• Community Building - Congresses & Travel - Dance Discussions - Inspirational - Social Dancing

    7 Signs of an Ethical Event

    February 28, 2023 - By 

    There are so many events to choose from, which means there are some tough choices. For some attendees, part of that choice involves identifying organizers who appear to have the best interests at the community as part of their decision-making and planning. This list includes some of the things I consider to be good indications of ethical organization. While this list isn’t comprehensive, it includes some signs you can look for to get a sense for whether the organizer is building up and positively influencing the community. It also does not mean an event is unethical for not doing one of these…

  • Congresses & Travel - Dance Discussions

    The Hidden Side Effects of Poor Organization

    August 29, 2019 - By 

    Almost everyone has been to at least one event that could be accurately described as not very organized. On the surface, that lack of organization seems like a minor inconvenience. Maybe the shows start an hour late each night, which cuts into social dance time. Maybe workshops aren’t where they’re supposed to be. But, you deal with it. After all, it’s still totally possible to have a good time at a less organized event. But, there are hidden side effects and impacts that poor organization can have – for the individuals, the event, and the wider community. Poor Organization vs…

  • Congresses & Travel - Etiquette

    Be a Better Congress Roommate

    March 7, 2017 - By 

    When most of us go to a dance weekend, we end up in a shared hotel room. It’s hard enough to share close quarters (or even a bed) with people you know and like. It can be worse to try to deal with the annoyances brought on by a stranger. But, there are some things you can do to make sure you (and your roommates) don’t want to strangle each other by the end of the weekend. Make your own life easier Understand their expectations One of the biggest lessons I learned about roommates was to manage expectations before the…

  • Congresses & Travel

    For Organizers: A Guide for Controlling the Atmosphere at Your Event

    January 26, 2017 - By 

    From one organizer to another, I know how hard this job is. You work all year to plan something beautiful for your community. And, as an organizer, I know how important it is to you that attendees love (not like) your event. After all, the entire reason for having an event is to spread the joy of dance. It certainly isn’t for the fame or money. I’m sure you hear me when I say that one of my nightmares is having an event where any of the attendees are unsafe or uncomfortable. But, it does happen. It happens across all genres and all…

  • 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’: