Area of Review
 
Basics/Intermediate: Yes
 
A group of 8 beginner students were being taught by Jenny. She was showing them basic turns and two were learning the basic 6 count.  Tollie assisted 5 students with intermediate moves.
 
Advanced Turns & Advanced Following: Yes
 
Advance instructions were taught by Cliff and there were about 7 students learning a new move.  I was able to learn new combinations because Cliff used me for some of the demonstrations. 
 
Service/Atmosphere:   Positive

The class I attended was held at the old Sears Building, 3333 W. Arthington, in a downstairs studio.  The room was well lit and very roomy, with mirrors on the walls.  The students were able to bring their own drinks or Cliff provided a cooler full of water that everyone was welcome to.
 
Music:  Mixture mid tempo
 
Cliff provided the music on his computer's musical selections.  The song choices were good for learning on all levels.

Individual Attention: Yes
 
After class a few students stayed around to ask Cliff and Jenny to explain a move or practice with them on a one on one basis.  Because they stayed longer, they got the chance to assist in cleaning and closing the studio.  They were happy to oblige.
 
Weaknesses:  On the day I visited, there were not enough men in class to accommodate the ladies, but are there ever.  So this is a minor weakness.  However, I did notice the some of the female students were learning advance turns in rubber sole shoes.  In my opinion, this should not be allowed.  No matter how much powder is put on the floor, you still can't spin properly in rubber soles.  Also, the building is very large with three levels and there were no signs to indicate where the class was being held.  If Cliff didn't tell me earlier that it was on the lower level, I wouldn't have known.  Once down there, still no signs, so I had to follow the sounds of music to find the studio.
 
Strengths:  The class was held in a bright, roomy studio with a big wood floor equipped for learning any form of dance.  Some students learned lane usage in a section set up with chairs. This was a good technique for beginners to know the proper etiquette of stepping in the club.  If they bumped into a chair, they learned that they were out of lane and bumping into other people.
 
Also, the class is kid friendly. Because the class is not at a club, the students are able to bring their children with them.  This is a big plus so that parents don't have to find an afterschool program or babysitter.  Of course, this is for older kids that can sit alone, not babies.
 
Another plus was that students were given 10 minute breaks together as a group, which was good so that no one would miss anything being taught.    
 
Final Comments:  I've been telling Cliff that I would come to his class to learn some of the difficult moves he put me in while we are out on the steppers scene.  So when I showed up, he immediately call me on the floor to assist him in demonstrating a new advance turn.  Cliff gave very good instructions, and I picked up the move quickly.  He had no idea I would be doing a review until the end of class when I asked them to take the picture.  The class was well taught on all levels with drills at the conclusion of class.  I feel we are never too old or too advance to learn a new move or to perfect an old one.  Thanks Jenny for showing me how to do the carousel more fluidly without rushing it.

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