Fusion dance is something people are doing all around the world. It is a dance form that brings one or more different dance influences, usually partner dances, together to make something new. For this particular event, there is no basic step, and instead we are focusing on connection to our partner and the music using influences from all the dance backgrounds our community has to offer to re-imagining what is possible through partner dance. I picture a space where people can focus on improving their dance connection by communicating with a partner who doesn't already know what's coming next. I hope we can all improve our dance repertoire to become more well rounded dancers and find the joy and creativity of doing something new.
Yes, there is structure and we encourage you to take our foundation skills and
intermediate/advanced material class at the beginning of every event. Although there is not a basic step or set types of movement you can do, we are still keeping the structure of social dance, and, if anything, hoping to understand those foundational elements of structure in a lot more depth. Although dance is a subjective skill, it does require practice and artistry.
Elements of fusion dance:
a You: Ability to control your momentum and center of weight, a wide repertoire of dance movement to express different tempos, emotions, and qualities
b Your partner: Communicating with another person so you can create movement together with a nuanced dynamic connection and frame with the intention of creating a positive shared experience together
c The music: A creative interpretation of the music respecting different musical influences, musical structure, and the tone of the song
d Community: The mentality that we all can learn something from each other and that mistakes or miscommunications during dance are part of the process, openness to viewpoints from different instructors and dance disciplines that may contradict our understanding of dance, the willingness to listen to new explanations of familiar concepts with hope of finding fresh understanding and a drive for a larger depth of knowledge so, when you connect with someone who has a different technical background you can still have a good time
3) What will I learn in class?
We will start with a 30-minute fundamentals class for all levels. It will include information that will help you feel comfortable getting on to the dance floor if it is your very first time and concepts that are useful for experienced dancers to understand in more depth to take their dancing to the next level. The second class is a 45-minute intermediate/advanced class for dancers who have taken classes and danced socially for at least 6 months. The topic and structure of the intermediate/advanced class is teacher’s choice so please give feedback if there is something you would like to work on. The instructors and content of both classes will be different every time.
4) When is it?
The fundamentals class is from 6:45-7:15pm, the intermediate/advanced class is from 7:15-8pm, and the social dance is from 8-11pm
5) How much does it cost?
Each class is $5 and the cover for the social dance is $5 or pay $10 for both classes and the social
Pay at the door or online using paypal (Heather Bridgham email address [email protected])
Please make sure to pay the cover so we can keep the event going, pay the hardworking teachers and DJs, and maybe even bring in a guest instructor from out of town someday. If cost is prohibitive please talk to me because I have been there.
6) Where is it?
Swallowtail Spirits, a local distillery that recently opened a new tasting room on main street in Springfield. Swallowtail has been very generous to let us use their space and they are very excited about supporting our local dance scene so please tip your bartender, get a drink (non-alcoholic options available), and spread the word about their new location.
7) What can I do to support this event?
Please tell your friends and like the page, make suggestions if you have teachers or DJs you would like to see at this event, and be patient since this is all new!
8) Do I need experience?
Beginners are welcome and there is no partner necessary. Please join our fundamentals class from 6:45-7:15pm for an introduction.
9) What do I do if I feel uncomfortable during a dance?
Please be preemptive and try your best to give every dance partner the best experience you can. Some people have different levels of comfort with closer dance embraces, lifts or tricks, or receiving feedback on the dance floor. If you sense that someone is not having fun through their body language ask what you can do to help. If you have an injury it is always a good idea to say something at the start of the dance. If you feel unsafe, please discuss how you are feeling with your dance partner so they can make sure to change their behavior and give both you and future dance partner’s a better experience. Otherwise find a staff member, preferably the event host and get help! Staff members will address the appropriate parties while maintaining confidentiality and try to address the situation as clearly and efficiently as possible. If behavior continuous or anyone’s immediate safety is in jeopardy then the responsible party or parties will be asked to leave and can be asked not to attend future events. Everyone should feel safe on the dance floor no matter what. This includes the ability to say no to a dance, respect for your body in terms of injury prevention and maintenance of personal space, and general respect for you as a person.
