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WSDC Hotline
301-340-9732
Volunteer Email
Mailing Address
WSDC
c/o Janice Saylor
43989 Falmouth Court
Ashburn, VA 20147 |
What is swing dancing?
Swing dancing is a partner dance. There are many forms of swing-Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Western Swing, Hand Dancing, Shag, or Bop. Your parents or grandparents probably grew up swing dancing.
I've never danced before, is it okay for me to come? Do I need a partner?
No experience necessary! We offer a beginning-level swing dance workshop at every dance from 8 to 9PM. Come alone, or bring some friends. The instructors will rotate partners throughout the workshop, so you do not need to bring a partner.
What's the average age range?
Our dances are open to everyone-young and old, singles and couples, beginners and experts. Ask people to dance. It's a very social, friendly atmosphere. Several hundred people attend each of our dances, so we're confident you'll find someone interesting to dance with.
What should I wear?
Dancing is a very aerobic activity. We recommend casual, comfortable clothing. Some dancers like to wear vintage clothing.
- Summertime: Since the ballroom is not air conditioned, you may want to bring a change of clothes (men frequently bring several shirts).
- Wintertime: Dress in layers. The ballroom is not heated. It will be chilly at first, but the ballroom quickly heats up as the room fills.
- Please help preserve the floor: We recommend you bring a change of shoes, or wear dance shoes. For safety reasons, please do not wear high heels.
What kind of music does the band play?
We try to appeal to a large audience by offering a diverse selection of swing music-Big Band, Jazz Quintet, Classic Swing, Rhythm and Blues, Delta Blues, Jump Blues, 40's Swing, 50's Rock and Roll, and Boogie Woogie. We make a special effort to hire bands that love to play for dancers.
Do I need to be a member of the club?
We are not a club. We are an all-volunteer organization with no dues or fees. Just come to our dances and have fun! Or, volunteer for one hour and attend the dance for free.
(Call 301-340-9732 and leave a message, or e-mail WSDCvolunteer@hotmail.com).
Are there refreshments?
Yes, food and beverages are available in the snack bar until 10PM. Water fountains and soda vending machines are also available. You may want to bring a plastic bottle of water. Food, alcohol, and smoking are strictly prohibited in the ballroom.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
All of our dances are general admission. Generally, it is a good idea to arrive by 7:45PM if you plan to take the lesson. However, you'll want to arrive earlier for special events that may sell-out. Subscribe to our email alert service for news updates about each dance.
I just want to watch. Do I have to pay?
Because there is a strict fire code policy and our dances are very popular, we must charge admission to both dancers and spectators. Everyone who enters the Spanish Ballroom counts towards the fire code capacity (young and old) whether they're dancing or not. We have one admission price for everyone.
I'm hooked! How can I find out more about dancing and lessons in the DC area?
Visit our instructor and band pages.
Visit the Glen Echo website.
Visit the following sites:
Dance Etiquette
Here are a few suggestions about social dancing at WSDC dance events. Most of them have to do with general courtesy and safety.
Don't be a wallflower!
Join the lesson. If you're new and you like a particular person's style of dancing, ask him/her to dance. If you're an experienced dancer, ask someone new to dance. Introduce new dancers to your friends. It is perfectly acceptable for either gender to ask the other to dance.
Be nice.
Say hello. Smile. Introduce yourself. Say thank you. If you step on someone's feet, say you're sorry. And try not to do it again.
Be responsible for yourself.
In dancing, each person is responsible for carrying his/her own weight. Sometimes dance partners can be a little heavy-handed. If that happens, ask your partner to be gentler, or politely excuse yourself from that partner. You are not obligated to finish the dance-take care of yourself.
Be responsible for your dance partner.
The leader is responsible for the safety of his/her dance partner. Watch your space. Keep your partner and yourself in your dance space. If it looks like you're about to collide with another couple, change your dance direction. If you are continuously colliding with others, move to a less congested spot on the dance floor.
Be safe.
- Do not try dips or drops unless you and your partner have done them before.
- Do not try aerials at all. If you are experienced, please save them for a jam session or the last set-once the floor has cleared.
- Keep your Charleston kicks low and compact. Look around before you attempt them.
- 99% of the people at WSDC dances are there to dance. If you want to have a conversation or practice new dance moves, please do so around the perimeter of the dance floor.
The waltz:
We play at least one waltz during the evening. This is the only dance of the evening using "line of dance"-moving counter-clockwise around the dance floor. Please make room for the dancers when you see the waltz begin.
The "Jam Session":
A jam session gives dancers an opportunity to "strut their stuff". Sometimes we have them. Sometimes we don't. Don't be shy-we encourage you to participate!
Ask us.
If you have any questions or concerns about a WSDC event, please speak to a WSDC member (Sue Ann, Janice, Elaina, Alex, or Derek). |
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