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Practice Session
July 11, 2009
Hip- Hip-Hooray! It's a Steppin' Out dance day!
The first "Cram & Jam" session had begun.........
And... with that my inner 13 year old goes eee!!!!! and Squeeee!!!!!
There were 40 dancers on the floor and all were ready to review or learn as many dances from the Steppin' Out playlist as we could fit in. We were preparing for the next Steppin' Out social dance so we could hit the floor and not leave it until the end of the night. Many new beginners along with several improver and intermediate level dancers filled the hall (we had 2 rooms and both floors were full)
DJ John spun our favorite dance tunes to keep the floor hopping....or maybe I should say shuffling, turning, and rocking. (grins)
Even with the air conditioning and 3 fans, everyone was working up a sweat *fans self*
Eight of the Steppin' Out instructor team took turns doing quick reviews of the dances before the music started. It was wonderful to have Sandi Larkins join us from Gainsville with several of her dance students.....thrilled to have her as part of our team and this was a perfect opportunity to introduce her to everyone. Team members who volunteered for the day included Terri Alexander, Pam Hall, Sandi Larkins, Darlene Carlson, Sara Bendel, Carl Raff, Marilyn Richardson and Jan Mazourek. Several instructors had prior plans and couldn't make it....missed you. A big heartfelt thanks to all of you for giving your time to help make a special day for the dancers! Your help was really appreciated not only by me, but by the dancers too.
I had a few minutes to talk with some of the beginners that were there and they loved getting a chance to learn from the various instructors. It's really different for beginners that are used to only one instructor....this was like a mini workshop to them. Attending beginner students from my class were coming over after each review to let me know what they liked and I have a BIG list of dances they want to be sure to do again in class. The new dancers I spoke with are really looking forward to the social dance this Friday and the practice has helped them feel more comfortable on the floor...after all, that's what our Steppin' Out program is all about.
I know we were really crammed for space (well, it was a Cram & Jam ) , but next time we should be able to get one of the larger county buildings. *crossing fingers* We will also extend the next one to 4 hours and will include some of the intermediate level dances....hats off to those intermediate dancers there who understood that the new dancers really needed this first Cram & Jam to be geared more for them so they would know enough dances to enjoy the upcoming social. I hope you will make plans to attend the next one and I promise some time just for you!! Plans are to have one prior to each social dance.
Hope to see all of you this Friday, July 17th, at the Steppin' Out social in Beverly Hills.......it's going to be a !!!!
Dancing Snoopys Happy Dance!!!
***Instructor Comments***
This was my first time participating in a Steppin' Out sponsored event, and the first 'road' trip for the 3 ladies that came with me....And the verdict is.......AWESOME! FABULOUS! SO MUCH FUN!!.....we loved it...lolol Everyone was so very nice and we felt like we were right at home...John, thanks so very much for being a great DJ!! We're coming back Friday night for the social and looking forward to dancing with everyone..
I have been teaching off and on for over 20 years and I never leave a class I've taught without thinking I could have done it better...I'm always looking for ways to improve my teaching, better ways to convey the steps and to make it a fun experience for each and every student....KUDOS to all of the other instructors, you were great and believe me when I say I took something home from each and every one of you....Sandi
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I think the "Cram and Jam" was great. The beginners had a great time and so did the instructors. I do have a few comments that I heard though. Some of the advanced dancers wanted harder dances...they said if there was not going to be harder dances they would not come back. The beginners feel that it should only be for them. I am wondering if we could just have 2 "Cram and Jams" one for the beginners and then have one just for the more advanced dancers. Just a thought. But it was good experience for both beginners and instructors....Nervous...is the word...thanks for all that you do...Pam
