Do I have to know how to dance in order to participate in SSDS events? Not at all. One of our favorite dances, jitterbug/east coast swing is easy to pick up real quick. At the beginning of our Thursday night dances there is a free jitterbug lesson aimed at complete beginners. Do I need to bring a partner? No. During lessons instructors pair everyone at random and rotate partners frequently. During social dancing, most dancers like to dance with a variety of dancers. As a matter of fact, it is uncommon to have consecutive dances with the same partner. Do women ask men for a dance? Quite often. The atmosphere is very friendly at SSDS events, and it is quite acceptable and common for women to ask men if they would like to dance. What is the age range of people who attend dance events? There is no age restriction to SSDS sponsored events, even when they are held at venues which serve alcohol. Dancers range from high school students to grandparents; specific make-up varies each week. What is the dress code? Dress is casual. Some women wear pants, others wear skirts, but whichever, it's definitely casual and comfortable. Please bring soft-soled, non-marking shoes to protect the wood floor (and for your comfort). Benson Wong has an article, which includes a relevant discussion of dress code, in addition to other subjects. What kind of dances are popular? We play a lot of west coast swing and lindy/jitterbug/east coast music at SSDS dances. Some hustle, cha-cha, salsa and country music is also played. Dj's take requests. Feel free to bring your favorite cds. Is smoking or alcohol allowed at the dances? SSDS events are smoke-free. Our Thursday venue has a bar, and those 21 and over are free to purchase drinks at the bar. Where does all that money go? The money we collect is used to pay rent, insurance, ASCAP and BMI license fees, and other operating costs, to subsidize band dances, workshops, special events, and to purchase music and equipment. Brief reports on SSDS finances can be found in the minutes of business meetings. Are people who organize SSDS events paid? No. SSDS events are organized and run by volunteers. Volunteers who help organize & run weekly dances and special events are given discounted admission. If you want to be involved in organizing any of our activities please come to one of our meetings, which are held at least quarterly or just contact us. How do I become a member of SSDS? Currently there is no formal membership to SSDS, Ltd., a not-for-profit organization. We consider anyone who regularly attends our functions a member. Where can I learn more about swing dancing? Take a look at the swing dancing article at our web site, browse some of the articles on the web... Better yet, come to our dances, take a lesson or two and call us in the morning. What do all those abbreviations like WCS, ECS, CW mean? Ok, here is a non-comprehensive list: WCS -- West Coast Swing ECS -- East Coast Swing NC2S -- Night Club Two Step CW -- Country Western W/S -- workshop Beg, Int, Adv -- Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Levels of lessons If you would like to contribute to this page please let SSDS know. Our appreciation goes to all who contributed to this compilation. You know who you are.
Not at all. One of our favorite dances, jitterbug/east coast swing is easy to pick up real quick. At the beginning of our Thursday night dances there is a free jitterbug lesson aimed at complete beginners.
No. During lessons instructors pair everyone at random and rotate partners frequently. During social dancing, most dancers like to dance with a variety of dancers. As a matter of fact, it is uncommon to have consecutive dances with the same partner.
Quite often. The atmosphere is very friendly at SSDS events, and it is quite acceptable and common for women to ask men if they would like to dance.
There is no age restriction to SSDS sponsored events, even when they are held at venues which serve alcohol. Dancers range from high school students to grandparents; specific make-up varies each week.
Dress is casual. Some women wear pants, others wear skirts, but whichever, it's definitely casual and comfortable. Please bring soft-soled, non-marking shoes to protect the wood floor (and for your comfort). Benson Wong has an article, which includes a relevant discussion of dress code, in addition to other subjects.
We play a lot of west coast swing and lindy/jitterbug/east coast music at SSDS dances. Some hustle, cha-cha, salsa and country music is also played. Dj's take requests. Feel free to bring your favorite cds.
SSDS events are smoke-free. Our Thursday venue has a bar, and those 21 and over are free to purchase drinks at the bar.
The money we collect is used to pay rent, insurance, ASCAP and BMI license fees, and other operating costs, to subsidize band dances, workshops, special events, and to purchase music and equipment. Brief reports on SSDS finances can be found in the minutes of business meetings.
No. SSDS events are organized and run by volunteers. Volunteers who help organize & run weekly dances and special events are given discounted admission. If you want to be involved in organizing any of our activities please come to one of our meetings, which are held at least quarterly or just contact us.
Currently there is no formal membership to SSDS, Ltd., a not-for-profit organization. We consider anyone who regularly attends our functions a member.
Take a look at the swing dancing article at our web site, browse some of the articles on the web... Better yet, come to our dances, take a lesson or two and call us in the morning.
Ok, here is a non-comprehensive list: WCS -- West Coast Swing ECS -- East Coast Swing NC2S -- Night Club Two Step CW -- Country Western W/S -- workshop Beg, Int, Adv -- Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Levels of lessons
If you would like to contribute to this page please let SSDS know. Our appreciation goes to all who contributed to this compilation. You know who you are.
![[SSDS Logo]](Images/ssdslogo.gif)
Frequently Asked Questions
