Organizers

organizers@lists.sharedweight.net

4 participants
515 discussions

Timing of family/community dances and how that impacts attendance?

by Emily Addison

Hi All, Following up from my email just now, I had a question about family/community dances. What timing do you find works best for your early evening family/community dances? And what age groups do you get? Here's my back story: Ottawa Contra Dance's afternoon family dances have been running for 8yrs. They occur from 330-5pm and there is a potluck right after. Despite trying to recruit school-aged children to those dances, we've mostly been getting children in the 0-7 age range. We want to have school-aged children attending our events and so we have JUST have started an early evening community dance (630-730pm) with potluck at 5:15 (advanced contra dance finishes at 5pm; contra beginner cont lesson for the evening dance starts at 730pm ... it's a tight but good fit). People who attend the community dance can stay for the contra beginner lesson and first two contra dances as part of their community dance entry. (We also have a little corner with a rug for kids to hang out in if parents want to contra dance but kids not up for it... although kids totally welcome during the contra dances 8-11pm). We've only had three community dances so far and we've had a few school-aged families at each. However, we want to get a lot more out and we do want families with young children also enjoying this dance. (We may or may not phase out our family dances in the future depending on how things evolve.) I'm wondering if we should tweak our timing next year in order to try to engage more families. What if we started the dance at 6pm??? I worry that families wouldn't come as that's supper time. But leaving it much later starts getting into bedtime. ??? ??? With thanks! Emily in Ottawa <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

6 years, 2 months

Follow-up re. the CDSS family/community dance organizers web chat!

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Shared Weight organizers, Last week's CDSS webchat on family and community dance organizing is now available online: https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/organizers#cdss-web-chats. I learned a lot that my local group (Ottawa Contra Dance) can apply for our afternoon family dances and our early evening community dances --- it's well worth the listen! ***Do any of you have questions about family/community dance organizing?*** It seems like a perfect time for us to talk about these topics on Shared Weight. :) AND - if you just joined Shared Weight organizers over the last few days because you heard about it during the web chat - welcome! Emily in Ottawa <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

6 years, 2 months

outdoor dances in parks?

by Chrissy Fowler

Anyone have tips/advice for ways to successfully structure a free (no charge) outdoor dance series for the general public in public parks? * Logistics * Sound * Tips for dancing on grass/pavement * Dance repertoire * Promotion, including language to help welcome in non-dancers * Hydration that doesn't involve single-use plastic bottles from aquifer- draining profiteers (ooops, crankpot editorializing...) * Add-ons * Other We're working with our parks & rec director and other local groups to produce a series this summer. Would love any 'hot tips" from the hive. Cheers, Chrissy Fowler Belfast Flying Shoes, Belfast ME ** ** ** Dance Calling | Transcription | Belfast Flying Shoes chrissyfowler.com<http://www.chrissyfowler.com> | westbranchwords.com<http://www.westbranchwords.com> | belfastflyingshoes.org/blog<http://www.belfastflyingshoes.org/blog> <http://www.chrissyfowler.com> (207) 338-0979

6 years, 2 months

CDSS web chat THIS Thursday on organizing dances that include young children and all ages

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Shared Weight organizers, CDSS has a free web chat coming up this Thursday! The topic is organizing dances that include young children and all ages ----> there are some FANTASTIC speakers lined up. Pre-registration is required in order to receive the online access information. See some of you there! Emily Addison * * * * *Next CDSS Web Chat on 4/4* It’s not too late to sign up for the next CDSS web chat on *Thurs Apr 4* from 8:30-9:30 pm EDT! It’s for *organizers of dances that include young children and all ages. *Organizers of four thriving family and community dances in CA, NC, PA, and ME will share their stories and advice. To register, submit the *online RSVP form <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcA0RodctE8qX-h-yCIKKDjXN16fwtS6Z…>* ASAP (by 4/2 if possible). This live chat also includes time for Q&A, so bring YOUR questions. Hope you can join us!

6 years, 2 months

Tweets

by Mary Collins

How many groups tweet? What hashtags (#) do you use? Do you have followers?

6 years, 3 months

Registration open for next CDSS web chat: Family/Community Dance Organizer Unite!

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Shared Weight Organizers, A heads up that registration for the next CDSS web chat is currently open. (The web chat is FREE!) *Web chat date: *April 4 2019 *Topic:* Family/Community Dance Organizers Unite! *More info: *Do you know any organizers of dances that include young children and all ages? If so, please share this announcement about our next web chat on Thursday, April 4 from 8:30-9:30 pm EDT. Organizers of thriving family and community dances from far and wide will share their stories and advice, including time for Q&A. *How to register:* To join the web chat (by computer of phone), go to https://goo.gl/Yo25Bu and submit the online RSVP form by March 28. Several days prior to the web chat we’ll send instructions via email about how to join the call on April 4th. Even if you can’t join us on this date, send an RSVP to receive announcements about future web chats. *Past web chats:* Check out our previous web chats to hear tried-and-true stories about Boosting Attendance, Creating a Thriving Open Band, and Increasing Youth Involvement. https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/organizers#cdss-web-chats <https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/organizers#cdss-web-chats> *Questions?* Contact Linda Henry: linda(a)cdss.org

