Son of So---How Was Your Dance Weekend?

[Phil Owl]

I'll start, for the most part, VERY enjoyable! I had a cha-cha and salsa with this one woman, who to say the least was DYNAMITE! Very expressive and fun, as well as some fun EC Swing. And our beautiful wooh, it was ALWAYS a pleasure to take to the floor with you, and special thanks to you for enabling me to pull off a passable WCS, something that doesn't happen often for me! :mrgreen:

[QPO]

Had a slow week-end only went to one event it was too warm to do anything. Ready to getting going this week-end.

[Lioness]

No dancing this weekend. Hopefully going to a Valentine's ball on Saturday but saw it in the paper and forgot to take down the contact number...I'll look it up at work again on Saturday...

[Rugby]

Went to a dance but the music was so old the RCA dog was there.

[QPO]

Which is such a shame as there is so much music out there...I don't know why they do that.

Went to a dance but the music was so old the RCA dog was there.

[nucat78]

Danced Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Can't complain.

[Zhena]

DH and I went to a party at a new studio ... both Laura and T.C. were there too.

The pre-party lesson was crowded and a little chaotic. They had a good turnout because the lesson and party were free (funny how that happens).

It was harder than usual for me to "troll" for partners ... I try to look like I'm ready to dance and hope someone asks me ... I think I got about 4-5 dances that way. Other than that, I danced with DH and then a few times with T.C. He is, of course, wonderful to dance with no matter what the dance, but DH said he could tell I was in heaven during the foxtrot -- he is soooo smooth. It was almost as much fun to watch Laura and T.C. swoop around the floor ... I'm kinda envious, but I know I haven't put in anywhere near the effort I would need to get that result. sigh ...

Unfortunately, I got kicked during our last dance and had to stop before it ended. But the pain went away before we got to our car, and I have only the faintest bruise today ... nothing to worry about.

T.C. reminded me I am (way) overdue on my annual update my "good enough" thread, so I'll try to get it done soon.

[Lioness]

Danced friday, but not Saturday and Sunday. Friday was great, but DP went nuts...lack of social dancing for too long I think.

[jwlinson]

Went to our studio party Friday, which was fun. Saw previews of some of the performances for our upcoming "Dancing With Our Stars" charity event. The two stars I'm dancing with couldn't make it, so I sat out. Still had fun though.

Spent Saturday and today practicing for the event, which is next Saturday.

[fascination]

sick all weekend couldn't even really practice...did watch videos of my new routines and try to walk through them...as well as a half-hearted attempt at the rumba drill...but ...just...too...sick...plus a muscle spasm in my neck....tomorrow...er ..today's lesson should be interesting

[elisedance]

I ^^^^^^ (sound of muffled confession)...... time will tell...

[QPO]

had a good dance week...Got to try the comp floor which is now only two weeks away... the only problem we had tonight is that we collided with people on the floor that were almost stationery...grrrr and i felt bad

[mamboqueen]

Had a rare night out last night. Lots of fun...except for the couple of men who insist on putting their hand on my waist instead of somewhere in the vicinity of my shoulder blade. Kept my yapper shut, but was very tempted. The social part of it was really more fun than anything; I don't get to see the other ladies from my studio often, and had a good time with them.

[etp777]

Did they just not know any better mq? I know that's how I learned to "dance" at school/clubs.

[mamboqueen]

Well, I can only assume that they don't know better or they'd be doing it. I just have an aversion to having their hands so low, not to mention that it isn't going to help them to get me to do what they want me to do. I did ask another guy if he would mind lifting his right arm up a bit so I could rest mine on it (lol) in a foxtrot and he mumbled something about being a street dancer and not knowing international style, rise and fall, etc. I just chuckled and said that rise and fall takes place in American style, too. He was good natured about it.

[fascination]

grounded last night...hoping for a social tonight w/dh

[Yanou]

Went to a practice party last night but it was cancelled due to a low turnout. Bummer. At least the studio (not my studio) is nearby. Debating if I want to drive 30 min. to another one tonight. I know I won't get to dance too much because of the male-female inbalance. Come to think of it, they changed the location to a new place in downtown, so there may be fewer women there. Hmmmmm.

[fascination]

exhausted...canning the dancing and going for pizza and a movie

[samina]

Had a rare night out last night. Lots of fun...except for the couple of men who insist on putting their hand on my waist instead of somewhere in the vicinity of my shoulder blade. Kept my yapper shut, but was very tempted. The social part of it was really more fun than anything; I don't get to see the other ladies from my studio often, and had a good time with them.

he probly just didn't know. or mebbe... well... a woman's waist has famous appeal. :)

[etp777]

That's for sure, Sam. :) That's the point of cuban motion, sin't it, to show that off? ;)

Thought about heading to swing night at willowbrook ballroom tonight, but decided not to. Cooking and cleaning (a little, anyway ;) ) still.

[samina]

i remember the first time i led women in salsa rueda. it was very disorienting...i didn't know where to put my hands! just was not used to having to concern myself with while dancing.

[drejenpha]

Workshops with Gherman and Iveta on Friday, lots to think about.

We had our competition today at Penn State... I got to the venue before the organizers so I took control of the set-up and doubled the floor size from last year, which was nice.

The theme for today was getting girls ribbons... today is one of my partners' birthdays so I danced with her primarily, she wanted to get a ribbon, got 6. A girl I know from one of the ballroom classes my teacher does was TBA in newcomer standard, we got 3 ribbons. Danced bronze mambo with one of my other follows because birthday girl doesn't like mambo, her first and second time dancing mambo and we got 5th. Also ended up with a 3rd place in a reverse-lead standard fun event, TWQ, with a different girl(all that time I spent improving my stretch because I was slacking off while the girls were doing it finally pays off). Funny thing was that before that event happened I was asked by a friend to be a girl to help him figure out something in american fox.

Dance weekend was amazing. Getting homework done weekend not so much.

[Peaches]

A waste of gas to drive down and back. Blargh. And I ended up with a nice gash on my ankle (my fault), a bruise on my calf (got kicked), and a sore big toe on my right foot (leader's fault--repeatedly--which also meant that my brand new shoes got stomped on several times).

And got b*tched at due to a misunderstanding wrt dances asked for and accepted. The misunderstanding was the very first dance of the night, which made that set awkward, and then I got an earful about it during the second set. No amount of explaining the misunderstanding would make this guy back down from telling me what I did wrong. Was so tempted to just walk off the floor and out the door right then and there, because it just set a crappy tone for the evening. And I was already kind of in a blah mood.

Pleh.

[QPO]

Still coming to terms with last nights social dance..., someone got cranky when I stepped on his partners heel, I could not see behind me and my partner was doing line of dance...they came out of nowhere...and the guy got really cranky.. spoilt an otherwise good night.

[Lioness]

A lot of people do that to us as well...they suddenly change direction and act as if it was our fault that we hit them.

Dance on Saturday night was insane. We had a large floor, and 3 completely full rings of couples. I was so grateful for the quickstep, where almost no-one went on the floor (comparitively, anyway). The rest was bumper to bumper, with hardly any room to move freely. We also had a couple that were doing a different sequence in the outer circle...not good when we went against line of dance and assumed they would do the same, and they didn't.

[fascination]

practiced all day yesterday ...otherwise ...nothing...given everyone else's luck at socials this weekend, kind of glad I skipped them

[QPO]

yes that sounds like a good plan. The venue we were at on Saturday is not my favorite for that very reason, it is always a traffice jame, but we wanted to see if we could fit our routines for the comp on the floor as that is where our first comp will be held.

Now I will stay away from the floor till the event, the others can fight over it:roll:

practiced all day yesterday ...otherwise ...nothing...given everyone else's luck at socials this weekend, kind of glad I skipped them

[Zhena]

Yesterday DH and I went to two events.

The first was a "veteran's party" at the studio where we used to take lessons. They invited people who had started taking lessons there more than a year ago, or who had taken a lot of lessons. So everyone was comfortable on the floor, which was nice. But there was a certain lack of energy. I don't know whether it was because there weren't any starry-eyed beginners, or because the staff wasn't really making a big effort to keep the energy up. They played some silly games (blergh ...), but, really, icebreakers like that are not necessary when everyone knows everyone else. (Actually, I don't think they're necessary at all ....) Although I enjoyed talking to people we hadn't seen for six months, I wasn't sorry that the party ended early.

Then we went to an open social with lesson before. We haven't been to that location on a Saturday for a couple of months and it was nice to be back even though we don't really know a lot of people. I enjoy the group lessons, but DH has a different point of view. It's like we're at totally different events! Of course, since I'm learning as a follower and he's learning as a leader we interact with different people. But every time we go there, he complains of having "wrestling matches" with most of his partners in class. He says they do what they think is the step no matter what he leads or doesn't lead. On the other hand, I would say that almost half of the leaders do a decent job. Once I have an idea of where I should be during the step (body position and weight changes), I can usually let the leader lead. It doesn't bother me when the leader doesn't have it. I just try again with the next person in the rotation.

Later in the evening I had a few really nice dances with other leaders. I did a rumba with a man who really held the slow count ... once I realized what he was doing and tried to work with him it became a very different dance for me. I don't remember him doing any moves I was unfamiliar with, but just changing the emphasis was magical. I also had three dances with another leader who had good clear communication. It made me remember why I choose to dance with a lot of different people ... you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. Of course, my real prince is DH and my best dances of the evening were with him, but good leaders are good in different ways ...

DH doesn't ask other followers very often, even though he is perfectly aware that it would help his dancing. I nag him occasionally .... he says he doesn't like to dance with women he doesn't know. I have to admit that I haven't gotten the courage to actually ask someone at this venue ... I just hang out looking like I'm interested and wait for someone to ask me. DH doesn't mind sitting out when I dance with other partners, but I think he ought to be out on the floor. It looks like I'm going to have to make an effort to get to know some of the women, so he will have to ask them.

[fascination]

sounds lovely Z....we have it the other way around here...since dh is basically a beginner, but has some good basics, and is just the nicest man on the planet, even though he never asks anyone else to dance, woemn feel comfortable asking him and know that I am not territorial.....but the men who would ask me are usually a bit concerned about how he is about it so I practically have to have him write them a permission slip, other than the few who know me/us well...shrug...it's always an interesting dynamic these socials

[DancingShoes]

Danced in FADS comp with red. Lots of high marks. The general dancing was great as people from several studios in the Panhandle were there. It's amazing that in a short time we have not just learned to dance, but can dance with other people without injury. lol I love dance people!

[Zhena]

sounds lovely Z....we have it the other way around here...since dh is basically a beginner, but has some good basics, and is just the nicest man on the planet, even though he never asks anyone else to dance, woemn feel comfortable asking him and know that I am not territorial.....but the men who would ask me are usually a bit concerned about how he is about it so I practically have to have him write them a permission slip, other than the few who know me/us well...shrug...it's always an interesting dynamic these socials

I do feel rather spoiled by knowing that DH is available whenever I want him but doesn't mind me going in search of others when I want variety. If he starts dancing with other women I'll lose some of that control ... But I think in the long run I want him to have the experience of dancing with a large variety of followers.

At our former studio he was better about it because it was small enough that he know most of the people. At the place we went on Saturday the classes usually have between about 15 and 40 couples per class, and there are three classes ... so a lot of people. Some seem to come for the class and leave early, others skip the lesson and come just to dance, some drop in occasionally. Because it's so large, it can feel a little impersonal ... it's up to each person to approach others. The other ladies don't know that he won't refuse an invitation, so I think I will have to make a point of getting to know some of them and letting them know he won't bite.

I have found that if I want to be asked by another leader, I have to put some distance between me and DH, and look like I'm available. There is only one man there who will ask me when I'm actually sitting next to DH. He will check to see whether we intend to dance together before asking me, but he knows DH doesn't mind.

[fascination]

I do feel rather spoiled by knowing that DH is available whenever I want him but doesn't mind me going in search of others when I want variety. If he starts dancing with other women I'll lose some of that control ... But I think in the long run I want him to have the experience of dancing with a large variety of followers.

At our former studio he was better about it because it was small enough that he know most of the people. At the place we went on Saturday the classes usually have between about 15 and 40 couples per class, and there are three classes ... so a lot of people. Some seem to come for the class and leave early, others skip the lesson and come just to dance, some drop in occasionally. Because it's so large, it can feel a little impersonal ... it's up to each person to approach others. The other ladies don't know that he won't refuse an invitation, so I think I will have to make a point of getting to know some of them and letting them know he won't bite.

