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wicked blue
27th-November-2005, 11:58 AM
Well it lived up to its name, Funky lush was brilliantly funky and wonderfully lushous!! :clap:

Had a lovely night, some great dances, look forward to the next one!

Thanks to Divi and Twk for such a great night :flower:

stewart38
27th-November-2005, 05:52 PM
Pity they put so many sweets around all the tables :sad:

Couldnt get use to the very wide variation in the tempo but hey thats me

It was nice to see some great dancers

Lets hope its a great sucess.

Raphael
27th-November-2005, 08:14 PM
May i say that i enjoyed myself thoroughly, brilliant event wonderfull dancers a little bit cold.

Thank's for the Invite Alison, and eveyone else that sent me the information.

Music was brilliant, it was lovely to see so many people there. although next time i will book a hotel, as the three hour drive afterwards was a little bit much.

I look forward to the next event :clap: :cheers:

Paul F
27th-November-2005, 08:41 PM
Awesome night. :clap:

I too thoroughly enjoyed myself last night. It was an absolute pleasure to dance with, and watch, such amazing dancers. :worthy:

Good Points
Music. A deluge of variety and opportunity served up by 3 of the mosty talented DJs. The sets were challenging, subtle, provocative, exuberant...a range of tracks that will raise the standard of dancing overall for those who attend.

Floor. Mixed feedback from the ladies I asked but i found the floor (at least the half i used from the middle to the door) to be brilliant. Nice and fast :clap: Cant comment on the rest.

Seating. Just the right amount and well placed. If you wanted to sit and watch you could on 2 sides of the dancing. Made finding victims easy :)
Plenty of standing area as well. Might not be important to some but its things like this i look for when judging a venue.

Water. Perfection. What more can I say. Free tap water provided in jugs in the second room with plastic pint glasses. A bring your own alcohol policy as well which , IMO, is exactly right. Its cheaper and, if you want alcohol, you can bring exactly what you like.

Dancers. I have never seen so many of what i would call 'advanced' dancers in one place. Fab to watch , fab to dance with. Ok, this will be intimidating to beginners and those that are not confident with that sort of music but if they are willing to try it they will be greeted by friendly people. Of that I am in no doubt.

Sweets. But of course.

Lighting and decor. Very nice. It wasnt a dark clubby feel but I tend to prefer that.

Transport. So easy from Surrey anyway. M25, M4 and its 2 miles off junction 3. So easy compared to all of the more central locations. :clap:


Temperature. Nice and cool just the way I like it. Some people may not however.



Bad Points

Area. Bit of a, how can I put this, sketchy area. Saying that however there was a guy on the car park and my car was fine. You dont actually have to leave the confines of the premises if you park in the car park so I guess i could be being a little harsh.

Sound. The speakers used were fine but a couple of extra at the back and it would be perfect. Some people said it was fine though so, as usual, its down to personal preference. Sometimes I did struggle to hear things with clarity.

Toby's Jacket :what: :what: :wink:



All in all a great night and one which I think can actively contribute to pushing the boundaries of MJ in the South.
Thankyou to Toby, Divi and all the team :cheers:

Little Monkey
27th-November-2005, 08:50 PM
I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous..... Oh, who the hell do I think I'm kidding?
I'm so jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!:tears:

Hmmmm, might just have to be in London for the next one....... :whistle:

foxylady
27th-November-2005, 08:58 PM
Awesome night. :clap:

/snip/
All in all a great night and one which I think can actively contribute to pushing the boundaries of MJ in the South.
Thankyou to Toby, Divi and all the team :cheers:

Absolutely agree, but one thing spoiled it for me and that was getting cold whenever I stopped dancing.... Sound like a minor thing, as I was dancing for most of the time, but it meant that the lovely chatting/watching/socialising thing that happens at Kent house just didn't happen...

But saying that, the night was exceptionaly cold, and in the summer I suspect the space and high ceilings would be a dream.....

I had some truly luscious dances :drool: :drool:

Dizzy
27th-November-2005, 09:13 PM
Awesome night. :clap:

I too thoroughly enjoyed myself last night. It was an absolute pleasure to dance with, and watch, such amazing dancers. :worthy:


:yeah: :yeah:

Funky Lush was pure perfection!!! :worthy: :worthy: :clap:

THE GOOD POINTS:

The music was widely varied for all types of style and the diffrent DJ's gave a little something different. :worthy: Thanks to TWK, Sheepy and Gus!!

The amount of people there was just right with enough room on the dancefloor to actually dance but enough advanced dancers to dances getting better and better as the night wore on :drool: .

Thanks to Tessa and her chocolate Fountain :drool: :drool:

I personally found that the lighting was just right but I have heard mention that some people found it a bit bright.

And of course Toby's Jacket :worthy: :drool:

BAD POINTS

The floor at the end of the night had a layer of dust on it as well as everyone's shoes being covered. :eek: Don't know if it was the polish from the floor.


Absolutely agree, but one thing spoiled it for me and that was getting cold whenever I stopped dancing.... Sound like a minor thing, as I was dancing for most of the time, but it meant that the lovely chatting/watching/socialising thing that happens at Kent house just didn't happen...
:yeah:

The sound system didn't seem to reach the volume required BUT speaking to Greg today, he said that they had been experiencing problems with the sound system earlier in the evening and even had a power cut at one point so I am willing to forgive. :hug: :worthy:

What else can I say except a BIG THANK YOU to Divissima, Toby and the rest of the Funky Lush crew who put last night together as I had a FANTASTIC night.

Can't wait for the next!! :drool: :clap: :clap:

Missy D
27th-November-2005, 09:20 PM
Look cant someone say it was really awful. Then that way i wont feel like i have missed out on a great night! I had to stay in:sad:

Dizzy
27th-November-2005, 09:21 PM
Look cant someone say it was really awful. Then that way i wont feel like i have missed out on a great night! I had to stay in:sad:


Sorry Hun :hug: :hug: . I had an awful night :whistle: .

I hope your shopping trip was worth it!! :hug:

Lory
27th-November-2005, 09:25 PM
I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous..... Oh, who the hell do I think I'm kidding?
I'm so jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!:tears:

Hmmmm, might just have to be in London for the next one....... :whistle:
:yeah: But rest assured, I spoke to TWK himself today and he could see how distressed I was at missing it, so he leveled with me and told me the real truth....

From the horses mouth....Only 7 people turned up, the music was rubbish and all in all it was a big flop! ;) :whistle:

Lory
27th-November-2005, 09:26 PM
Sorry Hun :hug: :hug: . I had an awful night :whistle: .


Music to my ears! :cheers:

dee
27th-November-2005, 09:46 PM
From the horses mouth....Only 7 people turned up, the music was rubbish and all in all it was a big flop! ;) :whistle:


I had to stay in too :tears: but feel much better now thanks :hug: :flower:

Missy D
27th-November-2005, 09:49 PM
:yeah: But rest assured, I spoke to TWK himself today and he could see how distressed I was at missing it, so he leveled with me and told me the real truth....

From the horses mouth....Only 7 people turned up, the music was rubbish and all in all it was a big flop! ;) :whistle:


Phew and i thought i might have missed a good night.:)

So the Christmas shopping trip down Oxford St, with sis and 3 kids was definately the right choice eh.

Followed by Stictly Come Dancing and I'm a Celebrity get me out of here and an early night. So glad i made the right decision.

Icey
27th-November-2005, 10:43 PM
Firstly, thank you to Toby for holding me a ticket :D

I loved the music, was almost hynotised watching some of the dancers and quite simply had such a wonderful evening that I will be waiting impatiently for the next.

Mr Under Par, it was a pleasure to finally meet you and the dance was fab! I hope you enjoyed your brunch :flower:


Dancers. I have never seen so many of what i would call 'advanced' dancers in one place. Fab to watch , fab to dance with. Ok, this will be intimidating to beginners and those that are not confident with that sort of music but if they are willing to try it they will be greeted by friendly people. Of that I am in no doubt.
Unfortunately when I saw all the dancers on the floor I suffered an attack of the shys about asking people to dance. I know it's silly as everyone I did dance or chat with was very, very nice.

Lynn
27th-November-2005, 11:17 PM
Sounds fab. How often are they going to be held? Might be another option to factor into my 'Grand Tour' next spring.

Little Monkey
27th-November-2005, 11:26 PM
:yeah: But rest assured, I spoke to TWK himself today and he could see how distressed I was at missing it, so he leveled with me and told me the real truth....

From the horses mouth....Only 7 people turned up, the music was rubbish and all in all it was a big flop! ;) :whistle:

So either the horse or the sheep is lying........ :mad:
I had the distinct feeling it had been a fabulously funky and luschious night, but maybe the sheep was just bleeting a whole lot of rubbish.....?:whistle:

Daisy
28th-November-2005, 12:04 AM
We're so delighted to hea that Funky Lush was a fabulous, lushy succss. We know that TwK and Diva will have put their heart and soul into the organisation and music so it's great to hear that so many people enjoyed it....well done guys and to all your army of helpers (cos I know there were a few).

Course were jealous not to be there, but even with an overnight hotel the journey home would have been a bit too long :whistle: about 24 hrs :rofl: Hopefully we'll be in the UK when another one takes place:clap:

Keep up the good work guys....dancing needs great nights like this.:clap:

LOL Jane & Ray xx :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 12:35 AM
Unfortunately when I saw all the dancers on the floor I suffered an attack of the shys about asking people to dance. I know it's silly as everyone I did dance or chat with was very, very nice.


Yes great dancing with you :worthy:

The chocolate fountain was great . Ive just got to get use to strawberrys/oranges without the chocolate :sad:

MartinHarper
28th-November-2005, 01:42 AM
Well it lived up to its name
: clap :

See: I told you it was a sexually transmitted disease.

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 10:34 AM
Ah yes... What a fantastic night... apart from my few hours dancing with Dr Funk while manning the drinks stall, I dont think I hardly sat out one dance. Gus, Twk, Sheepman... what legends :worthy:

Im so pleased for Divi and Twk that it was such as success and that the phenomenon that is Funky Lush can only from strength to strength.

Unfortuntely there was no body parts being dipped in chocolate but those strawberries! Yumm!! :drool:

ESG.. I see just one of those pictures on the forum and you are a dead man!!

Oh.. and glad everyone likes the new hair! :clap: think I'll keep it!

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 10:37 AM
ESG.. I see just one of those pictures on the forum and you are a dead man!!OK. I'll pixellate you beyond recognition....
Oh.. and glad everyone likes the new hair! :clap: think I'll keep it!Deffo a keeper.

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 10:38 AM
OK. I'll pixellate you beyond recognition....Deffo a keeper.

High praise indeed :blush:

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 10:43 AM
Phew and i thought i might have missed a good night.:)

So the Christmas shopping trip down Oxford St, with sis and 3 kids was definately the right choice eh.

Followed by Stictly Come Dancing and I'm a Celebrity get me out of here and an early night. So glad i made the right decision.


