PDA

View Full Version : Utopia reviews (10/03/07)



Spin dryer
10th-March-2007, 03:06 AM
Yet another great night. The Utopia experience is consistently good.

I barely left the floor all night and still hadn't danced with everyone I wanted to by the end of the evening.

Finishing the night with a handbag dance to Boogie 2Nite was a great communal experience. Amazing how many people were there who were dancing to the same track at 6.30am last Sunday at Camber.

We didn't get to hear "In Public", the dirty dancers were very restrained, and there weren't any fights!

fletch
10th-March-2007, 10:34 AM
Don't tell me you missed the fight :rolleyes: it was all over by the time you got there,:na: I managed to wrestle Marc to the floor to get me (beaver) back, :whistle: only to discover I have now left my dress in the cloak room and my camera on the table.:tears:

I couldn't get into the music last night, i'm just an old fashioned girl there wasn't enough for me to sing a long to, you know the feeling you get when a track comes on and you go ...ooooo I love this one and start looking around for a man to dance with. :(

I did have some special dances two with Frank oooo I just love your foot work,:worthy: and Simon R I didn't quite keep up:what: but I didn't make a complete twonk of myself I don't think.:flower:

I love the track at the end of the evening, I will have to talk to OXO'S about Utopia this Friday, i'm not sure if they will get the concept in Evesham, they will probably think its just 'Fletch' handbag dancing again.:eek:

Got home at 3.45 see you all at Hammersmith tonight :sick:


:flower:

ElaineB
10th-March-2007, 11:09 AM
A very good night and worth getting home this morning at 3.40am! I couldn't believe it when it was announced that there were only two more tracks to go - I thought it was about 11.00pm!

Lovely to see Frank and Sheena again - Frank, your footwork and expression are soooo cool! I think I counted five Ladies queing to dance with you at one time :respect:

Thanks as ever for the dances, although one Gentleman owes me a few more I think? :wink: :D

Elaine
xx

Minnie M
10th-March-2007, 11:17 AM
........Lovely to see Frank and Sheena again - Frank, your footwork and expression are soooo cool........
:yeah: :clap: :yeah:
Wasn't it - so lovely to see them both - didn't get my dance with Franck though :tears: but DID get a dance with the lovely Simon :drool: (thanks Elaine) just as wonderful to see you two :yeah: :clap: :yeah:

Loved the last dance too, and those Trouble Sisters can dance bag boogie :respect: but my fave on that last dance was Dave the Scafolder :blush: (you rock babe :worthy: ) - Gav and were watching with amazement :D

Well done VDV and a special thank you to "Behind the Scenes" Bill - such a lovely man and he worked so hard yesterday

Roll-on April 13th :clap: :clap:

BTW lovely to meet the new Fletcherette - great dancer - thanks :hug:

Trousers
10th-March-2007, 11:22 AM
Got home at 3.45 see you all at Hammersmith tonight :sick:
:flower:

:rofl: :rofl:

You should buy a campervan!



Now this did start off as a sensible suggestion and I even went to look at suitable Vehicles but then I found This (http://www.jcleisure.com/922.htm)

Compact or what! :what:

Then there was This (http://www.jcleisure.com/12.htm)

These are both daft in their own right but can you imagine the poor sod who walked up to either of these as Fletch tried to unravel to escape from either dressed in a posh frock to go dancing!

fletch
10th-March-2007, 11:35 AM
BTW lovely to meet the new Fletcherette - great dancer - thanks :hug:


I hope he wasn't inappropriate with you Minnie :whistle:






You should buy a campervan!



These are both daft in their own right but can you imagine the poor sod who walked up to either of these as Fletch tried to unravel to escape from either dressed in a posh frock to go dancing!

I did look at changing my car for a convertible recently, but decided I wouldn't be able to get all my suff in it for weekenders and it would properly blow my hair:sick: so i'm keeping the people carrier (Fletchmoblie) well the Fletcherette's need transport,:grin: anyone remember 'Josie and the Pussycats' :grin:



:clap:

Sparkles
10th-March-2007, 11:41 AM
I enjoyed Utopia last night. The music was really good and hit a real high towards the end of the night. Lots of my favourite dancers there :worthy: and great atmosphere and lighting as before - the crew obviously continue to work very hard to make the evening a success.

I did feel it was very slightly too crowded near the beginning of the night and my perception was that there were a few too many ladies (sorry ladies :flower: ) - fighting for a dance and sitting out are not my favourite ways to spend the evening :(. However, these are very minor points, as luckily it is also a great social occasion, so I had friends to chat with while I was sitting out :hug:.

Roll on the next one! :clap:

Lory
10th-March-2007, 11:43 AM
These are both daft in their own right!
This is much more suitable for Fletch! :wink:

Lory
10th-March-2007, 11:47 AM
Everything Sparkles said!
Thanks for writing that, you've saved me the job.. cos you've expressed my feelings perfectly! :cheers:

Cruella
10th-March-2007, 11:52 AM
I agree with Sparkles, I thought there seemed to be a few women sitting out too. At all the previous Utopias I have never had to chase people for a dance (sorry Franck, but you kept running. :D ) Music and atmosphere, as usual superb. Best of all, so many white shirts! :drool:

LMC
10th-March-2007, 02:03 PM
Agree with the 'too many ladies' comments, I thought it was just me!

I hate stalking, but confess that a couple of hours in, I did, 'cos I felt that one dance with Franck was fair :blush:

First time I've been - lovely venue. It is great to have that more challenging music 'available' outside a weekender environment. But, although it's wonderful to hear different and sometimes completely unfamiliar music being played, I did start feeling a bit overwhelmed by the challenge. The beauty of different rooms at a weekender is being able to 'warm up' in the comfort zone of the main room with some energising faster dances (and go back there for a mental rest) before going into/back to the blues room where I find that the music is generally more challenging to interpret. So it took me a while to get into last night - but once I did, it was a good 'un :nice:

Had some fabulous dances - including with a couple of unknowns. Sadly I had to leave just after midnight as yet another old injury was playing up (I'm a loose woman, falling to bits). But even so, Utopia was a good night for me. Thanks all :nice:

Rocky
10th-March-2007, 05:06 PM
Agree with the 'too many ladies' comments, I thought it was just me!

