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Dance Connections Newsletter
September 2024
Evolving Economy and Changing Prices
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Post-covid, the cost of living increased and dance instructors increased their prices, and I did too. However, momentum has reversed since then. I discovered that all local instructors are experiencing a dip in interest and have LOWERED their rates.
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To be more aligned with the current local economy, I am LOWERING my rates to match. I believe in transparency and list my rates online. (I wish everyone did that.) I am now offering private lessons at $75 (instead of $90). You can also save $5/lesson by purchasing 3 or more up front ($70X3=$210). Now is a good time to invest in improving your skills as the rates are generally lower.
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West Coast Swing Classes
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Now that you are back from summer vacation and settling into your fall routines, are you ready to return to dance class? I'd like to offer WCS group classes again in New Braunfels in October. Please fill out this short Interest Form.
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Sway Ballroom (formerly the Annex) is now closed. AWCS Club that had recently reunited there on Tuesday nights is on pause. But there is still the modern west coast class that meets on Tuesdays at Dance Life Studio, now taught by Dasha.
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Social Contagion
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I admit that I had lost interest in going out social dancing for a while. I discouraged from getting thrown around like a rag doll, not to mention the weird feeling of entering a room like I was interrupting a the hiding of an elephant. Last week, I finally accepted invitations to go out dancing and it was so much fun. I felt wanted and accepted, and I could relax instead of bracing myself for impact.
People generally return to places where they feel welcomed. Being wanted and accepted is the fertile ground in which we can improve. There is nothing more discouraging in our growth process than being treated like we aren't wanted. Inclusion and encouragement is powerful in building connection and strengthening a community.
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The last few years, I've focused on up-leveling my life through social contagion. Social contagion is the theory in which “behavior, emotions, or conditions spread spontaneously through a group or network.” I’ve noticed I’m drained by people who complain and blame without taking action or enforcing boundaries. And I’m energized by people who solve problems and work towards growing. The latter group raises my own motivation to move forward, while the former group lowers my energy level and keeps me stuck.
Translating this to dance, I really enjoy going to dance venues where I know there will be other people who are more serious about their dance ability. Dancing with people who have a higher skill level can be intimidating, but it can also be a way to catapult your own advancement. When I was newbie, I envied those who had experienced dance partners to practice with. Now, I have the honor to be the one helping raise the level of those with less experience. Being with higher level dancers elevates and inspires my own growth as I always have things to learn and improve.
That said, I also love going to beginner classes taught by other instructors. No matter your level, you can always improve your foundation. Like practicing your scales on a piano, you are never too good to practice your basics in dance. Going to a beginner class, I not only reinforce my fundamentals, but I also learn new ways to express familiar concepts. Even better, there is nothing more joyous than the hope and excitement of a new dancer who has not had their soul crushed by big egos.
We create and contribute to the energy of our environment. Remember when you took a course in school you hated, but the teacher's love for their subject made it fun. Just like that, I invite you to seek out circles where the people are enthusiastic about what they are doing. Likewise, be the enthusiasm you want to be around.
In social dance contagion, we can either drag down our community with gossip and complaining, or we can build it up by inviting more of the type of uplifting influence that will build it and make us all better dancers and better people to be around. It can be an upward spiral.
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VENUE SPOTLIGHT: 151 Saloon
The Far West side of SA used to be considered the Boonies when I moved here in 2007. Now it has become the fastest growing (albeit congested) part of town. Just inside the loop at 1604 and 151, 151 Saloon is quite a popular bar. A long time ago, the bar was very popular with a crowded closed-in wooden dance floor. It went through different owners and they took out the dance floor, leaving a concrete space for dancers. During its downturn in 2019, I was invited to teach dance lessons, but most people were not interested in dancing, and the floor was sticky and gross.
Now that the population is exploding on the West Side, 151 Saloon is booming again. The place was renovated with beautiful bathrooms, extended indoor seating, a gorgeous outdoor space, and the concrete floor is slick and open. The stage boasts both country and rock bands. When I have gone, there are very few people on the dance floor, which makes it perfect for those like me that hate crowded spaces. You will need to bring your own partner, but if you are looking for a place to practice those new moves, come on over to the west side and check out 151 Saloon.
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*Like most businesses, their website won't tell you who is playing. For the latest on bands, your best option is facebook.
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SWING!
Alamo City Swing Revival (ACSR) Mondays 7pm-10pm. San Antonio Fire Fighters Banquet Hall 8925 W I-10 Frontage Road.
Sept Classes: East Coast 1, Balboa, Lindy Hop 3
Sept 2: Closed (Labor Day)
Sept 9: Waller Creek Vipers
Sept 16: DJ Leslie
Sept 23: Gary the Showman (Elvis)
Sept 30: DJ Ed
Swing Junction: Sept 7, Sat - Waller Creek Vipers at Hermann Sons Dance Hall. 7p lesson 8p band. Monthly Swing Dance Link
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Gruene Hall, New Braunfels The Georges play for free 6-10pm on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays: Sept 18th. (Bring a change of clothes or rag; you'll dance up a sweat, but so much fun!)
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SEE YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR!