I did offer to take the 3 kids shopping but hey you wouldnt have liked the chocolate fountain or strawberries and oranges or the great dancers there any way :whistle:

TiggsTours
28th-November-2005, 10:46 AM
Awesome night. :clap:
:yeah:


Good Points

Music.
:yeah: There was a really fab mix of funky smooth, with the odd ambitious track thrown in, all of which worked wonderfully!


Floor.
:yeah:


Seating. Just the right amount and well placed. If you wanted to sit and watch you could on 2 sides of the dancing.
I don't think it worked quite so well, perfect amount, but it was too deep at the back. I'd just got back to dancing, and had to take it easy, so had to sit out quite a bit, as I'd got a seat further from the dancefloor (there wasn't anything closer left when I arrived) I found it really hard to get back into dancing after having a break. Don't know how it could have been done differently though.


Water. Perfection. What more can I say. Free tap water provided in jugs in the second room with plastic pint glasses. A bring your own alcohol policy as well which , IMO, is exactly right. Its cheaper and, if you want alcohol, you can bring exactly what you like.
:yeah:


Dancers. I have never seen so many of what i would call 'advanced' dancers in one place. Fab to watch , fab to dance with. Ok, this will be intimidating to beginners and those that are not confident with that sort of music but if they are willing to try it they will be greeted by friendly people. Of that I am in no doubt.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:


Sweets. But of course.
And really nice to see some fruit out too, for those of us who wanted to nibble on something sweet, and not blow the diet!


Lighting and decor. Very nice. It wasnt a dark clubby feel but I tend to prefer that.
:yeah:


Transport. So easy from Surrey anyway. M25, M4 and its 2 miles off junction 3. So easy compared to all of the more central locations. :clap:
:yeah: But then, I only live a 15 min drive away!



Temperature. Nice and cool just the way I like it. Some people may not however.

Raphael, you just weren't dancing enough!




Bad Points

Area. Bit of a, how can I put this, sketchy area. Saying that however there was a guy on the car park and my car was fine. You dont actually have to leave the confines of the premises if you park in the car park so I guess i could be being a little harsh.
:yeah: And as for the car park, I arrived at 9:30, not that late in the night really, and there was no space left in the car park. Consequently, I had to walk back to my car, parked in a dodgy street behind the petrol station, at half-past midnight, on my own, didn't feel too good about that. I did try to get someone to walk me back to my car, but didn't manage it. Would be the only thing that would put me off going back, would only go back if I travel with someone.


Sound. The speakers used were fine but a couple of extra at the back and it would be perfect. Some people said it was fine though so, as usual, its down to personal preference. Sometimes I did struggle to hear things with clarity.
Bit tinny at times, but not often, and not enough to spoil anything, I didn't think.


Toby's Jacket :what: :what: :wink: [
I thought Toby looked lovely.:flower:




All in all a great night and one which I think can actively contribute to pushing the boundaries of MJ in the South.
Thankyou to Toby, Divi and all the team :cheers:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 10:53 AM
Is there anyone who was there who objects to photos of them appearing on the Forum? (KatieR already noted)

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 10:55 AM
Is there anyone who was there who objects to photos of them appearing on the Forum? (KatieR already noted)

Not if there good and decent :blush:

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 11:01 AM
Is there anyone who was there who objects to photos of them appearing on the Forum? (KatieR already noted)

You can post them, just not those really hideous ones you took!! :flower:

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:23 AM
You can post them, just not those really hideous ones you took!! :flower:Your lack of faith in my integrity cuts me deeply. Deeply, I tell you.

:flower:

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:27 AM
Oh well, here are the best photos. Sorry to anyone who objected having a camera in their face; let them take consolation in the fact it was only because they were so beautiful. (If anyone's wondering what Chef's giggling about, he'd just been watching me spending a fair few seconds wondering why I couldn't see anything through the camera viewfinder before he gave in to temptation and pointed out I still had the lens cap on.)

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 11:28 AM
Your lack of faith in my integrity cuts me deeply. Deeply, I tell you.

:flower:

Its not your lack of integrity that worries me.. its how awful I usually look in photographs. Still, Im not going to get all LMC on ya:whistle: . I have faith that you will only post the good ones :D

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:28 AM
and a few more...

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:30 AM
and some more...

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 11:31 AM
and a few more...

They are all really really lovely photographs... i never thought I'd say it, but youre a champ! :whistle:

Well done,
Katie
:flower:

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:34 AM
They are all really really lovely photographs... i never thought I'd say it, but youre a champ! :whistle:

Well done,
Katie
:flower:Not finished yet...

El Salsero Gringo
28th-November-2005, 11:35 AM
...and finally...

Dizzy
28th-November-2005, 12:04 PM
Great Photos ESG!!!! :clap: :clap:

(Breathes a huge sigh of relief that there are no awful photos of me!! :blush: )

Simon r
28th-November-2005, 12:09 PM
Wow
What a great night ..... danced my socks off so many lovely dancers and the best music sets that i have heard all year...

Missed this you missed out big time...

Great venue actually went there as a kid as they used to run ballroom comps there ....

Area who cares i went there to dance and great bloke in the car park looking after everyone Toby say well done to the chap will you..

Too many people to thank so please accept this group hug:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

under par
28th-November-2005, 12:10 PM
Funky Lush the first night.

TWK and Divissima. Congratulations on creating a really great night.:worthy: :worthy:

The music which to me makes or breaks a night was excellent a great variety put together by the 3 Djs. Gus Sheepman and TWK!!!:worthy:
Hats off for all those challenging tracks.
Although one of our friends did leave early as he found it too challenging and different from his normal diet of music.
I suppose that shows that Funky Lush is offering something different!


The dancers present where from all over the place and I had some great dances all evening. Lovely to see some people who I hadn't seen for a while.

The 5 hours of freestyling was perfect. The longer the better for me. I found I was dancing for 2 or 3 tracks with several dancers in the realisation that there was still plenty of time to get to dance with every one.

The balance of men to women was very good and there was not excessive amount extra persons at the side.

The car parking was no problem at all and the provision of carpark security was a nice touch.

Lots of lovely touches with the sweets and chocolate and lighting....so much hard work put in.:clap: :clap:

Mrs Par getting a Funky Lush Tshirt.....why no XLarge :tears: :tears:(for me before everyone thinks I meant for Sharon!)

Free water ... great !.....plenty of it.

Our lovely £26 hotel room 10 minutes from the venue..:cheers:


The 14 who attended the post Lush preTjive Brunch such a giggle :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Downside

Divissima not getting up to dance :tears: She was wearing a beautiful new dress too....but was occupied with the desk etc .

It was quite a cold night and it was quite cool to start the evening.

The floor although great to dance on did come up really dusty and dirty at the end of the night , my new shoes needed a right good cleaning before the Tjive

The sound system was not a problem for music but I found it difficult to hear some of the Dj messages whilst standing at the side of the hall....they sounded a bit garbled.

No Jams.... due to inaugral event nerves i think it might have been inopportune to interrupt a great night with something new!


Cannot wait for the next FUNKY LUSH experience!:yeah: :cheers: :cheers:

Lynn
28th-November-2005, 12:27 PM
Great Photos ESG!!!! :clap: :clap: :yeah:

Rachel, are those the new shoes?

Looks like it was a fab night.

Will
28th-November-2005, 12:37 PM
A great night indeed.

As soon as I walked in I was amazed at how great the place looked. Toby & Divi (and the team) did an amazing job.

Fantastic stuff guys!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

CJ
28th-November-2005, 12:42 PM
Is anyone else mildy disconcerted at ChrisA's attempt at his best "hh-hmm, do you want to come into my car?" look with Sparkles?!?:what:

:D

Will
28th-November-2005, 12:49 PM
Some excellent photo's by ESG. None more so that than this, which I feel deserves it's very own caption competition.

So come on you wannabe Hislops and Mertons......

Sheepman
28th-November-2005, 12:51 PM
The car parking was no problem at all and the provision of carpark security was a nice touch. A big :clap: for TwK & Mary for organising that, and for the security guy himself, he must have been completely perished after such a cold night.
Maybe he could also be persuaded to accompany any single ladies back to their cars if they didn't find space in the car park?
It is worth noting that there had been no prior notice of the separate event in the next room, so obviously car parking space was taken up by that event too.


The floor although great to dance on did come up really dusty and dirty at the end of the night , my new shoes needed a right good cleaning before the Tjive By 2 a.m. the floor had been swept and cleaned, and looked perfect again. But I don't think dancers would go for a 30 minute "time out" in order for that to be done during the evening! I'm assuming it was a new surface on it at the beginning, which may need a bit of settling in.


No Jams.... due to inaugral event nerves i think it might have been inopportune to interrupt a great night with something new! No Jams? Am I being daft here? I don't understand this at all. :confused:

Greg

DavidB
28th-November-2005, 01:04 PM
None more so that than this, which I feel deserves it's very own caption competition.The newest member of the Thunderbirds - Toby Tracy - fixes Lady Penelope's pink Rolls Royce by using beer bottles for controls and his own jacket as the power source.

Icey
28th-November-2005, 01:08 PM
By 2 a.m. the floor had been swept and cleaned, and looked perfect again. But I don't think dancers would go for a 30 minute "time out" in order for that to be done during the evening! I'm assuming it was a new surface on it at the beginning, which may need a bit of settling in.

I'd rather have a dusty floor that I can still dance on than a dirty sticky floor that I can't dance on. I wasn't that bothered about having dusty shoes at the end of the night as they can easily be cleaned up.

Although I did a get a nice footprint on my bum when SpinDr booted me as I went past. It's war for the next time :na:

KatieR
28th-November-2005, 01:18 PM
I'd rather have a dusty floor that I can still dance on than a dirty sticky floor that I can't dance on. I wasn't that bothered about having dusty shoes at the end of the night as they can easily be cleaned up.

Although I did a get a nice footprint on my bum when SpinDr booted me as I went past. It's war for the next time :na:

Was really great to see you there. So glad you weren't put off by the 'celebs' that were there.

I was lucky enough to get a dance with Amir (although took me 10 minutes afterwards to fully recover! :wink: ) so we all have moments where we think we are way out of our depth!

I hope you found it a friendly atmosphere and look forward to seeing you again soon. I think your dancing is improving in leaps and bounds and dancing with the excellent people that were there on saturday night can only improve it even more!

Your a star! :clap:

Sheepman
28th-November-2005, 01:19 PM
I don't think it worked quite so well, perfect amount, but it was too deep at the back. I'd just got back to dancing, and had to take it easy, so had to sit out quite a bit, as I'd got a seat further from the dancefloor (there wasn't anything closer left when I arrived) I found it really hard to get back into dancing after having a break. Don't know how it could have been done differently though. Useful feedback, which we can consider for next time. It did seem like the concentration of seating by the entrance to the hall provided a socialising area. (Or was that the chocolate fountain, which I missed out on? :tears: ) This did mean that the dancing was concentrated more in that area though, with more space available by the stage.

Greg

Tessalicious
28th-November-2005, 01:34 PM
Just to add my ha'pennorth to the 'wasn't it wonderful' thread - sorry but I have to agree!:worthy:

Shame the DJs were a bit rubbish, and there weren't any decent dancers there, but I still had a pretty good time eating melted chocolate through strawberries (oh Asif, what were you missing?).

