Wouldn't It Be Cool If We Could All Get Together and Dance. [Archive]

Spitfire

09-18-2003, 07:40 PM

I mentioned this in another thread, but just for fun...

:idea:
If this forum could hold it's own dance. Imagine if everyone here could attend. In what venue or sort of facility would you want to hold it and what features would you want to include? Would you want a theme?

Actually, I have to think on this one a bit so I'll wait for answers.

pygmalion

09-18-2003, 07:45 PM

It would be cool, sort of like a family reunion, without old Aunt Martha's singing.

I think we need to flesh this one out, because I don't see why it can't happen, for real. There are lots of dance camps, workshops and comps all over the country. Why not coordinate showing up at one? It would be some work, but it could be done.

Let me think on it a bit.

dancergal

09-18-2003, 07:52 PM

Now that would be really fun, with the exception that I don't know a lick of Salsa and couldn't dance with some of you. I'd better go quick and get some Salsa lessons!!! :lol:

Spitfire

09-18-2003, 07:53 PM

Actually swing and lindy hop groups hold swing exchanges for the purpose of inviting out of town dancers. These generally run about 4 days with lots of activities which include non-dance stuff like hikes and tours and lots and lots of dancing. 8)

There's going to be one of these in Phoenix at the end of next month and I think Seattle's hosting one too.

I believe the Dancescape forum did actually hold a dance of its own. Have no idea of how it went though.

pygmalion

09-18-2003, 07:57 PM

Oops!

Now I have to take some lindy hop lessons! :lol: :lol:

We should probably plan at least a few months in advance, so people can arrange hotels and airfare, but I don't see why we can't just do this.

What does everybody else think?

Spitfire

09-18-2003, 08:03 PM

Never fear; plenty of all dances if one does not know a certain dance. :wink:

How's about a pot luck banquet and open bar?
Live Music? 8)

Other :idea: ?

SDsalsaguy

09-18-2003, 08:05 PM

Spitfire

09-18-2003, 08:08 PM

pygmalion

09-18-2003, 08:30 PM

Let's see how other people respond. I, for one, think it would be great fun and very enlightening for us all. To keep it simple, we could go to an event being sponsored by someone else.

Then, it's pretty easy to arrange a party in the host hotel -- book a suite or banquet room, food, DJ. If we wanted to, we could arrange our own little "dance-forums reception." It's easy to do. Let's just put out feelers and see if there's any interest.

SDsalsaguy

09-18-2003, 08:44 PM

pygmalion

09-18-2003, 09:05 PM

Actually, SD, I was going to suggest California as a possible location. A lot of our more vocal members are in CA or within a reasonable drive. And there's no reason why it couldn't be ballroom or salsa. If we did our own outing, it could be as simple as an outing in town, where swing or anything else could be danced. Whatever. I'm game. Let me take a look around at a few websites, ask a few folks, and see what's out there. Then we can all "talk". I think this is a fun idea. What does anybody else think?

youngsta

09-18-2003, 09:39 PM

I'm game, I only know the basics of ECS and WCS so I'd probably sit most of them out. Don't know any Ballroom, but if anyone wants to teach :D. Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Cha Cha we can get down!

dancergal

09-18-2003, 10:16 PM

I'm game. Someone suggested going to an event already happening. Most conventions I go to have all different types of music, but of course, WCS is the main. This November is Mountain Magic Swing Dance convention being held in Reno, Nevada. It's a small convention, the hotel rates aren't bad and they play lots of different types of music and I'm sure there are plenty of nightclubs to check out for dancing. It could be a mini vacation for a weekend. There are also plenty of monthly dances being held in the Bay Area that we can shoot for that would welcome out of town people. Just thinking off the top of my head....this is fun!

Vince A

09-18-2003, 10:55 PM

Now that would be really fun, with the exception that I don't know a lick of Salsa and couldn't dance with some of you. I'd better go quick and get some Salsa lessons!!! :lol:
I promise you that I could get you through a salsa, no worries :wink:
Sd,
My wife (Carolyn) says she gets one of the first few Salsa's with you. Believe me, She doesn't even do Salsa for, but I've seen her do it, and she CAN FOLLOW!

BY the way, you said local . . . there is a huge UCWDC event coming at the end of October in San Diego . . . get more info at www.ucwdc.com.

Is that local enough for you? We'll be there anyway . . . Care is competiting. It's her last competition as an Intermediate . . . She is moving up to advanced.

We are staying at the Marriot-Mission Valley Hotel . . . Oct 31 , Nov 1 & 2. It's a C&W and Swing event . . .

Country and Swing people could stay and dance there, while you take the Salsa people on the town for Salsa. Just need to find a place for the Ballroom people. Maybe some of us can meet????

