Philosophy

Cool Cats aims to help dancers of all makes, shapes, and sizes Take the Next Step in their dance journey. We understand that for some this will be a social pursuit, while for others it may be a matter of personal achievement, or include active participation as a sport. Consequently, our classes are offered in a variety of lesson formats that allow dancers of all levels of experience to learn the dance styles they prefer in accordance with their interests and ability. It is Cool Cats intent that students receive the best possible options and opportunities to expand their dance experience.

Key principles guide the ongoing development of Cool Cats lessons and overall teaching approach:

Lessons should be fun!

What counts as ‘fun’ is different for everybody. By having a mix of different class formats, a broad range of styles, and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, there is bound to be a class that will push your ‘fun’ button:

Whether you’re looking for a casual social activity or serious sports training, Cool Cats combines quality dance instruction with great music, great people, and a great time.

Cool Cats also recognises that dancing quickly becomes no fun when you feel like you can’t keep up or you “just can’t get it”. We believe that each dancer should be encouraged to progress at their own speed and level of confidence; no-one should feel required to achieve a certain standard or to “keep pace” with a peer group. Our classes therefore allow for optional levels of group participation, with personalised instruction ranging from occasional input to regular tailored guidance.

Lessons should be friendly!

Every dancer should feel welcome and enjoy coming to class. All dancers begin as students, and we understand that it is not always easy to learn a new style, a new dance technique, or sometimes even turn up to class. Cool Cats intends that all dancers should feel appreciated for the effort they put in to improve their dancing. Especially when committed to serious dance training, students should find that the constructive feedback provided remains relatable, accessible, and understanding.

In addition to what happens on the dance floor, Cool Cats continues to look for opportunities to socialise, support the broader Rock ‘n’ Roll community, and generally help students participate and get to know each other. We keep our classes relaxed and flexible so that everybody can take some time out to greet friends – or make new ones.

Lessons should be flexible!

While it would nice to be able to put the world on hold and just dance, unfortunately life rarely runs according to plan and it is often difficult for students to make it to dance classes. For some people it is a non-issue – dancing is what you do and you just do it; but for most people the capacity to work to changing schedules or to miss a class or two (without feeling left behind) is a great advantage.

Similarly, each dancer is an individual and the pace/style(s)/content preferred by one student during a lesson may be greatly different to another’s. Cool Cats aims to help every dancer develop their dancing in the direction and to the level that they wish to achieve. To that end, one type of lesson simply cannot meet the needs of all.

Cool Cats offers Perth's largest selection of 'nostalgia' dance styles. Combined with a variety of lesson formats and payment structures, we provide the best possible options so that students can find both the right type of dance and lesson balance for them.

Lessons should facilitate improvement!

Cool Cats recognises that, for most people, dancing is primarily a social activity. However, we believe that every lesson should help you perform or understand your dancing better. Cool Cats is not content to simply go through the motions – we want every dancer to walk away from a lesson with improved skills, more confidence, and a greater appreciation for the dance. You’ll never be under pressure to do more than you’re comfortable with; but we simply aren’t doing the best we can if we are not trying to help you improve and/or expand your dancing.

Cool Cats provides dance instruction in a logical and structured manner. Students are directed through the foundational elements of a dance style, with a clear progression of skills and methods to provide a consistent framework to facilitate understanding and implementation of dance elements of increasing difficulty/complexity. Cool Cats also provides regular short courses and training sessions to allow experienced dancers to continue to improve their dancing.

Quality

Personal Attention

According to the lesson format, teachers and class assistants will be able to spend more or less one-to-one time with students. However, regardless of lesson format, we aim to give specific feedback to each student. On some occasions the instructions may be simple but require focus and practice, while at other times a detailed or progressive explanation is required. Thus, the time we spend with you week to week may vary - but you will always get personal attention. Each dancer is different, so we seek to avoid a "one size fits all" approach to instruction.

True to Style

Dancing is a creative and expressive sport. It is therefore both appropriate and necessary for any dance style to develop new content, presentation, and other variety. However, to maintain the integrity of a dance style, this must be done in a manner that remains true to the essential structure, movement, and characterisation of the dance. Without such distinction, the flavour of the different styles may be readily lost and morph into a generic form that lacks the passion, exuberance, or definition of the original form.

At Cool Cats we appreciate and enjoy the ongoing development and fusion of dance styles, but continue to teach 'nostalgia' dance in a manner that we believe is consistent and representative of each style as it was primarily developed. This means no Lindy-Kicks in Rock 'n' Roll, no back-step in Rockabilly etc. ... but also no artificial (contemporary) restrictions on what is (or is not) consistent with a style. To the extent possible we consider the original footage available and work within the overall format, presentation, and structure evident for each style. Meanwhile, we recognise that, with the continual examination and refinement of dance styles with time, better methods and technique than those originally adopted may exist or be developed.

Qualified Instructors

Cool Cats instructors are qualified through the ARRDC, so you can rest assured of receiving knowledgeable and experienced teaching. We also encourage our regular class assistants to examine dance theory, acquaint themselves with both the lead and follow roles, and pursue formal qualification through the ARRDC as their knowledge, experience, and inclinations dictate. Furthermore, the training never stops as instructors and class assistants alike continue to learn further dance styles, exchange skills and ideas with other professionals, and examine their own dancing.

Dedication

Accessible & Supportive

Cool Cats is determined to provide quality dance instruction to the largest number of people possible. Consequently, while it would be much simpler to base our classes in one venue or area, we aim to be accessible to as many people as possible. This includes providing regional workshops, support for other Rock 'n' Roll clubs and teachers, and, of course, offering a variety of lessons at venues across the Perth metro area. We are also working hard to provide detailed lesson notes and course routines so that students may readily access relevant information and guidance for the dancing they've explored in class. From Geraldton to Bunbury (or beyond), students are always welcome to talk with us about their dancing.

Unfortunately we do not have the time and resources to be everywhere, so if you can't find a Cool Cats workshop or lesson close enough to you, please feel free to contact us regarding the options in your area.

Continued Training & Development

Cool Cats offers a variety of Lesson Formats to ensure that students of all skill levels and experience may continue to develop as dancers. For some this may include training for demonstration and competition, others may pursue a greater understanding and refinement of dance technique, while others may find it rewarding to engage with new dancers as a class assistant or, ultimately, in a teaching role. As a general guide, the different lesson formats may be used by students to facilitate dance progression as follows:

Workshops - Introduction to a new dance style, concepts, or specific discipline (e.g. aerials, triples).

Structured Courses - Designed for beginners and intermediate dancers, while providing an introduction to more advanced figures, skills, and concepts.

Short Courses - Intended for experienced dancers that wish to develop core aspects of their dancing (e.g. leading/following), develop advanced dance elements (e.g. aerials, triples), or generally expand their knowledge and skills (e.g. timing and technique, footwork).

General Classes / Private Lessons - For all students of all levels of skill and/or experience. We teach according to the needs and abilities of each student, providing direct feedback to queries and identifying key elements for correction or further development.

Demonstration/Competition Training - As events arise, students (of all levels of skill or experience) may be interested in participating in competitions or public performance opportunities. The general classes may then be used to provide greater focus on the performance aspects of dancing. Specific event training sessions may also be offered according to demand and student commitment.