I hate stalking, but confess that a couple of hours in, I did, 'cos I felt that one dance with Franck was fair :blush:

First time I've been - lovely venue. It is great to have that more challenging music 'available' outside a weekender environment. But, although it's wonderful to hear different and sometimes completely unfamiliar music being played, I did start feeling a bit overwhelmed by the challenge. The beauty of different
rooms at a weekender is being able to 'warm up' in the comfort zone of the main room with some energising faster dances (and go back there for a mental rest) before going into/back to the blues room where I find that the music is generally more challenging to interpret. So it took me a while to get into last night - but once I did, it was a good 'un :nice:

Had some fabulous dances - including with a couple of unknowns. Sadly I had to leave just after midnight as yet another old injury was playing up (I'm a loose woman, falling to bits). But even so, Utopia was a good night for me. Thanks all :nice:

Thanks for everyone's kind comments. Just as regards the 'extra' ladies, there were actually 3 guys over last night on the gender balance so that is a little bit of a mystery - there wasn't football on in the bar last night was there??

Maybe the guys felt intimated by the big Scottish personality dominating the floor with the baguette in his pants:whistle:

Hevmate
10th-March-2007, 05:20 PM
Maybe the guys felt intimated by the big Scottish personality dominating the floor with the baguette in his pants:whistle:
:rofl: TOO FUNNY! wheely chair shot back, hit the shelves... ouch! snigger
Has to be said though, Mr David Rokov, you sooo know how to slow dance, you still came 2nd to baguette man though:grin: :whistle:

Lovely night , thanks

foxylady
10th-March-2007, 05:21 PM
Thanks for everyone's kind comments. Just as regards the 'extra' ladies, there were actually 3 guys over last night on the gender balance so that is a little bit of a mystery - there wasn't football on in the bar last night was there??

Maybe the guys felt intimated by the big Scottish personality dominating the floor with the baguette in his pants:whistle:

Thats very strange. It certainly felt like there were too many women and that you had to stalk to get a dance. Once you were on the dance floor it was easy to stay on, but once you left, it was hard to get back on. It was also too crowded for me, as I felt that whoever I was dancing with and I had to concentrate on floorcraft more than interpreting the music which wasn't the case at the first Utopia (I was unable to make the last one due to the Southport Lurgy)...

maybe the women that were there were fussier than the men :whistle::whistle:

Foxy

dave the scaffolder
10th-March-2007, 05:23 PM
Well well what a difference a positive attitude makes. Had a great night at Utopia last night danced my little socks off.

Best dance of the night for me was with Top Bird, a truly mustard dancer, i just wish i was a beter dancer to stretch her.

Atmosphere was marvellous and i danced with everybody that i could have.

I have now been well and truly Fletched.

Music was great, was there a discernable difference from last time? Or is it me?

I have stopped trying to be the best now, and i am now just enjoying each night for what it is. Sometimes we as dancers can back ourselves into a corner and see no way ahead, however when we realise that each dancer is individual we can relax and enjoy each dance for what it is. Basically a couple of minutes of pleasure.

In summary i had a mustard night enjoyed it immensly and would advise everyone to retry a venue that was a disaster first time around.

Well done to all the staff at Utopia and a special thanks to Minnie for support and love since the last Utopia. XXX XXX

Minnie M
10th-March-2007, 05:26 PM
I found that the hall nearer the DJ appeared to be crowded, whereas there was plenty of room to dance in the other 'room'/half

There were quite a few men outside smoking and I noticed quite a few holding the bar up :rolleyes:


Well done to all the staff at Utopia and a special thanks to Minnie for support and love since the last Utopia. XXX XXX
:love: :kiss:

(thanks for dance :hug: )

BTW loved your disco dancing (see post above)

HelenB
10th-March-2007, 05:33 PM
Thats very strange. It certainly felt like there were too many women and that you had to stalk to get a dance. Once you were on the dance floor it was easy to stay on, but once you left, it was hard to get back on. It was also too crowded for me, as I felt that whoever I was dancing with and I had to concentrate on floorcraft more than interpreting the music which wasn't the case at the first Utopia

:yeah: I had a good night but felt that it didn't quite reach the mark like the one in February did. Perhaps it was because I was still recovering from Storm :confused:

Lovely challenging music though :respect: and I did have some great dances :D

Was the "three men over" comment based on the entry list or who actually turned up?

Minnie M
10th-March-2007, 05:45 PM
:yeah: I had a good night but felt that it didn't quite reach the mark like the one in February did. Perhaps it was because I was still recovering from Storm :confused:

Lovely challenging music though :respect: and I did have some great dances ....

IMO That is the beauty of Utopia - slightly differenty crowd + guest DJ changed the atmospher a little - but it was still an ace night.

April, could be different again - you just gotta be there to find out :clap: If it was exactly the same every month we would get bored

BTW interesting question someone asked me last night "Is this your first time at Utopia" :rolleyes: (I must be loosing weight not to be noticed :whistle: )

dave the scaffolder
10th-March-2007, 05:50 PM
Loved the last dance too, and those Trouble Sisters can dance bag boogie :respect: but my fave on that last dance was Dave the Scafolder :blush: (you rock babe :worthy: ) - Gav and were watching with amazement :D

Now then now then Gav Trouble and Double Trouble did nothing but take the p*ss out of my dancing, for the last dance, saying i looked like everybodys favourite embarassing dad.

Me being a jaffa as well.

Many thanks Minnie you are a diamond. XXX XXX:respect:

HelenB
10th-March-2007, 07:36 PM
IMO That is the beauty of Utopia - slightly differenty crowd + guest DJ changed the atmospher a little

:yeah: That's why I like it - in comparison to other things I've been to it's still way out in front :worthy:


April, could be different again - you just gotta be there to find out :clap: If it was exactly the same every month we would get bored

I'm hoping I will be. Just need to be quick on the email Monday... :D

Trouble
10th-March-2007, 10:04 PM
Took a few piccies last half hour of the night. Not able to transfer until computer glitch fixed but once done i have some great little pics to share.

With regards Utopia. Moment of the night for me was threefold. First one was having Franck. He was an absolute gem on the dance floor and i promise to be a bad girl from now on so that he can scold me when im naughty. :wink:

The second was my dance with RobD. a surprising enjoyable moment for me.:D Must say, very nice indeed, thanks Rob. !!

Thirdly and by no means finally, its realising that within the dance world that we all socialise in, i actually do know some nice people who manage to make a great dance night feel extra special. I also met a few new forumites who were great. Especially Miguel (secret snazzy mover) and a fave of mine and now my sisters Barryshnikov he did double with us and survived.!! :awe:

But it was a great night and enjoyed every second of it. Dance at the end, great stuff absolutely brilliant end to the night.... DTS - priceless. :D Minnie - your an absolute darlin. :rolleyes: And lady i danced with at the end, didn't catch her name - thanks for sharing the boogie with me. !!! Cant wait for the next dance night at Utopia..!! :clap:

well done organisers. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: and thanks DTS for driving ! xxxx

SuzyQ
11th-March-2007, 01:07 PM
I had an amazing night. I loved it. 'Big up' to the utopia team! :respect:

Was totally fab to see Elaine and Simon and to have some gorgeous dances with Simon!

There was one totally un-danceable track about 3/4 of the way through the night ... did wonder if I'd lost the plot :sick:!! The rest of the music was superb!!!!

Nice to meet Dave the Scaffolder and put a face to a name!

On the 'too many women' front ... I did feel that some of the men were not quite as proactive as others and seemed to prop up the bar ... on the other hand Franck I've never seen a man so determined to give so many ladies a good time - WOW! I LOVED my Franck dance - please sir, can I have some more sir? :grin:

SuzyQ

Frankie_4711
11th-March-2007, 07:13 PM
Although an enjoyable evening, I don't think the music was as good as last month - veered away from the bluesy side a bit too much for me. Still had some fab dances (was great to dance with Franck at last!) and looking forward to next month.

Jamie
11th-March-2007, 07:19 PM
I was bluesed out this weekend. So I unfortunately didn't enjoy utopia as much as I'd liked. I normally love Sheena's music, but I couldn't get into it. Hammersmith made up for it though, got it out my system upstairs, bounced the night away in style.

Will be at Evesham next week.. :D

Minnie M
11th-March-2007, 07:30 PM
I didn't get a dance with Franck :tears: :tears: :tears: seems as if I am the only one who didn't :sad:

Jamie
11th-March-2007, 07:32 PM
I didn't get a dance with Franck :tears: :tears: :tears: seems as if I am the only one who didn't :sad:

Did you ask him!?! Gotta be pro-active Minnie!!

I chased him around in the blues room at Hammersmith for my dance! Was worth it tho! :D

Sheepman
11th-March-2007, 07:45 PM
I didn't get a dance with Franck :tears: :tears: :tears: seems as if I am the only one who didn't :sad: No you weren't, me neither :tears:
But I was selflessly trying to keep ladies happy, :whistle: which did feel like a full time job.

And in case anyone doubts it, Franck is also a great follower.
Is it time to change the title to "Franck's love in" yet?

Greg

fletch
11th-March-2007, 07:55 PM
I chased him around in the blues room at Hammersmith


:eek: is no one safe :rolleyes:

it was the kilt that did it wasn't it :wink:

robd
12th-March-2007, 09:10 AM
I had another great night at Utopia, good fun on a social level as well as for dancing. Didn't quite hit the heights of the last one but that's more of a comment on how good the last one was than anything negative about this one. Managed to fit in some cha cha and WCS at various points which gave some variety to the evening and give Jamie one of my best tornados yet :waycool: Roll on the next one.....


The second was my dance with RobD. a surprising enjoyable moment for me.:D Must say, very nice indeed, thanks Rob. !!


Surprising?? :what: Cheeky get! :D It was my pleasure, that was great fun :D


On the 'too many women' front ... I did feel that some of the men were not quite as proactive as others and seemed to prop up the bar

I apologise for propping up the bar on occasion throughout the night. I was carrying a bit of a strain which meant I wanted to sit out some tracks but I think the fact I like beer was much more of a contributory factor :blush: Didn't stop me getting a wiggle on with you though Suzy Q :wink:



maybe the women that were there were fussier than the men :whistle::whistle:


:yeah:

IMO you can't complain that the gender balance is wrong and there's 'too many women' if, in fact, there are lots of men available but they're just not ones you wish to dance with. This is not a dig at you specifically FL because I think this attitude was probably more common than not among the ladies there.

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 09:27 AM
IMO you can't complain that the gender balance is wrong and there's 'too many women' if, in fact, there are lots of men available but they're just not ones you wish to dance with. This is not a dig at you specifically FL because I think this attitude was probably more common than not among the ladies there.

I agree with this comment, but I think the men are just as fussy. The difference is, there are alot more 'desirables' for the men to choose from. 'Fussy' women want a good or fun dancer. 'Fussy' men want any mix of a good or fun dancer, a pretty lady, a sexy lady, a short skirt, a good cleavage....etc...:wink:

fletch
12th-March-2007, 09:41 AM
I was chatting to a guy on Staurday at Hammersmith about Utoipa and he said he got reffued so many times it made it unpleasent :sad:

Lory
12th-March-2007, 09:55 AM
I
On the 'too many women' front ...


I think there could possibly be another explanation...

Maybe a lot of the men who arrived early to do the lesson, were new to slower dancing? A whole evening of it, might have proved too much for them and they left early? :confused:

Trouble
12th-March-2007, 11:04 AM
i thought the night was quieter than last time but i didn't feel there was a shortage of men in actual fact it felt quite balanced ? :flower:

David Bailey
12th-March-2007, 11:30 AM
And people accuse me of over-analysis... :rofl:

TheTramp
12th-March-2007, 11:50 AM
I was chatting to a guy on Saturday at Hammersmith about Utopia and he said he got refused so many times it made it unpleasant :sad:

Of course, not by the people who were claiming there weren't enough men though!! :rolleyes:

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 11:52 AM
Of course, not by the people who were claiming there weren't enough men though!! :rolleyes:

I didn't refuse anyone, would have been nice to have had the opportunity! :rolleyes:

fletch
12th-March-2007, 11:56 AM
Of course, not by the people who were claiming there weren't enough men though!! :rolleyes:

I find that the people that claim there aren't enough men, really mean enough men they know and like to dance with,:what: I almost never go short of a dance,:clap: but then I dance with everyone. :flower:

The only time I have gone short of a dance has been when attending a 'do' that has lots of couples,:tears: you don't like to ask for dances when people are in couples and look as if they are chatting.:hug:

Lory
12th-March-2007, 11:57 AM
I didn't refuse anyone,

:yeah: I'm definitely not guilty! ;) :innocent:

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 12:03 PM
:yeah: I'm definitely not guilty! ;) :innocent:

Well, not of refusing anyway! :rofl:

CJ
12th-March-2007, 12:10 PM
I 'Fussy' men want any mix of a good or fun dancer, a pretty lady, a sexy lady, a short skirt, a good cleavage....etc...:wink:

And I thought you spent all that time on the side because you were resting. :flower:

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 12:13 PM
And I thought you spent all that time on the side because you were resting. :flower:

That's just what I tell you hun. :wink: I Prefer to be upright with everyone else.

LMC
12th-March-2007, 01:32 PM
I was chatting to a guy on Staurday at Hammersmith about Utoipa and he said he got reffued so many times it made it unpleasent :sad:
Wasn't me either. Although if it was the yanky guy that I asked to lead me more gently (and to be fair, he did, but couldn't lead gently AND on time/connected :eek: :sick: ) then I'm not surprised he got a lot of refusals.

Lou
12th-March-2007, 01:50 PM
Although if it was the yanky guy that I asked to lead me more gently ....
Ah, but Darlin', we Southern Belles have to go gently on our Yankie cousins and educate them. :wink:

Lynn
12th-March-2007, 02:02 PM
I find that the people that claim there aren't enough men, really mean enough men they know and like to dance with,:what: I almost never go short of a dance,:clap: but then I dance with everyone. :flower: I think there is an element of that. Eg I've heard people say at weekenders/two room events 'extra women' when its really extra women in one room, and men standing out in the other room.

But at an event like Utopia, where people specifically attend because the music is that bit more challenging and different from a regular night, I can understand people, especially followers, wanting to be a bit fussier about who they dance with. I probably would be.

(And if that sounds a bit 'hotshottish' so be it. Anyone who knows me hopefully knows that I've a lot of time for less experienced leads.)

fletch
12th-March-2007, 02:09 PM
(And if that sounds a bit 'hotshottish' so be it. Anyone who knows me hopefully knows that I've a lot of time for less experienced leads.)




:yeah:

Lynn as you know I have the utmost of respect for you, :respect: you are one of the people I guide inexperienced follows to as a friendly face in the blues room. :hug: and there are some I point out as 'don't ask yet' :(

i'm feeling a bit guilty to day I refused the ''corpse on Saturday,:sad: but it was because the DJ had just announced 'last two tracks' and I was hoping for a special dance,:hug: I will ask him next time I see him :flower:

Jamie
12th-March-2007, 02:10 PM
Attitudes like "I only dance with the best" really annoy me. To me, the best dancers dance with everybody. Therefore, if you only dance "with the best" then you aren't one of the best.

EDIT - not directed at lynn, I've heard some lovely things of you hun. It's directed at others who think this way.

fletch
12th-March-2007, 02:11 PM
Attitudes like "I only dance with the best" really annoy me. To me, the best dancers dance with everybody. Therefore, if you only dance "with the best" then you aren't one of the best.

:yeah:

now I remember why I like you :worthy:

LMC
12th-March-2007, 02:18 PM
Not just that, but because people go to Utopia from far and wide (Scotland, even ...) - it might be the first time for weeks or months that some people have been in the same place at the same time. People might be wanting to dance with friends or fabulous dancers that they haven't seen in a while. If I'd been asked to dance during the track I was waiting for (OK, stalking) Franck 'cos I was, amazingly, the only person in the queue :D then I would probably have 'postponed' (with explanation and would have definitely asked that person later if they were free).

If you don't know that many people, and/or are just an average dancer, it's going to be more difficult to get dances. I know: I fall into the average category and I was 'there' on Friday. It's not hotshottery or cliquiness, it's just life [shrug]. Solutions: get out more and/or become a better dancer. Hopefully the first will lead to the second.

My conscience is clear: I asked someone nicely to adjust their painful lead. If more people do that to the same guy - or explain that that is the reason they won't dance with him - then maybe it will occur to him to make some changes. If someone is being refused a lot then perhaps they could think about what they might be doing to contribute to that rather than placing the whole of the blame on everyone else.

cutey
12th-March-2007, 02:20 PM
I didn't get a dance with Franck :tears: :tears: :tears: seems as if I am the only one who didn't :sad:

Oh Minnie you were not the only one... I tried to hunt the man in demand but missed out too....:tears: Franck you owe me at least two dances :whistle: :cheers: :hug:

Lory
12th-March-2007, 02:23 PM
Although if it was the yanky guy that I asked to lead me more gently (and to be fair, he did, but couldn't lead gently AND on time/connected :eek: :sick: ) then I'm not surprised he got a lot of refusals.

I had a guy, who basically didn't lead 'anything.' I soon realised that if I didn't make something up (back lead) I'd be stood there, just holding his hand and swaying from side to side.:what:

Now, as weird as this might sound, I didn't actually mind, as the poor guy looked totally out of his depth (it was one of the slowest tracks of the night) so, I just made it up as I went along and he kept smiling, so appeared to be OK with it.

