| Subtopic | Posts | Updated | ||
| Archive through October 17, 2002 | 25 | 10/17 12:31pm | |
| Archive through November 27, 2002 | 25 | 11/27 11:00am | |
| Archive through December 26, 2002 | 25 | 12/26 01:11pm |
     By Ron (Ron) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 03:23 pm: Edit |
Everyone should realize how much work Mel and Chance put into this last Champion dance. They solicited gifts for people from instructors and venues and djs (I contributed 22 CDs) and they wrapped them all. They got someone to dress as Santa to give out the gifts and they arranged to have a card and donations for Shawn Hanna, to show appreciation for this website. They were hoping to have a huge turnout but instead they got a good turnout. The band was good, too, but their songs were probably a little too long and slow on average. Anyway, Congrats Mel & Chance for a great holiday event! |
| By Chance (Chance) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 01:23 pm: Edit |
Hope to see everyone out for 3RD SATURDAY SWINGS @ The Champion Ballroom... We have LAs Campus Five!! Justin and Jenn are going to making a guest appearance!! And the LindyDreams Performance Team has been working hard to learn this routine! They are going to put on a great show! Also, Mel is going to be the band break DJ this month! She's got some great stuff! Also again, there are always snacks and drinks available to quench your thirst! See you there. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 06:10 pm: Edit |
Wow, check this out: (from Jive Junction) This just in... The Campus Five will be joined on Saturday by Royal Crown Revue drummer Daniel Glass. Besides playing with RCR, Daniel is fast becoming an authority on traditional jazz drumming. Recommended by SD legend Hal Smith, Daniel should make a great guest appearance with the Campus Five. PLUS - We should have the mastered version of the Campus Five's new album "Jammin' the Blues" ready for a preview on Saturday! Hope to see everyone out! |
| By Badkitty (Badkitty) on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 09:45 am: Edit |
Campus Five was awesome. Danceable tempos and flawless musicianship. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 12:56 pm: Edit |
Soooooooo good. |
| By Chance (Chance) on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 01:07 pm: Edit |
I agree! Thanks to everyone that joined us on Saturday night. It was great! The performance sounds like it went really good. Does anyone have a video of it? Mel and I would love to see it. I have to say, I love the Champion Ballroom! It's my favorite SD venue. And I'm not just saying that because Mel and I run it now; it was my favorite when Meeshi ran it before. That's why we wanted to keep it open. Thanks to those of you who support it. |
| By Alreet (Alreet) on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 06:25 pm: Edit |
I didn't get a good angle, but what I have, I'll pass along to Jennifer Hamilton. |
| By Kermit (Kermit) on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 06:18 pm: Edit |
Chance ... and my fellow performers ... I have it in Quicktime format from my houseguest Melanie's camera. It thought she did a good job filming it. I will burn some CD's. Thank you so much, Mel & Chance ... you are great teachers! Sooooo much fun! And the follow off to the far right on the tape ... she looks so rad! ;) |
| By Adminorama (Adminorama) on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 06:14 pm: Edit |
Kermit - care to email it to me? Shawn@hannaland.com can accept fairly large attachments. Otherwise I can give you an FTP location. |
| By Gene (Gene) on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 01:15 am: Edit |
Hey, that band was pretty cool! Hope we can get them to play for us again sometime soon. I haven't danced to a very good band down here in a long time. I was inspired to dance quite a bit more that night. I just want to thank Mel and Chance for the opportunity to be a part of their choreography team. Although having suffered "brain lock" on a couple moves during our performance, I guess judging from all the favorable reponses I got back that we ALL did pretty damn good together. I'm so glad. Sherri and I have never partnered to do anything like that before. But, in the end she still loves me, so it's all good. Oh, and a heartfelt thanks to all for all the birthday dances and best wishes I received over the weekend(at Firehouse, Lindy by the Bay and Champion). That was good-times. |
| By Nancyanne (Nancyanne) on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:10 am: Edit |
Happy Birthday Gene!  Happy Birthday to you,happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Geneeeeeene, happy birthday to0000 you! |
| By Melbamoose (Melbamoose) on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 09:40 am: Edit |
Hey Nancy, email me! khatteme@ucsd.edu |
| By Gene (Gene) on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 12:52 pm: Edit |
Thank you, Nancyanne! That was sweet. Missed you that weekend. |
| By Chance (Chance) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 12:10 pm: Edit |
The Rhythm Hot Shots are giving performances!! Everyone's going this Saturday, right? |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 01:08 pm: Edit |
I'll be there. Nobody should miss this. |
| By Chanceandmel (Chanceandmel) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 01:13 am: Edit |
March 15, 2003 8:00-Midnight Featuring SD's Own Swing Central This band is like nothing we've had at the Champion before! They could be the hot, new item for Lindy Hop dancers in SD...Who knows?!?! Chances are you've heard several of the musicians before in other swing bands like Mikole Karr and Swingtown. This is going to be a fun, interesting, high energy night with a swingin' band. Don't forget: There's a Free Beginning Lesson w/ Chance and Mel from 8:30pm-9:00pm, and the Dance goes from 9:00pm-Midnight $10 lesson and dance / $8 student admission w/ ID (8:30pm-Midnight) Champion Ballroom is held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Champion Ballroom 3580 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92013 |
| By Chanceandmel (Chanceandmel) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 11:14 am: Edit |
I've had a few people ask about the band. They are based locally and you've probably seen the musicians play in other bands around the city. This is their first time playing for Lindy Hoppers so let's give them an awesome welcome...Maybe we'll be seeing more of them in the community? It's up to you! Swing Central Janet Hammer, Vocals. Gerard Nolan, Saxophone. Jim Story, Guitar. Sam Johnson, Bass. Collin Hiatt, Drums. See you all this Saturday!! Thanks, Chance and Mel |
| By Ron (Ron) on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 09:56 am: Edit |
You know, this Saturday's event isn't on the Swingorama calendar. I hope all organizers realize how many people rely on the Swingorama calendar, and if their event isn't on it, they can expect to lose a lot of people. Not everyone reads the forum! Just a reminder... Anyway, I won't be able to make it, either... but I hope the new band is a good one! |
| By Jlanders (Jlanders) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 02:01 am: Edit |
The band tonight was great! You all missed out. I'm really sad that the Champion dance probably won't be around much longer, it's an awesome place to dance. I feel like it's had a more friendly atmosphere than the firehouse the last few months. Anyway, the band was great, and I hope to see them again sometime soon |
| By Rachel (Rachel) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 01:40 pm: Edit |
Swing Central was absolutely awesome! Two extra dollars (compared with Firehouse) is always worth a live band, in my book. If you didn't come to hear them, you missed a really great group and pretty much the best night out dancing I've ever had. |
| By Chance (Chance) on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 08:33 am: Edit |
You know, even though there weren't that many people there the energy was high, and I had a great time! This whole week has been slow for venues from what I've heard, due to the weather and Saint Patrick's day I guess... The band was great! We'll try to get them for some other events in the future. See you all next month. April 19, 2003. Because it went over so well last time, we're bringing back the competition. There will be a Strictly Lindy and a Jack and Jill. Learning from last time, the comp will start later (around 8pm-9pm). We will have the finals in the first band break and the awards in the second. More details coming soon. The band for next month is Tami Thomas' Big Band Swing Jive! All you veterans will remember that she used to play for us Lindy Hoppers all the time and is great. See you there in April. |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 03:03 pm: Edit |
Yes, I thought "Swing Central" had a great modern jazz/swing feel. Thanks Chance and Mel for "uncovering" this new dance band for us! I also want to comment on the "I feel like it's had a more friendly atmosphere than the Firehouse the last few months" quote mentioned above. Sadly, I know many of you feel this way, and I am glad someone had the courage to finally say it, so I would like to discuss this widely-held sentiment in more detail. When I first wanted to include more traditional/fast swing music into the Firehouse in January (yes, it was only two months ago), I truly believed we needed to make this musical shift to attract and keep new dancers, because from my observations over the past 6 years, most newcomers want to hear fast/traditional swing or neo-swing whether they can dance to it or not. Unfortunately, I didn't have the foresight to consider all the negative "side effects" this might cause amongst Firehouse regulars. Regulars got used to expecting a certain kind of music, and when that changed (without their consent) it created a cloud of "resentment" amongst many dancers. True? So though I don't regret my decision to make the musical shift, I apologize for the atmosphere of "unfriendliness" that it has been (unintentionally) created from these changes, and I do regret that the Firehouse is not as FUN as it used to be. So let's make a two-way pact to make the Firehouse fun and friendly again, regardless of what music is being played. I'll do my part, the rest is up to you, and the attitude you choose to come in with. The "friendly atmosphere" you all desire starts with YOU, and whether you come to the Firehouse with a closed mind or an open heart. I choose an open heart, how about you? (p.s. I just watched a Tony Robbins infomercial not too long ago.) |
| By Groovester on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 05:05 pm: Edit |
Woo hoo, new music at the Firehouse! |
| By Ron (Ron) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 12:43 pm: Edit |
I don't think that's what he meant... |
| By Twirly (Twirly) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 01:17 pm: Edit |
No, I don't think that's what he meant either. |
| By Jlanders (Jlanders) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 06:23 pm: Edit |
I would say my problem with the Firehouse lately has been less with the music than with the attitude. Yes, the faster music took some getting used to, but dancing outside my comfort zone has helped me improve. What I have an issue with is the constant drive to "attract new people" while not working with the newer dancers that are already there. I've been coming to the firehouse at least 3 times a month for about two years now, but I still feel treated like a new comer and lots of times I talk with more established dancers they act like they've never seen me before. I know part of this is because I tend to stick to the "UCSD corner" because I feel safe and comfortable there. Those of you who consider yourselves established or 'old' dancers should be careful of the attitude you project towards new dancers. When I first started there were several leads who made rude comments about my dancing level and have never asked me to dance since. Basically, I think its ironic that the changes are intended to attract beginners when they are giving off a vibe of 'if you can't dance this fast you suck'. Sorry to be so negative.... I actually had a really good time at the Firehouse last week, and thought the music was fun and cool. I definatly appriciate what Meeshi and others do for the swing community, and I'll try to "come with an open heart". Jessica |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 07:14 pm: Edit |
Even though I've never seen you before (just kidding), you have some insightful observations, especially when you said, "Basically, I think its ironic that the changes are intended to attract beginners when they are giving off a vibe of 'if you can't dance this fast you suck." "Attitude" is everything. And how fast you can dance means nothing, to me, anyway. I personally miss the "groovier" Firehouse music, but as others have mentioned in the past, it's really the quality of the music that matters. And San Diego is getting the picture. The music is now diverse and fun, and there's lots of great people to dance with, who love to have fun, no matter what their dance level or experience. They come "with an open heart" and everyone benefits. Sorry you still feel like a stranger. I'm so bad at remembering names sometimes it's embarrassing. Actually, I must say I have no idea who you are at the moment. You don't have a photo or any "Profile" info. But your feelings remind me of what I think to myself sometimes when I'm in a store, and the person who should be helping me, is working tirelessly to get the person on the phone to come in, and totally ignoring me in the process. Hey, I'm here! Work with me first, after all, I'm right here!! |
| By Katherine (Katherine) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 09:25 am: Edit |
I have to admit to being one of those people who forgets names and sometimes faces. In fact, I did it last night, I forgot the face of a man I had talked to and danced with a few weeks ago. When I saw him last night I re-introduced myself as if I'd never seen him before! (D'oh! Sorry, John!) I hate it when I do that! I remember doing this to GaryN once! Aaargh! It has nothing to do with him (or you). It is completely my brain being mis-wired in that area. That, plus being a shy introvert, plus being often insecure about my dance skills, doesn't make me the most warm-and-friendly-welcoming person. I try. I'll keep trying. I know how discouraging it can be to get up your courage to ask an experienced dancer to dance when you are't as good as s/he is. I've done that and then had the guy correct me, act like it is a lesson, or make a discouraging comment. My attitude is to blow off the rude ones. The ones that are trying to help (no matter how inappropriately) I try to learn from if I can. I guess, just try to forgive (and/or ignore) the cretins, and search out the fun, gracious ones. You might have to dance with a cretin or two in the process, but it is worth it to find the great ones. And us non-beginners. We need to try harder to be welcoming, encouraging and gracious. Off Soap Box. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 09:28 am: Edit |
I've always said that Lindy Hop brings out the best and worst in people...For many of us, it has given us a confidence in ourselves we never had, others it brings out the egos. Now, not to sound harsh, but I have never had much sympathy for the corner lurkers who complain about the "unfriendly/unwelcoming atmosphere". I'm too busy taking care of my own fun to worry about the people hiding in the shadows. I was the shy kid, and I made the effort to make mayself known...UCSD David is the perfect example of someone who worked his way into the crowd-- He walked right up and introduced himself, now he is one of my good friends on the scene. IN summary, you make the effort and the scene will reciprocate, stand in the corner and no one is going to notice you, except maybe the creepy guys and Shawn Hanna;) |
| By Melbamoose (Melbamoose) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 09:42 am: Edit |
Ian, you act as though you are someone who has confidence and not an ego... |
| By Julius5 (Julius5) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 10:27 am: Edit |
I don't think you need to "work your way" into a crowd. Man, that sounds so bad. That's precisely the attitude that turns people off, in my opinion. This has always been a thorny issue for me. I like the concept of an all-embracing dance scene but I am also a realist and know that people tend to stick with the familiar (i.e. their circle of friends). Ultimately I think making people feel welcome all boils down to asking strangers to dance. Everyone knows this deep down in their heart. And I'm not talking just about more experienced dancers asking newer ones; it goes both ways. Yes, you will encounter the occasional rude person, but I hope the pleasant people more than make up for them. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 12:02 pm: Edit |
Never said that, actually I have quite the ego, especially after my recent travels...but I've never been accused of being unwelcoming or have never turned someone down after sizing them up -- something some of our "big name locals" have been accused of. Also, "work your way" was bad wording. I'm just saying its not my responsibility to be the social welcoming committee if you aren't going to make an effort to get off the wall. |
| By leeann on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 12:42 pm: Edit |
Oh my goodness Jlanders, I cannot believe what you have said here. You have, for the most part, taken the words right out of my mouth. Athough I can understand Katherine's point about name/face recoginition (I too cannot remember names) her examples are that she may not recoginize a face after meeting them once or twice. By the way, Katherine - you always remember me :-). I have danced for nearly 4 years now. Certainly now I am just on the fringes of the scene. But for the first 2 years, I regularly frequented the Firehouse (when it first opened) and the Rocket - both at Vasa Hall and when it moved to Point Loma. Now I don't think I have an unforgettable face or anything...but a number of the people seeing me at least a few times a month would still introduce themselves with a look of total non-recognition on their faces. Come on, after 2 years! Let me also say that shyness has never been one of my qualities. I was out there mixing. Sure you may not remember my name (and that's fine), but to still treat me as if you have never seen my face? After 2 years - I decided that I don't really care if they don't recoginize me. I've actually made a game of it. Each time those people introduce themselves to me now (yes,they still do with complete non-recognition), I give them a different name. I've been choosing names alphabetically. I'm up to Phyllis, and it's gonna be rough next time I meet up with them (I don't think I can get away with Queen Latifa). I can't help but wonder how long I'll be able to keep up the game now that I've told them (some of them post here regularly). I rarely see them now - so it's no big deal. Occasionally still run into these people in a class (either as a student or helper) and sometimes at places like Champion or Aubergine when they have live music. But in my case, there are so very many opportunities to dance here in San Diego that taylor to the tastes of everyone. I have found that I enjoy live music when I go out, so my prefrences mean that I just don't go to the Firehouse anymore. And I usually dance 3 or 4 nights every week. So it's all good. Sorry for the long post...I don't generally have much to say here. Jlanders post just really hit home. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:00 pm: Edit |
Rachel, Leean, and JLanders, I probably know who you all are, but it's interesting that none of you have a profile with a photo on this forum. Posting a profile with a photo really helps me remember who's who. If you don't know how to do it, email me and I'll help you. To see a profile, just click on the name of the one posting. Ian's is particularly helpful. |
| By Katherine (Katherine) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:11 pm: Edit |
Well, um, I have to confess to having done it (forgotten a face) after more than one or two times! I can also lose someone if I haven't seen them in a while (often there is that "I think I recognize that person" feeling, but I can't place them.) Sometimes I think I recognize someone I have truely never met before. It's really agravating! I think it is because the left and right sides of my brain aren't on speaking terms most of the time... And I agree that it works both ways: newbies and shy types need to really get out there and ask. Believe me I KNOW how hard that is. It still is, although I am mostly past the "I suck" aspect of it, after three years. For a long time I set myself up a game: Pick someone who I was "afraid" of, and ask them to dance. Sometimes it took weeks or months for me to do it. Or pick a random stranger, ask them. One stranger per night. Now I can happily say that there are VERY few people on my "afraid of" list any more (ok, there are two...) But there are still plenty of strangers and I don't always do my "one per night." Sigh. Anyway, get out there. Ask a stranger to dance! |
| By Tearshedding (Tearshedding) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:17 pm: Edit |
As someone who used to feel alienated by the "swing community"... i'll just let you all in on something... there isn't a "good dancer" clique. The simple fact is that everyone has their own little group of friends they hang out with and return to. It may seem like everyone else is GREAT friends if you don't know everyone... it only seems that way, cause everyone is asking everyone to dance, but that's it, they aren't chatting up, or talking about what they are going to do friday night, its just, "thanks for the dance". Otherwise, there isn't any sort of intimidating group. In fact, most of the dancers out on any given night are intermediate (me included) with only a small few who are advanced and even then, they aren't really chummy chummy as it is. Hell, most of the time, I usually just hang out by myself. With that said... beginners or marginalized intermediates need to take the initiative. If you want to dance with so and so, go ask them to dance. Don't mope around about how they didn't ask "you" to dance. They're probably lazy/shy/jerkoffish... when and if they turn you down, then make the judgement. Otherwise, assume we're all dorks and lazy. And dammit, i've been making a concerted effort to increase the fun at the firehouse lately. Notice my running around, falling, and clapping... join me. Hey Ian, Who said i was your friend?... just kidding, hehehe. And you're the only person who still refers to me by my school. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:35 pm: Edit |
Sorry David...I will now start to refer to you by your hair. |
| By Julius5 (Julius5) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:43 pm: Edit |
Not to cast aspersions or doubt on leeann's story (there are people i dance with and have for months or years whose names i still forget), but I think there is some room for interpretation from the other side. For example, I believe those people really don't remember you from month to month. Most dancers meet a TON of other people. Not just seeing them at a venue, but actually meet them. If you only dance with them but don't engage them in a conversation or go out to eat with them afterwards, I don't find it all unlikely that they will not recognize you again. That happens to me a lot. I feel bad about it, but I'm only human. I only have a limited storage capacity for names and faces. So I regularly introduce myself to people who then say "i know who you are, dummy!" It may seem like they are ignoring you or discarding you, but I honestly doubt it's intentional. Which brings up the question: is unintentional rudeness worse than intentional rudeness? I dunno. Both feel pretty bad. But I can forgive more unintentional rudenesses, myself. |
| By Darlene (Darlene) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 01:49 pm: Edit |
Hmmmm! Jeff, by your last post you have endorsed the very points Jessica Landers and Leeann made about the dancers in S.D. You girls have just made the right step by speaking up. The "in crowd" will give you more dances now. Post your picture and it will help. It just won't help others who are still in your position. Thanks for your honesty and being willing to share it. |
| By Darlene (Darlene) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:09 pm: Edit |
"Most dancers meet a TON of other people. Not just seeing them at a venue, but actually meet them. If you only dance with them but don't engage them in a conversation or go out to eat with them afterwards, I don't find it all unlikely that they will not recognize you again." - From Julius. Leeann said she has been dancing in S.D for 4 years and in all our local venues. Our scene here is small. We know who the regulars are. The guys should know who she is by now. Come on!! |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:09 pm: Edit |
For a very long time I was part of the "out" crowd. Then I became part of the "in" crowd, and realized that there isn't such a thing. David is right. But, the fact is that I'm not going to go on a scavenger hunt for a stranger to dance with. I'm not going to barge into a circle of friends and ask one of them to dance. Neither are most other dancers. So, if you see me sitting on the side, ask me to dance. I probably will. And so will Ian or David or the other "advanced" dancers. I don't know which "advanced" dancers have been giving critical comments to newer people, but whoever they are, they should hide their heads in shame. Basically, there are 2 kinds of people: Group 1) Those who know enough people to dance with that they don't NEED to ask newer people to dance. They might not even have time to dance with all the people they want to. They have paid their "Group 2" dues. AND Group 2) Those who don't know enough people to dance with, and spend a lot of their time sitting at the sidelines, wishing they were being asked to dance. So, I say to Group 1 (and to myself), "ask some new people to dance, even if you miss some of your preferred dances as a result." And I say to Group 2, "I know it sucks to be in your position. I recently was, and sometimes feel like I still am. But only YOU can make yourself part of Group 1. How? By asking others to dance. Or, if you just can't do that, you can at least stand on the edge of the dance floor, looking very eager to dance, preferably near the part of the club where the 'advanced' dancers hang out." DISCLAIMER: Group 1 is not the "in" crowd. There is no "in" crowd clique, at least not that I know about. Refer to David's post for clarification. |
| By Leeann (Leeann) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:28 pm: Edit |
Hmmm, I must not have communitcated very well. If my post suggested that I was being snubbed by other dancers...or not getting enough dances - that wasn't what I meant to say at all. Even those who continue to re-introduce themselves (without ever realize that we have danced before on many many many other occasions)...usually do this when asking me to dance. I get more dances that I can handle on the nights that I do go some place like Champion. Also, I did not want to cry that no one remembers my name (boo hoo). I wanted to point out that I too have had Jessica's experience. I have to wonder if it's just she and I that this has happened to. If so, I'm sure that I am more so responsible of being easily forgotten than those who continue to forget me. But Lindy is my passion. Forget me, don't forget me - I don't care, let's dance! |
| By Ron (Ron) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:36 pm: Edit |
Man, I'm one of the worst for forgetting names, or sometimes even that I met someone. I've certainly insulted many dancers in the scene this way in the past, and this thread is probably as good a place as any to say "sorry!" |
| By Darlene (Darlene) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:47 pm: Edit |
Good constructive post Jeremy. So no "in" crowd? When you are on the outside it does seem like such. Call it Group 1, Group 2, 1st string, 2nd string (whoops! that's for jocks, not dancers, geeks, & nerds) Good clarification by David but until you get where they are I can understand why others feel the way they do. I don't mean to be sounding too pugnacious. Your points will probably help them and others understand the process but it would help if group 1 reaches out a little. |
| By Tearshedding (Tearshedding) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 02:51 pm: Edit |
Hey Ian, since you've been gone, my hair is kinda long, and its still going strong. *sigh* I think i'll just groan myself. booo. |
| By Nachoman (Nachoman) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 06:07 pm: Edit |
I find it interesting that just last year everybody was complaining about how our scene was stagnating and how we can attract new folks by dancing in malls and ballroom dance events. Now our scene is so thriving that any newbie beginner has to run around and dance with all the experts in order to feel welcome. lets face it, the only reason we have any new dancers stick with dancing is because they happen to take a class with a whole bunch of their friends who all make the trek out dancing. while its true the Group 2ers need to take initiative asking other folks to dance, especially since thats the only way to improve, I want to emphasize that it certainly doesn't hurt for the Group 1ers to lend a hand. Everybody remembers how it feels to be a beginner. If some folks feel that they don't have to make that effort, then I expect those same folks never to complain about the scene stagnating for lack of new dancers. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 07:19 pm: Edit |
Darlene....what? huh? If by "endorsed" you mean "agree with, support and understand", then, yeah, I do. I thought I was simply suggesting they make themselves known in every way possible. Like I said, I know a Rachel, but not the one posting, at least not by her post alone. I think I know who the Leean posting is, but I'm not sure. I have no idea who "JLanders" is. I don't go out that often anymore during the week, so I end up re-meeting the same "new" people every 3 or 4 months, and like Julius said, I'm trying to remember 100 names and faces of people I've seen since. Jeremy's Group 1 and 2 analogy is good. But I think part of becoming active in Group 1 is posting on this forum and getting involved in helping the scene grow. Anyway, I think I've been pretty good about dancing within my "group", while dancing with a few newer dancers every night, and trying to make them feel welcome and included. |
| By Janeh (Janeh) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 09:41 am: Edit |
I think saying "hi" and smiling at a person (you know, to acknowledge their presence) when you pass by can make a lot of difference. You don't even have to dance with someone to make them feel more comfortable and welcome. Any given night out dancing is what you decide to make it. If you want to hang with freinds, then bring some or make the effort to make some new ones. If you want to dance, then ask (and ye shall be asked in return). Yes, Ian. David's hair is long enough now to actually hang down instead of sticking straight up. It makes a much cuter picture now when he's following. Now this may get me in trouble.... If a particular person asks lots of others to dance but consistantly doesn't ask you, then maybe that person doesn't want to dance with you. If they avoid making eye contact with you, and say nothing to you when they pass by, then maybe that person doesn't want to dance with you. If you've asked them multiple times to dance and they don't return later to ask you, then maybe that person doesn't want to dance with you. What's wrong with that? What difference does it make WHY? I've been around for a while and there are several dancers I've given up on. Yes, I'd love to be in their "group" when it comes to getting dances because they're fun to dance with. I doubt I'll ever find out what it is that makes them not want to dance with me, but it's not worth stressing over. |
| By Ron (Ron) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 12:03 pm: Edit |
Incidentally, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to dance with you, Jane. We don't dance together very often, but when we do, its always a good dance. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 01:10 pm: Edit |
I don't dance with Jane enough either and am going to change that going forward. |
| By Chance (Chance) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 04:05 pm: Edit |
There is no "in-crowd". Example: If I've known Person A for longer and much more personally than I've known Person B, I'm going to spend most of my time with Person A. To Person B, myself and Person A comprise an "in-crowd". Makes sense if "in-crowd" = "friends". |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 05:01 pm: Edit |
The "in crowd" are the (Zoolander voice), "Ridiculously good looking people who dance good." |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 05:25 pm: Edit |
There has to be something more to life than being really, really, really, ridiculously good dancers. |
| By Janeh (Janeh) on Saturday, March 22, 2003 - 09:38 am: Edit |
Of course there is, Ye. You can choose to be really, really, really, ridiculously good at anything else you want to be. For instance, I'm not only a really, really, really ridiculously good dancer, but also a really, really, really, ridiculously good soccer player, seamstress, mother, and wife. I didn't want it bad enough, so I was only a ridiculously good college student. |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Saturday, March 22, 2003 - 11:02 am: Edit |
Ah yes. Well I AM a really, really, really ridiculously good Realtor. So, if you have any questions about Real Estate, please give me a call. (619)729-2900. Unless, of course, you're one of Jeff's clients. I wouldn't want to be a client stealer or anything. |
| By Ian (Ian) on Saturday, March 22, 2003 - 11:42 pm: Edit |
I'm just reallly, really, really ridicolous... |
| By Yedancer (Yedancer) on Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 08:48 am: Edit |
Ridicolous? Isn't that like the ghetto way of saying "ridiculous" or something? What are you, a rapper? |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 09:55 am: Edit |
He learned that word from the "Chicagans". |
| By Ian (Ian) on Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 10:03 am: Edit |
With email and Instant messaging, me forgotten how to spell and speak in grammatical sentences....I meant ridicurous, as in that seinfeld episode. |
| By Jeff (Jeff) on Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 10:28 am: Edit |
yooz yur friggn spel chekk dood. (You're right about IM though. I can't believe some of the words I make up half the time). |
| By Chanceandmel (Chanceandmel) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 01:20 pm: Edit |
The SD Lindy Hop Competition *Round Two* Where: The Champion Ballroom When: April 19, 2003 @ 8PM What: Strictly Lindy and Jack & Jill Who: Everybody Why: Because competitions push dancers to new levels...Because it's just for fun...Because we can... Cost: $3 per person per competition Prizes: 1st - Lindy Prom Weekend Pass per person($60 value) 2nd - $50 cash per couple 3rd - $20 cash per couple Hosts: Chance Bushman Melissa Varriano Judges: Coming Soon... DJ: (For Competition & Band Breaks) Tony Qauch Band: Tami Thomas' Big Band Swing Jive Schedule: *By popular demand we are going to start later than last time.* 7:30PM: Free Beginning Lesson w/ Emily Belt 8PM: Strictly Lindy - Preliminary Round 8:30PM: Jack & Jill - Preliminary Round 9PM: Tami Thomas' Big Band Swing 10PM: Strictly Lindy and Jack & Jill - Finals 11PM: Awards Find more info soon at: www.lindydreams.com/3RDSATURDAYSWINGS.shtml |