Seriously, thanks to all of you that I had wonderful dances with - ESG (when you weren't playing cameraman :hug: ), underpar (hehe, hope you're not in too much trouble), Simon R (you certainly know how to make a girl work ;) ), TWK the Great, DavidB the Ultra-smooth, the sly Silver Fox, Spicy (Easy but not sleazy), Rhythm King (we've missed him, haven't we girls?), Marcy Marc the Forster (how do you lead with your eyes shut, when so men can't do it with them wide open...), and of course those lovely ladies the Foxy one, KatieR and Dizzy, as well as loads of other people I've forgotten (please don't be offended, it was just a bit overwhelming dancing with so many wonderful people)!

Was really disappointed not to get a dance with Paul F, Zebra Woman, Lily B, Gus or Hercules, and still haven't met SpinDr :( but apart from that was a fabulous evening.

One small point, and I know I'll get hung for saying this, but I know it's not just me - it would have been even better if we'd just had a few contrasting tracks to make all the luscious stuff feel even more luscious, even (blasphemy I know) a few more standard upbeat tracks every now and then. It wouldn't have detracted from the quality of the evening or the DJing, but would have given a little break in concentration so that everything else could flow more. Just an idea :flower:

Oh, and glad you all enjoyed the chocolate fountain :cheers: - not sure how often I can repeat its appearance because it doesn't just make itself, but I'll see what I can do if that's what people want.

Paul F
28th-November-2005, 01:57 PM
Oh, and glad you all enjoyed the chocolate fountain :cheers: - not sure how often I can repeat its appearance because it doesn't just make itself, but I'll see what I can do if that's what people want.

So thats the chocolate fountain AND a dance with you I missed :tears: :tears:
I will be hapy to contribute to the chocolate fountain appreciation fund next time if you are bringing the goodies along :cheers:


As for the comments on the floor dust, I am fairly ok with it. As Icey said, I would prefer to be able to dance on a fast floor then lumber about on a sticky one. I had a bit of cleaning to do but on the whole it doesnt really bother me.

Cant wait for the next one :clap:

Cruella
28th-November-2005, 02:04 PM
Was a fantastic 5 hours of the best music and dancers. Please can we have another one soon.:hug: :flower: Did nobody else notice the 'aroma' when dancing near the doors into the other event? A rather strong whiff of Marjuana! Did wonder if thats why i felt so relaxed all evening:rofl: In fact i was approached on the way back to the car by 3 guys from this other event asking if i wanted to dance with them! They thought it was really funny when i mentioned that we could smell their joints in the other room and went on to ask if i wanted some!!! I declined on both counts, but they were friendly enough.
I did find that with such challenging music for a full 5 hours i felt mentally tired more than physically so i agree with Tessalicious about having just a few standard upbeat tracks mingled in amongst all the fab lush tracks.
The highlight of my evening was my dance with Amir, wow, i've never seen him let himself go like that before. I just wish i'd been a bit better at following:blush:
Thanks to TWK, Divissima, Sheepman and Gus for an awesme nights dancing.:hug: :kiss: :worthy:

latinlover
28th-November-2005, 02:24 PM
GNGNGGngngngngnnAAAAArrrrggh!

spindr
28th-November-2005, 02:30 PM
Had a good night -- lots of good dances.

Other than that it's a bit difficult to be objective -- I wasn't quite "in the zone" -- maybe next time I'll be firing on all cylinders.

SpinDr

P.S. If comments are actively solicited, then I guess I could do a PM.

Dizzy
28th-November-2005, 02:36 PM
The highlight of my evening was my dance with Amir, wow, i've never seen him let himself go like that before. I just wish i'd been a bit better at following:blush:



Me too. :blush: :blush: :worthy:

Sheepman
28th-November-2005, 02:39 PM
GNGNGGngngngngnnAAAAArrrrggh! Is something up LL? :whistle:

Greg

Will
28th-November-2005, 03:43 PM
The newest member of the Thunderbirds - Toby Tracy - fixes Lady Penelope's pink Rolls Royce by using beer bottles for controls and his own jacket as the power source.
Not bad.

However, he's PM'd me, and apparently he was Turtling !?

Mary
28th-November-2005, 03:48 PM
Not bad.

However, he's PM'd me, and apparently he was Turtling !?

Wot? You mean as in turtly barmy?

M

under par
28th-November-2005, 03:50 PM
Not bad.

However, he's PM'd me, and apparently he was Turtling !?

Are you sure it wasn't " Call the French coast guard and tell them cable laying just about to start"

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 03:52 PM
One small point, and I know I'll get hung for saying this, but I know it's not just me - it would have been even better if we'd just had a few contrasting tracks to make all the luscious stuff feel even more luscious, even (blasphemy I know) a few more standard upbeat tracks every now and then. It wouldn't have detracted from the quality of the evening or the DJing, but would have given a little break in concentration so that everything else could flow more. Just an idea :flower:



Thats what they had slow then bloody fast :sick:

Sparkles
28th-November-2005, 03:52 PM
"Just like that"

:whistle:

under par
28th-November-2005, 03:54 PM
"Just like that"

:whistle:

What in a Tommy Copper sounding voice:whistle:

Sparkles
28th-November-2005, 03:55 PM
What in a Tommy Cooper sounding voice:whistle:
... sorry, was that too predictable...?

Mary
28th-November-2005, 03:58 PM
Being one of TwK and Divi's little helpers I feel I can respond to some of the comments passed about Funky-Lush's opening night.

I was concerned about the how the floor would behave (as it were). It is superb with a good spring, but it is a multi-use floor. When we arrived to set up it had just been cleaned, but that powdery residue noticeable at the end I have come across before. It may be down to the type of polish the cleaning contractors use, so that is an issue which can be looked into.

I'm glad everone seemed to like the idea of Mark (security man) being around - he's a little treasure isn't he. And I'm sure he would have been happy to escort any lady back to their car if asked - as he was patrolling you would have to go and find him first. I would also mention that Toby paid the council for one of their security men as well, but he did sod-all and sat in a room all evening :angry: :angry: So Mark was a star doing the job of 2 people.

The party in the room next door was a bit of a surprise when we turned up, but apart from taking up some parking space didn't seem to cause any significant problems.

I too thought the overall ambient lighting was just a tad bright, but some like it a bit brighter and some like it darker, but I have a plan to tweak that slightly.

Re. the sound. I'm sure the mighty TwKster will have read these comments and will try to address them. Far be it from me to in any way criticise the music or DJ's but I'm inclined to agree with Tessalicious and Cruella about having a couple of more upbeat or funky experimental tracks. Although Sheepy played something really funky that ChrisA and I stuck our thumbs up to, so I'm hoping Greg can remember which track it was - I have to get it!

There are also a few other minor adjustments that can made as well, but any suggestions that don't include a chocolate rub-down by nubile wenches/hunky dudes I'm sure would be appreciated.

Beautiful cabaret performance by Will and Kate I thought.:worthy: :worthy:

So here's looking forward to the next event.:clap: :clap:

Excellent work Twk and Divi.

M

under par
28th-November-2005, 03:59 PM
... sorry, was that too predictable...?


Didn't you appreciate my COPPER spurious link? How PC is that?

Come on moderators who is policing this post.:whistle:


Sorry back on thread FUNKY LUSH was ace.

David Franklin
28th-November-2005, 03:59 PM
"Now observe, as using only the power of my mind, I will make my lovely assistent levitate out of this pink box."

{embarrassed pause}

"Oops - I've been overdoing the Stella again, haven't I? :blush: "

Sparkles
28th-November-2005, 04:03 PM
Is anyone else mildy disconcerted at ChrisA's attempt at his best "hh-hmm, do you want to come into my car?" look with Sparkles?!?:what:

:D
Obviously you've never seen Chris' car :rofl:

sorry Chris

senorita
28th-November-2005, 04:04 PM
Was a fantastic 5 hours of the best music and dancers. Please can we have another one soon.:hug: :flower: Did nobody else notice the 'aroma' when dancing near the doors into the other event? A rather strong whiff of Marjuana! Did wonder if thats why i felt so relaxed all evening:rofl: In fact i was approached on the way back to the car by 3 guys from this other event asking if i wanted to dance with them! They thought it was really funny when i mentioned that we could smell their joints in the other room and went on to ask if i wanted some!!! I declined on both counts, but they were friendly enough.
I did find that with such challenging music for a full 5 hours i felt mentally tired more than physically so i agree with Tessalicious about having just a few standard upbeat tracks mingled in amongst all the fab lush tracks.
The highlight of my evening was my dance with Amir, wow, i've never seen him let himself go like that before. I just wish i'd been a bit better at following:blush:
Thanks to TWK, Divissima, Sheepman and Gus for an awesme nights dancing.:hug: :kiss: :worthy:

No mention of the bestest compliment ever to you...??

under par
28th-November-2005, 04:06 PM
No mention of the bestest compliment ever to you...??


Pray tell the masses young senorina:yeah: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :yeah:

senorita
28th-November-2005, 04:07 PM
it was SUPER TRUPER!!!!!!!!
:drool: :drool: :drool:

The only downside it was a little cold in there, and too bright.
Plus too many lovely chocolate treats....thanks for that Toby...but I went home a stone heavier lol
PS great chocolate fountain tess...very good idea!

DavidB
28th-November-2005, 04:10 PM
Rare insect found splattered on windscreen is too late for the RSPB BugCount survey.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/bugcount/index.asp


This is where the RSPB's Big Bug Count comes in. We have devised a simple way of monitoring insects. We asked people to estimate the number of splattered insects on their number plate after a journey. The survey was simple to encourage lots of people to take part - this will give us high quality information. We asked everyone to count in the same way so we can compare results across the country.

Survey now closed

senorita
28th-November-2005, 04:11 PM
Pray tell the masses young senorina:yeah: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :yeah:

speak english senore :D

Anyway what ever your trying to say to me. :confused: ....sigh...:whistle: you two looked wicked on saturday...I did ask your young Mrs Par where she got her awesome dress from and she did tell me...but I forgot the second part of the enchanted name :blush: . can you be so kind to get me the rest of the name pretty plz with a cherry on top :hug:

ChrisA
28th-November-2005, 04:33 PM
Obviously you've never seen Chris' car :rofl:

sorry Chris
Harsh, but undoubtedly fair.... :tears:

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 04:57 PM
There are also a few other minor adjustments that can made as well, but any suggestions that don't include a chocolate rub-down by nubile wenches/hunky dudes I'm sure would be appreciated.


M

Ok going to get flamed but here goes

Can of diet pepsi in Brighton Jive was 50p
Can of diet pepsi at Fulham ceroc is 80p

Can of diet pepsi at Funky Lush £1 :sad:

Given the amount left over i suggest a slightly less of a mark up

you can buy 24 cans of Pepsi for £5.49 ??

