David Franklin
11th-February-2005, 11:42 AM
Bryony and I were thinking of going to this as part of a trip to the US, and it occurred to us it would be a lot more fun if we could get a group together.
The Grand Nationals is one of the two biggest Swing competitions in the US (the US Open is the other). It's supposed to be friendlier and more laid back than the US Open, but still has nearly all the big names competing (e.g. Jordan/Tatianna, Robert/Deborah, Brent/Kellese, Parker/Jessica, Yuval/Natalie).
The website (www.usagrandnationals.com) says:
Swing, Shag, Cabaret, Teams
Over 1,500 Dancers
6,000 sf of Dance Floor
10 Competitive Divisions
14 Dance Workshops
Thursday Earlybird Party
Free Hospitality Room Each Morning
$35,000 in Cash & Awards
Entry to the event costs $90, and hotel rooms are $87.50 per night (holding 1-4 people). For a couple I think that works out at about $270 or £150 each (for 4 nights). Note that it's a "proper" hotel - very different from chalets!
The flights really push the costs up, of course - the best I've found are with BA/Delta and are about £360 (inc tax) per person. (Flight taxes to the US are now almost £80 :eek: ). I'm advised hiring a car is pretty essential as well, though shuttles from the airport are available for $20. Given the flight costs it makes sense to make a holiday out of it, not just a dance trip.
David and Lily have been (and competed! :worthy: ) before, so may have more to say about it. There's a lot more info on the website (http://www.usagrandnationals.com) as well.
Would be great if we could get some company to dance with - please reply to this thread or PM me if you're interested!
Dave
The Grand Nationals is one of the two biggest Swing competitions in the US (the US Open is the other). It's supposed to be friendlier and more laid back than the US Open, but still has nearly all the big names competing (e.g. Jordan/Tatianna, Robert/Deborah, Brent/Kellese, Parker/Jessica, Yuval/Natalie).
The website (www.usagrandnationals.com) says:
Swing, Shag, Cabaret, Teams
Over 1,500 Dancers
6,000 sf of Dance Floor
10 Competitive Divisions
14 Dance Workshops
Thursday Earlybird Party
Free Hospitality Room Each Morning
$35,000 in Cash & Awards
Entry to the event costs $90, and hotel rooms are $87.50 per night (holding 1-4 people). For a couple I think that works out at about $270 or £150 each (for 4 nights). Note that it's a "proper" hotel - very different from chalets!
The flights really push the costs up, of course - the best I've found are with BA/Delta and are about £360 (inc tax) per person. (Flight taxes to the US are now almost £80 :eek: ). I'm advised hiring a car is pretty essential as well, though shuttles from the airport are available for $20. Given the flight costs it makes sense to make a holiday out of it, not just a dance trip.
David and Lily have been (and competed! :worthy: ) before, so may have more to say about it. There's a lot more info on the website (http://www.usagrandnationals.com) as well.
Would be great if we could get some company to dance with - please reply to this thread or PM me if you're interested!
Dave