Dance Clubs
My experience of the clubs today are usually more made of dedicated individuals in a shared space
like a university or VFW hall or even a church rather than a physical dance space.
Hip hop and Lindy Hop can compliment each other these days as well- and there has
been an influence of the dances on each other.
Swing dancing still has a pretty good following, and the swing clubs of today reflect that. I love how you will find that a
swing dance or Lindy experience in Manhattan, Los Angeles or San Francisco will be different in
subtle (and some times not so subtle) ways than if you in let's Chicago or Boston.
I like to take a basic lesson in a new city to see how they do it. There's always something to pick up.
I prefer swing dance clubs to disco and techo clubs, and the places where people kind of just flop
around to the music and get drunk. I also think it's generally safer as well.
And I also think they tend to have alot more fun!
Staying Safe when Swing or Lindy Hop Dancing In the City
Swing and Lindy Hop Dance events tend to be alcohol free. While many events can end early,
they don't
always - and as a result, don't need to close down when others are finishing last
call. This is great when having a late night of dancing, but it also calls for some
vigilance once you decide to leave and make your way home.
I had a friend who was almost robbed one evening- on the way to her car from a club she frequented.
Had it not been for the can of pepper spray in her purse, her story might have been more than just being scared.
All it took was one time of not paying attention and not noticing the guy following her. I wish I'd been there- personally I carry a small air taser and I would have been fine with using it on the guy.
Keep an eye out when you leave these places! It's amazing to me that so many are
aware of how people think of home security items or having a
dog but fail to take proper precautions when going out.
If it's quiet see if you can walk with a group. If it's crowded and noisy, that
is usually good since most people who are trying to do something wrong stay away from crowded areas. Get to your car, bus, taxi or train while
everyone is around. Keep your purse close to you. Avoid carrying your wallet in your back pocket. You know. Common sense stuff.
If you are parked in a darker area, a safety light might work well- something that can emit alot of light. Again, It is a way to draw attention, which is not what a thief or worse wants.
Keep basic auto safety supplies in your trunk if you are driving like a blanket, first aid kit, a reflector, a flare, a spare tire at the very least.
I know this sounds like alot and not the usual thing you might expect to find on this topic but with just a little preventive thinking, the whole experience of dancing anywhere can be that much more enjoyable! |
