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!