Here is our third newsletter for 2025.
So we are well into the year now, with a good crop of new dancers in most of the easy level classes. Welcome to you all.
Information below on:
- 2025 Regular Socials
- Class Changes
- LDSA Travel Update
- Dance Floor Etiquette
See you on the dance floor,
Liz & Peter Heath and the Instructor Team
|
|
2025 Regular Socials
The remaining social dates for this year are as follows:
- Sunday 27th April 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 1st June 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 13th July 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 17th August 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 21st September 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 2nd November 1:30pm to 5:00pm
- Sunday 30th November 1:30pm to 5:00pm - Christmas Theme
The Address is: West Croydon and Kilkenny RSL, 19 Rosetta St, West Croydon.
Dancing starts at 1.30pm and concludes at 5pm at a cost of $15 (cash only). The program is run by request, and everyone gets a request form when they enter, to nominate 5 dances they would like to do. We try to ensure that you get at least one of those, but we only do about 5 Intermediate dances during the session, so don't just ask for really hard ones (or lots of unusual ones), or you could miss out altogether.
We have decided not to offer meals beforehand this year, as they were not being well supported and it was not economical for the caterers. Instead, we will return to the format we were using long before Covid-19, with a break about half way through, where we share a combined afternoon tea/supper for 20 minutes. Please bring a small plate of food to share with your fellow dancers. We will have minimal fridge space, and a pie warmer, but no oven, so please don’t bring food that needs cooking or defrosting. We feel this is a better way to assist people to mix and chat. Doors will open 30 minutes before the starting time.
|
|
|
CLASS CHANGES
The following classes will be closing due to insufficient support.
- Osborne Thursday Morning Mainstream will be closing at the start of May 2025
- Payneham Thursday Afternoon Crossover is now closed
- Seaton Wednesday Night Easy will be in recess after 2nd April 2025 till there are sufficient interested regular dancers to restart it. If you are interested in attending this class on a regular basis, please contact Peter.
|
|
|
LDSA Travel Update
We are pleased to announce two new travel adventures for you to consider.
2026 - Turkiye (Mid April)
Originally this holiday was created as a small addition to our Egypt river cruise. The itinerary for this pre-cruise trip has now grown to a 14 day private exploration of this mysterious country. In previous discussions, some people mentioned already having done Egypt, but showing interest in Turkiye. So here is your chance. You can travel with the 10 travellers already booked on the cruise, and just depart for home as the rest head to Cairo.
2026 - Egypt (Early May)
We still have a hold on a few cabins on the full Egypt river cruise itinerary, should you wist to join us. You can do this without the Turkiye component, or do both.
2027 - Greece, the Adriatic Sea, Italy and Malta (August)
Originally, we had planned a longer cruise finishing in Spain, but that was too costly for most people. We have decided to reduce the length of the cruise to 15 days and save the rest for another time. After optionally spending 5 days touring Greece, we will embark on a Viking Coastal Cruise (not Mid Ocean) in Athens on the 7th August. The cruise will conclude in Rome 15 days later. After a couple of days in Rome we will optionally fly to the island of Malta for 6 days before returning home.
Free Travel Into Session - 10th April 2025
We are running another free LDSA travel introduction session on Thursday 10th April, from 6-8pm at the Vermont Uniting Church, 576 Cross Rd (Cnr New St). Our travel agent Niesh, and a national representative from Viking Jo, will be in attendance and free finger food and bubbly will be provided. Please RSVP ASAP if you, or someone you know, would like to attend, so we can ensure sufficient catering.
Be aware, that these are not line dance holidays, anyone that would like to join us are welcome. Line dancing is just a vehicle to collect like minded travellers together to explore places that we personally have not been. Apart from the cruise line component, the additional sessions are private tours with our own guides and drivers, and run by very experienced tour leaders with decades of group travel stories to share and learn from.
- 2028 - This one is still in the planning stages, but we intend to spend time in Finland prior to a Scandinavian/Baltic cruise, and spend some time traveling in Switzerland after the cruise. Any suggestions for itinerary content will be considered.
|
|
|
Dance Floor Etiquette - Reprint
Reprinted from Josh Talbot in Sydney
It's that time of year again to remind you "Floor Etiquette" is a thing!
It's common to have a preferred spot on the dance floor, in class, or at social events. However, it's important to remember that if someone is occupying "your spot," you should graciously find an alternative until it's free again. No one has exclusive rights to any area of the floor, chair, or table, so please show consideration for your fellow dancers and avoid displacing anyone just to secure your comfort.
Once the dance has begun, it is important to navigate the dance floor with caution. Should you need to exit, opt for the most direct path off the floor, not merely the most convenient one for your destination. If you're joining a dance already in progress, secure a position along the side or back to prevent disrupting those who are already dancing DO NOT try and make your way into a centre spot, even if it just one or two lines in. It's unpleasant for dancers to encounter someone cutting through their line to enter or leave the dance floor.
While student-to-student assistance is valuable, it's important to consider that you may be offering help at the same time they are trying to listen to their instructor. Ideally, wait for a break before providing assistance.
If you wish to converse with a fellow dancers, please step away from the dance floor, particularly during a class. What might seem like minor chatter to you is quite distracting to someone who is concentrating.
In beginner classes, it's important for experienced students to remain on the dance floor to assist newcomers. Sitting aside until the music starts may intimidate beginners who might feel observed. A bit of guidance can make a significant difference. However, it's crucial to let them observe your movements without attempting to instruct them. Refrain from adding step variations; even if you're familiar with the dance, follow the teacher's directions.
All other level classes, please avoid variations unless permitted. This is because newcomers may find additional spins disconcerting as they're still learning or perhaps the dance has just been taught. Not everyone learns at the same pace. please keep variations for social events.
Everyone begins at some point, so if you notice a newcomer having difficulties, extend a helping hand by guiding their steps or reducing additional turns during socials. When you spot someone sitting by themselves, greet them with a friendly smile and invite them to join you. For many, Line Dancing is not just about dancing, but a way to make new friends and something to look forward to each week!
We've all come here by choice, so take pleasure in your dance, be mindful of those around you, and don't forget to smile. "Dance because you want to!"
|
|
|
|
|