Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program

For over three decades, the Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program has been a beloved and transformative institution in Santa Rosa, California, shaping the lives of thousands of young people across Sonoma County. This esteemed program, now guided by the experienced and encouraging hands of Jessica and Jason Taylor, specializes in American-style social ballroom dance and West Coast Swing, offering far more than just dance steps. It's a unique educational experience designed to empower 7th through 12th graders, helping them to develop invaluable social skills, build self-confidence, and cultivate a genuine love for movement in a supportive and fun environment.

The program has inherited a rich legacy, with roots tracing back to 1959, and has consistently been recognized for its positive impact. Parents enthusiastically share stories of how their children, even those initially hesitant or shy, have blossomed into confident leaders and joyful dancers under the Taylors' tutelage. The emphasis is on creating a warm, welcoming, and drama-free atmosphere where students can easily grasp complex movements and forge lasting friendships. The Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program is truly a rite of passage for many teens in Sonoma County, providing a foundational experience that extends far beyond the dance floor, preparing them for social interactions and instilling a lifelong appreciation for dance.

The Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program holds its classes at 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA. This central Santa Rosa location offers excellent accessibility for students and families residing throughout the city and the broader Sonoma County region. Maple Avenue is a recognizable street, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling to and from classes.

The program often utilizes facilities like the Santa Rosa Veterans Building for its sessions, a well-known community landmark, further enhancing its ease of access. For the hundreds of teens who participate annually, the convenient location minimizes travel time and makes it practical to attend weekly classes, even amidst busy academic and extracurricular schedules. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, contributing to a stress-free drop-off and pickup experience for parents. This thoughtful placement ensures that the Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program remains an integral and accessible part of the Santa Rosa community, allowing more young people to benefit from its unique blend of dance instruction and social development.

• American-Style Social Ballroom Dance: Core instruction in various ballroom dance styles designed for social settings, helping students to confidently navigate formal and informal social events.
• West Coast Swing Classes: Specialized instruction in West Coast Swing, a popular and versatile partner dance, often offered as a summer intensive or advanced option.
• Beginner Ballroom Dance (7th Grade & Up): Tailored classes for young teens new to dance, focusing on fundamental steps, partner work, and basic etiquette in a no-pressure environment.
• Second Hour Classes: Progressive classes that build upon the fundamentals, introducing new patterns, styling, choreography, and refining technique for returning students.
• Social Skills and Etiquette Training: Integrated lessons focusing on appropriate social behavior, manners, and dress, crucial for developing well-rounded individuals.
• Confidence Building: The program actively aims to increase students' self-confidence, particularly beneficial for shy individuals, by empowering them in a social setting.
• Partner-Optional Classes: While focused on partner dance, individuals do not need to bring a partner to participate, as the classes facilitate rotations and connections within the group.
• Performance Opportunities: Although not explicitly noted as formal performances, the program culminates in students being ready for social dancing, implying they can confidently participate in dance events. They also participate in intergenerational events with the Council on Aging.
• Experienced Instruction: All classes are led by highly experienced instructors, including Jessica and Jason Taylor, known for their expertise, patience, and ability to break down complex movements.

• Proven Track Record of Over 30 Years: The program has a long-standing history, passed down through generations (originally Nordquist Dance, now Nordquist-Taylor), indicating its sustained quality and community trust. It has been a "rite of passage for so many teens in Sonoma County since the 60s."
• Exceptional Instructors (Jessica and Jason Taylor): Reviews consistently highlight the high level of expertise, experience, kindness, and patience of Jessica and Jason Taylor. They are praised for their ability to "break things down so that the dancers can quickly and easily catch on" and always having a "smile on their faces."
• Warm and Welcoming Environment: A key feature is the "warm, welcoming environment" created by the instructors. This fosters a comfortable space where students feel at ease, encouraging participation and growth, particularly for those initially hesitant or shy.
• Significant Confidence Building: Parents attest to the program's profound impact on students' self-confidence. One review notes a shy son gaining "invaluable confidence in leading" and a daughter developing a "deep joy for dancing" and increased self-assurance.
• Emphasis on Social Skills and Friendship: Beyond dance steps, the program is instrumental in helping students build social skills and develop "lifelong friends." It creates a strong community bond among participants.
• Tailored for Teens (7th-12th Grade): The program is specifically designed for this age group, addressing their developmental needs for social interaction, confidence, and appropriate peer engagement in a structured setting.
• Focus on American-Style Social Ballroom & West Coast Swing: This specialization provides practical, real-world dance skills that are directly applicable to social events, making students truly "ready for social dancing."
• Intergenerational Community Engagement: The program actively participates in intergenerational events, such as performing for and dining with seniors through the Council on Aging, teaching valuable lessons in community service and empathy.

For more information on class schedules, registration, or inquiries about the program, please contact the Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program using the following details:

Address: 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA (Primary Administrative/Mailing. Classes often at Santa Rosa Veterans Building).

Phone: (707) 483-8855

Mobile Phone: +1 707-483-8855

Additional Contact: You may also find information via the Santa Rosa Veterans Building or through related local youth activity platforms, as they are a well-established community program.

We encourage interested families to reach out and discover the transformative experience offered by this unique program.

For families in Santa Rosa and across Sonoma County, the Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program stands as an unparalleled local treasure for youth development. With a rich legacy spanning over three decades, now expertly led by Jessica and Jason Taylor, this program offers far more than just dance lessons; it provides a foundational experience that significantly enhances a young person's social confidence, etiquette, and ability to connect with others. Parents consistently laud the program for its ability to transform hesitant children into joyful, self-assured dancers and leaders, illustrating its profound impact on personal growth.

The focus on American-style social ballroom dance and West Coast Swing equips 7th-12th graders with practical skills for a lifetime of social events, all within an incredibly warm, welcoming, and drama-free environment. The program's commitment to fostering strong, lifelong friendships among its participants further distinguishes it as a vital community builder. Its easily accessible location in Santa Rosa makes it a convenient and desirable extracurricular activity for busy teens and their families. For Californians seeking a unique blend of dance instruction, social skill development, and genuine community for their children, the Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program is undoubtedly a highly recommended and truly invaluable local resource.

Nordquist-Taylor Dance Program

1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA