The Ward Marston Band will play a lively mix of toe-tapping music from the era of the classic dance bands, including waltzes, foxtrots and even some cha chas and polkas. Fear not if you feel that your dancing feet need a brush-up. You don’t need to be a classically trained ballroom dancer to have a good time on the dance floor. If you’re armed with the “society two step” (see below) and a basic waltz, and above all else a desire to have a good time you will be all set. Check out the clips below, listen to some Lester Lanin and Glen Miller for a sense of the music, and you’ll find it hard to resist moving your feet!

“The Society Two Step”
The society tempo is a simple way to dance to any foxtrot tune - the timing is “slow, slow, slow, slow” instead of “slow, slow, quick-quick”. It is essentially walking in time to the music (left, right, left, right). You can move in any direction with your partner and easily incorporate fun swing flourishes like the promenade, pretzel, and turns once you realize how straightforward it is. Listen to the Lester Lanin clip below to get a sense of rhythm that's ideal to either ‘two step’ or foxtrot to.

Double Cut
To switch partners with another couple mid-way through a dance.

Navigate the ballroom with ease! Review dancing etiquette tips.

Dancing Inspiration
Check out these YouTube clips for some great music and dancing (and a bit of humor!)

Glenn Miller playing “In the Mood” in the movie “Sun Valley Serenade.”

Delightful dance scene from Ernst Lubitsch’s 1919 silent comedy “The Oyster Princess.”

1920s clip demonstrating the fox-trot.

1920s clip featuring the waltz (the third couple has some notable moves!)

1920s clip featuring dance tips for beginners.

Waltz scene from “War & Peace” television series.

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in “The Gay Divorcee”

“Steady Steady” by the Lester Lanin Orchestra – with a wacky slideshow – classic “society” dance sound and rhythm.

The Nicholas Brothers – an amazing dance duo that will inspire you to stretch your legs and don a tailcoat!