Social Dancing

[QPO]

I am sure you will feel quite a sense of freedom when you are able to make some of those decisions yourself. I am sure there are several dance providers that you would enjoy going to.

It is a shame that your mother has that restriction for you as I did see her last year attending a workshop with Mark Wilson, two in fact, I assume she was interested in learning more, dancing and dancers beyond the B & H walls will make you open your eyes to dancing 

[Lioness]

It's nothing to do with a specific restriction - she's getting better with that. It's more of a 'Look, I don't have time to cart you to socials that I don't want to go to. If you want to go, you get yourself there.'

[QPO]

It's nothing to do with a specific restriction - she's getting better with that. It's more of a 'Look, I don't have time to cart you to socials that I don't want to go to. If you want to go, you get yourself there.'

Yes then the next restriction is, that you can't drive there as you dont have enough experience and you cannot have someone else in the car because you don't...oh I am glad I am not a teenager anymore 

[Vagabond]

I'll stop making this thread an inaccurate portrayal of the dance scene around here, shall I?

That is something you'll have to decide for yourself, I just feel that you can't make an conclusion based on a observation at events organised by your school, and state that it is the same wherever you go.

I agree that some of the socials are horrific to dance, but I also agree with TD never to dance incorrectly just b/c one is at a social. You can still practise poise, frame and timing, actually it makes you aware that the world doesn't revolve around you and your partner alone

[cornutt]

So you guys are discussing a social scene that's specific to your area.  And it's become apparent to me, from reading your conversations, that dancing NV in a social setting poses some unique challenges.  We don't dance NV here so it's something I don't know much about.

However, I will say that our social scene here is a lot different from what you describe.  At socials here, you can do most of what you would do at a comp; maybe not the specific routines, but you can dance pretty much as big as you want (within the limits determined by the sheer number of couples on the floor).  My personal take is that I'll try to dance at about 90% of comp level -- that last 10% takes too much concentration, and distracts from my enjoyment of the dance.  Yes, we have a few shufflers, but hey, floorcraft is an essential aspect of social dancing. 

As far as movement, I'm basically going to move as much as my partner wants to and is capable of.  Yes, it's a delight when I get with a partner who can move.  But I also like to dance with a lot of different partners, and I don't have to move big to have an enjoyable dance with a partner that I like.  It's a social, y'know?  I think some people get too hung up on the idea that they're going to go to a social and use it for comp practice.  Relax a bit.  Have fun.

On the other hand, dancing at a social shouldn't mean that you have to compromise technique.  If someone accuses you of showing off because you're holding a good frame, tell them to go get a frickin' life.  Believe me, most other dancers will admire a dancer who moves well and holds good posture and frame.  They might find it a bit intimidating at first if they aren't used to seeing good dancers.  But if you make it a point to be open and inviting to them, they'll get over it and you'll be a popular partner.

I understand the reasoning of comp dancers who avoid socials.  But I also feel sorry for them, because they're missing out on a lot of the fun in dancing.

[samina]

Our coaches always say that if you are serious about comp dancing, you shouldn't go to socials.

seems to me there's so much to value about socials, even for a competitive dancer. adaptability, for one. pure lead & follow situations for another. and as TD has alluded to, just being true to the principles of dance. be over your own feet. move yourself. move in harmony with your partner. and no matter what... do what you can to *look good*.  

dang... i figure all that will only help me on the competitive floor, and make me a highly versatile, sensitive "responder".

[QPO]

I think that part of the problem is that with NV you can fit more on the floor and providers here don't turn people away when really there are more than enough people already there in the venue.

In one way I do understand but the quality of any style of dancing becomes poor  when you have 100 people on a floor that should only have 50 

you end up shuffling around the floors like chooks walking around a barn 

[Lioness]

Can they really turn them away though? I think the most they could do is pre-bought tickets, with only a certain number available.

[QPO]

Can they really turn them away though? I think the most they could do is pre-bought tickets, with only a certain number available.

but why cant they turn them away if they have enough people on the floor, it would encourage people to book...I know that it wont happen but it is a thought

[Lioness]

While it would encourage people to book (and I'm actually all in favour of the idea), it would get a lot of the more...rigid...people being all 'Well, they turned me away. They obviously don't want us there, so we'll go patronise another studio. Humph.'

Which might turn out better, but it would probably upset a lot of people.

[elisedance]

what about fire codes?  Thats a lot of people, are the halls big enough to accomodate that many legally?

[cornutt]

what about fire codes?  Thats a lot of people, are the halls big enough to accomodate that many legally?

If it's like here, the building can legally hold way more people than can actually dance comfortably on the floor.  30 couples is about the limit for our floor, but the building is certified to hold around 250 people.

[QPO]

exactly....but in the end I think if they say no sorry we are full, well it would make people think...ooo I better book. I think it is a great Idea.

[elisedance]

what about fire codes?  Thats a lot of people, are the halls big enough to accomodate that many legally?

If it's like here, the building can legally hold way more people than can actually dance comfortably on the floor.  30 couples is about the limit for our floor, but the building is certified to hold around 250 people.

Oh I see - I suppose our dance halls are almost all dance floor so the limits are the same.

[QPO]

As most providers tend to use the same halls I pick and choose where I go, for instance this week-end there about 6 choices where to dance, and each providing has a pecking order. so some dances will be crowded and others will be quiet. I will go to the least popular one