I have found that if I want to be asked by another leader, I have to put some distance between me and DH, and look like I'm available. There is only one man there who will ask me when I'm actually sitting next to DH. He will check to see whether we intend to dance together before asking me, but he knows DH doesn't mind.
lol...I think most people figure that if dh can be married to me, he must be a saint...so they just naturally feel they can approach him ;)....but you are right, alot depends on how well folks know you ...there are couples I would never approch b/c they never dance with anyone but each other...and I am glad I knw it...shrug

[etp777]

No dancing this weekend for me, except for practicing a bit in the kitchen. Got jacket for new showcase costume though, so i guess that's dance related. :)

[fascination]

dunno my plan for the coming weekend...still recovering from last weekend

[wooh]

sounds lovely Z....we have it the other way around here...since dh is basically a beginner, but has some good basics, and is just the nicest man on the planet, even though he never asks anyone else to dance, woemn feel comfortable asking him and know that I am not territorial.....but the men who would ask me are usually a bit concerned about how he is about it so I practically have to have him write them a permission slip, other than the few who know me/us well...shrug...it's always an interesting dynamic these socials

My husband has gone from wallflower to social butterfly via dance. Only a few women he has to work up courage to ask anymore (DF's own HereKittyKitty being the one that scares him most, just because she's awesome, he knows she's a total sweetheart). Thankfully we're around enough that it's pretty well known both of us will dance with anybody. (Fondly called "dance sluts" by a local pro.)
I do adore when ladies ask to "borrow" my husband at socials, or men ask my husband if they can dance with me. I think it's just cute to acknowledge the person you came with it they're nearby.

[wooh]

Not a bad weekend dance-wise. USA Dance politics are going to give me a stroke by the end of the year, but I've at least got people really trying to help me out now.
Actually dancing, we performed our little group paso, and it wasn't a total disaster, as it very well could have been.
Lots of women at the social Saturday night. We're usually a lot closer to having a good balance, but it was LOTS of women. My poor husband spent the whole night feeling guilty, "I didn't get to dance with a or b or c or d or..." I spent most of the night with hosting duties, but got a few nice dances in. Could actually feel some of the things I've been working on kick in when I was just relaxed and "dancing" instead of "working on dancing" which I really needed.

[wooh]

lol...I think most people figure that if dh can be married to me, he must be a saint...
He got his sainthood via a similar miracle as my husband got his?:p

[LucyDiamond]

I went to a showcase at sam's studio and had a great time. I usually perform in those showcases but this time my pro couldn't make it. It was very relaxing being a spectator. :wink:

[etp777]

Yeah, can definitely be relaxing not having the stress of performing. For maybe two events, then I get antsy and wanna get back out on the floor. :)

[LucyDiamond]

I hear ya' etp. I'm ready for right now for a showcase...

[etp777]

heh, I REALLY want to do my new showcase like tomorrow. Only problem being I only know about first 40 seconds of the choreography. ;) Well, know ten more, there's just one thing in middle there I can't do. And won't talk about other minute and a half. :D

[LucyDiamond]

:lol: I want to do mine today. Funny thing is that we don't even have music or any choreography yet - unless we revive an old routine which I'm thinking about seriously. Heck, I haven't even talked to my pro yet about the next showcase. So, etp, you are definately more ready than I am... :p

[njdancegirl]

I went to a showcase at sam's studio and had a great time. I usually perform in those showcases but this time my pro couldn't make it. It was very relaxing being a spectator. :wink:

I was there too, LD! Spectating only with a little social dancing in between...was a nice night.

[waltzguy]

Pretty enjoyable rare social dance last weekend. Did a killer viennese waltz, what a joy!

[Phil Owl]

Finally got a chance at some dancing this past weekend, not a lot of people were at Take Hold this ime (holiday weekend I guess). Regardless, I got to do a rumba with this one woman that was just sheer heaven for me, I just didn't want it to end. :mrgreen:

[Phil Owl]

Anyone go dancing on the 4th?

I lucked out and went to a delightful social @ Take Hold on Saturday, lots of new people there which was doubly cool. Even got to see the fiireworks from the front window. A lot fo fun dances ensued too.

[Tenehill]

Danced friday, but not Saturday and Sunday. Friday was great, but DP went nuts...lack of social dancing for too long I think.

Why did he go nuts?

[CANI]

For the first time in over six months, went to a full social at the studio. I went just to bring shortbread and say hello again, but had to dance -- didn't even have shoes with me but was able to borrow a pair. I had an amazing time, it was incredibly fun dancing, every leader I danced with had something really nice to say about my dancing (which made me feel great since my 'air' partner in practice never says a thing!! :D) , I was amazed at how easy it was to follow after not having been dancing with a real partner in so long, and I got a warm hug from every single person. I hope everyone has a place to dance that has as nice an atmosphere and as wonderfully friendly people as my studio. And it was certainly just the thing to fuel my passion even more until I'm back dancing for good.

[etp777]

Sounds great, CANI. :)

[Peaches]

Mostly nonexistant, except for some freestyle with friends and some hug-n-sway with DH at a friend's wedding last night.

[CANI]

Sounds great, CANI. :)

Thanks, etp, it really was!:D

[wooh]

Got to be feeling well enough Saturday to get my waltz performance with my instructor done. So yay! It's done! Finished! Never have to do it again! People tell me it was good. Actually looking forward to seeing the video because I was in a daze just trying to breathe. I couldn't breathe the whole time thanks to my chest congestion, which is oddly freeing, since I could blame anything bad on being sick. :) And people liked my outfit, which I made myself, so yay for a sewing accomplishment!

[flashdance]

I feel really guilty, not been dancing for a week or so now. I'm making an effort tomorrow though and will be back in the gym tapping away :D

Main thing is that after 5pm when I finish work they have the studios booked up. I can't really go into theatrical mode and just wonder into an aerobics class and do a Fred Astaire routine... or could I :shock::raisebro::artsy:

[Peaches]

Wonderful evening dancing Sunday night. Outdoor milonga, beautiful weather, good company.

[wonderwoman]

Oh! Another opportunity to brag! lol

I am so excited that I went out salsa dancing AND learned some bachata and merenge too! Can't wait to go again!

[Subliminal]

Wonderful evening dancing Sunday night. Outdoor milonga, beautiful weather, good company.

If that's the place I'm thinking of, I've been meaning to go. The UMD peeps told me it was nice. Though I might just wait until it's a little cooler. ;)

And until I have a little more practice...

[fascination]

chained to the practice room for the foreseeable future

[Peaches]

If that's the place I'm thinking of, I've been meaning to go. The UMD peeps told me it was nice. Though I might just wait until it's a little cooler. ;)

And until I have a little more practice...This was the Freedom Plaza milonga. (Do you know about the Capital Tangueros calendar of events? Just google it.) It is a wonderful place. It's awesome, outside under the stars. It's a bit hard on the feet, since you're dancing on granite, and there's these little metal thingies you have to be careful not to trip over. But you get used to the metal things somehow, and the sore feet are totally worth it. It's such a great atmosphere for dancing.

It's not going to get much cooler this summer. And it's big enough that you have plenty of room, so floorcraft is significantly less of an issue. You should go!

[Subliminal]

This was the Freedom Plaza milonga. (Do you know about the Capital Tangueros calendar of events? Just google it.)

Yep yep! Both you and others have sent me the link before. :)

It is a wonderful place. It's awesome, outside under the stars. It's a bit hard on the feet, since you're dancing on granite, and there's these little metal thingies you have to be careful not to trip over. But you get used to the metal things somehow, and the sore feet are totally worth it. It's such a great atmosphere for dancing.

It's not going to get much cooler this summer. And it's big enough that you have plenty of room, so floorcraft is significantly less of an issue. You should go!

What are the other properties of the ground? Is the granite polished enough that it's easy to slide? Just curious.

Yeah, I saw the picture on their website. It just looks amazing and dare I say romantic. :) Maybe I'll work up the nerve and go this Sunday. I need some dancing after these past couple of miserable weeks!

[Peaches]

What are the other properties of the ground? Is the granite polished enough that it's easy to slide? Just curious.The ground is fine. It's not as easy to slide as on a dance floor, but I have no trouble pivoting and such. It's polished, but not like to a high gloss like a hotel lobby or something.

The tricky bits are:
1) The seams between the blocks of stone.
2) These little metal "button" thingies that sort of stick up just enough to catch shoe edges.
3) There are words engraved in the stone. Not so much of a problem for guys, but for girls with stiletto heels they're the perfect width to get a heel stuck in.

Despite what sounds like some serious issues, it's actually great for dancing on. After tripping once or twice on the seams and metal thingies, you just sort of learn to feel for them I guess. Maybe you end up keeping your foot slightly more off the ground or something, I don't know. But after the first tanda it just isn't an issue any more.

You should go. It's definitely, definitely worth it.

[Subliminal]

You should go. It's definitely, definitely worth it.

ok! I am convinced! :D I also just checked their calendar, and they only run until the end of September. So I better get out there while the gettin's good.

[Peaches]

:)

Word to the wise: bring a bottle of water or something.

[wonderwoman]

Water is free at the bar ;)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Zhena and her DH took me out to dinner and then to their folk dance party. :shock: I got to watch a bunch of fantastic dancing with a blur of footwork to bizarrely awesome rhythms. There was one dance with almost nothing but continuous natural pivots. If Zhena and her DH ever get lured to the dark side and compete open syllabus, they've got their short walls covered. And then there was a ländler, an ancestor of the Viennese waltz. With what appeared to be Pretzels and Hammerlocks! I heard some fast music to 7/8, 15/16, and other time signatures that I'd like to try dancing quickstep to. :razz: Thank you for the lovely evening, Zhena and Zhena's DH!

[etp777]

Sounds like fun, TC!

[Zhena]

Zhena and her DH took me out to dinner and then to their folk dance party. :shock: I got to watch a bunch of fantastic dancing with a blur of footwork to bizarrely awesome rhythms. There was one dance with almost nothing but continuous natural pivots. If Zhena and her DH ever get lured to the dark side and compete open syllabus, they've got their short walls covered. And then there was a ländler, an ancestor of the Viennese waltz. With what appeared to be Pretzels and Hammerlocks! I heard some fast music to 7/8, 15/16, and other time signatures that I'd like to try dancing quickstep to. :razz: Thank you for the lovely evening, Zhena and Zhena's DH!

TC, thank you for coming!

DH really enjoyed talking to you.

Hmm ... blur of footwork ... yep, we do a lot of dances that have more "weight changes per minute" than the average ballroom dance. I hadn't looked at it that way before. Bizarrely awesome rhythms ... that too. I understand that Dave Brubeck spent some time in the Balkans during WWII and learned a lot from the local musicians. His "Take Five" is a backwards dajchovo rhythm (I may have mentioned this in a previous thread). Continuous natural pivots in Vossarul ... the style is different (the folk dance being more earthy) but the concept is the same. Hammerlocks show up in partner dances all over the world -- the pretzels seem to be more rare.

I know you were tired from running around to other events, so thanks for putting up with my suggestions to stay "just one more dance."

In particular, I was glad you got to see the Scottish dance because of the threads in which someone keeps saying that traditional Scottish dance could not possibly be fun. I was very proud of our set last night. We worked very well to accommodate the different people. One lady who has had health issues that have slowed her down and caused her weight to increase dramatically was able to participate with lower energy because the others moved around her. DH and I were at the opposite extreme of energy level, but it all fit together. And another lady had forgotten much of the pattern, but the set was able to direct her so that we kept everything moving along, and it was fun for everyone involved.

We really enjoyed sharing the evening with you.

By the way ... next month's party will have live music;).

[Phil Owl]

Had a GREAT time on the dance floor Saturday (Atlanta BRDC monthly)! Even got to dust off some Salsa and Waltz.

Best dances for me were a Hustle with this one woman named Carol who I swear could be a teacher (she isn't but MAN was she amazing!), a bunch of Swing and Rumba and a few other goodies.

I got the most wonderful compliment from a woman I dance with a fair amount, she actually said my dancing with her was very creative and innovative. I was a bit beside myself, I really don;t think I do anything that different or unusual from anyone else, but I have to admit I was VERY encouraged and flattered by her compliments. :grin: I also had the pleasure of teaching a woman a basic Foxtrot, she did REALLY well!