BUT, I can imagine there might be a few others that would have found it uneasy and would have avoided a second dance with him as well:sad:

fletch
12th-March-2007, 02:28 PM
just holding his hand and swaying from side to side.:what:



that a typical 'colin' move :D

love ya! col :hug:

Lory
12th-March-2007, 02:33 PM
that a typical 'colin' move :D

Thats cos he's usually yacky to me! :rolleyes: :na:

fletch
12th-March-2007, 02:35 PM
Thats cos he's usually yacky to me! :rolleyes: :na:

'Yacky' :confused:

is the talkative or horrid :what:


:flower:

Trouble
12th-March-2007, 02:36 PM
i like swaying backwards and forwards, especially if the lead in question has a nice six pack and his fruit and veg stall is loaded.!!!

anyway, back to the previous posts, i would never and have never refused a dance. The only time that i can think of that i might refuse would be if a guy stank, even then i would dance, tell him he stinks then move on. :eek:

There were quite a few dances i had on Friday that were not really appropriate but even so, i still enjoyed them. I am always flattered when im asked to dance as it makes such a change to having to ask as most of us women have to do. :cool: :flower:

Lory
12th-March-2007, 02:37 PM
'Yacky' :confused:

is the talkative or horrid :what:


OOOOPS! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :blush:

I meant YackING!:yeah:

David Bailey
12th-March-2007, 02:38 PM
I had a guy, who basically didn't lead 'anything.' I soon realised that if I didn't make something up (back lead) I'd be stood there, just holding his hand and swaying from side to side.:what:
And that's a bad thing?

Clearly you're not doing enough tango. Bad Lory.

Lory
12th-March-2007, 02:40 PM
i like swaying backwards and forwards, especially if the lead in question has a nice six pack and his fruit and veg stall is loaded.!!!



Don't we all! :wink: But this wasn't like that, this was swaying like you do in the line up of a lesson... holding one hand, 18ins apart! :sick:

robd
12th-March-2007, 02:45 PM
holding one hand, 18 ins apart! :sick:

:what:

Lucky fella!

MartinHarper
12th-March-2007, 02:46 PM
Maybe a lot of the men who arrived early to do the lesson, were new to slower dancing? A whole evening of it, might have proved too much for them and they left early? :confused:

Hmm. Maybe. It happens to some MJ beginner men too. Was it Beowulf who got scolded for leaving too early? I forget.

Rocky
12th-March-2007, 02:46 PM
I did feel it was very slightly too crowded near the beginning of the night and my perception was that there were a few too many ladies (sorry ladies :flower: ) - fighting for a dance and sitting out are not my favourite ways to spend the evening :(. However, these are very minor points, as luckily it is also a great social occasion, so I had friends to chat with while I was sitting out :hug:.

Roll on the next one! :clap:


I found that the hall nearer the DJ appeared to be crowded, whereas there was plenty of room to dance in the other 'room'/half

There were quite a few men outside smoking and I noticed quite a few holding the bar up :rolleyes:


:love: :kiss:

(thanks for dance :hug: )

BTW loved your disco dancing (see post above)


Was the "three men over" comment based on the entry list or who actually turned up?


I think there could possibly be another explanation...

Maybe a lot of the men who arrived early to do the lesson, were new to slower dancing? A whole evening of it, might have proved too much for them and they left early? :confused:

I think it's interesting how people have different perceptions of the same evening. The actual main list was exactly gender balanced 50;50 up until the night and then we had 3 female no shows due to sickness etc. - so there were actually 3 guys over.

As regards how crowded the venue was: as Minnie says from the seating area it looked crowded but from the stage you could see that there was plenty of space. In particular by the DJ area, near the fire exit (maybe people were concerned that we DJ's bite?? - or smell??) and in the smaller section room.

I also think that Lory has a very valid point in that I knew some of the guys on Friday who were new to the scene and said they were just to intimidated to ask anyone to dance.

Of course everyone is still finding their feet but our hope is to improve things as we go on where we can.

robd
12th-March-2007, 02:52 PM
I felt the main 'crowded' area was that area next to the tables and this, of course, is the section that people sitting out will see immediately. It did seem thinner and much more comfortable in the other section and near the DJ table. I guess an improvement for next time would be to try and get more people using the other half of the room but I have to say I am not sure how that can be done (short of paying Franck to come down again and dance only in that section :D )

SilverFox
12th-March-2007, 03:19 PM
I'd be interested to know why the majority of people danced right in front of the seated area.

Could it have anything to do with sound quality or volume?

At the first 2 UTOPIAs the smaller room was considerably quieter due to being furthest away from the speakers. It lacked that bassy feeling.
Consequently we bought an additional pair of speakers for last Friday and placed them on the halfway line to ensure a consistent sound quality and volume throughout the entire dance floor.

Would this have consciously or subconsciously affected where you danced?

Perhaps you were all so chilled that just the thought of walking 40 feet to find some space was too tiring in itself?

Or maybe your hordes of admiring fans were seated in anticipation of a cracking floorshow?

Personally I reckon quite a few of 'The Ten' and their associated clique and sub-cliques were a dominant factor....:cool: (Venn diagram anyone?...)

Trouble
12th-March-2007, 03:38 PM
i think one of the reasons why is that the tables were there and people want to put their drinks down somewhere. All the tables were covered in glasses, with ID things in them so that people didn't drink the wrong drink. Whenever i go dancing, the first thing i consider is where to put my stuff and where im going to put my drink.

Northants Girly
12th-March-2007, 03:52 PM
I'd be interested to know why the majority of people danced right in front of the seated area.
I have a theory about that. How to put it though? :whistle:
Well, I'd say that Utopia attracts more than he usual amount of better dancers and last Friday I felt that there were also more than the usual amount of "posers" shall we say. And these folk like to dance where everyone else can watch them! Personally I'm more of a "lets dance in the middle of the floor" kinda girl ;)

It's comforting to know that a fair few others thought that there were more ladies. I was only asked for 2 of the dances that I had all night. Sometimes I don't mind this eg. if it's at a venue I've been to before say and it's what always happens. But when it's at a venue that is advertised as being gender balanced then it is abit disappointing.

I'd definitely go again though but another time be prepared to do more asking

and another time try and get more then 10 mins sleep in the previous 2 days :rolleyes:

and another time remember to hunt down the forumites I've not met yet and say "hi"!

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 03:55 PM
In particular by the DJ area, near the fire exit (maybe people were concerned that we DJ's bite?? - or smell??) .
This is where I tended to dance the most. I didn't particularly notice any overcrowding. :confused: But there again I do bite!