Dizzy
28th-November-2005, 05:04 PM
Ok going to get flamed but here goes

Can of diet pepsi in Brighton Jive was 50p
Can of diet pepsi at Fulham ceroc is 80p

Can of diet pepsi at Funky Lush £1 :sad:

Given the amount left over i suggest a slightly less of a mark up

you can buy 24 cans of Pepsi for £5.49 ??

Hate to disagree S38 :flower: but.......

Hence the fact that BYO was such a good idea.

If you wanted cheaper Coke then you could have brought your own!! :whistle:

Plus the fact that you had free water all night. :worthy:

mooncalf
28th-November-2005, 05:09 PM
Ok going to get flamed but here goes

Can of diet pepsi in Brighton Jive was 50p
Can of diet pepsi at Fulham ceroc is 80p

Can of diet pepsi at Funky Lush £1 :sad:

Given the amount left over i suggest a slightly less of a mark up

you can buy 24 cans of Pepsi for £5.49 ??

I'm sure ChrisA was here a minute ago.

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 05:09 PM
Hate to disagree S38 :flower: but.......

Hence the fact that BYO was such a good idea.

If you wanted cheaper Coke then you could have brought your own!! :whistle:

Plus the fact that you had free water all night. :worthy:


See i know id get flammed for mentioning anything :whistle:

ok ill bring my own in future and the venue will lose any profit from a marginal mark up :yeah:

Toby wan Kenobe
28th-November-2005, 05:09 PM
<Begin Love-in/TwK>
Huge thanks to the Funky-Lush Team:clap: :clap: couldn’t have done it without you. Special thanks to:

Mary, Event Director, for giving so generously of her expertise, time and car boot,
Tony for organisational expertise, calming influence, ladders and muscles,
Manal for taking the lead (as always), supreme sewing skills and good natured mucking in,
Katie and Louise for front-of-house management,
Greg and Gus for masterful music, and electrical meccano/lego expertise,
Roger The Mighty Chinster for illumination management,
Sparkles for being Sparkly,
Dr Funk for impromptu cuddles,
Mark for security management in sub-zero temperatures,
Will & Kate for a truly magnificent Jango showcase,
And of course Claire, Operations Director who has been so supportive of the Funky-Lush dream over the last months and masterful on the night.

Also a big thank you to all those who attended the very first Funky-Lush, thanks for taking the plunge, I’m glad so many of you enjoyed it.
Based on the success of the first one we will now plan some future events.
<End Love-in/TwK>

I have taken on board your feedback:
Heating – Before the event I spoke with the venue management and we discussed how we could keep the Ballroom cool on the night. I had in mind that they would turn down the heating, they had in mind to turn off the heating in the afternoon:confused: . Hmmm, should be easily fixed for the next event.

Floor – Mary is spot on, the Ballroom hasn’t been used for proper dancing for a while, so we (and the venue) think it’s just a question of ‘dancing the floor in’. But we will also talk to them about using an approved dance floor polish.

Music – I wanted to clearly differentiate FL from regular dance parties – hence the predominance of funky and lush tracks and of crossover MJ/WCS tracks. I didn’t want people saying that FL is the same as other freestyles. I think this point has now been made, and for the next FL we will introduce a little (just a little!) more standard upbeat music – but you’re never going to hear the Mavericks or S Club7 (sorry Stewart38:eek: ).

Security – We thought long and hard about using the Southall venue. Yes the district is a little different to what most people are used to, so I spent time in the ‘hood’ to get the vibe. Southall is actually very community and family orientated. But to address any perceptions we organised 2 levels of security, venue security and our own event security (thanks Mary). I’m very happy to organise an escort service (I think that’s what I mean!) to and from your personal choice of transport.

That’s enough for now, please pm me with any other Funky-Lush suggestions/demands/offers of money.

Hope to see you at the next Funky-Lush

ChrisA
28th-November-2005, 05:16 PM
I'm sure ChrisA was here a minute ago.
:whistle: :whistle:

Toby wan Kenobe
28th-November-2005, 05:21 PM
<Begin Love-in/TwK>
Huge thanks to the Funky-Lush Team:clap: :clap: couldn’t have done it without you. Special thanks to:

Mary, Event Director, for giving so generously of her expertise, time and car boot,
Tony for organisational expertise, calming influence, ladders and muscles,
Manal for taking the lead (as always), supreme sewing skills and good natured mucking in,
Katie and Louise for front-of-house management,
Greg and Gus for masterful music, and electrical meccano/lego expertise,
Roger The Mighty Chinster for illumination management,
Sparkles for being Sparkly,
Dr Funk for impromptu cuddles,
Mark for security management in sub-zero temperatures,
Will & Kate for a truly magnificent Jango showcase,
And of course Claire, Operations Director who has been so supportive of the Funky-Lush dream over the last months and masterful on the night.

Also a big thank you to all those who attended the very first Funky-Lush, thanks for taking the plunge, I’m glad so many of you enjoyed it.
Based on the success of the first one we will now plan some future events.
<End Love-in/TwK>

I have taken on board your feedback:
Heating – Before the event I spoke with the venue management and we discussed how we could keep the Ballroom cool on the night. I had in mind that they would turn down the heating, they had in mind to turn off the heating in the afternoon:confused: . Hmmm, should be easily fixed for the next event.

Floor – Mary is spot on, the Ballroom hasn’t been used for proper dancing for a while, so we (and the venue) think it’s just a question of ‘dancing the floor in’. But we will also talk to them about using an approved dance floor polish.

Music – I wanted to clearly differentiate FL from regular dance parties – hence the predominance of funky and lush tracks and of crossover MJ/WCS tracks. I didn’t want people saying that FL is the same as other freestyles. I think this point has now been made, and for the next FL we will introduce a little (just a little!) more standard upbeat music – but you’re never going to hear the Mavericks or S Club7 (sorry Stewart38:eek: ).

Security – We thought long and hard about using the Southall venue. Yes the district is a little different to what most people are used to, so I spent time in the ‘hood’ to get the vibe. Southall is actually very community and family orientated. But to address any perceptions we organised 2 levels of security, venue security and our own event security (thanks Mary). I’m very happy to organise an escort service (I think that’s what I mean!) to and from your personal choice of transport.

That’s enough for now, please pm me with any other Funky-Lush suggestions/demands/offers of money.

Hope to see you at the next Funky-Lush

stewart38
28th-November-2005, 05:22 PM
<,
.

Music – I wanted to clearly differentiate FL from regular dance parties – hence the predominance of funky and lush tracks and of crossover MJ/WCS tracks. I didn’t want people saying that FL is the same as other freestyles. I think this point has now been made, and for the next FL we will introduce a little (just a little!) more standard upbeat music – but you’re never going to hear the Mavericks or S Club7 (sorry Stewart38:eek: ).




Funky-Lush

I knew what to expect and had no problem over all with the music and i never asked for Amarillo to be played :yeah:

A few friends non forum did leave early because it wasnt what they expected but thats life, you cant please everyone

ChrisA
28th-November-2005, 05:29 PM
Some excellent photo's by ESG. None more so that than this, which I feel deserves it's very own caption competition.

"Wow... you weren't having me on. It really is that big..."

Dizzy
28th-November-2005, 05:34 PM
See i know id get flammed for mentioning anything :whistle:

ok ill bring my own in future and the venue will lose any profit from a marginal mark up :yeah:


Don't worry, having me disagree with you does not mean you are going anywhere near flames :flower: .

Disagreeing with ChrisA on the other hand........ :whistle:

Puddy Tat
28th-November-2005, 06:16 PM
I'd like to add my two pennyworth too please!!

Funky Lush was a brilliant night :clap: - can't believe how quickly the time went! I had some wonderful dances to great music and there was a good ambience at the venue, although it was a little chilly for me when not dancing.

Thank you to TWK, Divi and all the Funky Lush team who worked so hard to make such a great night - I can't wait for the next one.

:kiss:

Bex
28th-November-2005, 06:28 PM
Okay, Billco and I are a couple of the 'gutted ones' who couldn't make the launch night of Funky Lush :tears:

When's the next one then? I need to get it in the diary!! :clap:

Lory
28th-November-2005, 06:36 PM
When's the next one then? I need to get it in the diary!! :clap:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

Feelingpink
28th-November-2005, 06:37 PM
Some excellent photo's by ESG. None more so that than this, which I feel deserves it's very own caption competition.

So come on you wannabe Hislops and Mertons......

Blobbalobbalollobbab (a la Bill & Ben)

It was indeed a fabulous, fabulous evening ... just a shame I had to leave early. Very funky and totally luscious.

Rhythm King
28th-November-2005, 06:38 PM
Just wanted to add my own applause to a fabulous night - well done TwK, Divi, Sheepy, Gus and all the crew, it was great.:worthy:
A great big :yeah: to all the above (well, most of it).

I enjoyed the fact that it was quite cool, but then I have the insulation of a South Atlantic bull elephant seal, so may be that's just me. I also liked the lighting the way it was, because it meant that one could watch the stunning display of dancing talent on the floor, when resting out, or raiding the wonderful chocolate fountain - it was worth it just for that :wink:




Unfortunately there was no body parts being dipped in chocolate but those strawberries! Yumm!! :drool:


Oh yes there were... :devil: :whistle:

The music was awesome, the seating area about right, I felt happy leaving a convertible in the car park, the coke was expensive, but it was ice cold - which was worth it and TwK's already addressed everything else. Although XL t-shirts would be a bonus, pretty please!! Great photos BTW ESG. Can't name names coz there were just too may good dancers and I don't want to leave anyone out, but truly wonderful dances.

Just hope I'm in the World for the next one. A few more advance dates will let me plan my travel schedule accordingly :flower:

R-K x

Zebra Woman
28th-November-2005, 06:40 PM
Sorry to be boring and so sorry for those who would have loved it but missed out.

But I have to say Funky Lush did exactly what it said on the tin. I had a fantastic night, every single dance was great. Big WELL DONE and HUGE THANK YOU to Toby and Claire and all their helpers. :clap: :worthy:

More please.


The Southall venue wasn't as homely as Kent House, it was full of character and was blessed with one huge advantage - it was much bigger!:clap:

Plus , big plus, we all had exactly the right amount of space to be exhuberant if we wanted. It was such a joy to be able relax and really use the floorspace, I had forgotten what is was like to really dance with some people. If I only ever meet them at the crowded events then I generally get a squashed version of their dancing (if they are considerate to other dancers that is). As there was space and the dancers were all so good and the music was so challenging and interesting I did feel quite mentally tired in the end, as I'd had no autopilot dances whatsover.

The lighting was good, agree darker would be even better. Accoustics could be improved, dancing near the door I was struggling to hear the song at one point. There was a distinct aroma of cannabis too, something to do with the reggae music next door methinks.:whistle:

Floor was perfect apart from the grit I had to clear from my soles now and then and the mass of dust at the end. My sparkly shoes are a bit dull now... Girls - got any tips on cleaning the dust off the glittery areas?

IMO The music was great - definitely different. :worthy: Everything I wanted and then some more stuff I always want but I would never dream of asking for.... unless it's a blues room on a weekender. Thank you.

