The one-hour beginners’ class is to be followed by others in East Coast swing and advanced swing. There are even shorty Charleston sessions.

"If people know a few simple steps, they can go out and dance to the music and have fun," Dodge says. "If they’ve never danced, 80 or 90 percent of them can’t make their feet work.

"When you start using that part of your brain, it gets easier."

As she speaks, a half-dozen mounted elk heads seem to gaze down impassively at seven or eight men pushing women around the room to the Nelson Riddle Orchestra’s beat.

"Make sure your feet are together," Pariseau says. "Your right arm goes around her back, and it’s flat, elbows bent 45 degrees.

"Your left hand has a nice, firm hold on her right hand. There should be some resistance. When you’re ready, just lean like you’re going to start walking."

Next Pariseau works on turning, which is to be done with the guys going forward.

As Mary Carlon points out, that means the women are going backward.

"It’s like the thing about Ginger Rogers doing everything Fred Astair did backwards and in high heels," the Horton Plaza resident says.

Carlon says she’s been dancing for years but considers herself a beginner.

"Every man dances different," she says. "If they all took a class like this it would be good."

The morning moves quickly to swing, with Pariseau showing men to step to the left side, then to the right, then put one foot behind the other. It’s a six-count step, side right, side left, change weight.

This time the music is Melvin Endsley’s gently rocking "Singin’ the Blues."

"I must’ve made it too easy," Pariseau says with a chuckle.

Next comes the twirl. Side, side, push-pull, side, side, push-pull.

That’s enough to drive Bob Prest off the floor shaking his head.

"I’ve decided I’ve got two left feet and that’s the way it’s going to stay," he says.

Dodge grabs his partner, a friend named Mavis, and takes the man’s part.

Prest, a widower, drove 565 miles from British Columbia for the jubilee.

After a quick review, it’s Charleston time, then more people arrive and another lesson begins.

Dancers today will have another day of big band, swing and traditional jazz to put their new moves to use. The festival wraps up with afternoon finales at the Reston and the Red Lion Ballroom.

Reach reporter Bill Varbleat 776-4478 or e-mail bvarble@mailtribune.com