Local dance organizations spin social, recreational opportunities

And a five-six-seven-eight

A couple dances during a Steppin' Out Dance Studio class. Classes are offered for both beginner and intermediate levels of multiple types of dance.
A couple dances during a Steppin' Out Dance Studio class. Classes are offered for both beginner and intermediate levels of multiple types of dance.

Missouri's Capital City offers an abundance of recreation. For those with a thirst for self-expression, there's dance.

Steppin' Out Dance Studio offers Jefferson City residents a chance to learn different styles of dance, ranging from ballroom to country. Classes focused on a particular style and take place once a week for six weeks. While partners are not required, instructors encourage them for both added enjoyment and a means of accelerating the learning process between classes.

"We are typically able to provide instruction for both beginning and/or intermediate level dances," said Steppin' Out instructor Don Walker. "(This is) thanks to having three instructors."

Walker began his teaching career as a country dance instructor in 1993. In 1997, he participated in ballroom and Latin instructor training. Walker's partner, Becky Fredrickson, began teaching roughly 15 years ago and co-instructed with a few other partners before uniting with Walker in 2004. The two became formal business partners in January 2008.

"Dance is good physical exercise; it's a wonderful social activity," Fredrickson said.

Cindy Kapila, Steppin' Out's third instructor, has been with the studio since its 2008 opening as well.

Aside from Walker's Latin instructor training in 1997, none of the teachers at Steppin' Out has received formal training, making them adept at helping students achieve their dance goals.

Dale Franken, a Steppin' Out student since 2013, said the dance lessons have allowed him to branch out to new styles.

"(I've) been dancing for many years, starting with country dancing," Franken said. "(I) even owned a country bar/dance hall for several years. When country faded, I switched to East Coast swing, then on to West Coast, and lots and lots of lessons. (I'm) still taking lessons and probably will keep taking lessons."

Steppin' Out maintains an active calendar, but a favorite among students and their friends and families remains Open Dance Night. This tradition is held from 7:30-9 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the studio, located at 2304 E. McCarty St.

For those with an affinity for traditional swing dance, Jefferson City Swing Dance Club offers monthly events at the Eagles Club located on Missouri Boulevard.

Fredrickson, who is well versed in multiple styles of dance, is also a member of JCSDC.

Unlike Steppin' Out, JCSDC is a nonprofit organization. Despite its name, the club advocates other forms of dance, including two-step, line dancing and cha-cha.

Classes are offered through JCSDC as well, at 1212 E. High St. Every Tuesday, beginners learn from 6-6:45 p.m., with advanced dancers coming in from 7-7:45 p.m. A practice dance is held from 7:45-8:30 p.m.

JCSDC's next monthly event will be the Salute to Veterans Dance at 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

"I like to say, I've never met anyone on the dance floor that I didn't like," Fredrickson said. "You just meet really, truly nice people this way. Dancing adds something to your life that's nothing but good and fun."