And NOT A COUGAR IN SIGHT! http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/default/grin.gif

And today (Sunday) I needed another fix, so I went to, for me, a new haunt in Sandy Springs GA, VERY enjoyable Sunday afternoon/evening social. Me went home very happy.:D

[flashdance]

not been dancing as much as I should be... Going to make a concerted effort this weekend and get some boogie done :)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

I know you were tired from running around to other events, so thanks for putting up with my suggestions to stay "just one more dance."
Thank you. I'm glad I took your advice.
In particular, I was glad you got to see the Scottish dance because of the threads in which someone keeps saying that traditional Scottish dance could not possibly be fun. I was very proud of our set last night. We worked very well to accommodate the different people. One lady who has had health issues that have slowed her down and caused her weight to increase dramatically was able to participate with lower energy because the others moved around her. DH and I were at the opposite extreme of energy level, but it all fit together. And another lady had forgotten much of the pattern, but the set was able to direct her so that we kept everything moving along, and it was fun for everyone involved.
I did notice dancers pointing directions. Brings back memories of English country dancing and my first experiences with circular heys, where people had to keep tapping either shoulder so I'd know which side to pass them on. :oops: Now having watched Scottish, English country seems so...sedate. I feel like I was missing out all that time. ;)
By the way ... next month's party will have live music;).
Oooooh... :grin:

[Phil Owl]

Great time tonight again @ Take Hold, and another breakthrough, after not having attempted it for years, I literally took my first steps into Tango! I REALLY enjoyed it, thanks to 2 very patient and helpful partners who literally helped me get my footing, this Tango thing bears further investigation I must say! I actually like the way it suggests to me a panther stalking its prey (in a fun way of course :mrgreen: ) Seriously, I really enjoyed revisiting this dance that used to vex me.

[fascination]

good for you phil...sounds exciting

[etp777]

Very cool Phil. :)

[jennyisdancing]

Went last night to a new ballroom dance that had its debut. It's the first one that's in my town, only a mile from home, so I was thrilled to have an event so close! It was raining cats and dogs so I was concerned whether people would show up. Well, they did! It was a great turnout, wonderful and friendly dancers.

I praised and thanked the organizers so effusively that they must have thought me a little crazy. But truly, I was impressed. The organizers are a couple of local ladies who dance a lot but are not professionals. To my knowledge, they have no previous experience staging dance events and they did an amazing job.

I know we've talked in other threads about ways to make a dance event successful and appealing and I'd like to share a few things they did:

1. Held the event on a Saturday night and it didn't conflict with many other dance events (most of our local events are Fridays)
2. Admission was a reasonable $10 which included generous snacks and beverages
3. Extremely convenient location right in the center of town, with a large, free public parking lot around the corner
4. Beautiful, elegant space with a large floor
5. Very welcoming people stationed at the entrance to greet you
6. Had an email list to signup
7. Had a suggestion box
8. Had name tags for everyone
9. They arranged several dance hosts, both male and female, who made sure that everyone danced (the hosts were not pros, just really experienced and friendly people)
10. They made sure to invite many excellent, skilled and non-snobbish dancers so the quality of dancing was high and the vibe was delightful
11. They also did three or four line dances, so everyone could get up and have fun even if they didn't know partner dancing

[Phil Owl]

Went last night to a new ballroom dance that had its debut. It's the first one that's in my town, only a mile from home, so I was thrilled to have an event so close! It was raining cats and dogs so I was concerned whether people would show up. Well, they did! It was a great turnout, wonderful and friendly dancers.

I praised and thanked the organizers so effusively that they must have thought me a little crazy. But truly, I was impressed. The organizers are a couple of local ladies who dance a lot but are not professionals. To my knowledge, they have no previous experience staging dance events and they did an amazing job.

I know we've talked in other threads about ways to make a dance event successful and appealing and I'd like to share a few things they did:

1. Held the event on a Saturday night and it didn't conflict with many other dance events (most of our local events are Fridays)
2. Admission was a reasonable $10 which included generous snacks and beverages
3. Extremely convenient location right in the center of town, with a large, free public parking lot around the corner
4. Beautiful, elegant space with a large floor
5. Very welcoming people stationed at the entrance to greet you
6. Had an email list to signup
7. Had a suggestion box
8. Had name tags for everyone
9. They arranged several dance hosts, both male and female, who made sure that everyone danced (the hosts were not pros, just really experienced and friendly people)
10. They made sure to invite many excellent, skilled and non-snobbish dancers so the quality of dancing was high and the vibe was delightful
11. They also did three or four line dances, so everyone could get up and have fun even if they didn't know partner dancing

That is BEAUTIFUL, doesn't get much better than that!

[Phil Owl]

Had my first group Tango lesson tonight, with none other than our very own DanceMentor & herekittykitty. Got the basic and promenade OK, but those reverse turns is MOIDER! Have to work on those. A fun night of dancing did ensue too.

[opendoor]

Had my first group Tango lesson tonight...

Hi Phil, what style do you learn? American, english, international, argentine, or neotango?

[j_alexandra]

Went social dancing at a local studio on Saturday. The first time I went to this particular social, about 8-9 months ago, I danced with B, who was pretty much a total beginner. He was fun to dance with anyway, b/c he was enjoying himself so much. Saturday, B was even more fun to dance with; he's really, really improved, and enjoying himself hugely, without any nervousness. Great fun also with some of my favorite leaders, who showed up unexpectedly. Also finally had a chance to deal with the Known Creep, and the management of the studio is now aware of his behavior. I didn't have to employ the right hook after all -- and I did sit out the dance I refused from him; yes, I behaved like a good citizen of the ballroom world. Highlight of the night: I survived doing a Slow Waltz with a leader who competes in Standard. Considering I'm a Smooth girl, this felt like a major accomplishment.

[Phil Owl]

Hi Phil, what style do you learn? American, english, international, argentine, or neotango?

It was American with an element or two of International, according to DanceMentor.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Went social dancing at a local studio on Saturday. The first time I went to this particular social, about 8-9 months ago, I danced with B, who was pretty much a total beginner. He was fun to dance with anyway, b/c he was enjoying himself so much. Saturday, B was even more fun to dance with; he's really, really improved, and enjoying himself hugely, without any nervousness. Great fun also with some of my favorite leaders, who showed up unexpectedly. Also finally had a chance to deal with the Known Creep, and the management of the studio is now aware of his behavior. I didn't have to employ the right hook after all -- and I did sit out the dance I refused from him; yes, I behaved like a good citizen of the ballroom world. Highlight of the night: I survived doing a Slow Waltz with a leader who competes in Standard. Considering I'm a Smooth girl, this felt like a major accomplishment.

I'm not sure I understand why you feel obligated to follow the code of etiquette that Known Creep is ignoring. :confused:

Brava on the standard waltz! :applause:

[Phil Owl]

Went last night to Atlanta BRDC's monthly, it was one of those nights I just didn't want to end, I was LOVING nearly every dance. My basic Tango is starting to get easier and the reverse turn is becoming slightly less daunting.

My favorite dances of the evening were:

1) A rumba with a very beautiful Japanese woman, she was passionate and very expressive.

2) The opening dance for me was WCS, something I don't consider myself very accomplished at, yet my partner made it so easy to not only lead but really enjoy it (she does killer Hustle too, big plus for me).:D

3) Several dances with this one woman who is light-years ahead of me :notworth:, yet really enjoys dancing with me (she seeks me out quite a bit), she even showed me a cool Rumba move that I'll be employing next time around.

4) Got to do some ECS with this one woman who was so energetic, I swear it was like dancing with a loaded keg of dynamite, she really gave it everything she had and then some, almost sent me flying a couple times (and I'm not exactly a little guy).

5) A Foxtrot with this woman who used to live in Boston, made a great conversation and dance at the same time.

I even dusted off some Waltz and Salsa (that particular partner had an obvious love of the dance)

It's nights like this that definitely keep me in love with partner dancing :mrgreen::rocker::cheers:

[j_alexandra]

I'm not sure I understand why you feel obligated to follow the code of etiquette that Known Creep is ignoring. :confused:

Brava on the standard waltz! :applause:

The etiquette question is about saying no to one leader, then accepting from another. Bad form, might give me a bad reputation.

Employing the right hook is also bad form, or so I'm told. :???:

[Zhena]

This weekend DH and I attended a folkdance festival: parties on Friday and Saturday evenings and a workshop on Saturday afternoon. As usual, we really enjoyed seeing people from outside the local area.

The exhibition on Saturday evening was Salsa Rueda. The group first did one song straight. I've done enough Rueda to recognize that it was unchoreographed ... they were dancing as they would socially. Then they pulled members of the audience in, mostly as followers (I think they recognized one or two men who were familiar with the dance and pulled them in too). They made sure to bring in the women from a group of younger dancers who were visiting. The women from the original group who could lead switched roles, and they did another song ... and it worked beautifully.

The young dancers may have been college age ... I can't tell any more. Apparently they've been working on a dance I remember my parents doing when I was young. It has fallen out of the repertoire, at least in the groups I dance with, so I haven't seen it in years. (I think the reason it's not taught much is because the choreography is long and each figure is done only a couple of times ... too much to remember.) So most people from my generation never learned it, and the only people dancing it were from my parents' generation and from my children's generation. It was great to see the energy of the youngsters, but I have to say the oldsters weren't THAT far behind, and they know how to pace themselves!

I found a video of the dance on youtube ... same choreography (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCINO7p00I). Our oldersters danced it with a bit less energy than in the video, the youngsters with a bit more energy, but generally comparable. Not all the oldsters did the lifts at 0:38, 0:56, and 2:48, but the youngsters gave them a real swing (it's supposed to be across the line of dance). There's a move at 2:02 and 2:12 that's interesting, but I have to say the women in the video give it more oomph than I've ever seen in real life! Our oldsters kept up pretty well with the youngsters (and the video) in the move at 2:51, 2:56 and 3:01 ... I didn't see anyone faking it.

The video shows a nice bit of acting from 2:03 to 2:30 ... just one couple that is on the left at the beginning of the sequence ... I didn't notice it the first time I watched ....

This year we stayed to the end of the cleanup after the Saturday party ... I hadn't realized the amount of work that has to be done before closing the doors at this venue ... kudos to those who put on events like this.

[CANI]

Fabulous time dancing tonight...lots of people...great atmosphere...reconnected with friends and leaders that I hadn't seen in a LONG while...an abundance of wonderful hugs...met some interesting, friendly new people...extremely enjoyable night of dancing -- thoroughly loved every dance I had...so glad that I went...

[Ray Sison]

Yesterday night, I felt like I was dancing beneath the stars!

[etp777]

walked into trophy ball/showcase at studio Friday to find out I was dancing. :P Buddy teacher didn't know either, so was surprise for both of us. Luckily it went alright. :)

[j_alexandra]

walked into trophy ball/showcase at studio Friday to find out I was dancing. :P Buddy teacher didn't know either, so was surprise for both of us. Luckily it went alright. :)

:cheers:

[j_alexandra]

No dancing, but lots of watching; went to a comp and had a blast.

[Phil Owl]

I've had TWO amazing weekends of dancing myself, last week @ Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club, hardly sat down the whole night (save for Meringue or V-Waltz). Reconnected with some GREAT partners I hadn't seen in a little while. Previous to this, i had whipped up a bunch of mix CD's to give to women that I've regularly danced with over the 6 years I've been in Atlanta. They were sooooo tickled and appreciative. One of my favorite dances was with this one woman (who earlier in the night did a great Samba exhibition, she is such a sweetheart!) and it was a Hustle that just had me flying with joy. :D

Last night, lots of great dances occurred, and a couple oddly comical moments, including me getting suckered into a Viennese Waltz, which I am totally inept at, somehow, my partner (who is one of the FUNNIEST people I've ever danced with) was such a good sport and actually got me through it. We also enjoyed some other dances together as well, never a dull moment with this girl I tell ya. :mrgreen:. The other was REALLY wacky, Partner and I start out with what sounds like Salsa at first, but lo and behold, it's a Samba (but we're still managing to do Salsa to it and actually stay on rhythm somehow), Next thing we know, a whole bunch fo Samba line dancers starts advancing towards us at an alarming rate :lol: We laughed it off. . Ahhh, but the best was a woman named Carrie who was one of THE MOST amazing swing and hustle dancers I've encountered to date. ANY dance with her was sheer joy! :D Went home VERY happy I must say. I even got to teach one new dancer some Hustle and basic Foxtrot, she did really well.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

This weekend DH and I attended a folkdance festival: parties on Friday and Saturday evenings and a workshop on Saturday afternoon. As usual, we really enjoyed seeing people from outside the local area.

<snip>
I'm late...

