Topic of the Quarter
Memphis Bop Club’s Dance Lessons
by Jo Reynolds, Memphis Bop Club
When our club was formed in April, 1987, one of our goals was to provide dance lessons free to our club members. This was incorporated into our original bylaws and remains the same today. This also serves as an incentive to join our club as non-members are charged a $5.00 fee for each class they attend.
The only paid position in our club is the Deejay. All others are strictly voluntary; therefore, our instructors are not paid.
Barbara Cooley is our Dance Director, and various members of our club assist with the lessons.
Barbara has structured her lessons to be taught for four consecutive weeks of 1 hour of basics. This is required prior to proceeding to the more advanced levels. The student has the option of repeating the basics.
The second hour each week is devoted to more advanced lessons with instruction of various patterns and lead/follow steps. Intermittently she will schedule workshops in line dancing, West Coast Swing, Shag, Cha-Cha, and some country dances.
Pre-registration is not required, and there is no size limit for the regular basic and advanced classes. Some guest instructors may request pre-registration for their workshops due to space limitation.
Students desiring private lessons will negotiate with the teachers individually.
Our lessons are weekly on Monday nites at the Bel-Air where our usual Friday nite dances are held. They are suspended during the months of June, July, and August.
We are very proud of the great job Barbara has done with our dance program. She strives to provide what our members request and furnish enough variation so everyone can get something from a class.
Please refer to our website www.memphisbopclub.com for information regarding our club and if ever in our area we would welcome you as our guest or you may call me direct at 662-342-5454.