Chef
12th-March-2007, 04:07 PM
I have a theory about that. How to put it though? :whistle:
Well, I'd say that Utopia attracts more than he usual amount of better dancers and last Friday I felt that there were also more than the usual amount of "posers" shall we say. And these folk like to dance where everyone else can watch them!

I have another theory (it is just a theory after all). A lot of the better dancers can be just that because they have found that by dancing near the edge of a floor they have one complete side where they don't have to worry about some numpty crashing into them - hence they can concentrate on the dancing more and do a better job. However once they come to Utopia where everyone has fantastic floorcraft they find they can't break out of the habit of dancing near the edge of the floor.

Of course another theory is that they walk to the first bit of unoccupied floor and start dancing there and if you are first to the floor then that is right at the edge. If you are last onto the floor then only the cheap seats near the DJ are left. You only walk as far as the first bit of unoccupied dance floor.

I must say that I only danced about 25% of the time at Utopia because the rest of the time I didn't want to dance to what I was hearing. It was different from a normal ceroc night but I found a lot of the tunes bland within themselves. There were an awful lot of people that I would have loved to dance with but I just found that after a very short while I sort of went into a coma that one interesting track on its own couldn't shake me out of. It might have gotten better at the end but I wouldn't know because I left 30 minutes before the end.

For me the best tracks were ther first 6 tracks of the evening. We are going to the next one because we enjoyed the first one and perhaps this time was just a case of us being uninspired because of everything else that is going on in our lives.

MartinHarper
12th-March-2007, 04:16 PM
|nother theory is that they walk to the first bit of unoccupied floor and start dancing there and if you are first to the floor then that is right at the edge. If you are last onto the floor then only the cheap seats near the DJ are left. You only walk as far as the first bit of unoccupied dance floor.

If so, that's an unfortunate display of sub-par floorcraft.

Lory
12th-March-2007, 04:21 PM
I'd be interested to know why the majority of people danced right in front of the seated area.

Could it have anything to do with sound quality or volume?

As far as I'm concerned, the music levels and quality were fine in the other room! ;) It might be more to do with finding the nearest spot to dance, after asking/being asked to dance... it might seem a little strange to be dragged off into another room by someone you don't know well?


I
I'm more of a "lets dance in the middle of the floor" kinda girl ;)

I'm an edge kinda girl but I don't care where the edge is! :na: and the good thing about UTOPIA, there's more edges than most other venues...

So maybe your poser's theory is right :D but, one can't complain, cos there really were some fabulous dancers, who were well worth watching! :worthy:

So, thanks for the show guys! :cheers:

SilverFox
12th-March-2007, 04:31 PM
I have another theory (it is just a theory after all). A lot of the better dancers can be just that because they have found that by dancing near the edge of a floor they have one complete side where they don't have to worry about some numpty crashing into them - hence they can concentrate on the dancing more and do a better job. Interesting you should say that, because I always try and dance alongside an edge. Though in my case it's not because I'm one of the better dancers trying to avoid the numpties.

When I first started dancing at Amir's T-Jives or any of the other venues - like Twyford - where all the good dancers hung out, I had appalling floorcraft. I was constantly clattering into the 'A' list whilst doing circular 'Ceroc' style dancing. I used to get the filthiest looks off some of them even though I always apologised immediately. :sad:

So I decided to dance on the edge to minimise the number of directions that I could twat into others. It's just something that's stuck with me now, but as Chef said it is easier to protect one's partner from flying bodies this way.

foxylady
12th-March-2007, 04:55 PM
I didn't refuse anyone on Friday, but was asked to dance only a handful of times, the rest of the time I had to ask...

My perception was that the floor was crowded, and that the area where people were waiting to dance was crowded. What seemed to happen was that for the next track people on the floor would grab someone who was already on the floor... those leaving the floor were leaving because they hadn't found someone to dance with, or because of getting a drink, changing resting etc... Those trying to get on the floor were in a crowded area trying to find someone to dance with and getting through the crowd leaving in order to enter. Hence the area adjacent to the seated area was always full... Finding someone to dance part way into a track, one tended to squeeze on to that crowded bit, rather than work ones way across the floor to the less crowded bit thus perpetuating the problem. At times the crowded edge bit put one off asking someone to dance as it looked like it would be a bit of a bun fight rather than a dance... I agree that the other side of the floor was less crowded.

When I was dancing I was bumped into more than usual for a blues type environment..

Maybe the waiting/seating area being crowded even when the floor was full-ish was the problem ?? Obviously it was only some of us who felt like this, and I always find it weird that any two people at the same event can have wildly differing opinions of the event...

FL

(also if there are a group of men having a drink at the bar even I find it hard to go up to them and ask just one of them to dance, even if I know them well... )

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 05:00 PM
, one tended to squeeze on to that crowded bit, rather than work ones way across the floor to the less crowded bit thus perpetuating the problem. At times the crowded edge bit put one off asking someone to dance
Blimey, you really are a posh bird!

(also if there are a group of men having a drink at the bar even I find it hard to go up to them and ask just one of them to dance, even if I know them well... )
So ask them all then!

SilverFox
12th-March-2007, 05:00 PM
My perception was that the floor was crowded, and that the area where people were waiting to dance was crowded. What seemed to happen was that for the next track people on the floor would grab someone who was already on the floor... those leaving the floor were leaving because they hadn't found someone to dance with, or because of getting a drink, changing resting etc... Those trying to get on the floor were in a crowded area trying to find someone to dance with and getting through the crowd leaving in order to enter. Hence the area adjacent to the seated area was always full... Finding someone to dance part way into a track, one tended to squeeze on to that crowded bit, rather than work ones way across the floor to the less crowded bit thus perpetuating the problem. At times the crowded edge bit put one off asking someone to dance as it looked like it would be a bit of a bun fight rather than a dance... I agree that the other side of the floor was less crowded.

Crikey! :what:

I need a drink after that.... :devil:

foxylady
12th-March-2007, 05:05 PM
Blimey, you really are a posh bird!



