No. Bring a partner if you can, but instructors organize partner rotation so solo attendees can participate and practice with multiple partners.

What skill level is required?

The class is designed for beginners with no prior experience; the instructors progress at a welcoming pace and break moves into simple, repeatable patterns.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes—listing notes that wheelchairs are welcome. Confirm specific access details and parking by contacting the operator before arrival.

How early should I arrive?

Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in, warm up, and get partnered or oriented to the floor.

Are refreshments provided?

The listing does not specify included refreshments—bring your own water and snacks, or check with the operator for on-site options.

What should I do if the class is cancelled?

Cancellation policies are not listed; use the referral link or contact the operator directly to confirm scheduling and refund options.

Dance the Night Away in Arthurdale: Two-Step & Country Waltz Workshop with All Things Swing

At the edge of the Appalachian foothills in Arthurdale, West Virginia, an evening of dance offers a different way to meet the place. Two-Step & Country Waltz Dance Workshop brings together locals and visitors for a relaxed, hands-on introduction to two iconic American partner dances. The class runs 7:00pm–8:30pm and is taught by David & Amy Loomis of All Things Swing in Morgantown, who steer newcomers through weight shifts, connection, and timing with clear cues and good humor.

The room itself is part lesson and part social floor: expansive enough for beginners to practice turns, with a floor surface that rewards smooth steps and forgiving landings. In colder months the view through windows frames ridge lines of mixed oak and hickory; in warmer months, the session hums alongside crickets and late light from the hills. Key features include the paired lessons—waltz patterns and country two-step variations—hands-on partner work, and a welcoming pace designed so no prior experience is required.

Why this workshop is special: Arthurdale is one of the few places where community history and contemporary recreation meet. Founded as a New Deal resettlement project in the 1930s, the town still carries a civic spirit; this workshop channels that civic energy into an inclusive evening where residents and visitors share the floor. The Loomises’ All Things Swing background brings a mountain-inflected musical sensibility and practical sequencing that gets people dancing fast without pressure.

Practical notes: bring comfortable shoes and a willingness to rotate partners if attending solo. Wheelchairs are welcome, but specific meeting-point details are not provided in the listing and should be confirmed with the operator prior to arrival. There is minimal technical gear required—mostly good balance, a sense of rhythm, and a friendly attitude.

Who will love it: couples looking for date-night options, travelers passing through Morgantown or visiting Appalachian attractions, and anyone who wants a short, social, skill-building activity off the usual hiking and history trail. The workshop is both instructional and social: expect to learn basic patterns and leave able to dance at local jams and community dances.

Local connections: pair the workshop with a daytime visit to Arthurdale’s museum and walking routes through the town’s original homesteads. Because the class is seasonal in audience rather than content, it works as an evening complement to outdoor exploration of the West Virginia hills. Arrive early to warm up, listen for the instructors’ cues, and consider staying afterward to trade steps and meet locals. If you’re visiting from farther afield, combine the class with a drive along US-219 or a hike on nearby trails; both reward simple, uncrowded views and a quiet sense of place that pairs well with an evening of dancing and local hospitality and conversation.

About Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures.

Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe.

Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.