That was lovely! Thanks for the video and sharing about your experience, Zhena. :)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Went to a social where the pre-social class had a male/female ratio of 5:3. The social wasn't much different. I don't understand anyone who complains about a lack of guys in ballroom. :razz: I think I mostly followed - hover cross is pretty fun. :grin:

[fascination]

my dance weekend was a comp...and it was good

[j_alexandra]

Went to a social where the pre-social class had a male/female ratio of 5:3. The social wasn't much different. I don't understand anyone who complains about a lack of guys in ballroom. :razz: I think I mostly followed - hover cross is pretty fun. :grin:

Any time you want to send me a ticket, I'll come even out your numbers. But you have to promise to lead me in a hover cross. I wuv hover cross.:D

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Any time you want to send me a ticket, I'll come even out your numbers. But you have to promise to lead me in a hover cross. I wuv hover cross.:D
Yay! But you'll have to pick something else. I've never led a hover cross before. ;)

[Nybz]

Ohhh, so much dancing in a months time....

Thanks for that place TC, Delmonicos was it? lol

[Nybz]

Any time you want to send me a ticket, I'll come even out your numbers. But you have to promise to lead me in a hover cross. I wuv hover cross.:D

I'll join you out there J_alex, I hardly touched the dance scene there on my short visit.

[j_alexandra]

Yay! But you'll have to pick something else. I've never led a hover cross before. ;)

By the time I get there, you'll be expert.

[j_alexandra]

I'll join you out there J_alex, I hardly touched the dance scene there on my short visit.

Maybe we can get a group to go? You, me. well, it's a small, but select, group. :cool:

[Nybz]

maybe we can get a group to go? You, me. Well, it's a small, but select, group. :cool:

hehe :D

[wonderwoman]

I had a really off night last night. Was at the bar waiting for my drink when a regular asked me to dance.. it was a merengue, I was waiting on my drink and I didn't have my shoes on, so I said maybe next one, he never asked me again and I couldn't grab him before someone else did.. Then got asked to dance a chacha with a newer guy who had no clue it wasn't a salsa and it didn't occur to me what was going on til the end of the song. Now I was in a poopy mood and it showed, or at least I felt it did.. start to notice all the hot girls in hot little dresses and then felt really out of it and left after an hour. lol Had a few non-disastrous dances but they weren't anything to write home about.

[gracie]

Great fun at our studio last pm. We had a special guest - Denny Terrio! He is still very handsome, by the way.

[jennyisdancing]

Great fun at our studio last pm. We had a special guest - Denny Terrio! He is still very handsome, by the way.

Cool...

I tried out a new event (new to me, anyway) last night. It was a ballroom dance. Extremely nice people and I knew a few folks there to talk to...but 90 percent of the attendees only danced with their own partners. That left about half a dozen single women, including me, sitting out a lot. The organizer/teacher danced with us, and a few other guys did, but still, there weren't enough men, so it was frustrating. I doubt if I'll go back there. :(

I would love to do more ballroom, but this is a common problem and makes it not much fun for a single woman. I end up going mostly to salsa or swing dances, because there is a much better gender balance and plenty of partner rotation.

[j_alexandra]

Went social dancing last night. Had a mix of reliable, fun leads, one quite splendid; some new ones who had never tried me before; and a couple who were in town from Maine, who were delightful. Had a few delicious Bolero moments; it's wonderful to find someone who really, really loves Bolero. At least one 3MC, and only a very few guys tried to teach me on the social dance floor; of them, only one felt compelled to point out that I was Doing It Wrong, and this in foxtrot, my favorite. I simply could not figure out if he was doing bronze/social or continuity foxtrot, and kept trying to adjust; he read it as "rushing the beat." Not bad, all things considered.

[wonderwoman]

Something that aggravated me last night was when I couldn't figure out what the flying %^&* someone was trying to do and they'd look at me like "What are YOU DOING?!"

[gracie]

I danced with several men who are currently in a Dance Academy. I encouraged them to count out loud for me when they led things I didn't know which was alot 'cause I've never learned American Rhythm. They seemed surprised. Said ladies usually don't like teaching at a social but it was fun for me.

[Tenehill]

Had a mix of reliable, fun leads, one quite splendid; some new ones who had never tried me before

Isn't this one of the literary gems in the DF? I am laughing, and will probably laugh one more hour. Then I will adopt (internalize, or steal) the phrase.

[j_alexandra]

Isn't this one of the literary gems in the DF? I am laughing, and will probably laugh one more hour. Then I will adopt (internalize, or steal) the phrase.

Uh-oh. Wha'd I say? It was funny? Go figure.:banana:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

By the time I get there, you'll be expert.
Surely you'll come visit before the next decade? :(

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Ohhh, so much dancing in a months time....

Thanks for that place TC, Delmonicos was it? lol
You're welcome, Nybz.
Domenico Wines :razz: ...the second part of the name's more important, anyway. :cheers:

[wonderwoman]

Last night people who used to ignore me finally asked me to dance. It could be because I'm a red head now. I used to have blond ends and dark roots down past my ears, it looked awful. A handful of people didn't recognize me immediately.

[Ray Sison]

Last night people who used to ignore me finally asked me to dance. It could be because I'm a red head now. I used to have blond ends and dark roots down past my ears, it looked awful. A handful of people didn't recognize me immediately.

Cool, "Carrot Top"!
:p

[wonderwoman]

Nooooo not carroty at all. Reddish brown. :)

[Ray Sison]

Nooooo not carroty at all. Reddish brown. :)

OK, WW--I won't call you "Vitamin C" then, either! :)

Your new hair color sounds nice...

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Had some lovely dances with Zhena. And I love watching her dance WCS with her DH. They are so musical!

[Zhena]

Had some lovely dances with Zhena. And I love watching her dance WCS with her DH. They are so musical!

Awww. :oops: It's always a pleasure to dance with you!

[Zhena]

I know this thread is supposed to be about what already happened, but I'm using it to mention that DH and will probably take a break from ballroom to attend the San Francisco Free Folk Festival (http://www.sffolkfest.org/2010/index.html) next weekend, at least on Saturday. I had never heard of it before last week, but some friends recommended it.

The classes appear to cover quite a mixture of music and dance from everywhere in the world. Then the party on Saturday evening should be interesting ... two hours of international folk dance, then two hours of vintage ballroom!

Class of particular interest on Saturday ... Hungarian at 12:00 (live music for teaching, just like a real tanchaz ... my sources tell me the class will cover three simple figures from Mezosegi). Of particular interest on Sunday ... Jane Austen's Dances at 2:00 and Zweifacher (dances composed of 2/4 and 3/4 bits) at 5:00.

[j_alexandra]

Thanks to the folks in Louisville who made last night's social a great night. I hope someone from there is on DF and gets the message. I appreciated the courtesy, and the fun -- and the dancing.

Thx, folks.

[pygmalion]

Do you ever get the feeling that you might be surrounded by DF lurkers and not know it? Really strange, but entirely possible. A community organization that I work with is in the process of going online -- FB, twitter, discussion forum, etc.

I came within an inch of mentioning my online experience in DF. Then I thought. "Oh Dear Lord. Somebody in this room probably knows pygmalion. Maybe I'd better keep my mouth shut." :lol: With millions of DF page views a month, it's fairly likely that you danced with a lurker last night.

Cool. Creepy, but cool. :cool:

[Ray Sison]

The past weekend was a wonderful one... I will treasure it forever... :artsy:

[Phil Owl]

Last night's Atlanta Metro Dancesport dance was just WONDERFUL! http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

EVERY dance was pure joy, and some of the highlights for me were:

A Hustle with a competitive dancer that I just didn't want to end, yes I enjoyed it that much, and she sure was creative too!

Foxtrot with a pro/teacher (who did a Cha-Cha performance earlier in the evening to AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long"),that had me in STITCHES, she has this way of making you laugh with her facial expressions, and she sings while dancing too, quite nicely I must add. She also gave me a great compliment on how creative my dancing was.

Odd coincidence, nearly all my best dances were with women wearing red or some variation thereof. :lol:

[flashdance]

Cool, "Carrot Top"!
:p


I feel a commerical coming on...

Wonderwoman decks the dance floor with L'oreal because she's worth it :cool:

[Spitfire]

Having decided not to attend the dance at this year's 4th of July convention in Phoenix I changed my mind and did so; this after having a bad week at work. More people than last year, but not as many as in past years. Was great fun, that and a dance I went to the night before. Glad I changed my mind.

[sambanada]

Although I did not dance, my dance weekend was fantastic. I was treated to a great weekend of top notch dancers. It was a great treat for me to watch such incredible dancing, especially Saturday night's pro standard event. I was left speechless. Thank you who danced for filling my soul with dance.

[Phil Owl]

Went to a social last night, even had the opportunity to teach some basic swing, rumba and foxtrot steps to 3 college age women who were brand new to the world of ballroom dancing (a whole group of them came to the studio feeling a bit adventurous). Had some good dances, especially a Hustle with a finale that my partner gave me a lot of compliments on.:D

Tonight, I'm going to the pre-opening party for Daza Dance's new location in Buckhead (they bought the space that used to be Take Hold Ballroom which definitely makes me very happy, can't have enough places to dance here in Atlanta). Looking forward! :mrgreen:

[Phil Owl]

Tonight's dance-floor time at the new Buckhead location of Daza Dance was very fun. Made all the more cooler by a pro-competitor (who gave a great Cha-Cha performance earlier in the night) who ASKED ME to do Salsa with her! I was honored and blown away and it was THE MOST fun Salsa I've experienced in ages. Got a lot of compliments on my energy and moves and that meant a lot coming from a dancer of her insanely high caliber! :notworth::-D

[Phil Owl]

A monthly event @ Academy Ballroom last night. This time the AC worked beautifully and I had a TON of great dances. One was particularly bittersweet for me though. A partner I hadn't seen for about 3 years, a delightful young Japanese woman named Courtney was there, my eyes lit up at the sight of her. She LOVES dancing Hustle with me especially. Well, in any case, we got to do that (and Cha-Cha) together again. She just graduated from Emory and is now moving to Boston next week to take a position with Boston College. I'm sure gonna miss that girl, she was an AMAZING dancer to put it mildly.

Also had a bunch of fun and exhilarating dances with a woman named Patti who just started coming to a bunch of the local dance events (met her for the first time last week @ Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club) an absolutely LOVELY person. She was even grabbing me for dances, and she's actually got me to Tango too, one of the few dances I've never been totally confident with (along with West Coast Swing). but somehow, Patti got me to charge forth (the basic step somehow makes me think of a panther sneaking up on it's prey). And a night wouldn't be complete without Gail and her husband burning up the floor with some Salsa. Gail and I did some Cha-Cha earlier on (always fun!) As I was saying goodbye to them for the night, . Gail just poured on the compliments, saying she LOVED my rhythm and timing a lot and how I stayed on rhythm (something she says a lot of guys have trouble with).

A good night I'd say.:mrgreen:

[TangoRocks]

Friday, survived another party at an independent studio by judiciously dancing with people I know who can do American Style, and dancing cha-cha/slow waltz with the people I don't know (hence most likely International Style students, since that's what that studio specializes in)

Tonight, just came back from a couple of hours of social dancing, so, in general, not too bad a weekend even though I was too lazy to go swing dancing on Saturday night... :cool:

[Laurie]

I had a wonderful time at a larger social ballroom event last night, in a beautiful setting. There were so many great area dancers there. I felt so inspired by the beauty of it all.

[Phil Owl]

Had a WONDERFUL time @ a social last night! And got to do some Tango too, something I've been a bit reticent about up until recently, but it was REALLY fun, my partner was such a joy so that helped.

Going for Round Two tonight. same locale :mrgreen:

[Phil Owl]

I had a wonderful time at a larger social ballroom event last night, in a beautiful setting. There were so many great area dancers there. I felt so inspired by the beauty of it all.

One of those things that keeps me coming back for more.:D

[TangoRocks]

Dance weekend you say? Mine was aborted at the launchpad, lol, got paged for work a couple of hrs before the dance party, ended up working until 3 am! Hoping maybe I can sneak out on Sunday for another social, though, pager-permitting ;)

[Phil Owl]

Saturday night's time was , meh, save for a few good dances with a couple familiar faces, very few people there so I left uncharacteristically early.

HOWEVER, today's Sunday Social more than made up for it, LOTS of fun dances, and I'm even getting the wherewithal to attack Tango, and you know, that dance is really starting to grow on me. Had such a great time I didn't want it to end. Even got to chat with this one couple who compete and teach (both AMAZING dancers especially when it comes to Latin, WCS, Hustle and Two-Step) and told them how much I LOVED watching them dance, how much they inspired me and how watching them dance was like going to school for me, they really appreciated that. I also asked them if the difficulty I have with getting the hang of WCS was unusual, they both laughed and smiled, and reassured me that WCS really is NOT an easy dance to learn, they had a long battle with it themselves before it started to click, THAT gave me some hope.:)

Also noticed, a guy who was trying to teach his girlfriend to dance for the first time, isn't it usually the other way around? :nope:

[TangoRocks]

Saturday night's time was , meh, save for a few good dances with a couple familiar faces, very few people there so I left uncharacteristically early.

