest that students pair up with an angel whenever possible. However, please let the instructor know if you really want to dance with the same person repeatedly. We'll do our best to accommodate your request.
  8. What about food?
    We will provide light snacks, water and soft drinks.
  9. How should I dress?
    There's no dress code in LGBTQ square dancing. Instead, the key concept to focus on is comfort. Dress in loose clothing that allows you to move around easily and comfortably. Wear sensible shoes that are comfortable for standing and walking for long periods. Some folks like to wear especially thick socks for dance classes, to cushion the feet. Jeans and t-shirts are just fine, as are sweats, skirts, shorts, and slacks. Please, no strong fragrances.
  10. Where do I go from here?
    We recommend spending some time at the Plus level (especially getting familiar with dancing both the "boy" and "girl" parts) before going further At this time there are no plans for an ECR Advanced class, but if there is sufficient demand, we will hold an Advanced class in the future. If you can't wait, you may want to take an Advanced class at another local club.
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