About the Instructor
Lorie Clark, PhD.
• Member, Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), since 1999
• Former member, Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC)
• Former ballroom dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, with four years of teaching experience
• Experience in performance, movement instruction, choreography, partner-dance technique, and teaching beginning social dancers
• Teaching approach centered on encouragement, clear progression, safety, and respect for individual abilities
Join us for Ballroom Basics with Lorie Clark.
This is a partner-dance class focused on foundational timing, posture, footwork, musicality, floor craft, and comfortable lead-and-follow skills.
No partner is required; participants may rotate partners when comfortable.
Foxtrot • Waltz • Tango • Rumba • Cha Cha • Mambo • East & West Coast Swing
Beginner level class. No previous dance experience required.
Participants should wear comfortable, neat clothing that permits unrestricted movement and secure footwear appropriate for turning and stepping. Please see additional information about class attire, dance etiquette and safety below.
For Adults and mature teens.
Wednesday, November 18
6-7 pm
200 W Fifth in Bonham
$10 for Members
$15 for Non-Members
To register and pay by card, click the button below.
To pay by cash or check, stop by the center during normal business hours.
Class Attire & Dance Etiquette
- Clothing – Comfortable tops; slacks, casual trousers, capris, leggings, jeans in good condition, or skirts that permit easy movement.
- Preferred Shoes – Ballroom or jazz shoes, lightweight smooth-soled shoes, or supportive shoes that remain secure on the foot.
- AVOID – Flip-flops, backless sandals, heavy boots, unstable heels, and shoes with excessive tread that may catch during turns.
- Personal Items – Secure jewelry and loose accessories. Bring water and medically necessary personal items.
- Etiquette – Arrive early, practice good hygiene, respect personal boundaries, and advise the instructor of relevant limitations
Safety & Injury Prevention
- Begin each class with a structured warm-up and finish with a gradual cool-down.
- Progress from basic movements to more complex patterns only when participants are ready.
- Maintain upright posture, controlled movement, relaxed knees, and a comfortable range of motion.
- Keep the dance floor clear of bags, cords, drinks, and other hazards.
- For ballroom class, use safe lead-and-follow technique and avoid forceful pulling, pushing, dipping, lifting, or twisting.
- Maintain awareness of surrounding dancers and follow floor-craft patterns to reduce collisions.
- Stay hydrated, rest as needed, and stop immediately if pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unusual discomfort occurs.
- Participants with medical, balance, mobility, or injury concerns should seek appropriate professional guidance and notify the instructor of needed modifications.
Safety Note
Dance instruction will be recreational and adaptable. Participation is voluntary, and each participant is responsible for working within personal limits. The Creative Arts Center will apply its standard waiver, emergency procedures, and facility policies.