6 years, 3 months

Re: [Organizers] The benefits of increased attendance --- your ideas? - follow up

by Emily Addison

Hi Mac, Jack, Kimbi, and Alex, Thanks so much for chiming in on this topic. Some great points including some of the potential disadvantages to a larger crowd! I was thinking only in terms of advantages as the resource I'm working on is about revenue sources (e.g., 10 more dancers means 10 X the admission fee). However, it's so true that there can be disadvantages. Currently working through over 100 pages of 'revenue source' information that folks have sent in or that I've pulled from previous conversations. So I'll likely have some more questions for the group. I really appreciate any insights you are willing to share ----> it will definitely help strengthen this resource! Emily On Tue, Feb 26, 2019 at 10:19 AM Jack Mitchell <jmitchell.nc(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Also, larger numbers also generally mean that ability levels average out a > bit. With a really small dance, two or three people who are really > struggling can make the whole dance fall apart, or mean that the caller has > to choose especially simple dances to avoid meltdowns, where with larger > groups, it is possible to handle more new dancers with the support of the > experienced dancers. > > > On Mon, Feb 25, 2019 at 2:58 PM Mac Mckeever via Organizers < > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> To expand on your first item: >> >> Higher dancer density (up to a point) increases the excitement level. >> You can take a really great event and double the size of the room and the >> energy level will decline. >> >> Increasing attendance in the same hall will increase energy, excitement >> and enjoyment up to a point - then it starts getting crowded and everything >> does down hill from there (including dancer safety) >> >> So increasing attendance isn't always a good thing - unless you have a >> bigger hall to move to. >> >> Mac McKeever >> >> On Monday, February 25, 2019, 12:45:52 PM CST, Emily Addison via >> Organizers <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: >> >> >> Hi All! >> >> Can I pick your brain on a project that I'm working on for CDSS? It >> relates to revenue sources for dances. >> >> Probably the obvious way to increase revenue is by increasing >> attendance.... although I know this can be extremely hard. >> >> I'm wondering - other than revenue, what are other benefits to having >> more dancers at your event? Here's a list that I've started.... >> >> More dancers results in: >> >> -The dance feeling like a more exciting event …. “the place to be” >> >> -More people available to invite their friends next time. (As we know – >> the best way to get new dancers is through word-of-mouth) >> >> More people to support your events moving forward (i.e., as volunteers, >> donors, etc) >> >> -More options for dance partners – which can be helpful for certain >> dancers! >> >> -Potential for a more diverse crowd in terms of age, experience, >> ethnicity, gender identity, etc. >> >> >> Any insight welcome!!! >> >> >> With thanks :) >> >> Emily in Ottawa >> >> >> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. >> www.avg.com >> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> >> <#m_-2608217733018718454_m_4047465594421407441_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> >> _______________________________________________ >> Organizers mailing list >> Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net >> _______________________________________________ >> Organizers mailing list >> Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net >> > -- > Jack Mitchell > Durham, NC >

6 years, 3 months

Notes from the Dance Flurry organizer discussion on February 17th

by Emily Addison

I know some of you were at the Flurry discussion so I should have also flagged that the notes from that discussion are also out as part of the new Shop Talk. Flurry notes here: https://www.cdss.org/images/organizers-resources/dance-flurry-session-summa… <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

6 years, 3 months

February issue of Shop Talk - lots of organizer resources

by Emily Addison

Hi fellow Shared Weight organizers, The February issue of Shop Talk is now out! (Shop talk is a CDSS e-newsletter for dance, music and song organizers.) View the full issue here: https://conta.cc/2Ef3WqK NOTE: If you aren't yet subscribed, I encourage you to join. There is a link at the top of the latest issue. The February issue includes a number of new resources as well as information about upcoming learning opportunities. Three highlights are: 1. A new 'how to' resource on facilitating organizer discussions to help YOU organizer your own organizer discussion at dance weekends/festivals/camps OR on your own stand-alone event. 2. A collection of inspiring print promotional material from over 50 communities throughout North America. 3. A link to register for CDSS's next web chat on April 4th. The topic of the next chat is family and community dances! Enjoy :) Emily Addison Consultant for the Country Dance and Song Society <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

6 years, 3 months

The benefits of increased attendance --- your ideas?

by Emily Addison

Hi All! Can I pick your brain on a project that I'm working on for CDSS? It relates to revenue sources for dances. Probably the obvious way to increase revenue is by increasing attendance.... although I know this can be extremely hard. I'm wondering - other than revenue, what are other benefits to having more dancers at your event? Here's a list that I've started.... More dancers results in: -The dance feeling like a more exciting event …. “the place to be” -More people available to invite their friends next time. (As we know – the best way to get new dancers is through word-of-mouth) More people to support your events moving forward (i.e., as volunteers, donors, etc) -More options for dance partners – which can be helpful for certain dancers! -Potential for a more diverse crowd in terms of age, experience, ethnicity, gender identity, etc. Any insight welcome!!! With thanks :) Emily in Ottawa <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

6 years, 3 months

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Organizers