None whatsoever! Avoiding learning dance because you are uncoordinated is like avoiding learning to cook because you don't know how to cook. Dance is simply the natural next step of developing coordination, like learning to walk after learning to crawl.

We've developed a method of teaching that is able to reliably get anyone started with dancing enjoyably. The designer of the event, Jaymes, struggled with dance significantly and had no natural talent in it, so he knows how hard it can be! He's focused on making your first steps on your dance journey as accessible as possible.

Even experienced dancers have found our method beneficial, so join us no matter where you are in your experience! The more of a range of dance skills that are represented on the dance floor, the better.

Nope! While we recommend registering in couples to help have an even number of gentlemen and ladies, be aware that you will not only be dancing with the person you arrive with. No matter how many leads and follows attend, however, everyone will get a chance to participate, and no one will be left out!

We have a wide range of demographics who attend regularly. College students, retirees, introverts looking to get out of the house but in a safe and chill environment, parents wanting to connect with people who aren't co-workers, dancers who just can't get enough, people curious about swords, and more! There are always fun conversations to be had to be sure!

You do not have to profess Christianity to be welcome at our events. The leadership includes Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant members, and much of the traditions of our events are designed with that background and context in mind. Attendees who are able to affirm at least a belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will therefore be better able to enter into our experiences. That said, everyone is welcome to attend and fully participate even if they themselves are not professing Christians, and we do not proselytize or make this a platform for preaching of any kind.

We will primarily focus on the ballroom frame, which is applicable to many styles, including waltz, foxtrot, tango, polka, and more. Starting here allows us to lay a foundation for safe and enjoyable dancing even before we introduce any steps. We will then introduce the basic left-turning box of standard waltz, and if there is time we sometimes will also add a turn, a dip, and/or progressive steps. This is more than enough to put some spice and variety into your repertoire!

Waltz is the mother of nearly all partner dancing traditions in the world, with a diverse and richly expressive range of styles. It is also one of the most straightforward and easily learned styles for the widest variety of personality and aptitude types. It has endured the centuries for a great many very good reasons, and is still being adapted and innovated on. You can even include moves and styling from other dance forms, including swing, tango, blues, and more! Waltz also best embodies the character traits we most want to exercise - honor, communication, collaboration, active listening, and more.

While these events are more formal than typical dances, and you might very well see attendees show up in tuxedos or ballgowns if they feel inclined, they are not full balls. However, they are practice for balls. A ball is an elaborate affair with elevated dress, decorum, and venue, creating a uniquely unforgettable experience. But it takes some getting used to and learning the etiquette that makes for a quality ball is tricky in today's world. Our Excelsior experiences are designed to bridge the gap between an ordinary dance and an extraordinary ball.

"Go Higher!" Excelsior is an old motto (predating Stan Lee and Marvel comics) capturing the aspirational spirit of pushing for excellence and endless growth. We want to invite you to expand your confidence zone outside of your comfort zone and "go higher" with us!