Too Soon?

There are those that think that dancers need to be at a certain "level" before embarking on a weekend dance event. Fair enough... My first convention was Summer Dance Camp in Palm Springs (my mom talked me into it and I reluctantly combined a work trip in Riverside with the travel to the desert). I sort of knew how to do a side pass, a push break, and could BARELY do a whip. (And I might add that I did none of them well. I was still counting out loud and ignoring small details like the "lead".)

I told everyone that I was a beginner (and I did that for the first year of my dancing) and rather than being intimidated by the level of dancing - I was INSPIRED! I remember watching the Novice Jack and Jill competition and thinking, "If only I could do that...."

After dozens of workshops, watching competitions, and hours of dancing (hello - do the pros REALLY come out at 3 am? yes that's when the fabulous floor show begins), I was hooked. And with sore feet and other sore body parts, I couldn't wait to do it again. (Yes I ventured up to South Bay a few weeks later by myself.)

So I say - it's never too soon! Take the plunge - enjoy our lovely west coast swing dance community - take it all in - and have fun!

Let me know how your first dance convention went!

Growing Our Dance Community

I just returned from the Bay Area, where we celebrated Michael's birthday at 2 Left Feet and the Alegra Ballroom for the Next Gen monthly dance. Granted, it's the big city. But I have to admit, I very much admire the enthusiasm and diversity of the dance community.

We enjoyed dancing with all levels of dancers - and a variety of music. We played, we led, we followed, we goofed off, we learned (yes I've made progress on the elusive attitude turn).

Michael and I are fortunate to attend lots of swing dance events which has allowed us to grow our dancing skills. There's nothing like LOTS of floor time with LOTS of different people to fast track dancing abilities. (And to make us painfully aware of our limitations.)

A few of us dancers recently have been outreaching WCS to different audiences (high schools and cal poly), in hope of growing our community. And as you probably know, I've been spending a lot of time researching and posting various dance opportunities around the area. I'm hopeful that will help us to get out and social dance a bit more.

But what else should we do? I'd love to hear your thoughts.... All in the spirit of fabulous dancing opportunities right here on the Central Coast.