Wow . . . the first annual Dance-Forums Dance . . . :wink:

SDsalsaguy

09-18-2003, 11:14 PM

Well, that certainly is local enough for me Vince :wink:

Friday nights there's always a ballroom dance at Champion Ballroom, not even 5 minutes from Mission Valley! Good salsa on Fri. & Sat. nights here as well.

Let Carolyn know that she has a place reserved near the top of my salsa dance card :wink:

pygmalion

09-19-2003, 04:21 AM

I hope you guys have a blast! :D

Unfortunately, I can't do that weekend, because I have big plans in my (non-dance) other life. Any suggestions of another time that could work, maybe later? Did you have anything in mind, spitfire? What about your suggestion, dancergal? Reno in November might work for me or others.

Let's keep talking.

SDsalsaguy

09-19-2003, 04:31 AM

I'd actually planned to be up in LA for a ballroom comp that weekend myself, but figured I could drive back down for a night if this comes together...

pygmalion

09-19-2003, 04:33 AM

We'll figure out a time and place that works for most, I'm sure. Getting together is a great idea, and I'm sure we will. :D

dancer at heart

09-19-2003, 05:10 AM

Al and Eddie puts together an awesome venue for the new years in Palm Springs, CA that has both swing and salsa workshops at the same time, which may be worth checking out

Here is a link for more info:
http://www.dancefreak.com/newyears

:wink:

SDsalsaguy

09-19-2003, 05:32 AM

Doh! :shock:

I'm always at the Montez ballroom camp at that time, but still, I can't believe I forgot about that! Good call dancer at heart!

Danish Guy

09-19-2003, 05:51 AM

I would be absolutely cool to meet you guys & girls in person. 8) 8) 8)

Maybe I will be able to travel over the little pond of water, but not likely this year. :(

Anybody visiting Denmark let me know. :wink:

SDsalsaguy

09-19-2003, 06:09 AM

I'm hoping to be back next summer John...no solid plans yet, but I'll keep you posted.

DanceMentor

09-19-2003, 10:04 AM

Let's see...we would need to have a pretty wide selection of music for
breakdancing
clogging
ballroom
Latin
salsa
Lindy
West Coast Swing
Argentine Tango
...But I would love that! :D

Spitfire

09-19-2003, 10:15 AM

Honestly, if the base event were a ballroom or salsa event I'd be there. If the base event were a swing one, then I'd go if it were very convenient but -- time and resources being what they are -- I wouldn't be able to justify the trip if it wasn't very fairly local. :?

(NOT to say we couldn't do and have *lots* of swing at our own event for all those here who'd be interested!)

My idea would be ballroom based with the music evened out for all the different dances. This would apply to samba and merenque since most of the dances I attend don't play a lot of this. Unless there was a consensus vote to do so I would leave out foxtrot mixers and swing snowballs.

borikensalsero

09-19-2003, 10:19 AM

This is pretty amazing. It sounds as if there was a family reunion on the works. I can only dance a bad Mambo :oops: but it wouldn't keep me from having a great time just watching you guys get down. Since, I'm in NY and as SD funds are scarce I would have to attend a reunion at a latter date.

Spitfire

09-19-2003, 10:23 AM

Vince A

09-19-2003, 11:01 AM

Let's see...we would need to have a pretty wide selection of music for
breakdancing
clogging
ballroom
Latin
salsa
Lindy
West Coast Swing
Argentine Tango
...But I would love that! :D

I like the clogging and break dance idea; don't do either myself, but to add more variety, sure. 8)
I know just the place. It plays all of that music . . . great dance floor too!

Can you all make it to my house on . . . . . :wink:

Spitfire

09-19-2003, 11:13 AM

dancersdreamland

09-19-2003, 11:32 AM

I'm game! Let me know when and where and I'll see what I can arrange to get off work and scrounge up some cash. It can be a pre-set event or one planned just for this Forum members.

I haven't had "social" dance lessons in about two or three years so I may need some *******er walk throughs, but I can usually follow pretty good.

Sounds like fun!!! :D

pygmalion

09-20-2003, 08:18 AM

What locations/dates are on the table?

MissAlyssa

09-20-2003, 05:04 PM

I'm game. Cali isn't that far a drive from me..

Spitfire

09-20-2003, 05:07 PM

Next summer in San Diego; I plan on making a trip there anyway.

MissAlyssa

09-20-2003, 05:10 PM

cool. let's have one in the Phx area too hehe :lol:

Spitfire

09-20-2003, 05:19 PM

cool. let's have one in the Phx area too hehe :lol:

Hmmm, what would be a good spot? The Paragon maybe? It's got a big floor. The owner of the Paragon is the one teaching WCS at the benefit dance in Fountain Hills.

I understand the Indian School Rd. Arthur Murray's to have a very spacious floor.

SDsalsaguy

09-20-2003, 05:24 PM

No, no, no, NO! San Diego is a *much* better place to have a DF get together. If you don't believe me, just ask me...I'll tell you!

Spitfire

09-20-2003, 05:28 PM

No, no, no, NO! San Diego is a *much* better place to have a DF get together. If you don't believe me, just ask me...I'll tell you!

Will you host it SD? :lol:

Sure; whatever - just make sure it's held when I'll be visiting. :mrgreen:

MissAlyssa

09-20-2003, 05:35 PM

Paragon would be a great place! Hey Jonathan, we're not saying CA is a bad place, we're just discussing possible Phx options :P

Black Sheep

09-21-2003, 06:37 PM

SPITEFIRE,
Check ther thread, "A Six Ways To Harmonize WCS with ECS";
Where the twain meets: Differences in Lindy Styles can easily be overcome using the techniques in the above thread.
Black Sheep, Back in the fold.

pygmalion

09-24-2003, 10:03 AM

Where do we stand with the proposed DF family reunion? Are there dates or locations on the table? This could easily become another one of those great ideas that never happened. :cry:

Vince A

09-24-2003, 10:16 AM

Regardless of what dates are set, those days will be good for some and not so good for others . . . so SDsalsaguythe day should come from the Administration . . . pick a date . . . San Diego for the first, Phoenix for the second, and working our way east as we go. I'm easy!!!!!!!!!!!

SDsalsaguy

09-24-2003, 10:20 AM

Woah...too much pressure (besides, I'd say they should all be in SD whenever fits into my schedule). Before I need to pick a day, however, how about listing some actual date/location combos? Then I/we can run a poll and see which seem the most viable. OK?

pygmalion

09-24-2003, 08:26 PM

That sounds good, SD. It's always good to give people a chance to have input. I'll take a look around for a few possible locations on the West Coast or in the Southwest. Accessdance is one place to look. Are there others?

Spitfire

09-24-2003, 11:19 PM

Say, how's about if we take our avatars and make a badge to wear. For those not using one the username in big bold letters. :wink:

pygmalion

09-25-2003, 04:29 AM

Darn! Then I guess I'd better upload an avatar! :lol:

pygmalion

09-25-2003, 10:32 AM

Oh, my goodness! Why in the world didn't someone tell me what I was volunteering for? The world of dance is SO decentralized, and there are event listings spread hither and yon. Here's a short, short listing of some of the things I found, together with things that have already been suggested in this thread. I have mostly C&W and Swing events -- those seem to have the best organized national events websites. I'll keep looking for ballroom and salsa events. Or, if you have suggestions, please post.

By the way, there's a lot out there. Maybe we could narrow things down by picking a timeframe :?: :idea:

Paradise Country Dance Festival San Diego, CA October 31 - November 2, 2003

Phoenix Lindy Exchange, Phoenix, AZ October 30 - November 2, 2003

Mountain Magic Swing Dance Convention Reno, NV November 7 - 9, 2003

Las Vegas Dance Finale (C&W) Las Vegas, NV December 11 - 14, 2003

Al& Edie Espinoza's Salsa Freak New Years Dance Camp Palm Springs, CA December 31, 2003 - January 4, 2004

Monterey Swing Fest Monterey, CA January 15 - 19, 2004

Swing Diego January 22 - 25, 2004 San Diego, CA

Fresno Country Classic, Fresno, CA May 27 - 31, 2004

Camp Hollywood (Swing) Los Angeles, CA July 29 - August 1, 2004

Disclaimer: I've never attended any of these events. I'm hoping word of mouth in the forums and our contacts will help us check the quality. :D

Vince A

09-25-2003, 10:51 AM

Jenn,
We do at least 6 of those events . . . the Fresno event is the very best, but a very busy and packed place during that time. It's definitely partytime there! Just difficult to do much else!

If I were to pick one of these, as having attended most of them, I'd do the Monterey Swing Fest in January . . . it leaves little or nothing for those C&W fans, but it does have a lot of Swing, NC2S, Hustle, Cha Cha, Waltz, and quite a bit of Salsa mixed in. However, there are great clubs downtown that offer Salsa . . . plus it's a great place to vacation. The weather there in January is good.

Phoenix would be my third choice, even though it would leave Care and I out as she competes with 9 routines in San Diego at the time, and I'm trying to put routines together for the Pro-Am Swing and Hustle comps.

Just my 2 cents . . .