HOWEVER, today's Sunday Social more than made up for it, LOTS of fun dances, and I'm even getting the wherewithal to attack Tango, and you know, that dance is really starting to grow on me. Had such a great time I didn't want it to end. Even got to chat with this one couple who compete and teach (both AMAZING dancers especially when it comes to Latin, WCS, Hustle and Two-Step) and told them how much I LOVED watching them dance, how much they inspired me and how watching them dance was like going to school for me, they really appreciated that. I also asked them if the difficulty I have with getting the hang of WCS was unusual, they both laughed and smiled, and reassured me that WCS really is NOT an easy dance to learn, they had a long battle with it themselves before it started to click, THAT gave me some hope.:)

Sounds like you had a blast, and yay for Tango!!!


Also noticed, a guy who was trying to teach his girlfriend to dance for the first time, isn't it usually the other way around? :nope:

Now that's funny--how was he doing? Unless I meet my next gf in the dance scene, I have a feeling I'll be that guy at one point too, so... ;)

[Phil Owl]

---Now that's funny--how was he doing? Unless I meet my next gf in the dance scene, I have a feeling I'll be that guy at one point too, so... ;)

The guy was actually very good!

[Phil Owl]

At this end, I had THE GREATEST time @ Daza's new Buckhead grand opening, pretty much closed the joint @ midnight! http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/18.gif

I lost count of how many people I danced with, but some highlights included:


Seeing a couple of the old Take Hold folks there like Donna (the feisty strawberry blonde), we got a bunch of Salsa in this time,
Danced again with Joy, the Smooth/Standard pro competitor that does a KILLER Foxtrot.And again, she was a joy!
Did more Tango too which I am really starting to love now.
Met up with a mutual friend of my bandmate from Burgess Penguin, his chiropractor. She and I got in a ton of dances too. She's also a country singer/songwriter (real old-school traditional). She is a larger build but that girl can move! She's a real sweetheart. I may be doing some bass on a couple of her songs in the near future.
My Dance With A Pro Competitor For The Week, got to do Hustle with Honey Larsen, who is a KILLER swing dancer/competitor, along with her boyfriend/partner Buddy Stotts (http://atlantadanceinstructor.com/). Buddy was also DJ-ing tonight, and picked a LOT of fun tunes. And get this, Buddy and Honey also do standup comedy together. And Buddy earned himself 5000 bonus cool points for being a longtime fan of the 1960's Batman! http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/18.gif That guy just had me busting up laughing something fierce!
Still can't believe I danced as much as I did and DIDN'T get winded at all. Still flying! TONS of great dances ensued with many folks. http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/04.gif
A BEAUTIFUL performance by a young competing couple too.

ODDITIES:



Did a couple dances with this one woman who was more than a slight bit energetic, almost too much, to the point she almost ripped my little finger out of its socket. had to gently tell her a couple times she was being a bit rough, I know she didn't mean to as she was obviously enjoying dancing to its fullest.
Went through THREE SHIRTS, that NEVER happens http://mail.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/11.gif, the A/C wasn't quite up to snuff Good thing I pack an extra in my shoe bag. Of course, the humidity here has been BRUTAL and still is.

Now that Daza's settling in, they'll be doing regular events on the second Saturday of each month, you can bet I'll be there! Funny thing is, I'm actually feeling a slight bit thinner now and STILL amped up.

[Phil Owl]

Had a blast tonight @ Academy ballroom! THE HIGHLIGHT was getting to dance Hustle with pro teacher/competitor Rachel Jones, THAT GIRL CAN TWIRL!!!!! :notworth::rocker::grin:

[CANI]

I'm in heaven...also in beyond excrutiating pain...but in heaven...was covering the door for the social this evening as owners are away...with no plans to dance -- didn't even bring shoes because of my pain/physical issues -- but then excess of men...and especially a new leader who has been dancing longer than I've been alive -- wowza! I borrowed shoes and danced. And all the pain in the world was worth it. Also received such unexpected and wonderful compliments that I have regained faith (that I had all but lost) that my hiatus has not sent me back to complete square one.

I will resolve my physical issues and I will be able to dance again without excrutiating pain/damaging myself because it is just not a full life without dance...no amount of reading about it or studying it takes the place of that indescribable feeling of complete wonderfulness that comes from dancing.

<<contented sigh>> <<scream of pain>> <<contented sigh>>

[j_alexandra]

I'm in heaven...also in beyond excrutiating pain...but in heaven...was covering the door for the social this evening as owners are away...with no plans to dance -- didn't even bring shoes because of my pain/physical issues -- but then excess of men...and especially a new leader who has been dancing longer than I've been alive -- wowza! <snip>

I will resolve my physical issues and I will be able to dance again without excrutiating pain<snip>

Glad you had such a great time, but oh, that pain -- hope you get this resolved soon. Isn't it amazing how it doesn't hurt when you're dancing, only when you stop?
And btw, I have never been to a social where there's an excess of men, so do me a favor and lmk where this is? If it's in striking distance, I'm there, next time...

[Zhena]

I'm in heaven...also in beyond excrutiating pain...but in heaven...was covering the door for the social this evening as owners are away...with no plans to dance -- didn't even bring shoes because of my pain/physical issues -- but then excess of men...and especially a new leader who has been dancing longer than I've been alive -- wowza! I borrowed shoes and danced. And all the pain in the world was worth it. Also received such unexpected and wonderful compliments that I have regained faith (that I had all but lost) that my hiatus has not sent me back to complete square one.

I will resolve my physical issues and I will be able to dance again without excrutiating pain/damaging myself because it is just not a full life without dance...no amount of reading about it or studying it takes the place of that indescribable feeling of complete wonderfulness that comes from dancing.

<<contented sigh>> <<scream of pain>> <<contented sigh>>

It's amazing what remains in muscle memory even after years ... almost 20 years in my case. There's hope for the dancer who returns after a hiatus. But ... there may be a stretch after the euphoric discovery that all was not lost, but before you're completely back in your normal pattern, when you begin to re-think every move and you feel like a beginner again. It's a relatively short period in the grand scheme of things, but to me it was worse than being a real beginner because I "knew" I should be able to do things that were beyond my ability for the time being. Don't be discouraged.

I do hope you are able to resolve your physical issues soon. Good luck ....

[CANI]

Glad you had such a great time, but oh, that pain -- hope you get this resolved soon. Isn't it amazing how it doesn't hurt when you're dancing, only when you stop?
And btw, I have never been to a social where there's an excess of men, so do me a favor and lmk where this is? If it's in striking distance, I'm there, next time...

Thanks so much! I really did have a great time. Dancing does have that magic effect of being so unbelievably wonderful that it is easy for all those good feelings to drown out even intense pain!

I will pm you...:D

[CANI]

It's amazing what remains in muscle memory even after years ... almost 20 years in my case. There's hope for the dancer who returns after a hiatus. But ... there may be a stretch after the euphoric discovery that all was not lost, but before you're completely back in your normal pattern, when you begin to re-think every move and you feel like a beginner again. It's a relatively short period in the grand scheme of things, but to me it was worse than being a real beginner because I "knew" I should be able to do things that were beyond my ability for the time being. Don't be discouraged.

I do hope you are able to resolve your physical issues soon. Good luck ....

Thanks so much. I really appreciate this advice, especially since it comes from your experience -- it will help me to keep things in perspective and not get discouraged!

[wonderwoman]

My usual Saturday night salsa place was the busiest I've ever seen it. I am beginning to notice newbies do not ask me to dance. Despite the overabundance of partners, I only danced with maybe 8 guys whom I'd danced with before. And despite the limited number of people willing to ask me, I had to literally hide in a corner in order to take a break, otherwise, I was being asked by a new partner each time a new song started. It's fun but its exhausting. I always try to make it til closing time but leave an hour and some change before that. I get too tired. My last two dances were fast salsas but very good ones and I felt like I was sleep walking to my car, lucky there weren't any muggers out, I wasn't alert.

[Phil Owl]

Heading out for Atlanta Metro Dancesport's monthly soon. Tomorrow I'm checking out a new (for me) venue called Waltz Play (http://www.waltzplay.org) which should be a fun change of pace. Will report back later

[Sagitta]

Not bad. Friday - oasis for Jazz hour, then Latin in Binghamton for a SMAC event. Saturday, yesterday, Latin dance at BRB in Ithaca. That will be it unless I go for the salsa practice at Suds in Syracuse on Monday. (Monday counts as it is Labor day weekend.)

[j_alexandra]

Not bad. Friday - oasis for Jazz hour, then Latin in Binghamton for a SMAC event. Saturday, yesterday, Latin dance at BRB in Ithaca. That will be it unless I go for the salsa practice at Suds in Syracuse on Monday. (Monday counts as it is Labor day weekend.)

Who knew there was so much to do in central NY? Next time I'm headed for Syracuse, I'm pm-ing you!

[CANI]

Not bad. Friday - oasis for Jazz hour, then Latin in Binghamton for a SMAC event. Saturday, yesterday, Latin dance at BRB in Ithaca. That will be it unless I go for the salsa practice at Suds in Syracuse on Monday. (Monday counts as it is Labor day weekend.)
Nice! That's quite a lot of dancing!!

[Phil Owl]

Saturday's Atlanta Metro Dancesport monthly was VERY enjoyable, tried out a couple new improvised tango moves that actually worked AND experienced for the first time doing tango in close quarters, new for me. The Dj picked some really interesting tunes too, some would catch you off guard and make you think a bit, I LOVED IT!!! (example, one tune sounded like Hustle at first, turned out to be Rumba), :mrgreen:

Sunday afternoon was my first visit to Waltz Play, and it was a bit different in a very enjoyable way. One curveball for me was getting used to the idea of doing waltz at much faster tempos than I'm used to (it wasn't quite Viennese but got dangerously close). The waltz music was very different too, a lot of old-timey things that featured instrumentation like violin, acoustic guitar, accordion and piano and some flute sometimes. Though mainly Waltz, there was also Cha-Cha, Rumba, Ragtime Tango, Salsa Swing and even a dance called One-Step. Could someone educate me on this One-Step thing a bit?

All told it was a very friendly crowd and a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon. :D

[Peaches]

Wonderful night out dancing last night.

It was outdoors, and the weather was PERFECT!!! Could not have gotten any better. A nice tanda, a meh one that put too much strain on my back, some more nice ones.

A great tanda with the guy who was sitting next to me for a while. (Him: "Why aren't people asking you to dance?" Me: "Don't know. Why are you just sitting there instead of asking me to dance?") Best compliment ever: "I'd rather sit all night and just have one tanda like we're having, than dance all night just to dance." Wow...thank you!

Saw a friend I haven't seen in ages, danced a couple of sets with him. We danced mostly in open, on account of chatting, which is just easier when you can see the other person. I had the little thought going through the back of my head about how so many AT people mistakenly believe that in open you either follow by being shoved around or by watching the other person. Yeah, this was neither. Simple, easy steps and turns, very soft and gentle, no force whatsoever, and maintaining conversational eye contact the entire time. Yeah, shoving and watching...my foot. If that's the perception, people need to get themselves educated. Anyhow.

Danced a great milonga with a leader I haven't seen or danced with in ages. Started off disastrous, until I realized he was dancing a dotted rhythm that I haven't had anyone lead since I first learned...how many years ago. Once I made that connection...ZOMG so amazingly fun and awesome!!!

...and then I realized just how much my back was hurting. I hurt it the other day lifting boxes (Note to self: lift with you knees, not with your back.), and then again while swimming. Ow.

Saw another friend, and danced a set with him, because I can never pass up a set with him. And it was so nice to dance with him again. Unfortunately, after that I was done. Ow. We sat, and chatted for the rest of the evening. Soooo good to reconnect. ;)

Saw another friend I haven't seen in ages, was good to say hi.

All in all, a very good evening. Unfortunately, I'm paying the price for it with my back today.

[CANI]

What a great dance night, Peaches!!! Sounds so wonderful and to reconnect with friends as well -- nice!

[pygmalion]

Peaches!

(Dare I say it?) You sound ... happy. I'm so glad for you. :-)

[Yanou]

I'm visiting Portland OR and had a good time at a social party last Saturday night. Looks like Portland has a very active dance community and has a good website that lists all dance events/parties. There are a few places hosting parties each night during weekends. That's very very different from where I live.... We usually have USA dance parties twice a month and one studio party (per month) that's open to everyone.

We (my son and I) were planning to hit 2 places but stayed at one.

