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Sapphire Ballroom News
June 2020

Sweet, sweet summertime


Hello JuneHello my friends. With the state opening back up, and businesses returning to some variation of normal, everyone is asking when will we get to dance together again? I’m going to talk about that in depth below, but let me warn you - I don’t have concrete answers.

What I do have for you is some wonderful, feel-good music; exciting news about a new series of online drop-in Shag lessons; and advice on how to have your own at-home dance party. It's summertime: it's a great time for dancing.

Saturday Morning Shag Lessons starting June 13
4 simple steps to at-home grooviness - How to host your own mini dance party
June: Are we ready for “normal”?
Back to the Beach - A Carolina Shag Playlist

ONLINE Dance Classes

 

Saturday Morning Shag Lessons starting June 13

Saturday Morning SahgAre you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us online for an hour of Carolina Shag Saturday mornings in June, probably July, maybe beyond!

Vacation Couple DancingThis charming dance can be found up and down the coasts of the Carolinas, at summertime festivals, car shows, and anywhere people listen to beach music and yearn to dance in the sand.

Each Saturday morning, your instructor will start with a basic pattern and then add something different to it. The moves will be selected so that you can practice them on your own or with a partner. All you need is comfortable shoes, a little space to dance, and a computer, smartphone or tablet. If you can come to several classes, you’ll learn lots of material and get to the basics over and over again, really mastering them. If you can only come to one, you’ll still get enough to have fun and get up and dance the next time a good song comes on.

These lessons do not require experience or partners, and payment is optional. We invite you to take the class and then decide what you can contribute to Sapphire in exchange: $6/person (recommended) but not required: Order.SapphireDance.com.

Each Saturday will cover something new, so feel free to drop in at any time. Early registration is appreciated, but not required.

No class Saturday, July 4.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732

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4 simple steps to at-home grooviness
    - How to host your own mini dance party


We have been trying to publish dance party playlists on our YouTube Channel so that you can get down at home, on your deck, in your driveway, basement, dining room, wherever… but that begs the question - what should you do next? Here’s our vision of what you should do to have your own mini-dance party.

dancing outside1 ~

Invite roommates, family, and friends, if you want. Don’t limit yourself - you can include people from across the world using your favorite app: Facetime, Zoom, Messenger, Hangouts, etc.

dancing outside2 ~

Clear a space. Ideally you would have a grand ballroom on the first floor of your castle, but in reality all you need is about 8ftx8ft square. You might need to move chairs, push back the table, roll up the rug, or sweep aside the toys. Or go outside on your deck, balcony, carport. Avoid carpet, if you can, but more importantly, avoid steps or thresholds which could twist an ankle or trip you.

Dancing outside3 ~

Fix yourself a drink. It’s your choice - adult or otherwise - as long as it feels special. My go-to is iced coffee in a hand-blown glass with flip flops on it.

Dancing outside4 ~

Start the music - load a Sapphire playlist and start it rolling. Use the ads to socialize, refresh your drink, or chat with friends. While the music is playing, get up and boogie!

Repeat frequently; maybe every week. :-)

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Hello June, are we ready for “normal”?

About a week ago, I read an article published on iLindy.com called Discussion Points: the Future Health & Safety for Lindy Hop. The author did a remarkably good job of discussing what has to happen to return to dancing as usual. They didn’t have all the answers, but addressed point after point to the best of their ability. Like the folks at iLindy, I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m going to try to share some thoughts and address as many points as possible.

One of the things that has made it so hard to write something like this, is everything changes so quickly. Between the time I started writing this article and its completion, I expect Virginia will have moved into “Phase 2,” although I’m not entirely sure what that means for us. What I have seen that seems to best apply to us is that gyms may have indoor fitness classes at 30% capacity, if social distancing and masking is maintained.
There’s three elements there that I feel the need to address, plus a few of my own: (1) 30% capacity, (2) social distancing, (3) masks, plus (4) exposure bubbles, and (5) duration.

Capacity

The first element is relatively easy to address at Sapphire, as long as we agree that dance parties are a thing of the somewhat distant future. (Sad, but necessary.)

Private lessons typically involve 3 people - two students and a teacher. Even if we by some chance end up with two lessons going at the same time, it’s easily below 30% of our capacity.

Group classes are typically 6-14 students, plus a teacher. When group classes start, whenever that might be, we can limit them to 6-10 students and be fine, at least numbers-wise.

Distance

Again thinking of private lessons first, the majority of our students are dancing with someone they live with and therefore already part of their “exposure bubble.” For them, the only distance that needs to be maintained is between the couple dancing and their teacher. At more than 40ft x 60ft, our dance floor is more than large enough to accommodate this.

In a group lesson, as long as we’re sticking to that 6-10 student limit, we again have plenty of space. To keep everyone’s exposure bubbles intact, partners would not be able to rotate during a class. This would be really disappointing to so many of our dedicated dancers, but we can endure it. (I frequently hear from students in our online lessons that they miss dancing “with people,” even the ones quarantine with their dance partner. When I say but you have a “people” they always say “I know. I’m lucky. But I miss dancing with everyone.” :) So - no rotation for now.

