Comet Swing Dance Canceled, what to do?

It is icy outside and the University closed down for the weekend.  The last Comet Swing Society Dance for this semester was canceled, but don't worry you can still have fun with Swing Dance! 

Practice

If the dance is canceled, you can still Swing Dance at home, if you want too.  Swing Dance is a partner dance, but a partner isn’t required to practice.  Practicing at home will help you become a better dancer.  For example, practicing triple steps to music or while completing chores is helpful.  When you practice alone don’t worry about leading or following, but focus on something else like basic footwork or rhythm.  For example, with footwork, I like to practice basic Charleston for a few minutes each day.   Practice what you know, to reinforce or create muscle memory.  However, don’t create muscle memory that depends on an invisible partner.  For example if you are learning to Lindy hop for the first time, as a follow, practice the eight count pattern moving forwards or in place, don’t practice the swing out pattern.  If you live with someone that dances, practice with them.  

Watching Videos

You can also search for Swing Dance videos on YouTube or Vimeo.  Fort Worth Swing Society posts good videos they find on their Facebook page.  Or, if you have videos recaps of lessons you have taken watch those.  

Reading Blogs

Reading Swing Dance blogs is a good way to learn about and discuss Swing Dancing.  If you have questions about something you read or something you have seen ask people or comment on the blog.  These are a few blogs that people recommended to me.

http://swungover.wordpress.com/

https://jsalmonte.squarespace.com/wanderingandpondering/ 

http://rebeccabrightly.com/

Do other stuff

However, Swing Dance doesn’t have to fill your life.  Have fun outside of dancing, stay home and do whatever you like.  For example comment on blogs.  Has anyone tried to make a snowman with all this ice?  What do you like to do on icy days?  What do you like to practice?

Swing Dance in December

Comet Swing Society 

UTD Galaxy Rooms
Dec 6
Beginning Lesson 8pm - 9pm
Dance 9pm - Midnight
Free 

Comet Swing Society at UTD is having its last dance of the year on December 6th.  You can check their Comet Swing Society Facebook page for more information.

Fort Worth

Southside Preservation Hall  
1519 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104


Tues Dec 10, 17 & Mon Dec 23, 30
Beginning Lesson 8pm - 9pm
Intermediate Lesson 9pm - 9:30pm
Dance 9pm - 11:30pm
$5

Fort Worth Swing Society
1300 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX

Dec 12 & 19
Beginning Lesson 8pm -9pm
Dance 9pm - 11:30pm
$7 for non members $5 for members or DSDS members

Like the Fort Worth Swing Dance Society Facebook to stay updated on the dances.

Denton

Denton Swing Dance Organization
The Optimist Gym, 3261 North Elm St, Denton

Sat Dec 7th & Fri Dec 20th

6pm - 8pm Workshop
8pm – 9pm Beginning Lesson
9pm – Midnight Dance

Denton dances cost $10 and includes two hour workshop. if you are unfamiliar with Swing Dance come for the beginning lesson.  If you like to Swing Dance and want to improve or learn a new dance come to the workshops.  Workshops will usually be Lindy Hop, Charleston, or East Coast Swing. The workshop on the 7th will be Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop is an advanced form of East Coast Swing. Check the Denton Swing Dance Organization Facebook page for updated information. Here is the venue information for Denton, Optimist Gym location

Carrolton

Sandunga Dance Studio 
2155 Marsh Lane, Carrollton, TX 75006

Wed nights
Lessons 7pm - 9pm 
Dance is 9pm - Midnight
$5 for the Dance or $20 a night for the lessons and dance


Sandunga, a studio in Carrolton hosts a West Coast Swing Dance and lessons on Wed nights. West Coast Swing is a different style. But don’t worry, show up on Wed night for the beginning lesson at 7pm. They have a beginning class, intermediate, and advanced. This is completely different from East Coast Swing, even if you are familiar with East Coast Swing, it is good to still take the beginning lesson. 

Dallas

Dallas Swing Dance Society
Sammons Center, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

Dec 14th

Jack & Jill Workshop, 6pm – 8pm
Beginning Lesson 8pm – 9pm
Dance 9pm – Midnight
$10 for Members $15 for Non-Members DSDS

Dec 21st Live Band

Strictly Lindy Workshop 6pm – 8pm
Beginning Lesson 8pm – 9pm
Dance 9pm – Midnight
$15 for DSDS members and $20 for non-members.

DSDS is only having two dances in Dec., with workshops about competitions. Jack & Jill is an individual competition that judges leaders and followers separately. The competitors do not know who they will be dancing with until the competition begins, but they do know who the other competitors. A good strategy is to dance with all the other follows or leads that are competing before the competition. Strictly Lindy is a partner competition, so you need to find someone that will enter with you.  Like the DSDS Facebook to stay updated.



Sons of Hermann Hall
3414 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75226

Wed night
8pm – 9pm Beginning Lesson
9pm – Midnight
$5

New Years Eve Dance

7 p.m. Doors open
8pm -8:30pm Swing Lesson with Elaine and Jerry
8:30pm -11pm The Singapore Slingers
11:30pm -1am Matt Tolentino and his Swing Wing
$35 dollars at the door

Sons of Hermann Hall is open every Wed for Swing Dance except Christmas and it cost $5 dollars which includes the dance and the beginning lesson. They also have a New Year’s Eve Dance hosted by the Rhythm Room. Like Sons of Herman Hall Facebook to stay updated.

• Remember to check the weather before you head out, and if its bad check the Facebook pages of the organization or call the dance studio to see if the dance was canceled.  Or just stay in and be safe.  Also, feel free to leave any comments or suggestions and thanks for visiting!