What makes a good dance party?

Like they say for real estate, “it’s location, location, location”, for social dance parties it’s music, music, music. Seriously, there are four characteristics that must be present for the music to be good. Coming in second after the music is the dance floor.

Music rhythm. The songs should have clear and recognizable rhythms for the dances. Many (most) studios just play songs they like without regard to whether or not the song has a good or appropriate rhythm for dancing. Then they try to figure out what you can dance to it. If everyone is left wondering what dance to dance to a given song, then that song is not a good choice for a social dance party. Trying to dance to bad music can cause the dancers to develop bad habits. With all the good songs available, why play bad music?

Music tempo. The songs should always be the correct tempo for the specific dance. Trying to dance to songs that are the wrong tempo is difficult to impossible, it causes bad habits to form, and it’s not fun.

Music volume. The music should be loud enough so the dancers can hear the music, but not so loud that it interferes with conversations. The guests must be able to talk to each other, have conversations, and be social. It is a social dance party after all.

Music length. Songs should play about 2 to 2.5 minutes, and there should be a short gap between songs. Any song that is longer should be faded early. This allows people to be more comfortable dancing with new partners without feeling like they could get stuck with someone they can’t dance with for a long song. Songs should never be mixed together so that one song follows another with no silence in between. This inter-song gap is extremely important as it signals the end of one dance so the dancers can change partners. It allows time for the dancers to exit the floor and thank one partner before a new song starts and selecting a new partner.

The dance floor should be flat and clean, not sticky and not slippery, preferably wood, and preferably cushioned. The dance floor should also be large enough for the traveling dances. The recommended size is 40×60 feet or larger, but smaller sizes are okay for smaller groups. If the floor is too small (smaller than about 30 feet), some of the ballroom dances cannot be danced.

Introduction to Ballroom and Latin Dancing

Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm

David Alexander brings the elegance of ballroom dancing to Imlay City. Each week will introduce you to one of the ballroom dances, such as Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, etc. You will learn the fundamentals of the dance, what music it is danced to, a few basic steps, and even have some time to practice. Ballroom dancing is a partner activity so attending with a partner is highly recommended, although not required. You do not need to bring anything special to this class, just wear comfortable clothes.

Cost is $15 for one class, or any of the Peaceful Moon Yoga class packages can be used for this class.

Peaceful Moon Yoga
1789 S Cedar St
Imlay City, Michigan 48444

Preregistration is requested for this class. Please sign-up in the studio, text 702-882-7080, or email david@dancewithpassion.com if you want to attend.

David is also available for private lessons. Please call, text, or email if interested.

Questions: call or text David Alexander 702-882-7080

Teacher’s Workshop in Hilo

Tuesday, January 31, 2024,  6:30pm . Teacher’s Workshop

Master Instructor David Alexander will be teaching a workshop for teachers in Hilo. This is a closed class by invitation only.

Puueo Community Center
145 Wainaku St
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

David is also available for private lessons for a limited time in Hilo. Please call, text, or email if interested.

Questions: call or text David Alexander 702-882-7080

Teacher’s Workshop in Hilo

Tuesday, January 16, 2024,  6:30pm . Teacher’s Workshop

Master Instructor David Alexander will be teaching a workshop for teachers in Hilo. This is a closed class by invitation only.

Puueo Community Center
145 Wainaku St
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

David is also available for private lessons for a limited time in Hilo. Please call, text, or email if interested.

Questions: call or text David Alexander 702-882-7080

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