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albanaich1
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Dance - the Big Picture
The nature of my work means that I travel the country - 3 months here, 3 months there and its fascinating how the big picture pans out.
Firstly, I do any kind of dancing. WCS is my dance of choice but if you end up in a new town on monday - you go to what's available.
My experience of WCS is centred on Scotland where I would reckon 90% of the people going are refugee's from MJ.
What's striking is that outside the areas/social groups covered by MJ there is a huge crossover in dancing - I'd do Salsa, Ballroom, and Folk Dance and see the sames faces.
These are good dancers with good timing and rhythm - if you are switching from Salsa to Square Dance you have to be 'on beat' to do it. Great folk to introduce to WCS.
So, if you what to spread the word about WCS and bring in more dancers - try a visit to your local Scottish Country Dance club or Salsa night. You'll find plenty of interest.
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31/Jul/2007, 12:52 pm
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rosieR
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
Down here it is kinda the same story, Modern Jive people developing an interest in wcs and then learning/teaching etc. Not a problem, though it would be nice to have more line and other dancers join us.
From what I hear you have lots of wcs happening in Scotland, and brill dancers too.! I know of James Mclochlin, Lindsay Brown and Graham for starters. Have been in classes by 1st two down here and impressed.
Last edited by rosieR, 5/Aug/2007, 8:16 pm
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X Rosie X
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5/Aug/2007, 8:15 pm
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linzbrown
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
quote:
albanaich1 wrote:
My experience of WCS is centred on Scotland where I would reckon 90% of the people going are refugee's from MJ.
Hi Albanaich, Not sure which classes you have attended, but certainly ours have less than 1/3rd MJ-ers, a nice mix of dancers. Most have come through local advertising, and some from the lindy scene here. Maybe see you along sometime (details)
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7/Aug/2007, 12:51 pm
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albanaich1
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
I'm with Graham over on the West Coast - where most of the dancers come from Ce'st Rock or Le Rock.
I haven't done the Ceildh Club scene in Edinburgh or Glasgow - but I wouldn't mind betting you'll find lots of recruits there.
I was down south in Reading last year and we had crazy cross over between Ceroc, American Square Dance and Contra, In Cumbria it was Salsa, Latin American and Sequence Dancing!!
Dancers go wherever there is dancing!
I've noticed that Cumbria is a 'Swing - Jive' desert, with people actually asking me 'when do I think it will come' The team that get into that are going to land a very big fish!!
On two occasions I ended up informally 'demonstrating' C'est Rock and WCS in front of an audience.
I think a lot of people miss out that dance is primarily a social activity. This is where MJ have got things right (and I hope WCS goes down the same road)
There are lots of ballroom dancers about but they are so into competition there is none of the social buzz of MJ - or Folk Dance.
And its fun to dance American Square Dance with someone - and then the following night Jive. Your personal strengths and weakness quickly become apparent when you dance in different styles.
Last edited by albanaich1, 9/Aug/2007, 2:28 pm
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9/Aug/2007, 2:09 pm
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Corporal Whip
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
Absolutely, it would be great to see it on a bigger scale in the UK.
Ther's many reasons for its rate of growth, partially distribution of instructors and the interested.
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9/Aug/2007, 3:18 pm
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alexo
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
To ensure broadest appeal & popularity, you need to keep it simple without losing the complexity and style.
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10/Aug/2007, 12:32 pm
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AllanAJ
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
quote:
you need to keep it simple without losing the complexity and style.
That ole chestnut!
Let's not make too many sacrifices though. It can stay complex so long as it is taught well and slowly, and built up gradually, with a small amount of technique as you go. Save the complex technique and syling topics for 'advanced' classes and workshops.
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11/Aug/2007, 7:23 pm
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alexo
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
But technique is vital from the start, no?
Can it an indeed should it be move-focused for the beginners then, or do they run the risk of developing bad habits.
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13/Aug/2007, 2:57 pm
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JohnP
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
There is a balance. Whilst technique is crucial from the start, you run the risk of over-doing it & scaring em off! Jordan and Tatiana once did a class in the UK that lasted an hour, and consisted of a push break and underarm turn only. They broke them down right to the smallest chunks possible. Interestingly, the experienced and keen WCS-ers in the class loved every minute, but the MJ-ers who came for a taster lost interest very early on.
So, it depends on what you're trying to achieve, and the standard of your audience.
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14/Aug/2007, 11:39 am
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rosieR
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Re: Dance - the Big Picture
same old same old......... 
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X Rosie X
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15/Aug/2007, 10:44 pm
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