And so it begins…
Virtual Dance Lesson Giveaway
A while ago I conducted an experiment in online dance instruction via Skype; and after some testing and feedback I think I’ve got it down.
I’ll be rolling out a virtual private lesson service so that I can work with people one-on-one or with small groups from anywhere in the coming weeks.
So to launch the virtual service, I’m offering 6 virtual dance lessons to Dance Nomad readers.
What do you mean virtual?
I mean we’re going to use the wonders of the internet and video conferencing to work together online. Tools like Skype allow us to connect dancers from all over the globe to collaborate, learn and develop skills without having to constantly be in the same place.
I’ll contact the winners directly and we’ll schedule a time together.
How it works:
First… Become a fan of The Dance Nomad on the Facebook page.
Then… Leave a comment on why you think you should get the lesson.
I’ll use Random.org to select 3 of winners and video it so you know it’s legit.
The other 3 winners will be selected based on their comment.
I’ll contact the winners and we’ll get the ball rolling.
What Else?
I expect that you’ll have the technical things worked out on your side; that means: decent internet connection, dance partner (unless you want to work solo), space to dance, and a web cam setup.
These will be 50 minute sessions.
You have to be a Facebook fan at the time of the drawing to win; so make sure you get on over to the Facebook page and leave a comment.
Drawing is closed. Thanks for all the entries.
Why Local Classes Are Important
Local classes are the lifeblood of any dance community.
Workshops, camps, and competitions are merely fleeting nodes that connect a much larger network of disparate nodes; they are the glimmer that fascinates us but lack greater substance.
Local classes are the breeding grounds for new dancers, they foster the initial relationship people will have with the art form. From the basics they learn from day one, to the atmosphere of dance events, to the focus of the dance; the local scene socializes expectations.
Local classes are the roots of the movement, they feed and nurture everything that grows out of it. The cycle of students flows back on itself, as local teachers introduce new students, students become intermediate then advanced dancers, who then become local teachers, introducing more students. Without local classes scenes whither and die.
Local classes allow students to cut their teeth on instruction, performance and competition. They foster strong social bonds which support a scene and create new advocates for the art form.
Why I Gave Up Local Classes
It’s hard work and compensation can be scarce.
After nearly four years helping build the scene, maintaining a presence, and teaching in Montreal, I gave up on local classes. I wanted the benefits without the hardship – that elusive dream of traveling dance instructor. I wanted to bounce from fleeting node to fleeting node without the responsibility of feeding the roots.
Guess what? It doesn’t work that way.
How It Should Work
Perhaps one of the best examples of a teacher, organizer and scene advocate is Carla Heiney. She stretches across three domains and works exceptionally hard within all of them.
She travels the world teaching, competing and performing with exceptional caliber. She helps organize a node of her own, Boogie by the Bay. Lastly, perhaps most importantly, she is one of the most active local teachers, organizers and promoters. She runs Lindy Central, works with local universities, works with local troupes. Somehow she even finds time to fly to LA for T.V. spotlights on So You Think You Can Dance and Time Warp.
If we devoted half the energy Carla does to building our own local scene and not skipping out of town for the next fleeting glamour event, there would be more work, reward and joy to go around for all of us.
What work do you do for your local scene?
Authentic Atmosphere At Your Event
One of the biggest downfalls of dance events – particularly Lindy Hop ones – is the effort to make an event something it is not.
If you host your event in a hotel it is unlikely it is going to ever feel like an intimate gathering or a street-style event.
If you host your event in bars and speakeasy’s it is unlikely that it will feel very family friendly or unified.
If your dance venue is a gymnasium it’s not going to feel vintage like an old ballroom.
Those aren’t necessarily bad things. But they are things you have to take into consideration when you are planning an event.
If you want a studio environment where the atmosphere fosters collaboration and learning then you will want to plan your schedule and spaces accordingly. The same goes if you want a vintage dance night – holding it in a dance studio with mirrors isn’t likely to evoke the atmosphere you are looking for, while a classic bar with a dance floor or a proper historic ballroom will.