I'm sure you'll be glad to know the Funky Lush Girly Sleepover was a huge success too . Huge thank you to Sparkles and KatieR, the hostesses with the mostesses. :kiss: :hug: :kiss:

Thank you TWK for my FL T shirt :flower:. I wore it with pride for Post FL Brunch, and even managed to keep it clean...which is more than can be said for the conversation....:eek: .

ZW:blush:

Little Monkey
28th-November-2005, 08:13 PM
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
:tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears:



That's it, I'm going to the next one! Now, stop making so bl**dy jealous! :(

robd
28th-November-2005, 09:23 PM
I feel :sad: after missing this one given the unanimously positive reports but methinks a few more year's practice needed first so as not to feel too out of my depth.

{ ESG photos } - so many BEAUTIFUL women :yum: :yum: but surely another poll is due - Do you feel happy doing dips for the camera ????

And you can see how filthy the floor was quite clearly in one photo. Not good.

Chef
28th-November-2005, 09:32 PM
I had heard very little of the music anywhere else before.

The quality of the dancers there left me feeling cringinly inadequate.

I left feeling mentally exhausted bythe concentration on the unfamilair music and wanting to give each partner my very best.

It was so good I am not going to tell anyone about it. I won't need to.

To quote a film "build it and they will come". FL was for a few short hours a field of dreams.

robd
28th-November-2005, 10:15 PM
The quality of the dancers there left me feeling cringinly inadequate.


Hey Chef

Having seen you in action at Camber, leave the feelings of inadequacy to those of us that deserve it :tears:

Robert

Mary
29th-November-2005, 01:02 AM
Forgot to mention - great pictures ESG. Got any more for us all to look at?
:worthy: :worthy:

M

El Salsero Gringo
29th-November-2005, 01:51 AM
Forgot to mention - great pictures ESG. Got any more for us all to look at?
:worthy: :worthy:

MI have lots more pictures, but they aren't of a standard where I'm happy to show them, for a variety of reasons; either someone's caught with a silly expression, or has their arm in front of their partner's face, or the shot's out of focus, or my thumb was shadowing the flash, or, else the picture just isn't very interesting. So out of the 200-odd pictures I took, those are the best ones and I'm happy to leave it at that!

Sparkles
29th-November-2005, 11:19 AM
But I have to say Funky Lush did exactly what it said on the tin.

:yeah: :yeah:

I was trying to compile a post for this thread yesterday, but everyone has managed to pretty much say everything I wanted to say anyway!

It was a fantastic night, and yes, there were a couple of first-night-blips, but that's only to be expected. When you're pushing the boundaries, like these guys are, in search of an even better dance experience the whole point is to do your best and then listen to feedback - and I'm sure all the comments made here and in PMs and in person will be taken very much into consideration for the next event.

Funky Lush had everything a good freestyle night should have. The showcase was expertly performed and not too long - just enough to give us all something to aspire to and then lots of time to go and practice! The amount of space was perfect. The quality and quantity of the dancers was superb - I can honestly say I didn't have a bad dance all evening. The floor and the temperature both need to be looked into, but the crew know that and I'm sure will be sorting it out for future events. I too thought the lighting a little too bright by the end of the evening, but for the beginning it was fine. The music was just dreamy :drool:, all the DJs mush have worked their socks off to come out with such stunning sets. And La Diva's dress :worthy: :worthy: - what else can I say!

To everyone who was involved, thank you for a wonderful night. :flower:

S. xx

Lory
29th-November-2005, 11:26 AM
:I too thought the lighting a little too bright by the end of the evening, but for the beginning it was fine.

I loved the lighting from start to finish, at the T-jive on Sunday! :drool:

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 12:22 PM
:yeah:

Rachel, are those the new shoes?

Looks like it was a fab night.You noticed I've got new shoes just from those pictures, Lynn??? Wow! But, what am I saying ... of course you would!! Actually, that's worth a whole new thread on its own ...

Anyway, Funky Lush - awesome event!! We will definitely be back for more. Toby, Claire and everyone who put so much work into this - thank you!

Unfortunatly, like SpinDr (who are you???), I wan't feeling on form either, so felt a little bad at inflicting myself on others. But, despite that, so many wonderful men to dance with, and so many more I never had a chance to.

ESG - wonderful pictures, just a shame you didn't have time to dance more! Wish I knew who more of the forumites were - who are you Wicked Blue? Raphael? Puddy Tat? And Senorita - I know I know you, but don't know who you are from your forum name (if that makes sense!)?

Loved the hall - full of character. The floor was perfectly slippery, and I didn't mind the dust, but did feel like I was dancing on grit or had stones embedded in the soles of my shoes.

Music - some wonderful tracks in there, but I actually have the opposite view to some of the others - less of the familiar & funk and more of the unfamiliar & lush. (Who'd be a dj???!)

Liked the drinks policy - plenty of free water, and being able to bring your own makes it so much cheaper.

Overall, fantastic event! :clap: :clap:

Now, let me tell you all about my shoes ...

Rachel

senorita
29th-November-2005, 12:33 PM
You noticed I've got new shoes just from those pictures, Lynn??? Wow! But, what am I saying ... of course you would!! Actually, that's worth a whole new thread on its own ...

Anyway, Funky Lush - awesome event!! We will definitely be back for more. Toby, Claire and everyone who put so much work into this - thank you!

Unfortunatly, like SpinDr (who are you???), I wan't feeling on form either, so felt a little bad at inflicting myself on others. But, despite that, so many wonderful men to dance with, and so many more I never had a chance to.

ESG - wonderful pictures, just a shame you didn't have time to dance more! Wish I knew who more of the forumites were - who are you Wicked Blue? Raphael? Puddy Tat? And Senorita - I know I know you, but don't know who you are from your forum name (if that makes sense!)?

Loved the hall - full of character. The floor was perfectly slippery, and I didn't mind the dust, but did feel like I was dancing on grit or had stones embedded in the soles of my shoes.

Music - some wonderful tracks in there, but I actually have the opposite view to some of the others - less of the familiar & funk and more of the unfamiliar & lush. (Who'd be a dj???!)

Liked the drinks policy - plenty of free water, and being able to bring your own makes it so much cheaper.

Overall, fantastic event! :clap: :clap:

Now, let me tell you all about my shoes ...

Rachel


May I just say... how great you looked on saturday! wow you looked awesome with Mark! (drool)

Yes you do know whom I am.....I said hello to you several times at Northampton recently when you were with Mark...and at Ashtons too in jan/feb 05.

xx
I will approach you again soon to say Hi...and stamp my name on me forehead lol

Will
29th-November-2005, 12:34 PM
Wot? You mean as in turtly barmy?

M
As in "touching cloth" :sick:

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 12:37 PM
Music - some wonderful tracks in there, but I actually have the opposite view to some of the others - less of the familiar & funk and more of the unfamiliar & lush. (Who'd be a dj???!)

..... :yeah:

Like Rachel, I love the unfamiliar and lush, and would prefer unfamiliar and funk to anything more mainstream, where a mood change or contrast is needed.

I thought the level of contrast was pretty good. I don't remember a night where it's been such a continuous stream of music that I enjoy. Even at weekenders.

So no pressure, guys, for next time... :cheers:

Note to self: make sure I haven't done a four hour workshop immediately before the freestyle next time.

Lynn
29th-November-2005, 02:06 PM
You noticed I've got new shoes just from those pictures, Lynn??? Wow! But, what am I saying ... of course you would!! Actually, that's worth a whole new thread on its own ...Well you had mentioned them, but I hadn't seen them yet. And I know your usual ones as they are the same as mine. (I was wearing my red pair last night when attempting tango with a friend, haven't worn them for a while and kept looking at them when I sat down. What is it with dance shoes? I'm not like this about normal shoes!)

Gus
29th-November-2005, 03:11 PM
Like Rachel, I love the unfamiliar and lush, and would prefer unfamiliar and funk to anything more mainstream, where a mood change or contrast is needed.

I thought the level of contrast was pretty good. I don't remember a night where it's been such a continuous stream of music that I enjoy. Even at weekenders.I think there is alwys going to be a major challenge when you try to take the music style of TWK Experience and make it 'bigger'. The current sound is a minority sound. Its not for everyone. Its not just a questions of what the individual likes, its also a case of whether your style/skills/experience means you can actualy dance to the music, which can be challenging.

What I thought Toby pulled off really well was to try to present a fairly consistent style of music. That meant the visiting DJs (myself and Sheepman) modifying our own DJ styles to fit within that guideline. From the feedback so far it seems like we succeeded. However, the challenge is then to bring in new music within that style, which is by definition a slower, lower energy style. Also, with new people coming into the 'experience', keeping a core set of KNOWN tracks helps the conversion form straight Ceroc-type music (and dancing) to this different way (not necessarily better, but different) of dancing and listening to the music.

Lets all hope this new venture succeeds.:grin:

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 04:08 PM
... What I thought Toby pulled off really well was to try to present a fairly consistent style of music. That meant the visiting DJs (myself and Sheepman) modifying our own DJ styles to fit within that guideline. From the feedback so far it seems like we succeeded. However, the challenge is then to bring in new music within that style, which is by definition a slower, lower energy style. Also, with new people coming into the 'experience', keeping a core set of KNOWN tracks helps the conversion form straight Ceroc-type music (and dancing) to this different way (not necessarily better, but different) of dancing and listening to the music.

Lets all hope this new venture succeeds.:grin: I certainly can't disagree and, as I say, overall it was a superb night. What I was posting earlier about the music was really my own personal fantasy world ...

I would hate Funky Lush to become an exclusive venue, impregnable by newer dancers who had only ever experienced typical Ceroc music. So, yes, a certain number of familiar tracks help. I liked the fact that there were a couple of new dancers there (I danced with one guy who was only in his second week of dancing, who I'd met at Greenford the Thursday before) - and it was lovely to see them there.

Rachel

Paul F
29th-November-2005, 04:46 PM
I
I would hate Funky Lush to become an exclusive venue, impregnable by newer dancers who had only ever experienced typical Ceroc music. So, yes, a certain number of familiar tracks help. I liked the fact that there were a couple of new dancers there (I danced with one guy who was only in his second week of dancing, who I'd met at Greenford the Thursday before) - and it was lovely to see them there.

Rachel

Ok, its time for the patented Paul Farrell sweeping statement machine to roll into play once again. :)

Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners.

:what: :what:

Go on. If anyone wants to flame me Im ready for ya! :cool:


Of course I am going to have to give some balance to that statement before I am cast out as a social leper.
On the one hand I really dont want to dance with beginners at a venue that 'I' believe was created to appeal to the advanced dancers.
On the other hand I can see that people exposed to this early on in their dance life can really help them by breaking down such barriers that may scare them away from such music.

1 or 2 beginners there I guess is fine but if this were to change and half of the attendees were beginners I would have to rethink my journey to FL :sad:


Im not really a nasty person :flower:

Zebra Woman
29th-November-2005, 04:51 PM
I think the ceroc DJs should all play more unusual stuff to enable newcomers to Funky Lush to acclimatise more quickly.

Not the other way around.