Posh Totty thats me !!!! (I wish)

foxylady
12th-March-2007, 05:06 PM
Crikey! :what:

I need a drink after that.... :devil:

Yup thats how I felt on Friday... If I hadn't been driving I probably would have got legless...

Sheepman
12th-March-2007, 05:11 PM
Could it have anything to do with sound quality or volume?The sound quality and volume was fine, just about everywhere, apart from being a bit loud immediately in front of the speakers (including the area by the fire exit) so I'd prefer not to dance there, but that was regularly the area with most space, so that's where I danced.

I didn't consciously notice the extra speakers for the second room, but the sound was fine in there, I did a fair amount of dancing in there too. (There were some numpties trying to use 1/3 of the floor area in there at times :angry: )

This time around, I parked my drink and belongings amongst the tables. Inevitably this means going back to this spot more regularly, and as it's the most congested spot more valuable time is spent fighting through the crowds. It's not rocket science to realise that the most crowded area of the floor is going to be closest to the busiest lounging area, but with most partners it wasn't difficult to persuade them to walk to a less crowded spot.

In the second room, it often felt that people would have their dance, then race back towards the main seating area, so it made it difficult to get the girl of my dreams without following the crowd.
Would it be feasible to have a couple of small tables in the corners of the second room? People would then have somewhere to put drinks down, this might relieve pressure on the busiest area. A tricky one, as this will take up valuable floor space, and risks spillages.

I did find the amber floorlight near the pillar between the rooms was often dazzling, mostly when I looked around to check the space behind me. Anybody else have this problem?

And can we go on till 4 a.m. next time please, there were just too many ladies i didn't get to dance with :whistle:

Greg

SilverFox
12th-March-2007, 05:22 PM
Would it be feasible to have a couple of small tables in the corners of the second room? People would then have somewhere to put drinks down, this might relieve pressure on the busiest area. A tricky one, as this will take up valuable floor space, and risks spillages.Consider it done. Seeing as most of the chairs along the side of the smaller room didn't get used we'll pop in a table or 2 instead.


I did find the amber floorlight near the pillar between the rooms was often dazzling, mostly when I looked around to check the space behind me. Anybody else have this problem? It was actually aimed at you....:wink:

robd
12th-March-2007, 05:25 PM
we'll pop in a table or 2 instead.



How about some dancers for the tables too SF?

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 05:28 PM
How about some dancers for the tables too SF?
You volunteering? (Well they are wooden)

robd
12th-March-2007, 05:36 PM
(Well they are wooden)

Three legged tables are they?

Cruella
12th-March-2007, 05:40 PM
Three legged tables are they?
Cooey, Rob ROB ROBROB
Wake up!

SuzyQ
12th-March-2007, 05:50 PM
By the way .. just to clarify ... I thought there were plenty of men to dance with ... and dance I did ... all night (apart from when gossiping with Dizzy).

Just wanted to be sympathetic the some of the ladies who reported to not get enough dances cos I know how that one feels!

Btw ... am always looking for willing victims to practice my lead on ... so if any ladies get really really bored silly ... please ask!!!

SuzyQ x

TheTramp
12th-March-2007, 07:40 PM
I have another theory (it is just a theory after all). A lot of the better dancers can be just that because they have found that by dancing near the edge of a floor they have one complete side where they don't have to worry about some numpty crashing into them - hence they can concentrate on the dancing more and do a better job.

Personally, I'm a corner dancer. That way, you have 2 sides you don't have to worry about! :rolleyes:

Sheepman
12th-March-2007, 07:52 PM
I did find the amber floorlight near the pillar between the rooms was often dazzling,
It was actually aimed at you....:wink:
OK, can I have limelight then :cool:

By Btw ... am always looking for willing victims to practice my lead on ... so if any ladies get really really bored silly ... please ask!!! Hey, isn't that discrimination against us guys? :tears:

Greg

Sparkles
12th-March-2007, 07:55 PM
My perception was that the floor was crowded {snip complicated but accurate description of what getting a dance was like at Utopia last Friday}

Although I was gasping for breath after reading FL's post ;) I totally agree with her analysis...
It was almost like some men just picked a place on the floor and stayed there, changing partners as frequently (or infrequently) as they wished while the women had to try and grab them between partner swaps. If you were one of the unfortunate women who's partner decided to go and change or go to the bar (or were surrounded after a partner swap by men who were hanging on to their partners) then you ended up walking off the floor and finding it almost impossible to get back on again - it was a bit like a strange version of musical chairs :what:

The answer to more dances is, as always, to be more pro-active; but to do so without feeling like a stalker is more difficult.
This wouldn't, however, solve the problem of too many people on the dance floor - and I'm afraid the Utopia team are at a slight disadvantage there due IMO to the pillars in the room, which can make navigation difficult (I had a dance between two of them with Chris A and it was very tricky not to collide with them or other people). Maybe slightly fewer people is the sacrifice to make for selling out each event and keeping the atmospheric venue?

Tiggerbabe
12th-March-2007, 11:58 PM
I had a fabulous evening on Friday. I love the atmosphere at Utopia, the whole team work really hard to make sure everything looks good and runs smoothly - I watched them all running about like crazy things on Friday afternoon while I was patiently waiting for my stylist to turn up :wink:

I didn't notice there not being enough men, I managed to have one every time I wanted to play :innocent: although I missed out on a dance with Marc and Nigel :tears:

robd
13th-March-2007, 02:38 PM
It's a tough one for the organisers. I wonder how many of those people who have mentioned that they felt it was overcrowded, whether on here or in person, would be willing to give up their place at the next Utopia in order to ease the problem. Any volunteers?

I thought not.

Double Trouble
13th-March-2007, 02:43 PM
Any volunteers?

I didn't think it was over crowded at all compared to say, Hammersmith.

I had a great night and there were plenty of men to choose from (I mean to dance with...don't start).

I've booked and paid for the next one and I can't wait.:clap:

Gentabout
13th-March-2007, 04:46 PM
Well taken me a while to think about last Friday as i was not sure whether it was me or not, i was beginning to consider Woodfaces idea of taking a sabbatical might be in order as i was not really dancing well at the moment, but getting home last night and wanting to go out dancing made me realise i do still love it just that i can't dance at the moment.