[Phil Owl]

An enjoyable Friday night social, especially my opening dance was a Rumba with this woman who was just blowaway amazing, passionate, sensual and she definitely had that twirl skirt thing going to boot!:mrgreen:

[Phil Owl]

This Sunday afternoon's Waltz Play dance was just THE BEST! I'm starting to be able to keep pace with those faster Waltz tempos, LOVED the music selections and got lots of swing and other dances in too, including a Tango that was so much fun, was VERY blessed to have an incredibly creative and encouraging partner http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

Also got in a number of wonderful dances with a lady with a most unusual first name, I kid you not, her first name is actually Allegra. She was indeed very deeply musical, danced like a dream and just such a beautiful, sweet person (and hilarious) to boot. :D

[Phil Owl]

GREAT night @ ABDC! A lot of great dances, but the highlight was getting to do a FEROCIOUS high energy Hustle with Vanessa Rogers, that girl can TWIRL like a tornado! I also got to do TWO Foxtrots with her that were soooo much fun, she has this wonderful way of pulling you out of yourself and being creative!

Learned a new Cha-Cha move tonight and also was able to get a bit more creative with my Foxtrot and Waltz.

Just wish it didn't go by so fast!

[Warren J. Dew]

I had an absolutely great time at the MIT team's 20th anniversary dance tonight. A big part of that was that both kids feel asleep half way through, allowing my wife and me to dance with each other and with other people. It was also good seeing some people who had mostly dropped out of the dance scene, but showed up for this event.

[CANI]

GREAT night @ ABDC!
Congrats!! Sounds like you've been getting in some great social dancing!!:D

[CANI]

I had an absolutely great time at the MIT team's 20th anniversary dance tonight. A big part of that was that both kids feel asleep half way through, allowing my wife and me to dance with each other and with other people. It was also good seeing some people who had mostly dropped out of the dance scene, but showed up for this event.
Very cool! Getting to dance with your wife, getting to dance with others AND reconnecting with folks whom you haven't seen in a while. Very nice!!:banana:

[Zhena]

My dance weekend consisted of a lesson in the afternoon and a party in the evening on Saturday.

DH had to work on Saturday, so I had to take our private lesson all alone ... boo hoo ... not! We went over the usual basic stuff (contra body, lowering, swing, etc.), but then the teacher started doing other things without warning ... essentially asking me to follow using the basic principles he has been trying to get me to incorporate into my body. So ... yay for progress because he thought I would be ready ... and yay for the times that it worked. We won't talk about where I misunderstood what he was asking me to do. He said we did a "whisk" ... all I know is that I was momentarily where I didn't expect to be, and then I was back at "home" position ... nice! I can't remember what he said the other thing was called. I kinda remember we did similar things back at the chain studio, but now I'm not trying to assign a name to the pattern, I'm just trying to sense where I'm supposed to be. Much harder for me (I'm analytical), but much more fun when it works.

I have homework ... let's see if I manage to remember often enough to make a difference in the next lesson!

Then we had a folk dance party. We had dinner with friends before the party, and talked way too long. We got to the party more than an hour late ... and we're usually early enough to help set up. They thought we weren't coming .... oops! So they did a couple of our favorite dances before we got there ... ah well ... there were enough other good dances to fill out the evening, and I appreciated the chance to sit during dances I don't care for.

The attendance was rather thin, but I enjoyed myself. There were people I didn't even say hello to before they left ... part of the consequences of arriving late ...

When we decided it was time to go and changed our shoes, we realized the usual clean-up crew wasn't there and asked whether help was needed. As we were packing up the food I heard some of my favorite music playing ... but when I went back to the dance floor to check it out no one was dancing ... the party was over, so we didn't miss the end.

Back it the day, people would have danced to the bitter end, but now we're closing down before midnight ... we must be getting old ...

[CANI]

All in all sounds like a terrific dance weekend!!

[Phil Owl]

Congrats!! Sounds like you've been getting in some great social dancing!!:D

Thanks CANI, I definitely have, and gotten noticeably thinner in the process, still going! :D

[Phil Owl]

Friday was a blast, add to this, the fact that I FINALLY started to get the hang of West Coast Swing, won't be sitting those out anymore! An enjoyable Saturday night and an even better Sunday afternoon, waltzed like a fiend and started to get a bit more creative with the Waltz. And even experienced One-Step, which had me busting up, the music s so much like the typical piano music you would associate with a silent comedy. http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif Got some nice Tango in too. http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif

[nucat78]

Very nice USA Dance at our "comp studio" Saturday night. Invited three couples from our "social studio", so we spent a fair amount of time chatting as well.

The USADs are very hit or miss as far as attendance goes at cohosted events. This one was well attended.

[Phil Owl]

WONDERFUL Sunday afternoon @ Waltz Play, learned 3 new "lace variations" and had an outrageous number of fun, creative and enjoyable dances. I'm starting to do somewhat faster waltz tempos now (STILL not close to Viennese yet) getting more adventurous with my Tango, had mucho laughs doing One-Step (the music was PERFECT for an old silent comedy), even a bit of swing and Salsa thrown in. EVERY partner was a joy to dance with I must say. :D:mrgreen::rocker:

Also got a GREAT compliment from the guy who taught today's lesson, saying I had presence and style.

[j_alexandra]

:headwall:

[Phil Owl]

Despite a smaller than normal crowd (there were several events going simultaneously around Atlanta tonight), had a blast @ Daza Dance Buckhead. I knew it would be a good night when the first dance was a Tango with a a lovely woman who will be competing in Standard soon. Got a good bit of Waltz in as well as a good deal of Tango. Very enjoyable, especially being able to improvise stuff in Tango and Waltz that I couldn't do before. The night ended with a really fun Cha-Cha. :D

[Zhena]

My dance weekend was ... well ...

Friday night we got a late start: home from work ... pack ... shop for Saturday party potluck ... dinner ... pick up passenger ... drive to venue ... unload ... find room and dump stuff ... head for party ... say hello to people we hadn't seen since last year (as well as those we see more frequently) ... receive lots of compliments on shorter hair. (Note to self ... so far no negative or neutral reactions, all positive... must keep new hairstyle .) Dance, dance, dance ... unpack ... shower ... to bed.

Saturday early morning: wake up with clogged sinuses. TDNWMH. Back to sleep.

7:45 Up, dress, to dining hall. Buffet. Too tempting ... I ate more than I intended.

9:00 first class: English country dance. Watching, not dancing. The cold was making me tired, and I didn't want to spread my germs, so I resolved not to touch anyone except DH (he was OK because he's the one who GAVE me the cold ... thanks so much!).

I have always thought the English style was rather boring, but this teacher really brought it to life. He was not just teaching the patterns, he talked about the feel of the dance. He emphasized moving from your center rather than your feet, and demonstrated the difference. It's very subtle because the basic step is "just" walking, but the change in feel is amazing. He emphasized really listening to the music and feeling the ebb and flow of energy within the musical phrase. The pattern of the dance is set by necessity (you're working in a group of 4-6 people), but he explained where you are free to add your own interpretation (though the variations are rather subtle).

When the teacher took a little time to answer questions, one of the ladies asked whether either of the ladies still sitting out would like to switch in. (Several had already joined as leaders). We both declined, but I thought it was very kind of her to ask. (I think I had been looking unhappy and jealous ... because that's the way I felt.) During breaks, a lot of people asked why I was not dancing ... I really appreciated the concern.

The second class was Macedonian (line dancing). I watched and made notes in the syllabus, and got up a few times to get the feel of the steps, but I didn't have enough energy to make it through a whole dance. The teacher was in the national dance troupe when he was younger, and I spent some time trying to analyze the subtle flavor of the style ... a lot of the students were pretty close, but they didn't get that final extra bit.

Lunch and conversation.

After lunch was a talk by the Macedonian teacher. Interesting, but a talk after a good lunch when people had been dancing all morning = a lot of nodding heads.

I tried to pay attention to the afternoon classes, but finally gave up and went back to my room for a nap. I woke up shortly before dinner time, so DH didn't have to come get me.

Dinner and more conversations. Sometimes the conversations seem like the best part of camps / workshops for me. We dragged ourselves away to get changed for the evening and gather our contributions for the party.

The evening started with a talk by the teacher of English dancing (I wanted to say English teacher but I don't think he's from England). He talked a little about the different branches: formal, upper-class ("Playford"), informal, working-class ("traditional") and Morris dancing (which has a lot of British eccentricity to it).

I enjoyed the party, despite being at half-energy. I had some good sideline conversations, I watched, and I occasionally danced behind the lines when I particularly liked the dance. Dancing alone behind a line is an accepted way to learn folk dances, but I haven't done much of it lately. It's odd to dance without connection, but fun in a different way. I also did some couple dances with DH. Very late in the evening we even got to do two Hungarian dances. He had promised to dance one of them with another woman. I let her have the first 5 minutes of the 9-minute dance, but I felt deprived so I cut in for the second half, and she graciously released him. Because of my nap, we actually stayed for the last dance, a slow, gentle Romanian circle dance. I broke my resolution and joined the circle, with the rationalization that I touched only two people.

Sunday: Up at 7:50, breakfast and conversations, classes, lunch, pack and say goodby ... no hugs ... I maintained my no-touch policy to the end (with the one exception ... oh well).

I actually enjoyed myself despite everything.

[Phil Owl]

The Friday Knights thing put on by the Country Western Social Club was a blast, doubly so because I FINALLY learned how to Two-Step! It's gonna take me a bit before it starts becoming natural but it sure is fun!

[Spitfire]

Had no dancing this weekend, but now I can go back to doing so every week since I have moved back here; I won't consider myself "officially" returned until Tuesday. I still have to go back and get most of my belongings to bring here on that day.

But now I can dance more often again.

[Phil Owl]

Great dancing this weekend, last night at Academy Ballroom was a blast (my favorite dances were Cha-Cha, Hustle and Rumba with the daughter of the event's hosts), and the Sunday afternoon Waltz Play was so much fun, seems my Waltz tempo just went up a notch.

[Phil Owl]

Had a great weekend myself, Friday was lots of Latin and such, the opening Hustle and closing Foxtrot with he same partner were just out of this world! http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

Saturday @ Daza Buckhead was good, even though it wasn't a lot of people there I still managed to dance a lot, even taught a couple complete beginners the basics of Cha-Cha and Waltz.

Sunday afternoon with the Waltz Play folks was the absolute best though. Got the workout of my life and every partner was so great and soooo much fun. http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif Definitely felt wiped out in the best possible way when heading home.

[Spitfire]

There were only 6 people or so at Friday's dance including staffers, but still was able to have a good time of it.

[nucat78]

Salsa Friday at the tango club was well attended with (as usual) great food. Went to a cancer research benefit Saturday night and that was well attended too.

Sunday was my oldest grandson's birthday party so no dancing (assuming you don't count the Simon Says game with the 3-year olds...)

[Peaches]

Tried going to a WCS dance. DH, SIL & BIL, and brother and wife came. !!!

Had a good time. Danced with DH, who was so unbelievably self-conscious. But it meant so much that he came. Brother refused flat-out to dance with me, despite me asking him and repeated attempts at guilt-tripping him (he's oddly impervious to guilt trips). Had a few other nice dances. It's...interesting...to be a newbie again.

[danceronice]

I had a showcase this weekend, so yes, I danced! (We did "bronze" samba--would actually get the heck invigilated out of us in bronze, as it was more open silver to the Eurovision winner "Satellite".) It was tons of fun.

[bordertangoman]

started working on a performance..a tango (fusion?) to either a pugliese track or a gothic piece or something more modern/electro......

[Zhena]

DH and I went to our first official West Coast Swing competition last weekend. The event included workshops and lots of general dancing along with the competition.

In an earlier post (I forget the subject) I claimed we are "advanced" WCS dancers based on the fact that we take "advanced" group classes. Even when I made the claim I knew it was a stretch. And now I know how much of a stretch it was.

We entered the Novice Jack and Jill competition, since Novice is the lowest level. (Actually, there was a "Newcomer" competition on Thursday night, but we didn't arrive until Friday afternoon, so we couldn't enter.)

The preliminary round of Novice was divided into two heats because the group was so large. As they called the dancers for the first heat, I was surprised to see people who I thought were much more advanced. They did three songs, changing partners with each song. I began to realize that "Novice" didn't really mean "beginner". DH and I were in the second heat. I told each of my three partners that this was my first competition, and I apologized in advance for any problems. My first partner asked if I had any preference for our location. I had never considered the question before, so I said anywhere would be fine. Later I realized that it was a generous offer in case I had a group of friends cheering, or someone taking photos/videos, or even if I wanted a good placement for the official photographer / videographer / judges. My second partner led me through some complicated moves, and I totally lost the flow of the dance, and we had to start from an opening again. My third partner stuck to very basic moves, and didn't try anything at all interesting.

DH and I were not at all surprised to find we didn't move on to the semi-finals. I was, however, surprised that some leaders I had danced with at home also did not advance. The quality of dancing in the Novice division was very high, so I could finally understand how difficult it is to point out of Novice into Intermediate.

Over the course of the weekend, we watched most of the other competitions in WCS, hustle and night club two-step. We also went to some of the workshops.

Two of the workshops were on the WCS "flash mob" choreography. We had learned it in our regular classes and clarified some things in our last private lesson, so in theory we didn't need the classes. But each pair of teachers had a different way of approaching it, so we learned something new in each class. A large portion of the convention attendees performed the choreography in public on Saturday afternoon, which was a lot of fun. I think there were more dancers than spectators ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4NV3Wy5RnQ ... DH and I are in this video for about 2 seconds.

We knew only a few people at the event, and there were many more followers than leaders, so we spent a lot of time sitting and watching rather than dancing. DH received more invitations than usual, and I received fewer, so we ended up dancing about the same amount. At home, I'm more willing to take the initiative, but the first partner I asked at random was so much better than I was that I got cold feet for the rest of the weekend.

The best part of the weekend was the "after-party" on Sunday when the group was small. I think I received as many invitations in the 3-4 hours of the party as I did in the entire official part of the weekend.

It snowed on Sunday night, and we woke up to a white world, but the roads had pretty much cleared by the time we had breakfast and packed, so we had a safe (but slow) trip back home.

[CANI]

Loved reading this thread! Sounds wonderful!! Last weekend, I attended a wonderful showcase. I was impressed with every performance -- some are still on my mind each day, now 6 days later...touching, beautiful, inspiring, amazing...loved it all...:D

[Peaches]

Dancing! w00t!

Two Fridays in a row. How 'bout them apples!

WCS again. Still interesting being a newb. See swing forums for thoughts on the evening.

[Spitfire]

WCS again. Still interesting being a newb. See swing forums for thoughts on the evening.

Save one for me if I'm ever in MD Peaches. :mrgreen:

[Peaches]

Save one for me if I'm ever in MD Peaches. :mrgreen:
Will do. Warning: I'm a beginner. I hope you like basic pushes and side passes, cuz that's about the limit of what I can do. :)

[Spitfire]

Will do. Warning: I'm a beginner. I hope you like basic pushes and side passes, cuz that's about the limit of what I can do. :)

I'll bet you'll do better at learning WCS than I would at learning AT Peaches.

[Spitfire]

As for my dance weekend it was very good. Studio here reorganized, changed their name and had a grand opening dance Friday with a great attendance and so was the dancing. And I had a great time dancing at last night's dance given by the Phoenix USADance. Don't think they get less than 100 in attendance.

[Phil Owl]

3.5 hours of the most fun workout ever involving 3/4 time and cross steps! Waltz Play is my idea of a great Sunday afternoon. great company too!

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Going to Lake Tahoe for purposes other than skiing...heresy!!!
Two of the workshops were on the WCS "flash mob" choreography. We had learned it in our regular classes and clarified some things in our last private lesson, so in theory we didn't need the classes. But each pair of teachers had a different way of approaching it, so we learned something new in each class. A large portion of the convention attendees performed the choreography in public on Saturday afternoon, which was a lot of fun. I think there were more dancers than spectators ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4NV3Wy5RnQ ... DH and I are in this video for about 2 seconds.
I spotted your DH dancing with a short-haired lady. But I couldn't find you... :razz:

Glad you had a good time! I hope I get to watch the two of you dance again soon.

[Zhena]

We had another good dance weekend.

The folk dance party on Saturday night had live music. The problem with live music is that either the band specializes in one style of music, so you only get to do one style of dance, or it tries to play a lot of different styles and doesn't capture the possible depth of each style. The band on Saturday was of the second type. We enjoyed them ... especially when one of the band members stepped out to fill the last slot in a Scottish set dance (that requires exactly 8 people).

Sunday was our second time at a group class that was started only a couple of months ago. It is designed to cover a set syllabus of International dances for a relatively small group of dancers. Last night was quickstep and the week before was waltz. Right after the quickstep class was another, bigger (but less expensive :p) group class in cha cha. One or two of the leaders who took both classes brought out the worst of my backleading tendencies :oops:.

At the social afterwards, there was a sign-up sheet for followers who wanted to dance one of the first six dances with the teacher. I gave the other followers plenty of time, but when I checked the list there was one spot left ... for Bolero ... so I put my name down. I should mention that DH and I take private lessons from the teacher so he is familiar with my abilities in general. DH and I don't do Bolero except during group classes and we've never covered it in our private lessons, so I warned the teacher not to expect much. He led all sorts of things ... I remembered encountering some of them in group classes, but some seemed totally unfamiliar ... certainly the picture lines were new to me .... it was lovely to be able to read him so clearly.

Later during the social, I considered apologizing to the leader who experienced the worst of my backleading and asking him to dance, but then I noticed he was dancing only with his wife. It made me wonder ... if he shows up again in class I will be on guard and will try to just follow ...

[CANI]

Don't think they get less than 100 in attendance.
Wonderful numbers!! I hope this means you get to dance A LOT!!:D

[CANI]

We had another good dance weekend. Glad to hear it!!:D

[Warren J. Dew]

While on a Thanksgiving trip to visit my in laws on Long Island, we went to the social at Manhattan Ballroom Dance. We had a great time - not only did mommy and daddy get to dance with each others and with others at the dance, but Margaret also got to dance with someone other than her parents!

[CANI]

While on a Thanksgiving trip to visit my in laws on Long Island, we went to the social at Manhattan Ballroom Dance. We had a great time - not only did mommy and daddy get to dance with each others and with others at the dance, but Margaret also got to dance with someone other than her parents!
Very nice!!!

[Phil Owl]

A bit late posting here, but again, my Sunday afternoon 2.5 hours of dance floor time was just sheer joy! Even got to show a couple folks some Tango and they did really well.

[ann_a]

As usually I have dance classes on weekends and I feel happy, cos I fall in love to me dance teacher, but, I understand, my life is not only weekends and dance classes.
Now I want to begin a new life, have new friends.
I want to forget about yesterday and think about tomorrow.
I'm sorry, maybe, my reply not suitable here.
Who can give me advice what to do? Thanks!

[Sagitta]

Wrong thread, right, ann_a. I would suggest searching the forums as there already are threads on relationships with dance teachers.

[Sagitta]

Friday not so great, but Saturday was almost perfect. Went to a friend's house and the three of us cooked a simple meal. Then, went to Metro in Syracuse for the Latin dance and had a really good night, even though there were few attendees. Some inspired dancing/dances. The place had a smallish dance floor, but the ambiance was great, there was new music, and the places to sit in were better than the usual dance places I go to.

[TangoRocks]

"freestyle" testing Friday at the american style studio, passed of course (woo hoo, like that means a thing) Sunday, grad ball, messed up routine well and good, only saving grace is that since it was tango, I pretty much did what I always do when I dance tango and flew all across the floor doing stuff like they were all intentional. That might fool many people but not the most important ones, namely me and my teacher... Oh well, some weekends, you might as well not dance I suppose... Hopefully the xmas party I am going to at my international style studio next weekend will be better. At least I don't have to perform there, so a lot less stress, just social dancing...

[Ray Sison]

Lately, after a long period of time focusing on Smooth technique, we returned to coaching for American Rhythm. I've loved it--revisiting Cha Cha, Rumba, and East Coast Swing. And I want to get back into Bolero, too...

So it was not social dancing for the weekend, but working on technique and practicing...

[Phil Owl]

Had a BLAST @ Daza/Buckhead, a lot of good dances including a couple real fun Tango's, Cha-Cha, Rumbas and Hustles, but the REAL highlight was getting to do a VERY creative and fun Foxtrot with a pro (Honey Larsen) that just put a huge smile on my face. She is amazing indeed.

[wonderwoman]

Friday night was great, even after taking four long days off from dancing. That's the longest I've gone without since September, actually I probably only ever went two nights without before this.

[Ray Sison]

Friday night was great, even after taking four long days off from dancing. That's the longest I've gone without since September, actually I probably only ever went two nights without before this.


Yay!

[wonderwoman]

It was three nights, I can't count. Tue, wed, Thu.
Tue I had a lesson and it was really more like... an hour of a small child refusing to take her medicine... Don't ask.

[Ray Sison]

It was three nights, I can't count. Tue, wed, Thu.
Tue I had a lesson and it was really more like... an hour of a small child refusing to take her medicine... Don't ask.


That's cute!

[flashdance]

Not been dancing since end of last month! Nobody turned up last Monday (think there were going to be only 2 or 3 of us - so was cancelled!)..

Seriously thinking of joining another class elsewhere as I really want to make some progress with my dancing... I don't see it as a 'hobby' anymore... it's kind of like raw addiction!

[fascination]

trying to creak and crawl my way through practicing tonight in case the roads are passable enough to take my lessons tomorrow...and boy am I sore

[Zhena]

Belated (sometimes it's tough to find time to post) but here it is ...

Last weekend we spent Saturday at a folk dance institute / dinner / party. I really enjoy these larger gatherings. The institute included a selection of teachers from different areas reviewing favorite dances ... no master teachers ... relaxed and fun. Live music during dinner ... great stuff, had to get up and move a little. It was an "all-request" party, so the program reflected the tastes of the participants. Different areas have slightly different repertoires, so I didn't recognize everything ... if it looked easy I joined in, if not I had fun watching.

Since Saturday was completely shot and we had to take care of basic housekeeping on Sunday, we skipped our group lesson. Our friends had invited us to a holiday party and going to the lesson would have made us late. Since we left early anyway to go to a WCS party, arriving late was not really an option.

As it was, we missed the lesson at the beginning of the WCS party, I had really wanted to see the guest teacher. :(

This was the first time we had ever stayed to the end of the party ... usually we get tired early and start thinking about having to get up at O-dark-thirty the next morning for work. But we had more energy than usual because we had arrived late.

We had one very amusing moment ... usually the crowd does WCS to absolutely everything unless it's announced as NC2S or Country 2S or waltz. DH and I will do the occasional cha cha or rumba if we feel like it, and it doesn't bother anyone. But one number felt way too much like a foxtrot for me to WCS to it. So we started to do foxtrot around all the WCS couples, and by the end of the music there were 7 couples doing foxtrot (DH counted).:p

[nucat78]

[...]I really want to make some progress with my dancing... I don't see it as a 'hobby' anymore... it's kind of like raw addiction!

+1

Christmas dance party Friday night, private lesson Saturday. Elected to lard out on Sunday aside from some Christmas shopping - found a reasonably-priced Northface pullover for DS2.

[Ray Sison]

It was fun! A crowded dance floor. Some people folding into their social dancing some of the things they are doing for the Winter Show showcases. Making the floor "friendly" before they have to go under the spotlight for everyone to see...

[wonderwoman]

So after a few weeks of letting my dancing suffer the unfortunate effects of romantic drama.... I had two very very good nights of dancing in a row. Drama free, alcohol free, blissful, joyful, great dancing :)

[Ray Sison]

So after a few weeks of letting my dancing suffer the unfortunate effects of romantic drama.... I had two very very good nights of dancing in a row. Drama free, alcohol free, blissful, joyful, great dancing :)

Yeah. Losing oneself to the music, the energy of the crowd, and wanting it to last forever...

[soshedances]

So after a few weeks of letting my dancing suffer the unfortunate effects of romantic drama.... I had two very very good nights of dancing in a row. Drama free, alcohol free, blissful, joyful, great dancing :)

Sounds absolutely wonderful!

[Phil Owl]

Tonight at Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club was sheer joy, lots of Christmas cheer, MANY fun dances, and best yet, getting to see a wonderful lady I hadn't seen in months. My heart leapt for joy when I saw her again for the first time since May. Her dancing was as great as ever despite the fact she hadn't danced in months.

[wonderwoman]

Some good dances at my original salsa place which I haven't been to in two months. The floor is sticky, especially compared to the Friday night venue's glossy concrete floor.

[Ray Sison]

Passed on dancing yesterday to catch another new movie...

[CANI]

Sounds absolutely wonderful!
It really does! Sounds like many DF-ers are having great social dancing experiences -- very nice!

[Ray Sison]

It really does! Sounds like many DF-ers are having great social dancing experiences -- very nice!

Indeed!

