They say you should dance like no one is watching. But sometimes it's helpful to be aware of your audience -- especially if they're master dance instructors.

Mark Carpenter of Mountain View, California, and Barry Douglas of Detroit will be in Ann Arbor from February 3-5 as part of FUSE, teaching dance classes for beginners and experts alike. Put on by Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance (AACTMAD) and A2 Fusion, the FUSE weekend includes instruction in fusion, blues, West Coast swing, and hustle as well as plenty of dance parties to test out your moves.

The AACTMAD page describes fusion as an “improvised lead-follow approach to dancing to any style of music that does not have a strictly defined dance aesthetic.” It incorporates a variety of styles to connect your movements with your partner’s movements and can either combine established dance styles or create an entirely unique dance experience.

“My version of fusion is a combination of dance styles and techniques," Carpenter said, "more than it is a dance in its own right, as in a basic step and mode of connection.”

He will be teaching fusion classes for dancers with knowledge of at least one style of partner dances along with a microblues class that will teach how to flow through the dance by focusing on “movement, relaxation, solo, and partnered movement.” Carpenter will also teach lessons for intermediate dancers that will focus on core concepts of fusion and role switching as well as explore flexibility and creativity within the dance.

“I'll be discussing the core elements that make up partner dancing," Carpenter said, "exploring those for a few styles -- blues, West Coast swing, tango -- then guiding students to use those elements to switch between dances and combine them. All dances are done with a partner to various types of music.”

Carpenter, who co-founded the dance studio Drop Dead Blues in California, has competed internationally. But after immersing himself in the fusion style of dance, Carpenter began teaching around the world.

Douglas is a legend in Detroit and nationally known for his dancing techniques. Professionally certified in 16 dances, he has taught in two dozen countries. For beginners, Douglas is teaching classes on West Coast swing, which will introduce a novice dancer to the basic steps of what is known as “left coast” fusion. Douglas will also teach a hustle class that focuses on the technique and precision of the well-known dance. On Sunday, he'll offer a blues class to learn about the history of this dance style along with some introductory steps.

After the lessons, there is plenty of time for putting what you learned into practice, too. Friday night kicks off at the Phoenix Center (220 S. Main Street) with a fusion dance party featuring soul, electronica, pop, Latin, and blues fusion. Saturday and Sunday’s classes and dance parties take place at Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive) and feature more tango and blues dancing and fusion of all types. Sunday closes out with Fusion on the Floor, a mixed all-styles jam.

Carpenter encouraged everyone to get out and dance for many reasons: “Socially it gets people to touch one another, which is a really big deal in this day and age. It also mixes various communities and creates a space and community for those who don't have one. Emotionally, you have the connection between dancers and the connection and expression of the music -- which, if you've never felt is something to behold. And, of course, there is the physical aspect of it all.”

In other words, dancing is a pure fusion of social connection.

Patti Smith is a special education teacher and writer who lives in Ann Arbor with her husband and cats.

For a complete list of FUSE dance classes and parties happening February 3-5, visit the event's Facebook page. To purchase tickets in advance, visit eventbrite.com.