Vince

pygmalion

09-25-2003, 11:10 AM

Thanks, Vince. I'll wait a little while to see if I get any other suggestions, then set up a poll to get people's preferences. January sounds good to me. :D

Jenn

dancergal

09-25-2003, 12:10 PM

Paradise Country Dance Festival San Diego, CA October 31 - November 2, 2003

Phoenix Lindy Exchange, Phoenix, AZ October 30 - November 2, 2003

Mountain Magic Swing Dance Convention Reno, NV November 7 - 9, 2003

Las Vegas Dance Finale (C&W) Las Vegas, NV December 11 - 14, 2003

Al& Edie Espinoza's Salsa Freak New Years Dance Camp Palm Springs, CA December 31, 2003 - January 4, 2004

Monterey Swing Fest Monterey, CA January 15 - 19, 2004

Swing Diego January 22 - 25, 2004 San Diego, CA

Fresno Country Classic, Fresno, CA May 27 - 31, 2004

Camp Hollywood (Swing) Los Angeles, CA July 29 - August 1, 2004

I'll be attending Mountion Magic, Monterey Swing Fest and Fresno. I'll also vote for Monterey as being the best for all of us to meet. Easy to get to and not as crowded as the Fresno event, more variety of music.

Vince A

09-25-2003, 12:14 PM

Think maybe we'll get that dance afterall???

Monterey is my first choice . . . location, location, location!

SDsalsaguy

09-25-2003, 12:22 PM

Just as an option Jenn, keep in mind the Montez camp at the end of Dec. in SD...that way we could also all spend New Year's together! :D :D :D

Vince A

09-25-2003, 12:33 PM

San Diego at that time of the year is wonderful . . . and there is always a place to Swing and C&W and Ballroom, as well as a "few" places to Salsa :wink:

dancergal

09-25-2003, 12:53 PM

I won't be able to make it to SD for New Year's. :cry: We're having lots of relatives coming during Christmas and New Year's. Some staying at our house.

Vince A

09-25-2003, 02:03 PM

I won't be able to make it to SD for New Year's. :cry: We're having lots of relatives coming during Christmas and New Year's. Some staying at our house.
Me either . . . we'll be at World's competition in Nashville for the New Year!
:cry: Me too!

And . . . they'd probably have a miserable time w/o us!

dancergal

09-25-2003, 02:19 PM

And . . . they'd probably have a miserable time w/o us!

Of course, we'd be the life the the party!! 8)

Vince A

09-25-2003, 02:29 PM

And . . . they'd probably have a miserable time w/o us!

Of course, we'd be the life the the party!! 8)

Exactly what I was thinking . . . :roll:

SDsalsaguy

09-25-2003, 03:12 PM

Hey now you two... :tongue:

Vince A

09-25-2003, 04:00 PM

Yes Pam . . . control yourself!!!!

One of us has to! :wink:

dancer_of_god

10-05-2003, 10:08 PM

what a great concept. we'd have to call the fire department, we'd be so hot!!!!!!!! 8) (bit of jr. high humor there, i couldn't resist)

Swing Kitten

10-05-2003, 10:54 PM

Actually we're planning a DF "family reunion" of sorts. It will be small and part of a larger dance event (don't know if it will have tap though!)

There's currently a poll going in this forum as a run-off election between the top two locations thus far... Reno Navada and Monterey CA... isn't that on your coast? :D

MissAlyssa

10-11-2003, 05:40 PM

I'd do the one in Phoenix, but I dont know how to lindy yet...I'm learning on Monday (no joke)

Spitfire

10-28-2003, 10:18 AM

I'd do the one in Phoenix, but I dont know how to lindy yet...I'm learning on Monday (no joke)

MissAlyssa, you ought to take the two hour drive here to one of the USABDA dances sometime. I think you might enjoy them.

Just a suggestion. :D

I would attend that swing exchange this weekend, but after hearing about the costs... :(

MadamSamba

11-04-2003, 06:22 AM

I wanna come too!!!! But the drive from Australia is a little too long :(

SDsalsaguy

11-04-2003, 06:25 AM

I wanna come too!!!! But the drive from Australia is a little too long :(
This from the person whose location is Earth (turn right at Venus)? :lol:

Vince A

11-04-2003, 11:58 AM

Hey SD,
The post on the DF Family Reunion will not open. Do you have the info (flyer)available that d nice posted for Reno?

I want to look at the competitions for that weekend and get registered for them. I may have to find a new Pro (most likely the one in crutches in San Diego - Carolyn's coach - if she is healed after her surgery this week). The one I have now isn't going to Reno.

I know I'll do Intermediate WCS and Hustle (if they have Hustle there), maybe novice Salsa and Lindy if I can get started on the lessons right away.