Masks

That leaves masks. From what I’ve been reading, the real danger of infection comes from particles hanging in the air. The number of these particles increases when your breathing increases with exertion, when you cough or sneeze. All three of those events are going to happen at some point during the typical dance lesson.

We have to wear masks. Everyone - students and teachers. And that is just not comfortable for most of us. A mask will make it substantially harder for the teacher to speak clearly. A mask might make it hard to breathe, especially during vigorous movement. A mask will definitely be annoying by the end of an hour-long lesson. Read more about masks here. I’m not sure how to overcome this challenge at this point.

 

Other Factors

Exponentially expanding bubbles

Many of us are cautiously opening our exposure bubbles - adding a friend or family member to the mix - and thinking about the consequences of doing so. If my child plays with your child, your family is now exposed to everyone that my family has been exposed to. Now apply that to dance lessons: if you come in for a private lesson with me, you are now exposed to everyone I have been exposed to, including my other lessons, my children, etc. And even more if you’re in a group lesson.

All of the teachers at Sapphire also have to consider their exposure to student after student (and all that implies) and what that means to their families and primary jobs. Many of us are not in a situation where we can open up that extensively, yet.

Duration

The amount of time spent in the company of another person has a dramatic effect on the level of exposure. Our lessons are typically 50 minutes long for several reasons. If you'd like to discuss those reasons, I'm happy to talk to you. But even if we try shorter lessons (I'm not saying that's really a good option, but if it were…), it's not the same as a casual encounter like passing someone in the hall at work. Prolonged exposure magnifies all the other risk factors.

 

Conclusion and Actions

This is where my heart gets heavy. I do not think we can return to anything like “normal” dancing until we can be in the same room without masks.

But, in-person private lessons are coming in our immediate future. Small group classes, hopefully, will be back shortly after. When this happens, we will do everything we can to make it as safe as possible to hold private lessons:

  • add buffer times between private lessons to let the air in the studio be filtered,
  • leave the doors propped open keeping a flow of fresh air moving through the space,
  • sanitize surfaces frequently, and
  • require hand washing between lessons.

Zoom Rumba Class in MayIn the meantime, we will continue to offer online lessons. These lessons are safe from COVID-19 exposure and really do work. There are beginner lessons every Friday, we are starting Saturday Morning Shag Lessons June 13 (see more above), What’s Next Workshops on Mondays, and private lessons based on your schedule. You can take any of the group lessons for FREE and then decide if you want to contribute to the Sapphire’s finances. And online private lessons are incredibly cheap - only $100 for 4 lessons. That’s less than half the standard price for private lessons. More details about online lessons available at online.SapphireDance.com.

There is no reason to wait. You need something safe and fun to do and we need people to teach to nourish our souls during this crazy time.

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Back to the Beach - a Carolina Shag playlist

Dancing in the SandAs you read above, because of course you have read every word of this newsletter like you’re going to be tested on it, Carolina Shag is a Swing style done predominantly to “beach music.” Though beach music is thoroughly enjoyable, the dance is not limited to one genre of music. Instead, it can be done to many styles of music with only a few requirements:

  • It’s gotta be upbeat - which means there’s a heavier hitting even beat than odd. Think ba-DA-ba-DA instead of BOOM-chick-BOOM-chick.
  • It’s mellow - not a lot of blaring trumpets or crashing drums, though both instruments do make appearances in the genre.
  • Especially starting out, you want it fairly slow - 80-110 beats per minute. Once you’ve got your Shagging feet under you, you’ll be able to go much faster!

I’m gonna give you three groups of songs - some super slow, really beginner friendly songs, some slightly faster tunes, and a few numbers which are great fun to dance to but definitely not beach music.

If you want to read more about beach music, start here.

Nice and Slow - “Smoothies”

Some of these songs are actually slow enough to give more experienced dancers a hard time. To those dancers I say - you can do it! Practice your moves slow and controlled if you really want to master them.

Won't Stop For Nothing The Coastline Band - Won’t Stop for Nothing
San Miguel

San Miguel - Dilbert McClinton
Also a good Fox Trot

Use Ta Be My Girl The O'Jays - Use Ta Be My Girl
They're Playing Our Song Steve Owens and Summertime - They’re Playing Our Song
Something Smooth Rick Strickland - Something Smooth
 

Getting Faster

We’re just jumping a few beats per minute between the end of the last group and the beginning of this one, but each song will get faster until they are really cutting a rug.

Lovin' Proof C. C. Kirkland - Lovin' Proof
Where Are You Tonight Tom Johnson - Where Are You Tonight
Local Girls Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band - Local Girls
Under The Board Walk The Drifters - Under the Boardwalk
Wth This Ring The Drifters - With This Ring
Got The Rhythm Too Much Sylvia - Got the Rhythm
 

Non-Traditional

Most of the die-hard shag dancers that I have talked to will tell you "I love beach music, but I like other stuff too. No reason to limit my options." So here are a handfull of songs that are defitely not Beach Music, but still great for dancing Shag.