Firstly the music did not light the fire in me, probably because my music exposure is not that wide and has mainly been down to radio type stuff. The last event the music was much more to my liking and i was able to play with it, this time not having heard the majority of the tracks before i found it very hard to interpret the music. This is not necessarily the fault of the DJ's more my own. Therefor i found the music to challenging and did not ask many ladies to dance as i felt my skills were seriously lacking and did not want to inflict my self on any good dancers, and i felt intimidated by the skills around me, and for me to feel intimated by anyone takes a lot (17 ish stone and 6ft1 of me).

I would there for like to thank Fletch and DT for putting up with me, oh and 1 other lady whose name i did not get and of course Frankie_4711 as she always puts up with me (maybe more to do with her having a very long walk home otherwise).

I also felt the same at Camber in the blues room during a good number of DJ's sets so it might be just me, or are they all trying to play the most challenging unheard music ever, probably just my under exposure though.

The venue at twickenham was fab as always and you are made to feel so welcome when you first arrive and everyone is very friendly. I am looking forward to the next event though and intend to try and get a dance to a nice slow bluesy track with Val before David claims her for good with a ring and stops her dancing with other men.

So ladies please if you see a slightly scared fat bloke sitting looking like a rabbit in front of a car and feel you could make me dance please please ask me as i might not be able to pluck up the courage otherwise and i need to get out of my slump.. :love:

Gent.

straycat
13th-March-2007, 05:30 PM
Any volunteers?


OK - in the interests of selflessly enhancing the quality of dance environments for others, I volunteer.

Double Trouble
13th-March-2007, 05:31 PM
Well taken me a while to think about last Friday as i was not sure whether it was me or not, i was beginning to consider Woodfaces idea of taking a sabbatical might be in order as i was not really dancing well at the moment, but getting home last night and wanting to go out dancing made me realise i do still love it just that i can't dance at the moment.

I thought our dances on Friday were lovely...I genuinely don't understand why you think like that.


Firstly the music did not light the fire in me, probably because my music exposure is not that wide and has mainly been down to radio type stuff. The last event the music was much more to my liking and i was able to play with it, this time not having heard the majority of the tracks before i found it very hard to interpret the music. This is not necessarily the fault of the DJ's more my own. Therefor i found the music to challenging and did not ask many ladies to dance as i felt my skills were seriously lacking and did not want to inflict my self on any good dancers, and i felt intimidated by the skills around me, and for me to feel intimated by anyone takes a lot (17 ish stone and 6ft1 of me).

I did think the music wasn't anywhere near as good as last time. I thought it needed to be a bit more uplifting and funky...for example, they played some Stevie Wonder tracks the time before and that was great.


I would there for like to thank Fletch and DT for putting up with me, oh and 1 other lady whose name i did not get and of course Frankie_4711 as she always puts up with me (maybe more to do with her having a very long walk home otherwise).

The pleasure was all mine



So ladies please if you see a slightly scared fat bloke sitting looking like a rabbit in front of a car and feel you could make me dance please please ask me as i might not be able to pluck up the courage otherwise and i need to get out of my slump.. :love:

That's it....I'm gonna stalk you for dances all night next time....you will be sick of the sight of me.:D

David Bailey
13th-March-2007, 05:54 PM
OK - in the interests of selflessly enhancing the quality of dance environments for others, I volunteer.
You're an inspiration, sir - I salute you :clap:
In fact, what the heck, I'll even join you.

Wow, I feel all altruistic now :whistle:

fletch
13th-March-2007, 06:05 PM
I would there for like to thank Fletch and DT for putting up with me,

Gent.

we had a loverly dance, well I liked it :flower:




I did think the music wasn't anywhere near as good as last time. I thought it needed to be a bit more uplifting and funky...for example, they played some Stevie Wonder tracks the time before and that was great.


.:D


i'm with you on this one babes, but i'm a Stevie Wonder kinda girl :respect:

Gav
13th-March-2007, 06:09 PM
i'm with you on this one babes, but i'm a Stevie Wonder kinda girl :respect:

We need an 80's Soul night, I don't think most of it would really fit the Utopia atmosphere. :sad:

fletch
13th-March-2007, 06:19 PM
We need an 80's Soul night, I don't think most of it would really fit the Utopia atmosphere. :sad:

we do need an 80's soul night :clap: and it might change the atmosphere:rolleyes: :D

:flower:

foxylady
13th-March-2007, 07:09 PM
we do need an 80's soul night :clap: and it might change the atmosphere:rolleyes: :D

:flower:

I'd love an 80s soul night too !! Vince has some great 80s tunes (we were dancing around the chalet to them at Camber on sunday afternoon) - perhaps we could persuade him to do a one off !

(lets take bets on who is the first to make a smutty remark)

FL

Double Trouble
13th-March-2007, 07:23 PM
(lets take bets on who is the first to make a smutty remark)

FL

I don't do smutty...I'm a Ladeeeey...!

The best music at Utopia was when Vince was on. I get the feeling he is a bit of a soul boy at heart. Play more soul Vince...we will love you (even more) for it.:love:

Rhythm King
13th-March-2007, 08:49 PM
Interestingly, as a chap, I said to one of the ladies on the night that I thought the gender balance seemed slightly out :rolleyes:

Being fragile at the mo, I didn't dance nearly as much as I would've liked especially as I really enjoyed the music - again!

In the interest of altruism, I too will sacrifice my attendance at the next couple of events. Oh alright, I'm going away with work, but I'll be back for more Utopia in a couple of months :waycool:

Frankie_4711
13th-March-2007, 08:49 PM
(snip) and of course Frankie_4711 as she always puts up with me (maybe more to do with her having a very long walk home otherwise)(snip)

It's not that far (not saying I want to try it tho!)! There must be some other reason! Can't think what it might be!:wink:

robd
13th-March-2007, 09:18 PM
The best music at Utopia was when Vince was on. I get the feeling he is a bit of a soul boy at heart. Play more soul Vince...we will love you (even more) for it.:love:

A David Soul boy maybe....he does like a Silver Lady :wink: