The Jefferson County Adult and Community Education department will offer an entire day of beginner to intermediate level ballroom dance classes at the War Memorial Building on Jan. 25.

The classes, which each last one hour, will be taught by local dance instructor Tim Bennett. Bennett offers multiple dance classes at the War Memorial Building through his company, ABCDancesport and is partnering with the Adult and Community Education to reach out to more individuals who wish to learn.

Participants in the classes may select one or more special dances to learn. The fun begins at 10 a.m. with a focus on East Coast Swing. This dance is the most popular and versatile club dance and participants will begin with the basics then move into the skirt swirlin’ underarm turns.

Following at 11 a.m., participants may choose to join in the fun and versatile Cha Cha. At 1 p.m., the Foxtrot is the dance of the hour. Bennett says this dance, linear and social in nature, is very easy to learn. It is done to the big band sounds, he said.

The time honored classic waltz is offered in a 2 p.m. class. The dance, both elegant and sophisticated, can be done in one general area or progress around the room. Students will explore both options.

Rounding out the line up of classes at 3 p.m. is the Quickstep, something for the faster big band songs.

No partners are required to take the courses but registration in advance is necessary. One may register with the Adult and Community Education at Jefferson County Schools. Registration with payment is required prior to the first class for all classes, no exceptions. Phone Registrations – will be accepted with MasterCard / Visa at 304-728-9237 or 304-728-9224 or in person /mail – 110 Mordington Avenue, Charles Town WV 25414; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. For more information on the classes or registering, visit www.boe.jeff.k12.wv.us.

Each class costs $15 unless one combines three or more classes where a $5 discount will be given. Registering for all five classes will give the dance student a $10 discount.

The class is for anyone age 14 and older. A one hour lunch break at noon is given and participants are asked to refrain from wearing jeans and t-shirts. Ladies are asked to war closed-toed shoes. One may contact Bennett directly for any further information at (503) 309-7250 or timbennett.9@comcast.net.

Bennett began his dance career in 1991 within the Fred Astaire organization.

“I’ve always enjoyed getting people started on that wonderful journey of ballroom dancing and this is what I get to do in the beginners course,” he says.

Although Tim specializes in working with beginners, he continues to work with and train advanced to championship level dancers as well as continuing his own education. He is currently the only certified Dancesport instructor registered with and recognized by the National Dance Council of America (ndca.org) in the entire state of West Virginia. He offers many classes in addition to the Jan. 25 lineup. Information on those classes and more on Bennett can be found at www.abcdancesport.com.