1.14.2009 - Swing and Ballroom Dance this Semester

Hey everyone, sorry about the lack of updates on the page, but we have been busy getting setup for school and needed to do a lot of deciding for the way this semester was going to work.

The calendar and information pages have been updated with current information. If you take a look at those pages you'll notice that things are going to be run a little differently this semester than previously. We will be doing beginner/intermediate swing dance lessons once again this semester, followed by an hour long ballroom dance segment. Please note: WE WILL BE COVERING NEW MATERIAL SO EVEN IF YOU CAME LAST SEMESTER IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL!

The times for the class schedule are as follows (all classes are on Tuesdays):
7-8PM: Intermediate lessons with Instructors Becky/Stephen from the Mercury Cafe
8-9PM: Beginner lessons with Instructors Ben/Paula/Mark
9-10PM: Beginner Ballroom Classes with Instructor Rex

We'll be starting class on the 20th of January (next week), so we hope to see you there! Please don't hesitate to contact us at minesballroom@gmail.com with any questions.

10.29.2008 - Tryouts, Other Info and More!

First off, thanks to everyone that came to the aerials practice this past Saturday!  We learned the knickerbocker and frog jump, and hope that if we do another aerials practice you will all show up again!

Second, the videos from last week and this week will be up this weekend. Sorry for the delay in getting those up there, but it's just been a really busy week.

Third, in case you missed it, Swing Troupe tryouts will be next week.  Swing troupe is a great way to meet new people and to perform your sweet moves infront of an audience!  It's also is a great way to improve your dancing!  Tryouts will be held on November 4th and 5th at 8pm both days!  You only need to attend one of the two tryout days. Please send us an email at minesballroom@gmail.com if you would like to tryout, and what day you will be attending so we know what to expect for attendance.

Tryouts will consist of:

Social Dancing - This will involve dancing with a couple partners to randomly selected songs to get a feel for your comfort on the dance floor.

Solo Dancing - Almost all choreographed routines have some sort of solo part in them, so this will help the judges get a feel for how you perform on your own!  You can and SHOULD practice the solo routine before you get to the tryouts.  You will be expected to just dance the routine, it will not be taught at tryouts!  The routine is the copenhagen routine that Becky and Stephen taught in intermediate lessons a few weeks ago.  A couple of links are provided below to help you out with the choreography.  (If you would like the song, please email mgodwin@mines.edu)

Copenhagen Routine: Step by Step Written Instructions - click here

Copenhagen Routine: Video - click here

Partner Choreography -  Just as important as solo choreography, you will have to be able to pick up choreography and perform it fairly quickly!  We'll be having instructors Ray and Ali teach a partnered choreography and then have you perform it for the judges afterwards!

So to sum it up, all you need to do is bring yourself and pratice the copenhagen routine for next Tuesday or Wednesday and you'll be good to go!  If you have any further questions about anything posted here, please email minesballroom@gmail.com and again, please let us know which tryout you'd like to attend!  We'll discuss what days work for everyone who tries out so you know you're not committing to something that you can't be there for.  Good luck and see you next week!

10.21.2008 - Aerials Waiver

Since we couldn't attach the waiver to send to everyone, you can download it and print it off here. If you have questions, please contact Arianne Dean, adean@mines.edu.

10.20.2008 - Aerials Class This Saturday

Hey everyone, we'll be having an aerials class this Saturday, the 25th of October. Aerials are the lifts, flips and jumps that swing is known so well for.  If you would like to attend, you'll need a partner and have to sign a waiver, but aerials are very safe if you perform them as the instructors teach.  We hope to see you there for lots of fun!  Any questions?  Contact Arianne Dean, adean@mines.edu.

10.16.2008 - Back from Break!

We hope you all had a great break! The videos from last week's practice are finally online and we'll be having extra practice this weekend as well. Be on the lookout for information regarding tryouts for the swing troupe here at Mines! They'll be coming up soon! See you all on Tuesday, or Sat!