(Updated: 09.01.03)
It is very important to find a place to
practice that welcomes competitors. Most social dance parties change their music per
dance (or 2 dances), as they want to provide interest and variety for their
customers. However, when you're trying to practice a particular amalgamation in a
particular dance, it can be quite frustrating when the music suddenly switches over to a
new dance. That's why competitor practices with longer cycles of songs are often
more conducive for practice.
In an ideal world, it would be great if
competitor practices were exclusively for competitors. That way, we wouldn't have to
worry about bumping into others, as we do it all the time on the competition floor.
However, since there is not enough of us to support the local dance halls in Vancouver,
competitor practices often include social dancers. Take it as an opportunity to
practice your floor craft, as this can be prove to be a very valuable asset in the
competition arena.
Competitor Practices in Vancouver:
Sundays
The Grand Ballroom
Unit #120-13720 Mayfield Place
Richmond, BC Canada V6V 2E4
Phone: 604-273-3130
Time: 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Cost: $5/person or $3/member
The main floor is used for Standard,
while the practice floor in the back is used for Latin.
There is a set minidisk that is played throughout the session, consisting of each
of the 5 dances, with 5-7 songs per dance. At
the very end of the practice session, the 5 dances are played singly.
Mondays
The Crystal Ballroom
768 W W Marine Dr.
Vancouver, BC
V6P 5Y768 ne
Drive
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Cost: $3/person
This is a Standard-only practice. A set CD is played, which consists of each of the
5-dances, being repeated in cycles of 3. i.e.
3 W, 3 T, 3 VW, 3 SF, 3 QS. The cycle is
repeated twice, and then there is a 5-dance simulation.
Any remaining time left over is filled with a few Waltzes.
Tuesdays
Fitness Dance Centre (41st & Fraser)
2nd Floor 5780 Fraser St.
Vancouver, BC Canada
Time: 8:30pm-10:30pm
Cost: $4/person
This is not a competitor-only practice. It is a Standard-only social evening that welcomes
competitors. A set CD is played, consisting
of about 5 songs per Standard dance. After
10:30pm, the regular Standard and Latin social evening resumes.
Danny's Dance
2605 E Pender
Vancouver, BC Canada
604-683-2479
Time: 8:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $4/person
This is not a competitor-only practice. It is a Standard-only social evening that welcomes
competitors. Cycles of 6 songs per dance are played, except for 2 songs per Viennese
Waltz. This pattern is repeated until 10:00pm, at which time the regular party
music, consisting of 2 Standard and 2 Latin dances resumes.
Thursdays
Danny's Dance
2605 E Pender
Vancouver, BC Canada
604-683-2479
Time: 8:30pm-11:30pm
Cost: $4/person
This is not a competitor-only practice. It is a social evening that welcomes competitors.
Cycles of 4 songs per Standard dance, then 2 songs per Latin dance are played and
repeated until 11:30pm.
Saturdays
The Crystal Ballroom
768 W W Marine Dr.
Vancouver, BC
V6P 5Y768 ne
Drive
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Cost: $3/person
This is a Latin-only practice.
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