Three examples of events that play to their authentic atmosphere:
Canadian Swing Championships
CSC is held far outside of Montreal at a secluded resort hotel. Participants are almost guaranteed to be staying at the resort, eating on site and wandering the halls at all hours. CSC prides itself on being a competition event but even more so on being a party event. You can’t beat the resort atmosphere for a closed party event.
There is plenty of time for social dancing divided between the main ballroom and a smaller (usually west coast swing) room and DJs are booked purposefully till the breaking hours of the morning so that attendees can filter in and out throughout the wee hours. Two party rooms are provided with open bars (bartenders work on tips only) each with their own unique atmosphere which run every night until people pass out or filter back to their rooms.
The enclosed nature of the resort, the late hours for dancing, and the easy flow of attendees between the dance spaces, hotel rooms, and party rooms makes for an incredibly welcoming party atmosphere. CSC doesn’t try to be the “hot live music” event or the “friendly and intensive learning environment” or even the “carnival of swing” because that’s not what it is about. It’s about the party and the competition and those are clearly prioritized.
Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown
ULHS changed its game this year when it moved to New Orleans. Previously it was just the most badass competition event in the world, now it’s one of the most unique events out there. It is an event that is part of the city of New Orleans and the culture of jazz music.
Attendees are scattered primarily throughout the French Quarter or close to downtown where jazz is on nearly every corner and in every bar. Events are located at prime jazz clubs and bars giving an intimate connection with the musicians, on a Riverboat and on the very streets of New Orleans. The dancing is tied directly to the musicians rather than to a DJ. This gives a unique live music experience which most competition events lack.
Competitions are structured without levels – meaning there is only one playing field and you better step up if you’re going to be out there. ULHS prides itself on a no-rules kind of environment, if you can rock it and convince the judges, then you’ve got it. The live music requirement also drastically changes the Show division from other events, forcing dancers to work very closely with the band and putting them up against all types of showcase pieces.
The city-wide nature of the events, the no-rules no-level competitions, and the deliberate relationship to live music set up ULHS as an event that has carved out its own niche among so many standard-format events. ULHS isn’t an “enclosed hotel” event or a “highly structured competition” event. It would fail at these things and those who expect tons of space, DJed music or the best dance floors in the world are sure to find fault with it. But ULHS has its niche – and you damn well better be prepared for it.
Midwest Lindy Fest
MWLF isn’t on most peoples dance event maps but it should be. Especially if you are an amateur looking to make a name for yourself, interested in great classes, or a friendly and inviting social atmosphere. MWLF is a weekend of workshops, a friday night show, and two very specific competitions.
The friday night show kicks off the whole weekend similar to the Jump Session show of Camp Jitterbug (on a smaller level albeit). Choreographies and dance pieces are presented by instructors and attendees. The show sets the tone for the entire weekend giving it a professional yet approachable feeling – inviting participation and viewing of non-competition choreography.
The competitions are geared only towards amateurs. Unlike most competition events where the biggest and best names are out there trying to rock their names, the competitors at MWLF are the aspiring dancers looking to try their hand at some real competition. They are the main event and have a chance to shine with all the support of the crowd.
With the lack of excessive competitions, social dancing is a high priority with excellent local bands and national DJs providing the music. Dancing runs relatively late and people can either be out dancing or socializing in the side room. Spontaneous jams that are welcoming and for fun instead of for showing off spring up within the friendly atmosphere of the event.
MWLF is an amateur showdown prefaced with a mood setting show, full of excellent classes and instruction and packaged in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. It’s not your “typical workshop weekend” focusing only on classes, nor is it a “full blown competition” event. It’s about showcasing the up-and-coming dancers and providing a rounded dance event experience – not too much of any one thing and all things in excellent taste.
In conclusion – event organizers need to determine the atmosphere that they want their event to project and them make them remarkable.
Ask yourself these questions when you start planning an event.
What kind of words would you want used to describe the event?
What is the principle focus of your event, i.e. what does it showcase?
What kind of dancers do you want to attract to your event?
Write a mission statement for your event around the answers to those questions.
You can’t make everyone happy so you might as well appeal to the people you really want at your event and make it the best kind of event by making it remarkable in a niche.
Flickr photo courtesy of Adjustafresh.