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| Addict, I am in the same situation. Wish there were more young women, and younger people in general, in ballroom. I'm 29, and the average age does seem to be closer to 50ish, in the Pensacola, FL area. I think there are a number of obstacles: Sky high studio prices, too little exposure/information, not enough actual dance venues, the perception of ballroom as an old people's pastime, the fact that much contemporary music is not danceable, etc...
I would also love to hear form someone with short-term ideas for getting a younger crowd of people in my area involved in ballroom. What works? |
| Gene,
Do you remember the name of the drummer for the Diaboliques?
I was a teen in the mid 60's and loved coming to the civic. I was in a band that played there for a while called "Small World"
John Gulack San Dimas, CA jgulack@roadrunner.com |
| I remember a drummer George Jehl (Not sure of last name) was with them when I played with that band on occasions in 1965 or so. He played with lots of energy. |
| IF I remember correctly (it's been a long time)their regular Tenor Sax player who I subbed for was named Clifford Sweet, and their guitar player was Mike Halaby (not sure of spelling) I don't recall other members by name at this time. This was a fantastic R&B band, one of the best of the era. Steve Sadd - stevesaddmusic@aol.com |
| Where does a couple go in Indianapolis, Indiana, to dance, say, the swing....a couple in their 50's? We don't want a club for young people. Any suggestions? |
| "Club dancing" mainly Salsa, WC Swing, Hustle, etc. seems to be inhabited by a much younger crowd where singles are quite prevalent, and hence a lot of switching partners.
Also, if you get serious about competing in ballroom (which I highly recommend, since it's hard to learn to dance well in social dance instructional venues), you'll need a fixed partner and once you get one you'll be dancing mostly with them.
You might also check any local colleges/universities for their dance clubs, which are often open to outsiders. Don't worry about them being too small -- I've seen tiny colleges with great ballroom programs! |
| When I first got interested in Ballroom Dancing many years ago TV was in its infancy ( most people didn't have one ). If we went out it was to a Dance Hall or the Cinemas to watch a movie. From that some became more interested and went for lessons or to classes or both. They were very affordable. Today the only oeople who can afford are those of the older age group whos children are grown up. The house is probably paid for. They are probably retired. And they have found a hobby which involves both the husband and wife. Where I come from it is possible to attend a dance in the morning afternoon and evening and I kid you not this is seven days a week and at more than one location. And guesse what they are well into their 50's and older. |
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I dont know where you live, but, Salsa and WCS, are not remotely populated by the younger generation ( States side, WCS and Salsa.. and salsa in the UK ) .
Of course, we need to define " younger ".. The locations I have taught and danced in for many yrs, have, for e.g.in some Southern US States a dominant older clientele, and yes, there are clubs that attract the younger crowd .
WCS seems populated by a 25 - 50 age group from my past experience.
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| One year ago I started a Dance & Ballroom studio in Washington State, USA what we see is our average age is 20-35. It seems that the younger crowd has discovered ballroom dancing, Dancing with the Stars has helped with that perception. One thing that has helped us out is our willingness to teach to modern music. The dancers love it and we have had more than one patron come just because we play modern music, my instructor will even ask what music they like to see if there is somthing of that he can teach to. Eventually we get them on the competition and performance music, but to start this has help us a lot! Hope that you find this helpful |
| I have been ballroom and latin dancing for almost 7 years now. I started when I was 8. I dance with my intructor, who just turned 46 a few days ago. At first, for about 2 years, I was the only younger person, then I noticed more and more younger people starting to join. being the only young one is a problem! i think thts what makes us even more special ! :) if you really would like to promote ballroom dance in your town, talk to the studio owner and see if you can make flyers and hang them up around your town. |
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