DANCE CALENDAR HERE!!
See the monthly schedule, Schedule privates online, show it to your friends...

FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER TO A FRIEND
Please, please, please tell a friend.  If each person could bring one new person every month we would double our dance community every 30 days....think about that!!!  
 

1) Ask people's name.
It's much easier to ask someone to dance if you actually know their name (duh!!).

2) Deodorant & Mouthwash.
You'd be surprised to know that the #1 reason why people don't want to dance with other people is because of the way they smell.  If someone offers you a mint or a piece of gum, take it, or at least assume that they're trying to tell you something.  It's better to be safe than sorry.

3) Correcting your partner.
I hear about this allllll the time.  It's simple, don't correct your partner.  If your partner wants your advice, they'll ask you for it.  Don't assume that they want to learn from you...especially during the middle of a dance.  If you want to let someone know the secret of that special move you know, ASK them if they'd like you to show it to them AFTER the dance.

4) How long do I have to dance with him/her?
Realistically, you only have to bear with each other for about 4 minutes (avg length of a song).  If you mutually enjoyed the dance you can do another, but it's safe to walk away after one ride.  If you're new or shy, you can always ask someone to dance the final 2/3 of a song by saying "would you like to finish this song?".  Since you're only dancing for one song....trying smiling...it makes it more enjoyable for both people.

5 ) Declining a Dance.
This is tough!! Eye contact is 90% of the game.  Avoiding eye contact is a polite way of avoiding being asked.  Polite excuses (bathroom, tired, thirsty etc) usually works too.  But since it's a social environment, try to ask the person who you formerly declined; it's good for Karma. If you find yourself being declined a lot, try engaging in small conversation before asking someone to dance.  See advice #1-3 above.
 

A- A Dance Event is a dance focused day or weekend.  It may consist of workshops, social dancing, performances, and some competitions.  It differs from a Dance Competition in that it focuses much more on social dancing than on competitions.

Q - If I am a beginner dancer, should I go to a dance event?

A- Definitely!  Going to a dance event (rather than a dance competition) allows a beginner dancer to log many critical hours of dance time.  Most importantly, you will meet dancers of all different levels who share a common interest...making new friends on the dance floor.

Q - How can I get the most for my money at a Dance Event?

A - A Dance Event offers workshops with some of the most highly regarded and best dancers in their category.  You'll get to take class with national champions in Hustle or US Open Swing Champions.  You will have the opportunity to enter light-hearted pro-ams or Jack & Jills (see below) or to watch (or maybe even enter) the choreographed Classic Swing/Hustle divisions or shows.  In between workshops and divisions, there is plenty of social dancing....and after the competitions and shows are over, the social dancing continues sometimes until sunrise.   The real magic happens after midnight!

Q - Aren't group classes enough?

A - There are 3 parts to the training of a successful dancer: Group Classes, Privates and Social Dancing. Becoming a proficient dancer requires all three.  Group classes are for vocabulary and technical exposure, Privates are for the personal tweaking that are impossible in a group setting and Social Dancing is for the natural trial-and-error process that every dancer must go through before things just start to feel normal.  One of the best places for Social Dancing is at a Dance Event.

Q - Would I have to compete?

A - You definitely do not have to compete.  In fact you can take workshops in many dances and watch some of the light-hearted competitions and social dance.  Social Dancing is such a big part of the Dance Event weekend that many people stay on the dance floor until sunrise.  If you are interested in competing, you don't even have to bring your own partner...there are random-partnered divisions called "Jack & Jills" that are high-fun and low-stress.

Q - Will my dancing improve if I go to a Dance Event?

A - Dancing improves exponentially after a Dance Event!  I'm not talking about a slight improvement....we're talking about a noticeable change in your lead/follow skills, repertoire, styling and timing  in 3 days.  Why?  Because of the time you've spent on the social dance floor, your attendance at workshops taught by some of the finest instructors/dancers on the planet and exposure to the most amazing talent you've ever seen.  This is exactly why I started going.

Q - What Dance Events would Erik recommend??

A - There are many events...sometimes more than once a month if you are ready to travel.  There are some great events in the North East...in 2 weeks is the New Year's Extravaganza for West Coast Swing/Hustle/Lindy in Sturbridge, MA.  Also check out MAD Jam & the Boston Tea Party in March 2007.