• Congresses & Travel - Dance Discussions

    Is everyone really having sex at festivals?

    September 12, 2016 - By 

    There’s a note circulating online about the ‘sexual’ nature of festivals. Specifically, it’s about how three women got pregnant at a recent festival in Europe. The note also touches on the power dynamics between professionals and attendees, as well as how many events are marketing the ‘sexy’ slant. While all of these things do happen at some events, I think the conversation requires some clarification. Part of this is in service of beginners who are entering the festival circuit for the first time. I know I wouldn’t go to congresses if I though it was all sex – I just want to dance! 1. Not…

  • Beginner-Friendly - Congresses & Travel

    Is volunteering at a congress right for you?

    August 19, 2016 - By 

    Almost every event is constantly looking for volunteers. How do you know if volunteering is the right decision for you? Some people volunteer because they can’t afford an event. Other people volunteer because they find it more enjoyable than simply being an attendee! How do you know if you’re one of those people who will enjoy volunteering? And, if you want to volunteer, what questions should you ask yourself before you do?

  • Beginner-Friendly - Congresses & Travel - Workshops & Classes

    Workshop and Dance Class Best Practices

    June 21, 2016 - By 

    Workshops and classes are one of the building blocks of the dance community. They’re what allow us to grow, learn, and be exposed to new concepts most effectively. They support new generations of dancers, and hone the tools of more experienced dancers. But, it’s also important to make sure that we’re using workshops and classes effectively. This is both in terms of what *we* take out of the workshop – and what we can do to help others who are learning in the same class.

  • Congresses & Travel - Health & Safety - Social Dancing

    A note on ‘Dance Queues’

    March 23, 2016 - By 

    I’ve seen a lot on Facebook for months about ‘dance queues’, where follows (or leads, in some situations) line up for a particular pro. Sometimes, these lines can be as long as 20 or more dancers… or basically, around an hour wait time. Usually, this happens when there’s a big lead/follow imbalance at a big event – but not always. It’s also *usually* female follows waiting for a big-name male lead.

  • Congresses & Travel - Etiquette - Health & Safety - Social Dancing

    Your Drinking is NOT Helping your Dancing

    March 14, 2016 - By 

    Note: Drinking can be a problem for both leads and follows at congresses or events. This article is written from the perspective of a follow, but should be applied equally to both leads AND follows. Congresses are fun. Many are fun not only for dancing, but for partying with friends. At these parties, some people tend to drink a lot. Some of the people that drink think that it makes them a better dancer. It doesn’t. Maybe 1 or 2 drinks makes you more ‘creative’ and less inhibited; 5 or 6 do not. As for 10+, deeeefinitely not.

  • Congresses & Travel

    How to Save Money at a Dance Event

    March 24, 2015 - By 

    Dance events are the highlights of my year. I would pick a Dance-cation over almost any other kind of vacation, and I love every aspect of it from the crazy schedule to competitions, performances to social dancing. However, attending dance events tends to be expensive – which limits the amount of times I can do them in a year.

  • Beginner-Friendly - Congresses & Travel

    How to Pack Efficiently For a Congress: Travelling Light

    March 4, 2015 - By 

    In two days, I’m leaving for the International Miami Zouk Festival. I’ve already packed, but I know several people who are tearing their hair our trying to figure out how to pack for the weekend. I’ve done this too, and found myself overpacked. Now that airlines frequently charge $25 per direction for a checked bag, knowing how to pack well can be key to a) saving money and b) not being short of something you need. Here’s my guide for ‘how to pack’: