Social dancing lessons

So on Monday evening I headed off with my flatmate S, to to go along to lessons at King Edward Court ($5 to cover studio hire-so pretty cheap) and to try and consolidate (if such things are possible!) my learning,..

In all there was 6 of us there-that worked out pretty well, as some of the swing dancers (all far better then me, and more at intermediate level & beyond, then a struggling beginner such as myself) can become either a lead or a follow.. thus increasing their levels of participation.

In this safe and learning environment, it's a chance to practice techniques, ask questions and do some social dancing. As Social dancing is where the real learning comes in.. & the fun! It's when I'm social dancing (rather poorly i might add) that I begin to realise & understand what makes the other dancers so keen and enthusiastic about Swing dancing, it definitely starting to feel more fun.. & for once actually tiring -i'm getting a wee bit of a work-out going, and this is far more preferable to the gym! We practice just general social dancing, sugar push, giving tension.. & even some Blues! (Different style of dance again.. & to me seemed an easier style, there's a wee bit more lee-way one can do in Blues -that's not quite possible in Swing).

In regards to the dance studio physical environment. The room seems kinda small (or like a large lounge) is probably 8m X 10m (i am probably so wrong with my estimates.. never mind) with polished wooden floors, mirrors along one side &  on the opposite side window with a view of Dunedin city & looking towards the harbour-rather pretty, and on the other two walls, some cupboards (with Stereo) and chairs lining up the sides. Along an upper shelf of the wall is a collection of mainly Irish looking dolls, who peer down at you, watching you as you move, on another wall is the odd collection of  pictures of Irish dancers and on a table near the entrance way is a range of mixed Irish dance shoes on sale, awaiting for a new buyer and dancer to put them to use again. Yes this room in general is used for the Irish Beats Dance Group (Traditional Irish Step Dancing) thus all the Irish themed items, and the Swing Riot crowd hire it out for their Monday Social Dancing nights.

Actually here's a description here: The Irish Beat Dance School studio is approximately 5m x 7m with a vinyl covered wooden floor and a CD Player. This studio is located in room 214, King Edward Court (stair access only). Other studios/rooms are available within the King Edward Court building. Please contact Kathryn directly with enquiries. http://www.sidn.org.nz/directory/venues-for-hire/irish-beat-dance-school-studio

Also other breaking news.. There's another venue found for Thursday Social Dancing nights..!!! It's now at Capone  from 8-10pm for a dance and drink and maybe some pizza!! (For those of you that don't know- Robbies- the previous Dancing haunt with it's wooden floors, poles, and live Jazz music.. was sold & is now converted into a sports bar.. not quite the same! So thus on Thursday Nights the social environment of dance is displayed.