Meant To Be Bebe Rexha - Meant to Be
If This Is IT Huey Lewis and the News - If This Is It
Dancin', Shaggin' on the Boulevard Alabama - Dancin’, Shaggin’ on the Boulevard
Lover, Lover Jerrod Niemann - Lover, Lover
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Kid Rock - Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
 

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Calendar icon
ONLINE Dance Classes:

Events are hosted by Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center.

Online classes are easy, once you try it. You do not need a partner; you do not need a fancy space. You do not have to share your picture or video.

All events require a Zoom link (included below), but not a Zoom account.

All events offer a variety of payment amounts and payment is not actually required. If you are strapped for funds, for any reason, please still dance with us! If you have the means, please consider paying a little extra for your classes, like you would tip a server at your favorite restaurant. It will go towards paying our rent and utilities until we can get back on the dancefloor (hopefully soon!). We love you all and believe you deserve the chance to dance as often as possible.

To help with check in, please email your registration with your name(s) and workshop date before the day of the workshop.

     
Upper Level


Monday, June 8, 7pm - Salsa What’s Next Workshop
Keeping with the outside roll theme, we'll be taking a look at turns that travel, just a little, in this dance.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Previous Salsa experience required - this class will be fast and challenging
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984

Monday, June 8, 8pm - International Rally West Coast Swing
We'll be breaking down the choreography of the 2020 International West Coast Swing Rally every week of June. This week we will focus on Parts A & B.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Previous WCS experience required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984


CTAM

   

Friday, June 12, 7pm - Rumba Beginner Dance Workshop
Join the friendly instructors at Sapphire Ballroom for a low-key beginner-friendly look at this fun, sometimes sexy dance.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
 

Upper Level   Saturday, June 13, 11am - Saturday Morning Shag Class
Are you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us Saturday mornings in June (maybe beyond!) for a hour of Carolina Shag.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! No experience or partner required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732
Upper Level


Monday, June 15, 7pm - Fox Trot What’s Next Workshop
Fancy spins and small spaces - they go together like A Wink and A Smile.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Level 1 Fox Trot
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984

Monday, June 15, 8pm - International Rally West Coast Swing
We'll be breaking down the choreography of the 2020 International West Coast Swing Rally every week of June. This week we will focus on Part C.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Previous WCS experience required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
 

CTAM

    Friday, June 19, 7pm - Single Time Swing Beginner Dance Workshop
Get friendly with the fundamental steps of Single Time Swing (the easier Swing) all in the safety of your own kitchen, dining room - wherever!
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
 
Upper Level   Saturday, June 20, 11am - Saturday Morning Shag Class
Are you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us Saturday mornings in June (maybe beyond!) for a hour of Carolina Shag.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! No experience or partner required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732
Line Dance   Saturday, June 20, 8pm - Line Dance with Lisa
With an exciting combination of beginner friendly and more challenging dances, as well as tips on how to jazz up any choreography, this workshop will get your toes tapping in no time.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! Beginner and advanced line dancers will find lots to love at this workshop.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87992146924
 
Upper Level


Monday, June 22, 7pm - Rumba What’s Next Workshop
Just like Salsa, we'll be taking a look at turns that travel, just a little, in this dance.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Level 1 Rumba
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984

Monday, June 22, 8pm - International Rally West Coast Swing
We'll be breaking down the choreography of the 2020 International West Coast Swing Rally every week of June. This week we will focus on Parts C & D.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Attendence at the June 15 workshop or knowledge of the material required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984 

CTAM

    Friday, June 26, 7pm - Hustle Beginner Dance Workshop
Tune in this Friday to learn the basics of the dance that made the Disco Inferno "burn, baby, burn."
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888968088
 
Upper Level   Saturday, June 27, 11am - Saturday Morning Shag Class
Are you dreaming of going to the beach? Want a mini vacation without the fuss of traveling? Join us Saturday mornings in June (maybe beyond!) for a hour of Carolina Shag.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! No experience or partner required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85706482732
Upper Level



Monday, June 29, 7pm - Waltz What’s Next Workshop
Perhaps a closer look at Cross Body Leads is in order.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Level 1 Waltz
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984

Monday, June 29, 8pm - International Rally West Coast Swing
We'll be breaking down the choreography of the 2020 International West Coast Swing Rally every week of June. This week we will running the whole thing.
Suggested cost: $9/person
Prerequisite: Previous attendence at IRWCS workshops required.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89290202984
 

 

 

Because of Independence Day, there will be no Beginner Dance Workshop on July 3 and no Saturday Morning Shag on July 4.

All of our online events are listed at http://www.sapphiredance.com/onlinelessons.htm

For more information about anything or to register for any of these classes, please email us at info@sapphiredance.com.

 

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Thanks for reading; we hope you found something you liked. Until we see you again, happy dancing!

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Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center
30 W Main Street, Suite C, Christiansburg, VA  24073 - 540-382-8782
www.SapphireDance.com