Filé Gumbo evenings start with a beginners' dance class:

I'm a complete beginner. Will I be OK?  Definitely, classes are always aimed at beginners.

What if I've got two left feet?    Don't worry. Cajun dancing is for having fun, not for showing off to other people. Unlike some other kinds of dancing, it won't take you weeks just to learn the step. You will learn enough to enjoy dancing during the evening. And Tim and Madeleine, your regular dance teachers, have been teaching beginners for over 13 years.  They will put you at your ease.

Do I need a partner?  No. Many people come on their own. The class is a particularly good place for meeting people.

What do I wear?  Anything that's comfortable! Remember you may get hot and sticky.

Do I have to wear special shoes?  It's easier to dance in shoes than in trainers, but being comfortable is the most important thing.

Will I feel comfortable as a woman on my own?   You should do. If you come to the class you will meet people to dance with later. The Club is friendly and a good place to meet people, but people come to dance, not to make a pick up.  And you don't need to wait for a man to ask you to dance, it's customary for women to ask men as well.

Will I feel left out if I don't want to dance?    No, people also come just to listen to the music.