[Phil Owl]

This past weekend was really wonderful for me, especially the Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club event on Saturday. You could really feel the joy in the room from everyone just so happy and grateful to get out again after a paralyzing ice storm. My personal highlight was getting to do a sensuous, expressive Rumba with competitive dancer Vanessa Rogers, that was a real treat for me! http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

Sunday afternoon @ Waltz Play was great fun too, got to see some folks I hadn't seen in weeks, and the same kind of joy and relief after having cabin fever.

[major swing]

social dance for us on friday night, nice crowd, mainly thirtries and forties swing and ballroom, a real relaxed night........... bit of charleston practice sunday afternoon, about to start a 2 hour lindy session at home........
towels and water at the ready!!!!!

[CANI]

This past weekend was really wonderful for me, especially the Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club event on Saturday. You could really feel the joy in the room from everyone just so happy and grateful to get out again after a paralyzing ice storm. My personal highlight was getting to do a sensuous, expressive Rumba with competitive dancer Vanessa Rogers, that was a real treat for me! http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

Sunday afternoon @ Waltz Play was great fun too, got to see some folks I hadn't seen in weeks, and the same kind of joy and relief after having cabin fever.
Sounds absolutely perfect, Phil!!

[CANI]

social dance for us on friday night, nice crowd, mainly thirtries and forties swing and ballroom, a real relaxed night........... bit of charleston practice sunday afternoon, about to start a 2 hour lindy session at home........
towels and water at the ready!!!!!
Nice! I've never seen lindy danced live...would love to at some point...glad you had a weekend of dance!

[Ray Sison]

social dance for us on friday night, nice crowd, mainly thirtries and forties swing and ballroom, a real relaxed night........... bit of charleston practice sunday afternoon, about to start a 2 hour lindy session at home........
towels and water at the ready!!!!!

Sounds like you had a lot of fun, major swing! :cheers:

[Ray Sison]

Sounds absolutely perfect, Phil!!

+1 :cheers:

[Phil Owl]

Dancing is undoubtedly the world's best cure for cabin fever too :mrgreen:

[Sagitta]

Good latin dance in Syracuse Friday night. Some good cuban salsa....saturday...not so good...floor was sticky and dj hopeless...Sunday....checked out the blues nighta bs heard last week was great...only a few people...too bad....

[nucat78]

Meh, went to a social alone Friday night since DP didn't get back into town until late Saturday. Babysat GS1 and GS2 on Sunday, so we missed a tea dance and had to take DS2 back to college yesterday, so there wasn't much dancing.

[Phil Owl]

Good latin dance in Syracuse Friday night. Some good cuban salsa....saturday...not so good...floor was sticky and dj hopeless...Sunday....checked out the blues nighta bs heard last week was great...only a few people...too bad....

You just reminded me of something, there is this one couple here in Atlanta that I LOVE watching do Salsa, the husband is a native Cuban.

[someoldsong]

Well though I know a new weekend is about to start, figured I would say something about my last dance weekend. We had a seminar for all the dance teacher in our region ( SC,NC,TN,GA,AL, etc). It went great. Friday night we had a dance party which was mostly west coast with a live band called Too Much Silvia. plenty of good dancers kept me entertained the whole night. Saturday all day I had workshops to go to for smooth and rhythm. The two teachers were 3 time 9Dance champions and were absolutely amazing. learned some pretty cool tricks. Then saturday night we had a party with a DJ who played some decent tunes, mostly cha cha's and west coast but plenty of rumba, salsa, hustle and even a few smooth dances too. Probably the most productive and inspiring dance weekend I have ever had

[Ray Sison]

I thoroughly enjoyed an evening of dancing yesterday...

[CANI]

Probably the most productive and inspiring dance weekend I have ever had
Wow! Very nice -- especially the inspiring part. Wonderful!!

[Ray Sison]

Well though I know a new weekend is about to start, figured I would say something about my last dance weekend. We had a seminar for all the dance teacher in our region ( SC,NC,TN,GA,AL, etc). It went great. Friday night we had a dance party which was mostly west coast with a live band called Too Much Silvia. plenty of good dancers kept me entertained the whole night. Saturday all day I had workshops to go to for smooth and rhythm. The two teachers were 3 time 9Dance champions and were absolutely amazing. learned some pretty cool tricks. Then saturday night we had a party with a DJ who played some decent tunes, mostly cha cha's and west coast but plenty of rumba, salsa, hustle and even a few smooth dances too. Probably the most productive and inspiring dance weekend I have ever had

someoldsong, that all sounds amazing! :cheers:

[major swing]

Went to a dance but the music was so old the RCA dog was there.


sounds like my kinda night......................:)

[major swing]

weve had a big weekend, and intend to crash and burn early tonight!!!
big bags under the eyes...................
friday night, social dancing, thirties/forties, plus i was dj ing....... early hours
saturday, hollywood style lindy practice in the afternoon, swing dance in the evening, early hours,
sunday night(and we never go out sunday usually) live jive night in nottingham with a great band, playing jive, salsa, swing lindy etc etc, into bed at 1.00, and out to work early this morning. now im about to start hollywood
lindy practice for an hour, then its bed time....... real early!!!!!!
amazing weekend, met some real nice folks, made new friends, seen some real good latin american dancers, which we dont do but can apreciate............


sooo much dancing to fit in, so little time.....

[Phil Owl]

Change of pace tonight, went to the Country Western Social Club dance in Atlanta, tons of WCS and Two-Step (which I can just about get through now, still got a ways to go). All told had a great time, and a couple real encouraging Two-Step partners especially kept me going and gain enough confidence to Two-Step more. :mrgreen: Had a WONDERFUL WCS partner several times that fueled my creativity too.

[Phil Owl]

Well though I know a new weekend is about to start, figured I would say something about my last dance weekend. We had a seminar for all the dance teacher in our region ( SC,NC,TN,GA,AL, etc). It went great. Friday night we had a dance party which was mostly west coast with a live band called Too Much Silvia. plenty of good dancers kept me entertained the whole night. Saturday all day I had workshops to go to for smooth and rhythm. The two teachers were 3 time 9Dance champions and were absolutely amazing. learned some pretty cool tricks. Then saturday night we had a party with a DJ who played some decent tunes, mostly cha cha's and west coast but plenty of rumba, salsa, hustle and even a few smooth dances too. Probably the most productive and inspiring dance weekend I have ever had

Don't you just LOVE when that happens? :cheers:

[Subliminal]

Good! Went to a live music milonga, had a great time. Saw a friend there, danced with the gf, good time was had by all.

[Phil Owl]

Also had a wonderful Sunday afternoon with them waltzers :D

The final dance of the afternoon was my favorite, this one lady who just gets so creative and inspires me to pull things out of the hat. LOVE IT!

[wonderwoman]

Thursday was a great night of salsa, but admittedly I've become jaded about my local scene, writing off every venue except that Thursday night one, because it is consistently good and the others can be hit or miss. So I skipped Friday night. Saturday I barely even considered going out because this venue had been consistently slow and unpopular among dancers for a while now.

My assumption was wrong, as it turned out to be the best night of salsa in my city in at least a year, from what I've heard from those who did attend. I was actually very upset about this. But I think it's my karma. I've been so negative about the salsa scene, all I talk about is wanting good dances with good partners, and refusing to go out to a venue that I don't consistently have a good experience at. I deserved what I got as a result of my poor attitude.

I went to a salsa social last night. The dj is not very educated when it comes to salsa music and played a lot of cumbia and salsa that had an unusually fast tempo or a beat that was hard to hear, even for me, and there were a lot of beginner dancers. She also played a rumba, a hustle, two bachatas, 3 chachas, one merenge. If I don't count the cumbias as salsas (which they are not) there was very little salsa at this "salsa social". It was disappointing to pay a cover expecting salsa and getting almost none.

[major swing]

no dances this weekend, just practicing at home......... balboa sat,
lindy sunday......... and a bit of ballroom for the fun of it!!!!!!!
my waltz is coming on well...............

[Ray Sison]

The Friday night dance party was lots of fun. The DJ is relatively new, and she has infused lots of new music into the event...

[someoldsong]

Thursday and Friday I had two coaches in the studio by the names of Paul and Caroline Millington. They reall got me ramped up and gave me some great pointers for the upcoming competitions we are entered in. His outlook on West coast really broadened my horizons too.

Friday night had a dance/farewell party at the studio. One of the other teachers was transferring to a studio in Tennesee. Then had some coachings with Paul and Caroline after that. Didnt leave till around 2am!

Saturday night, we took a group of friends to the National (carolina)Shag Competition and 2001 in North Myrtle Beach. Festivities were great. Met Austin Pope(junior 1 national champ, true delight to watch) and Sam West( Shag LEGEND, national pro and overall champ). True gentleman, told me to call him for some coachings to help me prepare for other shag competitions.

was at the studio about 10 hours yesterday which was so tiring but so helpful as well. looking forward to my future as a teacher and pro :)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Got led into Wing. :shock: :razz:

[someoldsong]

Had a social party on friday at work, then did some practice/training sessions for a few hours on saturday morning. Went down to Fat Harolds on saturday night and met alot of new people. Was encouraged to enter the Grand Nationals in Atlanta. Now Im talking with some friends on how to get there and who's all going :)

[nucat78]

Very nice social in the city. With birthday cake! DP and I knocked a little rust off since she's been ill or traveling a lot the past month and a half.

[Spitfire]

Been going to a different venue lately as the one I was going to has lost something; among other things I don't care for the music selections which is an opinion shared by others as well.

The one I've been attending does have a better atmosphere and I've had a great time. Think they made need to make it larger should attendance grow; it is rather small.

Not going as much to WCS dances. Much as I love and enjoy the dance I find that I get bored with doing just one dance.

[nucat78]

Meh. Didn't do doo-wah; too much other stuff to do. :mad:

[someoldsong]

Went to Fat Harolds again on saturday, also went to ducks. Was not very impressed with ducks, the band wasnt up to the standards they used to uphold. Ah well was still alot of fun.

Had a 4 hour workshop at our studio this weekend with Marilyn Benitez as well. She is great, and really helped me with a bunch of stuff in my smooth and rythym.

looking forward to another good weekend the week

[Phil Owl]

The Friday night dance party was lots of fun. The DJ is relatively new, and she has infused lots of new music into the event...

I LOVE when people do that! There's this one lady here in Atlanta who DJ's and teaches who loves to throw new stuff and even leave songs open for interpretation as in pick your own dance. :mrgreen:

[Spitfire]

Tonight is the monthly dance given by the local USADance, but have to wonder about attendance as there is an event going on in Phoenix.

[vbadancer]

This weekend...no dancing. Son home, daughter sick.

Last weekend (2/11 - 2/13) AWESOME. Sweetheart Swing Classic in Panama City Beach, FL. Hotel (Marriott Baypoint Resort) AWESOME...they didn't have our room ready and we got comped a bay view room w/balcony instead of "resort" (parking lot) view like our friends got. Workshops: AWESOME: Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekeley, John Lindo, Jeanne DeGeyter, Keith Gussoni, etc. West coast swing, west coast swing, and MORE west coast swing!!! (Also hustle & NC2 but I'm in it for the WCS : )

We haven't been to a ton of events, but this was the most fun ever. Not too large, and very friendly atmosphere. Danced a lot! :-D

[Phil Owl]

WONDERFUL night on the dance floor! I got to film 3 great exhibitions, THEN danced like a madman. Favorites were a rumba with one of the earlier performers, 2 Hustles with great partners, and a Foxtrot with a pro teacher/competitor that was a BLAST, she gave me lots of compliments on being both fun and creative. http://partnerdanceonline.com/Smileys/classic/grin.gif

[major swing]

good night last night, mix of music, old time ballroom, american swing from twenties through to early fifties, nice crowd, good vibe, plus we raised over £1000 for local hospice... bonus!!!! sunday practice commences round about now...... have a nice day y"ALL!!!

[fascination]

in the dungeon with open smooth :)

[DanceSveta]

Very good. I ahve watched competition in Boston. My son dance very good today. I want to dance tango again.

[drejenpha]

Got lost on my way to a social dance, eventually made it. This group holds socials once a month, decent venue and good music. The place was a bit cliquey but that didn't exactly surprise me. I met my current instructor's wife (also a pro, dj'ing the dance), their daughter (who hasn't danced in 4 years), and a blackpool champ from a while back (Paul, I didn't get a last name).

I'm still running into issues with not knowing the same things that everyone else does... stopping and starting aplenty. I had my most success dancing with instructor's wife, except in samba which was rough at best and quickstep where I should have stayed in syllabus.

It was nice to be back to social dancing even if it wasn't horribly social.