Danceloop

What is a dance social?

Why is it time to ask (and answer) that question?

It's great to see so many new faces getting involved in the growing dance scene in Coffs Harbour!

We're getting increasingly spoilt for choice in town with regular monthly dance events:

* 1st Wednesday of the month: King Tide latin social from Eve and Steve
* 2nd Saturday of the month: Girl Guides latin social from Dance Loop
* 2nd Sunday of the month: Yacht Club Latin Dance Bar from Coffs Latin Rhythms
* 3rd Thursday of the month: Esme latin social from Dance Loop 👈 that's tonight!
* 3rd Sunday of the month: Dancing by the River Urunga run by Greg Softley
* along with many other events in the wider region

With so many new faces, it's worth revisiting that question: what is a dance social?

At a fundamental level it's a community event where dancers of all levels meet to catch up, enjoy social dancing with a wider variety of dancers than in a class, and most importantly to have fun.

It's a respectful space where positivity, encouragement, and smiles rule the night.

But beyond that, here's a few key principles that are also part of social dancing:

* avoid instructing others - teaching is best left to teachers in classes. On the social dance floor we come to simply enjoy where we are all at in our current level, warts and all. Avoid instructing, correcting, or educating our partner, except in two situations: 1. if there's a genuine safety concern, and 2. if asked / invited by our partner.

* respect personal space - everyone has a different concept of personal space, and even that concept can change at any moment. Most of our classes are taught around an open embrace, and that's always a default starting point, which can change to a closer embrace depending on the level, familiarity of the dancers and the decision of the follower first, and leader second.

* respect personal hygiene - be mindful of your breath and body odour, and if you don't then be prepared to gracefully handle being reminded of it by a helpful dance partner.

* be okay to say no - if you don't feel like dancing, you don't have to. If you are dancing, and you no longer feel like dancing, it's also okay to stop dancing. No also means no reason is required.

* be okay to hear no - if you ask someone for a dance and they say no, wear your graceful acceptance of it as a badge of honour. People say no for so many reasons: because they're tired, or not feeling the music, or simply don't want to dance with you, and that's okay.

* be okay to ask for a dance - anyone can ask anyone else for a dance, so if you want to, but are intimidated, stop thinking and just ask. The worst that can happen is they say no, and you already know how to handle it gracefully.

* practice dance floor awareness - this means everyone should be mindful it is a shared space with other dancers. You should be mindful of everyone near you when dancing. It's easy to fall into 'bubble dancing', as if there is no-one else, but that's not fun or safe for the community. Leaders should always allocate some of their focus on their surroundings, and followers should also be on the look-out for moments when they should alert their leader about a potential situation in any way that calls for it. Also be mindful when getting on – and off – the dance floor.

* assume you contributed to a situation – if a collision or mis-step occurs on the dance floor, assume you contributed to it. Etiquette simply calls for acknowledging the event, saying or expressing 'sorry' to the other dance couple (or partner as appropriate) and moving on. If it's serious, stop dancing and focus your concern on the safety and comfort of your partner or the other dancers.

* dance at the level of your partnership, not of yourself - if your partner is less experienced, dance to their level and remember the enjoyment of fundamental moves that always exists. Whether you're a leader or a follower, attempting to dance beyond the limits of your partnership is usually an exercise in indulgent disconnection.

* remember, it's still just a dance - we can embody sass, sexiness, or cheekiness in a dance safe in the knowledge it is not an invitation or comment on our partner, but an expression of how we feel about the dance, in that moment.

* accidents and misunderstandings can happen - but if there's ever a concern about safety or appropriateness, talk to your teacher or event organisers. Together we're responsible for keeping the dance scene safe and welcoming - you will be supported.

But with these considerations in mind, remember it's ultimately about having fun. We meet each other where we are right now, and enjoy a few moments together.

This isn't an exhaustive list, but it covers some key considerations around social dancing worth keeping in mind.

Anything else you think should be added? Feel free to comment. 😀

Another Monday night Brazilian Zouk evening, another couple of tunes added to our We ❤️ Brazilian Zouk playlist! 😍

Often your most important – and formative – dance teacher is your first.

That's true in our case with Corrie Wade Music Academy, and one of his earliest pearls of wisdom was revealed in his encouragement of students to seek out as many teachers, events and styles as your heart desires.

In that spirit, if you're on the Coffs Coast and want to give dancing a go, Salsatown are putting together a great open week in October.

Check it out if you can!

(And if music is more your thing, well you should naturally check out Corrie Wade Music Academy 😉 )

Looking forward to our Danceloop monthly social this Saturday 10th August. 🤩💃

Join us for our regular latin dance party as we play music to suit all 4 styles: Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata and Brazilian Zouk.

Always a fun and friendly dance space. A great opportunity to come together and have a dance with the Coffs Latin dance community.

Everyone welcome. No booking required. No partner required.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1151030992671292/1151031786004546/

Learn to dance Latin style 4 nights of the week. 💃😍
All beginner classes start at 6pm
Taught in our friendly studio: Unit 22, 25-27 Hurley Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Monday - Brazilian Zouk
Tuesday - Cuban Salsa
Wednesday - Bachata
Friday - Kizomba

Beginners encouraged.
No partner needed.
No experience required.
Drop-ins welcome.

We can’t wait to get along to Casa do Zouk next weekend celebrating 10 epic years 🤩🕺🏻

A few Dance Loop crew representing again this year. Are you in? 🤔💃🏽💕

🎉 Casa do Zouk Party Alert: Dance All Night Long!

We're extending our hours from 8 PM to 4 AM on Friday and Saturday to cater to all dance enthusiasts. Whether you like to kick off your night with early moves, arrive fashionably late and dance till the morning, or be the life of the party from start to finish, we've got you covered!

🕗 8 PM - 4 AM: The Dance Floor Awaits!

Thursday party goes from 9pm to 3am.
Sunday we have our pool party at Cali beach from 7-9pm followed by our tropical night themed social dancing in the main ballroom from 9pm to 4am.

Casa do Zouk is where the magic happens, and we can't wait to see you on the dance floor!

Book your tickets today, followers pass is almost sold out!

Www.casadozouk.com.au

WINTER BREAK
Dance Loop is taking a short break over the school holidays. Time to put our dancing feet up, rest and reset. 😊

There will be no dance classes or weekend socials/practicas between 7-21st July.

Make sure you join us for our Thursday night Latin Night at Esme on 18th July 🕺🏻🍹

Classes recommence on Monday 22nd July.🕺🏻

Have a great break everyone 💕

We're so excited for the newest social in Coffs Harbour kicking off this Thursday at at Esme Bar & Kitchen

Join us from 7pm for great Latin tunes, heaps of dancing, and amazing food and cocktails, all set in the vibrant Jetty area. 😍

This is a free event but support the venue by ordering something from the wonderful menu.

We'll also be joined by the lovely Dhwani Bahar - our workshop teacher this weekend. 🤩

Everyone welcome. See you on the dance floor.

Can’t wait to welcome to Coffs Harbour, all the way from Bali, for a weekend of fun workshops in Cuban Salsa and Brazilian Zouk.

Saturday - Cuban Salsa workshops start at 3pm
Sunday - Brazilian Zouk workshops start at 1pm

For more info and tickets go to our event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1840308339823818

Looking forward to our next social this coming Saturday 8th June.
Join us for a night of Latin dancing with music to suit all styles: Bachata, Zouk, Kizomba and Salsa.

Time: 7:30pm til late
Venue: Coffs Girl Guides Hall
Cost: $10 cash on the door or pay online.
Door prizes.
BYO drinkies.

Everyone welcome.

Sadly Zouk classes are cancelled tonight due to illness. We'll be back next week and raring to go with some exciting new course material 😍🤩

All other classes running as scheduled this week 💃

See you on the dance floor this week.