Butch Femme Planet - View Single Post - Input needed for LGBT dance lessons weekend

Dance-with-me · 10-16-2012, 03:06 AM

With all the talk about the trouble finding dance lessons that are ok with LGBT folks in the class, I decided to chat with a local dance instructor I know about the issue, and she and I want to consider trying to organize a weekend-long event specifically for LGBT folk, maybe in early spring, which would include different types of lessons, some open dance time, plus time to do other things in the area.

Even if you'd never be able to attend this, could you give us some feedback on what we've thought of so far - and be very open with your comments if you feel that something wouldn't work?

Our initial thoughts on a possible schedule:

Start Friday evening with a one hour lesson on something easier and fun (two-step?) followed by some time to just dance, maybe lesson at 7, dance 8-10.
Saturday morning meet 10-12 for two one-hour lessons, then break for lunch 12-2.
Saturday afternoon for two one-hour lessons 2-4, then break for dinner 4-7
Saturday evening a new lesson 7-8, then just dance 8-10.
Sunday morning two lessons 10-12, break for brunch 12-2, then 2-3 another lesson and 3-5 a "tea dance" to practice skills.

So my questions:
1) How's the schedule -- too much lesson time?
2) Would the lesson and dance times work well for you?
3) What dances should we teach? I was thinking about sticking to two main ones (maybe east-coast swing and salsa) with one one-hour lesson in two-step and one in two-step Friday night, and a one-hour lesson in Tango Saturday night before the dance.
4) Better to do one bigger class (maybe 20) or two smaller class to offer more options or division by skill level, even if it raised the cost? Or maybe a combination, like in a two hour block do one hour with everyone going over the fundamental, then split to two groups by sill
5) Would it be good to offer some extra-cost private lessons for people who want them?
6) What else might be good for us to consider?
7) Better to let everyone go to Saturday night dinner on their own, or book a place where can all eat (and drink) then go right from eating to dancing?
8) What's the most you'd pay for this, not including your lodging and meals or private lessons, but including all the dance lessons (instructors, facilities, music, etc.)?
9) If this were within two hours of you, in the off-season of a resort area (so hotels are relatively inexpensive), and on-site child care and kids activities was available during dance time if you needed it, and you could afford both the time and cost, what would be your interest level?
10) Finally, if you live in the Mid--Atlantic area and the event was in Rehoboth Beach, DE, would you like to get more information if we decide to do this?

10-16-2012, 03:06 AM	#1
Dance-with-me Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: earth Posts: 419 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 264 Thanked 1,926 Times in 378 Posts Rep Power: 21474849	Input needed for LGBT dance lessons weekend With all the talk about the trouble finding dance lessons that are ok with LGBT folks in the class, I decided to chat with a local dance instructor I know about the issue, and she and I want to consider trying to organize a weekend-long event specifically for LGBT folk, maybe in early spring, which would include different types of lessons, some open dance time, plus time to do other things in the area. Even if you'd never be able to attend this, could you give us some feedback on what we've thought of so far - and be very open with your comments if you feel that something wouldn't work? Our initial thoughts on a possible schedule: Start Friday evening with a one hour lesson on something easier and fun (two-step?) followed by some time to just dance, maybe lesson at 7, dance 8-10. Saturday morning meet 10-12 for two one-hour lessons, then break for lunch 12-2. Saturday afternoon for two one-hour lessons 2-4, then break for dinner 4-7 Saturday evening a new lesson 7-8, then just dance 8-10. Sunday morning two lessons 10-12, break for brunch 12-2, then 2-3 another lesson and 3-5 a "tea dance" to practice skills. So my questions: 1) How's the schedule -- too much lesson time? 2) Would the lesson and dance times work well for you? 3) What dances should we teach? I was thinking about sticking to two main ones (maybe east-coast swing and salsa) with one one-hour lesson in two-step and one in two-step Friday night, and a one-hour lesson in Tango Saturday night before the dance. 4) Better to do one bigger class (maybe 20) or two smaller class to offer more options or division by skill level, even if it raised the cost? Or maybe a combination, like in a two hour block do one hour with everyone going over the fundamental, then split to two groups by sill 5) Would it be good to offer some extra-cost private lessons for people who want them? 6) What else might be good for us to consider? 7) Better to let everyone go to Saturday night dinner on their own, or book a place where can all eat (and drink) then go right from eating to dancing? 8) What's the most you'd pay for this, not including your lodging and meals or private lessons, but including all the dance lessons (instructors, facilities, music, etc.)? 9) If this were within two hours of you, in the off-season of a resort area (so hotels are relatively inexpensive), and on-site child care and kids activities was available during dance time if you needed it, and you could afford both the time and cost, what would be your interest level? 10) Finally, if you live in the Mid--Atlantic area and the event was in Rehoboth Beach, DE, would you like to get more information if we decide to do this?