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Dickens2Deco > Your Questions Answered
d2d
Your Questions Answered

Why start another dance night?
Because we want to get better and we want to dance with more people who are excellent dancers. Regular dancing is important for muscle memory. Once the steps are in your body, then you can think about musicality and communication with your partner and the floor—that’s when the fun begins. We also wanted a night to celebrate the rich, living tradition of all partner dancing from roughly the mid-19th century to the beginning of the modern jazz era.

Variety is the spice of life, That gives it all its flavour. ~William Cowper

Do I need to bring a partner?
No. Everybody is welcome.

Is there live music?
We love live music. At this time, however, recorded music is provided until we can work out a mutually beneficial situation where the musicians can earn a respectable sum, while keeping the cost for the dancers low enough for regular attendance.

Do I have to change partners?
In class—yes. Socially—as you please. Changing partners is important in becoming a better dancer; it forces you to truly communicate with your partner instead of relying on secret clues and a regular partner’s strengths to take up your slack. Additionally, the enjoyment of everyone on the floor creates a stronger sense of community and happier time socially. Though we believe there is a rule somewhere about saving the last dance for your sweetheart.

What dances will be taught before the social dancing begins?
The Viennese waltz will be the primary focus for the first few months. We will also touch on polka, gallop, turns and dance floor fundamentals. As the general skill levels increase, we will branch out to other popular dances (swing, foxtrot, tango), returning to the waltz so as to always welcome beginners.

Is there a dress code?
No. However, breath mints, deodorants, and shoes that fasten securely to your feet are strongly encouraged.

Who will be teaching the classes?
The same person who taught the Social Daunce Irregulars waltz afternoons, Todi, will anchor the teaching position; and we’ll bring in our favorite guest teachers when they’re in the area.

 

MEET THE CREW

Name

Boudicca Todi (goes by “Toddy” as in hot!)

First Dance

The waltz at age 16.

Most Flattering Online Article

...and dance background http://www.yale.edu/opa/v27.n26/story8.html

Can’t Stop Playing These Albums

Various Artists, The Rough Guide to Gypsy Swing (2004)
Baguette Quartette, Toujours (2004)

Cool Dance Teachers

Linda Valentino
Hannelore Unfried

Name

Veronica Gonzalez-Rubio

First Dance

 

Recent Project

Produced and Directed a short film http://www.fortunafilmsusa.com/

Can’t Stop Playing These Albums

 

Cool Dance Teacher

Yvonne Vart

Name

Shelia Murphy-Nelson

First Dance

 

Latest Design Work

http://sheilamurphy.net/portfolio

Can’t Stop Playing These Albums

 

Cool Dance Teacher

Joan Walton

Name

Walter Nelson

First Dance

Waltz & Polka at Dickens Christmas Fair, 1975

Master of the Web

http://walternelson.com

Can’t Stop Playing These Albums

An iPod full of vintage recordings from the Jazz Age

Cool Dance Teacher

Stan Isaacs