I've gotten a huge number of requests for more, as well as a
few complaints, about the avenues our DJs in the swing community have
been taking. For every single derogatory remark, I usually get at least
twenty joyful responses. Quite a spread in the majority, please note
-- MOST are LIKING every little thing that's new and challenging.
I dare say you have all heard what I'm about to say before...be
assured, you will be reminded again and again....and someday you may
even finally get it. Be patient, be courteous, be happy.
Our DJs are doing us a favor. They often play at our swing events
for absolutely nothing except the pleasure of helping us to dance. They
often spend a lot of time plus gads and gads of their OWN money to
purchase and arrange music -- do you really believe our paltry annual
dues or door fees to the clubs cover these things? It goes to purchase
the hall(s). Not pay our volunteers. It's been a long time since you
could purchase a CD for $6.00, much less computers and other equipment.
Instructors have the same lot: they are GIVING of their time and oodles
of money they've spent on their own personal lessons to become better
instructors FOR you. Both DJs and instructors pay for their own travel
to other parts of the country to see and hear what's going on and are
anxious to bring it home with them!
We cannot help our individual tastes in music and dance. We can only
hope that our DJs will mix up the music enough to fit a majority of the
audience's needs and wants. Just because a person prefers blondes over
brunettes, does it make the brunette less beautiful? Same thing with
music. Same thing with the styles of dance or dance types. We should
all hope that our DJs and instructors are keeping up with the times and
bringing us fresh ideas. It is the job of the DJs and
the instructors to see when the floor is full and when it's emptying and
to make changes to get it filled again.
It is the job of EVERY club member to support our DJ and instructor
efforts to bring in new people so that our clubs do not die out for lack
of advancement.
Every generation blames the one before -- I bet most of your parents
hated (or at least, were baffled by) the music you have grown to love.
I'm sure our children and their children will also have their
favorites. If our dance communities are going to survive, we all have
to grow together and find things to like about the new things as well as
the old. You try to teach your children tolerance and how to approach
something new without bias...it's ok to listen to your own advice
yourselves.
You joined your favorite club(s) and so you get the newsletters and
announcements. If you really cannot find it in your heart to try
something new (or for the young at heart <smile> to try something
"old"), then read your newsletters, see when your favorite DJs are
playing and where and plan your idea of a perfect dance evening
accordingly. Keep the bitterness at home.
It's still all about dancefloor etiquette -- and your mouths, minds,
hearts, souls, and of course, that SWINGING body are all parts of the
whole.
L,
Maria
