So You Say You Want To Dance On Kauai?

Update: It saddens me to say that dance on Kauai has not been “alive and well” since March 2020 when our island shut down due to the Covid pandemic. Our very favorite spot, Rob’s, has decided to focus on their restaurant and not renew the license needed for dance. `There’s talk of trying to find other venues in 2023 but it will be difficult. Stay tuned!

So you think you can dance? Good news! Dance on Kauai is alive and well. Whether it is ballroom, swing, Latin, tango, zouk or dancing with your partner on the sand, we have you covered. But, before I tell you what is happening on the Garden Island, check out this video that was created by one of the Oahu dance groups last year. The basic moves are West Coast Swing.

I have been involved with the swing dance community on Kauai for about 15 years. Our passion is west coast swing but that does not keep us from moving our hips to other forms of dance (cha cha, hustle, east coast swing, country 2-Step, nite club 2-Step, salsa). Every Tuesday evening a small group of us meet up at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Lihue for some companionship and dancing. Our leaders are really considerate about dancing with all the followers so no one gets left out. For years the owner of the grill has graciously allowed us to play our music through his sound system from 7:30 to 10:00. Many come early to eat in order to support our host. The food is yummy and relatively inexpensive. Visitors occasionally find us online and join in on the fun. Everyone is welcome.

Four times a year, on the second Friday of the month (February, May, August, November) a dance is held at the Church of the Pacific, just outside the Princeville Resort. A potluck starts the evening off at 6:30, then a half hour dance lesson, followed by social dancing until 10:00. A variety of music is played. All dance levels are encouraged and no partner is necessary. Visitors to the island are always welcome.

Every Sunday, at the Koloa Neighborhood Center, a group gathers for a dance lesson at 7:00 followed by social dancing to a variety of music. Morgan Peters is the resident instructor and she rotates the lessons through numerous dances for a three week series of each. Next dance up: East Coast Swing.

Throughout the week, dance studios and individual teachers offer classes and events around the island. The best way to find out what is happening for any given week is to email www.kauaidancing@gmail.com. I personally handle this email address as well as send out a dance email each weekend. Here is this week’s schedule of events as an example:

Here are the Weekly Events from March 7th – March 14th:

Saturday – Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Laura’s Ladies Latin Night; 6:00 – 8:00; Get personalized dance instruction and have fun with friends; 2 ladies for $20; Movement and Arts Kauai at 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Sunday – Third Texas 2-Step lesson; 7:00; Social Dancing to follow; $5.00 – $10.00 Donation; Koloa Neighborhood Center; Call Morgan at (717) 743-0935 or email peters_morganw@aol.com for more information. Email: koloadance@gmail.com for map and latest dance class video.

Sunday – Zouk classes; Golden Lotus in Kapaa; 7:00 – 8:00 PM; open to all levels; Email Sofia at ssscheuerman@gmail.com for more info.

Sunday – Lindy Hop lesson (beginner/intermediate) with Morgan Peters; Social dancing to follow; 10:00 – 11:00 AM Lesson, 11:00 – 12:00 AM Swing Dance Social; Anahola Marketplace; peters_morganw@aol.com for more info.

Monday – Modern Dance; 5:30 PM; Movement and Arts Kauai at 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Tuesday – Rob’s Good Times Grill; 7:30 – 10:00; Dance to a variety of contemporary dance music including West Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Hustle, East Coast Swing, Nite Club 2-Step, Country 2-Step and Latin. DJ: Darrel or Rae-Marie; No cover charge. Come early for a delicious dinner and have fun meeting people, too.

Tuesday – Adult Hip Hop Series,12:45; Intermediate Progressive American Tango, 5:15; Beginner Latin, 6:15; Advanced Salsa Wahine, 7:15; Movement and Arts Kauai at 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Thursday – (discontinued until further notice) Tango; Anahola Club House (3500 Kawelo St.); 7:00- 8:00.

Thursday – Latin at Wailua Golf Course in Bamboo’s Grill; Morgan Peters; Restaurant and full bar available; 5:00 – 9:00; Beginners Latin lesson starts at 5:30; Intermediate Latin lesson starts at 6:30; Latin Social is from 7:30 to 9:00; $10.00; Email morganwpeters@gmail.com for more info.

Thursday – Core Rhythms Dance Workout, 8:00 AM; NIA, 8:50 AM; Intermediate Ballet, 5:30 PM; Movement and Arts Kauai, 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Friday – Beginner Smooth Ballroom; 5:30 PM; Movement and Arts Kauai, 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Saturday – Intermediate Ballet, 10:15 AM; Movement and Arts Kauai, 2321 Kolo Rd, Kilauea; $150 for 10 classes or Unlimited Month $160; Email contact@movementandartskauai.org for more info.

Kauai Dancing Blog

Another place to find information about dance on Kauai is to go to our blog. Although it does not include as much info as the weekly dance emails, it does generally include special dance events taking place on the island.

So, if you have been thinking about learning to dance on Kauai, now you know where to go. If you are visiting the island, please feel free to join us. Even though many will be partner dancing, free styling is always an acceptable form of dance! Remember, dancing is good for the body, mind, and soul.

For those interested in seeing what West Coast Swing looks like, check out this video:

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