I'm not against Chart music at FL or even familiar music, but I would be dismayed if the lush groove was compromised by some pop track. I think it would really jar.

At Funky Lush the music completely flowed, a couple of weirdo tracks yes, but that's fine. I would rather be challenged by those, than hear 'Dancing in the Moonlight' or 'Starlight' or 'Let's Get this Party Started' :sick: ..kinda stuff. If it's chart I would like it to still fit within the funky lush idea, and there are plenty of tracks that do IMO.

ZW

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 04:58 PM
Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners. But Paul!!! How are you ever going to get these 'better' dancers unless you allow them in to learn through venues/music like this??? You think Ceroc's going to train them up to the required 'standard' so that they can move seemlessly across to such things as FL, Amir's t-jive and be suitable dance partners for you???
R.

Zebra Woman
29th-November-2005, 04:59 PM
Ok, its time for the patented Paul Farrell sweeping statement machine to roll into play once again. :)

Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners.

:what: :what:

Go on. If anyone wants to flame me Im ready for ya! :cool:


Of course I am going to have to give some balance to that statement before I am cast out as a social leper.
On the one hand I really dont want to dance with beginners at a venue that 'I' believe was created to appeal to the advanced dancers.
On the other hand I can see that people exposed to this early on in their dance life can really help them by breaking down such barriers that may scare them away from such music.

1 or 2 beginners there I guess is fine but if this were to change and half of the attendees were beginners I would have to rethink my journey to FL :sad:


Im not really a nasty person :flower:


Me too :flower:

Better dancers and wall to wall yummy music. No compromise.

When I say 'better dancers' that doesn't have to mean experienced at all, I mean dancers with the fire in their belly who are really into dancing and love challenging music too.

Oh and have good floorcraft too

ZW

Gus
29th-November-2005, 05:00 PM
I think the ceroc DJs should all play more unusual stuff to enable newcomers to Funky Lush to acclimatise more quickly.

Not the other way around.

I'm not against Chart music at FL or even familiar music, but I would be dismayed if the lush groove was compromised by some pop track. I think it would really jar.I dont think there has been any suggestion at playing standard 'ceroc' tracks. I think the comments have been around the fcat that the FL set included the 'usual' sets of Pink Martini, Gotan Project etc ... the stuff many TWK acolytes have heard numerous times. I can understand the call for newer stuff, but a) its hard to find, b) these tracks allow the unitiated to slide in gently without standing at the dorr looking like rabbits caught in headlights. (IMHO)

PS Totlay agree with Paul F. Its nice to have a venue where the standrd of dancing is consistently high. There are stacks of places for beginners etc to go ... far fewer places for more experienced dnacers to go. Viva la difference!:clap:

stewart38
29th-November-2005, 05:03 PM
Ok, its time for the patented Paul Farrell sweeping statement machine to roll into play once again. :)

Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners.

:what: :what:

Go on. If anyone wants to flame me Im ready for ya! :cool:


Of course I am going to have to give some balance to that statement before I am cast out as a social leper.
On the one hand I really dont want to dance with beginners at a venue that 'I' believe was created to appeal to the advanced dancers.
On the other hand I can see that people exposed to this early on in their dance life can really help them by breaking down such barriers that may scare them away from such music.

1 or 2 beginners there I guess is fine but if this were to change and half of the attendees were beginners I would have to rethink my journey to FL :sad:


Im not really a nasty person :flower:


What you want one night where you dont get your armed pulled , you dont realise after 6 seconds its not going to be a 'good dance'

I take the flamming for you, your too nice a guy to be flamed ,im use to it :yeah:

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 05:03 PM
I think the ceroc DJs should all play more unusual stuff to enable newcomers to Funky Lush to acclimatise more quickly.

Not the other way around. I see you live in a fantasy world, too! :worthy:


I'm not against Chart music at FL or even familiar music, but I would be dismayed if the lush groove was compromised by some pop track. I think it would really jar. Oh absolutely. By 'familiar', I was thinking more familiar blues/latin/lush stuff ... definitely not pop.
R.

stewart38
29th-November-2005, 05:10 PM
What you want one night where you dont get your armed pulled , you dont realise after 6 seconds its not going to be a 'good dance'

I take the flamming for you, your too nice a guy to be flamed ,im use to it :yeah:


3 lots of -ve rep already :sad:

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 05:14 PM
What you want one night where you dont get your armed pulled , you dont realise after 6 seconds its not going to be a 'good dance'

I take the flamming for you, your too nice a guy to be flamed ,im use to it :yeah: As I was saying to Trish just yesterday, after 4 years of taxing & demo'ing at least 3 nights a week, I have never had any yanking/pulling or such problems with beginners. It's the 'experienced' Ceroccers who cause far more problems.

Maybe I'm the only one?

Get 'em in early and train them good, is what I say. I'm not saying actively seek out beginners to bring along, but at least be welcoming. Get them used to the good dancers & music early and, hopefully, they won't ever develop too many bad habits.

There will be many many people who wouldn't ever want to come to something like Funky Lush. And that's fine - they can carry on attending their usual venue. But for those who do want to come, I think we should encourage them, however new.

Rachel

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 05:15 PM
3 lots of -ve rep already :sad: Wasn't me! :flower:

Zebra Woman
29th-November-2005, 05:26 PM
I see you live in a fantasy world, too! :worthy:

Oh absolutely. By 'familiar', I was thinking more familiar blues/latin/lush stuff ... definitely not pop.
R.

Oh sorry Rachel, now I get you. Yes completely agree with you.

It's a tough task to keep on moving forward with the music, but I feel sure Twk and Co. are well up to it.

I like to think we can help now and then by making the odd suggestion.


For example here's a lush track I'd love to hear at FL

Way Down Deep - J.Warnes



ZW:devil:

under par
29th-November-2005, 05:28 PM
Go on. If anyone wants to flame me Im ready for ya! :cool:

1 or 2 beginners there I guess is fine but if this were to change and half of the attendees were beginners I would have to rethink my journey to FL :sad:


No flames from me.

I have a theory this thread will be hijacked for the elitist /not elitist or advanced versus beginner argument.

I do not want to hear that argument here.

I want an adult discussion re the MUSIC.

After all it is the MUSIC that is the difference between Funky Lush and Ceroc where ever freestyle isn't it.

Once you strip away the venue, lights, drinks, etc it is the music which dictates the clientelle.

I will actively avoid certain venues because of the music played even if good dancers are attending and I will persue my interests at venues which play music I like.

I will say I enjoyed the music at FUNKY LUSH because it was mainly slower not mainstream pop and very much not your normal ceroc style music.(please I am not anti ceroc. it is the music that the Ceroc tm brand plays which is great for Ceroc and many other independants that does not do it for me any more!)

I will continue to pay my hard earned cash to attend such events as FUNKY LUSH for the music.

It would be a lie and say I do not enjoy dancing with very good advanced dancers because I do.
But anyone who knows me will tell you I dance with as many people in a venue as I can whether I know them or not or whether they are good or not.

FUNKY LUSH adds to that experience for me because it offers the huge 5 hours of freestyle, and allows me the oppotunity to dance with as many people as possible.

Don't get drawn into the advanced beginner debate that belongs elsewhere and exists elsewhere.

Anyone who knows TWK will know how he lives for his TWK experience style of music.

This is a new product being sold on the strengths of the music and the length of freestyle.

Let it stand or fall on those merits .

I think it will stand and I will be re-attending.

David Bailey
29th-November-2005, 05:32 PM
I want an adult discussion re the MUSIC.
{ snip lots of stuff about, well, the music }
Trouble is, the only people who can discuss the music are the ones who went there, so it's bound to be a limiting group.

Unless someone posts a playlist...?

Paul F
29th-November-2005, 05:36 PM
But Paul!!! How are you ever going to get these 'better' dancers unless you allow them in to learn through venues/music like this??? You think Ceroc's going to train them up to the required 'standard' so that they can move seemlessly across to such things as FL, Amir's t-jive and be suitable dance partners for you???
R.

I understand what you're saying. :flower:
It is a tricky one but I would prefer to see those that are competent intermediate dancers, and who maybe are bored of the usual Ceroc/MJ music, who are longing for a difference.
What was usually the domain of the weekender is now, hopefully, a regular event.

It would rarely be a seamless transition but at least the Ceroc et al. model will get people so far. At that point they may want to choose FL but, hopefully, not before.

Icey
29th-November-2005, 05:38 PM
Ok, its time for the patented Paul Farrell sweeping statement machine to roll into play once again. :)

Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners.

:what: :what:

Go on. If anyone wants to flame me Im ready for ya! :cool:


Of course I am going to have to give some balance to that statement before I am cast out as a social leper.
On the one hand I really dont want to dance with beginners at a venue that 'I' believe was created to appeal to the advanced dancers.
On the other hand I can see that people exposed to this early on in their dance life can really help them by breaking down such barriers that may scare them away from such music.

1 or 2 beginners there I guess is fine but if this were to change and half of the attendees were beginners I would have to rethink my journey to FL :sad:


Im not really a nasty person :flower:


I throughly enjoyed FL at the weekend, I loved the music, was inspired by watching other people but I did feel very shy about asking the people there for a dance. I realised very quickly that 99.9% of the people there were advanced dancers and I was woefully out of my depth but I did think that I had handled myself fairly well within my ability on the dances that I did have.

I wasn't scared by the music but I was concerned that by being there I was preventing another advanced dancer, with whom people would much rather dance, from attending.

I totally appreciate the wish to dance with others of a similar level but how are dancers going to improve and be exposed to this type of delicious music if they feel that they're trespassing into an advanced dancers only event? I will continue to attend because I enjoyed it so much, and by having the oppotunity to dance with people better than me I will improve.

Rachel
29th-November-2005, 05:46 PM
For example here's a lush track I'd love to hear at FL

Way Down Deep - J.Warnes



ZW:devil: Oh yes!! :clap: Been begging Marc to play that for aaages. Be good for WCS, too!
Rachel

stewart38
29th-November-2005, 05:46 PM
Trouble is, the only people who can discuss the music are the ones who went there, so it's bound to be a limiting group.

Unless someone posts a playlist...?

we started with

Amarillo then ...
Im in the mood for dancing by the Nolans
Agadoo
Donald wheres your trousers


Think id need help from there :whistle:

Paul F
29th-November-2005, 05:46 PM
I totally appreciate the wish to dance with others of a similar level but how are dancers going to improve and be exposed to this type of delicious music if they .feel that they're trespassing into an advanced dancers only event? I will continue to attend because I enjoyed it so much, and by having the oppotunity to dance with people better than me I will improve.

Yep, i totally agree that this is a good question.
I sincerely hope you dont feel any animosity toward me for my comments. It was never my intention to offend anyone imparticular.
In your case, I do not know you unfortunately but there will always be exceptions. A dancer may come along who is a 'beginner' but suddenly takes to the FL experience. Thats great. This, however, is rare.

As for the question as to where these dancers are coming from, I have to ask a question in return......why do you think FL was considered to be viable?
My answer to this would be due to the proliferation of people who had gone as far as they could with MJ and wanted something extra. Those dancers that had become bored with the usual music. This will not stop now FL exists. It will mean though that these people have an outlay if they want it.

under par
29th-November-2005, 05:49 PM
I have a theory this thread will be hijacked for the elitist /not elitist or advanced versus beginner argument.

I do not want to hear that argument here.



Is this thread about FUNKY LUSH or about the above.


Was FUNKY LUSH different? I think the answer is deinitely yes.

Will you all go to try it or will you return if you have been already?............ I hope so!

There is room for something different.

Lets not keep going over the same old elitist /not elitist or advanced versus beginner argument.


PLEASE!

KatieR
29th-November-2005, 05:54 PM
Is this thread about FUNKY LUSH or about the above.


Was FUNKY LUSH different? I think the answer is deinitely yes.

Will you all go to try it or will you return if you have been already?............ I hope so!

There is room for something different.

Lets not keep going over the same old elitist /not elitist or advanced versus beginner argument.


PLEASE!

ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Zebra Woman
29th-November-2005, 05:55 PM
Trouble is, the only people who can discuss the music are the ones who went there, so it's bound to be a limiting group.

Unless someone posts a playlist...?

Well come along next time then you can join in DJ.

Agree with UP the bottom line is it's really about the music. I feel we deserve at least one place we can go to hear interesting music. I have just given up begging ceroc DJs to play odd music for me and my friends benefit (no that's a lie :devil: ).

Many of these interesting tracks just cannot be played at Ceroc because they are too edgy too slow too sexy too tricky too funky...whatever. :rolleyes: (I respect the DJ's judgement, they are catering for the masses which is not easy)

I think it's perfectly OK for us to have a sanctuary, one place, where we can indulge ourselves. The dancers who love banging pop can dance every night of the week to their favourite music, they don't need anywhere else. Obviously if they became bored or frustrated with it, then the door to FL would be wide open for them. So it's a beneift to all really.

ZW:flower:

Icey
29th-November-2005, 06:18 PM
I think it's perfectly OK for us to have a sanctuary, one place, where we can indulge ourselves. The dancers who love banging pop can dance every night of the week to their favourite music, they don't need anywhere else. Obviously if they became bored or frustrated with it, then the door to FL would be wide open for them. So it's a beneift to all really.

ZW:flower:

:yeah: ZW, that's a great way to put it IMO.

People that haven't been dancing long are unlikely to appreciate the FL sound so they won't wish to attend. A couple of people I knew on Saturday said that it wasn't their cup of tea and wished they'd gone to Putney instead which says to me that they're unlikely to come back because they didn't like the music.

CJ
29th-November-2005, 06:24 PM
Taking this approach (I think I try to walk the line of being adventurous whilst still being safe enough for Ceroc standards) of Ceroc DJs perhaps pushing the boundaries.

I have tried on 2 seperate occasions to get Edinburgh DJs to play "Will You" by Hazel O'Connor: a track documented on Forum as liked and good to dance to (Harperlink anyone??).

One played it: but complained that only half the punters danced to it (I got positive feedback for taking the track but nobody then went to the DJ to say "Great track" and he needs that kind of feedback.) Personally, I think the other half was stunned it wasn't the same stuff as every other month.

The 2nd DJ refused point blank as his punters wouldn't like it. Again, his punters asked me why it wasn't played and still didn't go to him to provide feedback.

hey, at least we got Tina Arena again:D

:tears: :tears: :tears:

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 07:58 PM
I would hate Funky Lush to become an exclusive venue, impregnable by newer dancers who had only ever experienced typical Ceroc music.
Just to jump on the bandwagon that others have got nicely rolling:

Why not?

They can get what they like any night of the week. And if they want to cross over to a smoother style but would find FL just too hard, there are places where the music is in between.

Twyford and Greenwich come to mind immediately (and I'm sure there are others), where there is everything from mainstream pop to tracks that border on the sort of thing we had on Saturday. The TwKs and Dans of this world do a superb job treading that fine line, and all credit to them for that. And from what I saw at the BFG, Sheena plays a pretty lush set too.

Or (shock horror, for this is nothing to do with standard of dancing) they can turn up to FL, be made very welcome, and try as hard as they can. Over time, they'll either be exposed to enough dancers who can do something with difficult music for some of it to rub off, or decide that it's not to their taste, and fair enough.

As Under Par said, it's about the music. And in my totally selfish view, I don't think there should be a shred of compromise there.

It says a lot to me that 120 or more people will turn up on the first night of a new venue, somewhere like Southall - not exactly noted for its MJ history - in, for the most part, full knowledge that the music was going to be at the difficult end of the spectrum.

It confirmed to me what I've suspected for a long time, that there are a lot of people out there that are sick of a diet of pop music, and are crying out for something very different.

The point, as I and others have made lots of times, is that catering for the majority everywhere makes sure that floors are full. But it completely disenfranchises those that just can't stand the thump any more, and would rather not go anywhere than endure that yet again.

So to anyone that says that there should be enough compromise in the music for people that like the mainstream stuff to be happy at FL, I say cobblers. Those people already have about 20 times the choice I do, which is fair enough, since I'm in a small minority. But let them exercise their choice, not remove mine.

Fortunately I'm confident that TwK and Divi have a pretty clear vision for the thing, so thank you guys, for that. :hug: :hug: :hug:

Minnie M
29th-November-2005, 08:07 PM
Im not going to beat around the bush here....I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners.
:yeah:
I agree, I am quite happy to dance with and help newbies at dance classes, but we all need our dance fix :flower:

But Paul!!! How are you ever going to get these 'better' dancers unless you allow them in to learn through venues/music like this??? You think Ceroc's going to train them up to the required 'standard' so that they can move seemlessly across to such things as FL, Amir's t-jive and be suitable dance partners for you???
R.
How did the current better dancers get to their standard :whistle:

Gus
29th-November-2005, 08:12 PM
I realised very quickly that 99.9% of the people there were advanced dancers and I was woefully out of my depth ......I think there is a real danger of perceptions getting out of hand here. The standard WAS good, there were some VERY GOOD dancers there ... but the majority of dancers there were good intermediates, NOT advanced.

There are certainly people there who are more used to the music and so are not so hung up on 'letting go' ... but I would hate for people to think that FL etc. is a habitat for the 'A list' dancers :whistle: :wink: . Any reasonable intermediate could come to a FL dance and, as long as they are open to following the beat of the music, they will enjoy, develop and prosper .... well, maybe.

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 08:42 PM
How did the current better dancers get to their standard
I'll take "better" in the only sense that's relevant in this discussion - namely that I'm better than I used to be when I didn't like FL style music.

I was bored. So bored that I was on the point of giving up. Move after move, pop track after pop track, thump after thump.

B O R I N G. But strangely, I didn't even know why.

I wasn't getting any better, and I didn't know how to. Fortunately I discovered the beginning of something when I went to one of Amir's workshops, and it led to what I'd still call a very embryonic musicality.

But once I knew what I wanted, it was easy to start moving in the direction I wanted to go. I sought out the good dancers, the good venues, the good teachers. I learned to live with discovering that compared with the way I wanted to be, I was rubbish. I practised a lot, and lo and behold with that input, I started to improve. It wasn't enough (and it still isn't - why do you think I'm so desperate to find places with music I like) - I never learned quickly enough to satisfy my desire to be better, but I'm still here.

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 09:13 PM
I realised very quickly that 99.9% of the people there were advanced dancers and I was woefully out of my depth but I did think that I had handled myself fairly well within my ability on the dances that I did have.

Out of your depth? Maybe at times. Woefully? Definitely not.

Recognising where you need to improve, and working on those things, and at the same time managing the bad feelings that go with not being as good as you'd like, is difficult, and quite advanced - most people either never recognise it, or find a way of diverting the bad feelings away from themselves and on to other people, in the blame that they so often manufacture and put on to others for their own failures to achieve what they'd like.

You have nothing whatsoever to be apologising for, except possibly this piece of complete *******s:


I was concerned that by being there I was preventing another advanced dancer, with whom people would much rather dance, from attending.

Never fall into the trap of worrying that you don't deserve to be there. If you prevented a better dancer than you from attending, they should have got off their fat ar5e and bought their ticket a bit earlier.



I will continue to attend because I enjoyed it so much, and by having the opportunity to dance with people better than me I will improve.
Damn right.

El Salsero Gringo
29th-November-2005, 09:20 PM
I sincerely hope you dont feel any animosity toward me for my comments. It was never my intention to offend anyone imparticular.But was it your intention to offend lots of people in general? (You don't need to answer that, Paul, I'm only kidding.)
In your case, I do not know you unfortunately but there will always be exceptions. A dancer may come along who is a 'beginner' but suddenly takes to the FL experience. Thats great. This, however, is rare.Seeing as the FL experience is, at this point, a single event, isn't it a bit premature to say what's rare and what's commonplace about it?
I think there is a real danger of perceptions getting out of hand here. The standard WAS good, there were some VERY GOOD dancers there ... but the majority of dancers there were good intermediates, NOT advanced.That was what I thought too. BTW, did anyone else find it funny that for most of the evening, the area which at most venues is Hotshot's Corner - by the stage - was deserted for most of the evening?

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 09:25 PM
BTW, did anyone else find it funny that for most of the evening, the area which at most venues is Hotshot's Corner - by the stage - was deserted for most of the evening?
The floor was really sticky there. And cold, too, in comparison with what is, at most venues, the plebs' end. :innocent:

Gus
29th-November-2005, 09:34 PM
the area which at most venues is Hotshot's Corner - by the stage - was deserted for most of the evening?WHO is going to try to be a Hotshot at a FL or Jango type event?? Although the majoirty are normal dnacers, there were about 10+ super-advanced dancers there (national title holders etc.). Know anyone who wants to try to showboat against that type of audience??

FL will attract those who are there for the quality of dancers, the room to dance and the music that is different to most of what is out there. These people rarely tend to be 'Hotshots' ... though I'm sure a few pedantics will creep in until the new guard dogs are trained to hunt them out and dispose of them.

David Bailey
29th-November-2005, 09:57 PM
Well come along next time then you can join in DJ.
Let's not go there...

My point was, it's difficult to envision any difference in THE MUSIC (as Mr UP would put it), without knowing what MUSIC was being played.

So the discussion group is necessarily limited to the number of forumites who actually went - say, 30 or so? It's difficult to get any new converts by saying "you should have been there", and going on about the MUSIC , if only that 30-odd people know what music was played.

Why not post a playlist? Seriously, if it's all about the MUSIC, surely a MUSIC playlist would be a great marketing tool if nothing else? Even I might be persuaded (OK, probably not, but you never know)

(Oh, and note how carefully I'm sticking to the MUSIC discussion :) )

Feelingpink
29th-November-2005, 10:04 PM
Let's not go there...

My point was, it's difficult to envision any difference in THE MUSIC (as Mr UP would put it), without knowing what MUSIC was being played.

So the discussion group is necessarily limited to the number of forumites who actually went - say, 30 or so? It's difficult to get any new converts by saying "you should have been there", and going on about the MUSIC , if only that 30-odd people know what music was played.

Why not post a playlist? Seriously, if it's all about the MUSIC, surely a MUSIC playlist would be a great marketing tool if nothing else? Even I might be persuaded (OK, probably not, but you never know)

(Oh, and note how carefully I'm sticking to the MUSIC discussion :) )Damn! I thought we'd managed to lose you several pages ago by dint of the fact that you said you wouldn't be able to be part of the discussion, since you weren't at FL. I would assume, since FL is so much about the music, that the three DJs might like to keep their playlists somewhat close to their chests.

PS I would have thought 30 forumites was more than enough for a great music discussion.

Gus
29th-November-2005, 10:05 PM
Why not post a playlist? Seriously, if it's all about the MUSIC, surely a MUSIC playlist would be a great marketing tool if nothing else? Even I might be persuaded (OK, probably not, but you never know)
Want to know what music was played ... ok. Gotan project, Pink Martini, some Ry Cooder, some Sananta off the latest album ..... some subtle electro-tango ... the usual TWK type music. The names of the tracks will mean little. If you want to know what its like ... GO THERE!

tiger
29th-November-2005, 10:07 PM
Whether some of you like this or not,

lots of this thread seems very elitist. An example being(+no specific quote before you all get on your high horses) that there are constant references to pop or thud thud music not being good enough for those of you seeking other types of music.

Is it just boredom with pop etc or is your dancing too advanced for the level of the music?

Feelingpink
29th-November-2005, 10:17 PM
Whether some of you like this or not,

lots of this thread seems very elitist. An example being(+no specific quote before you all get on your high horses) that there are constant references to pop or thud thud music not being good enough for those of you seeking other types of music.

Is it just boredom with pop etc or is your dancing too advanced for the level of the music?It's choices. Some of us like dancing to the likes of Pink Martini, Gotan Project ... this and similar music is what I like to listen to in my spare time, along with a little classical and contemporary music and blues. I don't listen to a top 40 radio station. Perhaps my horizons would be widened somewhat if I did, perhaps not. But this is my world and I like it. I like the depth of musicality (if you see Pink Martini in concert, you would see some of the most talented and eclectic musicians I've ever heard) and knowing that I can listen over and over again to it without becoming bored, as I might with most pop songs.

I'd like to know how this might make me elitist - I just think of it as horses for courses.

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 10:18 PM
lots of this thread seems very elitist. An example being(+no specific quote before you all get on your high horses) that there are constant references to pop or thud thud music not being good enough for those of you seeking other types of music.

Is it just boredom with pop etc or is your dancing too advanced for the level of the music?
Why don't you go to the next one? You will pay your eight quid, or ten if you turn up without getting a ticket in advance. Then you'll dance with people, listen to the music, and decide whether you like it or not.

If you like it, I expect you might want to go again. If you don't, I expect you won't.

If you don't like it, there may or may not be lots of other venues that play the sort of music that you do like. If there are, go to them, and enjoy yourself and the company of others that share your tastes.

If there aren't, you have the option to decide whether or not to set up a venue that does play music you like.

Whatever you do, don't take it upon yourself to slag off other people's tastes just because you imagine something about what they think about you.

This is about choice. Not about whether one dancer is better than another.

tiger
29th-November-2005, 10:41 PM
I like a wide variety of music and didnt slag off anyones preference. I merely asked a question or two.

Take a chill pill.

Feelingpink
29th-November-2005, 10:48 PM
I like a wide variety of music and didnt slag off anyones preference. I merely asked a question or two.

Take a chill pill.Did I miss something - why would I need to take a chill pill? I merely gave an answer or two.

David Bailey
29th-November-2005, 10:49 PM
Damn! I thought we'd managed to lose you several pages ago
Lose me? Never! I read everything, I even read the Birthday threads. I'm un-shake-off-able, like a really bad cold :)


I would assume, since FL is so much about the music, that the three DJs might like to keep their playlists somewhat close to their chests.
:confused: Strange - I'd assume the opposite.

Playlists are regularly posted, I think they're a great marketing and advertising tool apart from anything else - in a "Hah! See what you missed last time?" kind of way. And since FL is clearly non-standard in music terms, I'd imagine the dangers of regular DJs "poaching" are even less likely.

Or are you saying the entire "DJ Corner" section of the forum is a total waste of time, since no DJ would ever want to share information about music?


PS I would have thought 30 forumites was more than enough for a great music discussion.
Yes, I would have thought that too.


Want to know what music was played ... ok. Gotan project, Pink Martini, some Ry Cooder, some Sananta off the latest album ..... some subtle electro-tango ... the usual TWK type music. The names of the tracks will mean little.
Thanks.... :rolleyes: Well, there we go, I'll just go and chuck my latest Sananta album in the bin in despair. Where's that Kylie album gone again...?


If you want to know what its like ... GO THERE!
No, I wanted to know about the MUSIC. I was told, most emphatically, that the MUSIC was really good, so I made a simple request to see if anyone could or would post a playlist.

So in response to this clearly insane and heretical request, I'm now told "the names of the tracks won't mean anything" (?) and "the DJ Gods keep their secrets close to their chests" (??)

OK, blimey, forgive me for asking, I'll just let you guys get on with it then. :shrug:

Mary
29th-November-2005, 10:50 PM
Why don't you go to the next one? You will pay your eight quid, or ten if you turn up without getting a ticket in advance. Then you'll dance with people, listen to the music, and decide whether you like it or not.

If you like it, I expect you might want to go again. If you don't, I expect you won't.

If you don't like it, there may or may not be lots of other venues that play the sort of music that you do like. If there are, go to them, and enjoy yourself and the company of others that share your tastes.

If there aren't, you have the option to decide whether or not to set up a venue that does play music you like.

Whatever you do, don't take it upon yourself to slag off other people's tastes just because you imagine something about what they think about you.

This is about choice. Not about whether one dancer is better than another.

Whoa there boy. Steady. Poor girl (I'm assuming here) will feel like she has been pounced on. I think the 'getting bored of thump, thump music' is a valid question.

Without going into lots of detail, I think it has a lot to do with the structure of the music. The 'thump, thump' music if you like has more limited opportunities for exploring that magical thing, musicality. One can play a bit with double and triple accents (you can find those in just about anything I think), and half speed stuff, maybe some rising crescendo, highlighting the phrasing etc., but I would struggle to find anything to inspire passion.

On the other hand the 'challenging' stuff gives one more choices to explore the musicality, and often one can have more fun with a 'dance dialogue', which I would guess is a further extension of lead and follow technique.

There are more and more people wanting to explore a bit more with their dancing - there is nothing advanced or elitist about this. But not everyone is keen to do this, and, as FP says, it's horses for courses.

I would also say that one doesn't have to have been dancing for years to have a feel for this kind or exploration in their dancing. I think Rachels beginner (who I danced with on Thursday) can 'feel' the music even after only 2 classes.

I am in no way an expert on this sort of thing, but there are some highly trained professionals who would be able to give some real technical explanations about musicality and how to break down the structure of the music - Amir for one.:worthy:

All this may sound obvious to some so apologies to those if it's grandma sucking eggs time.:blush:

M

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 10:57 PM
I'd like to know how this might make me elitist
"... Hmm. There are all these people talking about stuff that on the few occasions I've heard a bit of, I didn't really like cos it wasn't easy to dance to. But they post a lot on this forum; they sound like they think they know what they're talking about... and I've heard that some of them are thought of as really good dancers.

Hmm.. maybe I'm not a good dancer.

No that can't be right. I love dancing. Lots of people seem to like dancing with me. I'm ok. Aren't I? Let me just think about this for a minute....

Yeah, of course I'm Ok. There were those people that looked a bit funny when I did what I always do, and there was that girl that tried to stop dancing when I tried to lead her... but it was probably an off night for her, we all have those...

I'm pretty good now, in fact. I've been dancing two years, I can do all the intermediate classes now - they're actually pretty easy. And mostly I can pull even the beginners through some of those moves - even the ones that can't quite get it right when I lead them.

So what's with these people that say that they like to dance to stuff that doesn't even have a proper beat. And most of it's just too damn slow to get properly into...

What's going on????

...they must be completely up themselves to talk like this. Maybe they think they're really good or something. Yeah, there are some people that just won't dance with you at Hammersmith, they kinda look at you funny when you ask them to dance. Maybe this lot are like that... yeah that's what it must be. They're probably not even as good as I am, but they like to reckon themselves and talk themselves up on here.

Yep... they must think they're so fantastic, they won't dance with people they don't know. In fact they probably can't even dance with people they don't know. Why do they have to be so arsey? I mean, I'll dance with anyone - to anything that's got a beat.

God, these people that go on and on about music, interpretation... don't they realise that they just sound like they're completely on a different planet. Can't they just go to Ceroc and have a great time? I mean, that's what I do. Why wouldn't that be good enough for anyone?

Only those elitist w**kers would be like this. What makes them better than me?

I'm fine..."

Zebra Woman
29th-November-2005, 11:03 PM
All this may sound obvious to some so apologies to those if it's grandma sucking eggs time.:blush:



Should we pause from sucking on the breaks Mary?


...or syncopate a little?

ZW

robd
29th-November-2005, 11:09 PM
This is about choice. Not about whether one dancer is better than another.

An excellent precis of the 'discussion' so far except that Paul F did make his statement "I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners". I can sympathise with this, despite being, in dancing terms, a beginner. When I play football the most satisfying games by far are those with people of a standard similar to my own - the game flows more, passes work, it's just much more satisfying. I think the same is true for dancing and explains why so many people had such a good time at FL. For me, I had experience at Camber downstairs that is probably similar to how I would have felt at FL - I was out of my depth compared to the majority of other leaders there but my view was if you don't try then you'll never get to be to the standard you wish to be at. Where this works is if the followers tolerate and encourage those who are not yet at the standard they may appreciate but who are making efforts to get there. And this was the case at Camber - no one was critical. I suspect that if I went to FL the outcome would be similar. However if I went to FL and moaned to people about the music then I would expect to be out of step with the rest of the people there.

Robert

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 11:13 PM
I think the 'getting bored of thump, thump music' is a valid question.

Of course it's a valid question. But it was wrapped up in accusations of "elitist".

I'm sick of accusations of "elitist". Elitist is all about people saying that one person isn't good enough. Which no one is doing.

No one is trying to exclude anyone from anything. If people want to find out whether they like something, they should try it. If they like it, they can get some more of it. If they don't, no one is forcing them to have it.

All that is happening is that some people are expressing their preferences, and for whatever reason, it makes others feel bad. So they blame someone else for being elitist.

And I think they shouldn't do that. They should either find out for themselves whether they like what is being talked about, or stick with what they like. Either choice is fine.

But I'm not apologising, for reacting to yet another bloody accusation of being elitist, just because I say "Oh I went to venue X on Saturday and I liked the music more than I do at venue Y".

El Salsero Gringo
29th-November-2005, 11:14 PM
though I'm sure a few pedantics will creep in until the new guard dogs are trained to hunt them out and dispose of them.Ouch. Is *that* how Funky Lush DJ's makes people feel welcome, now?

El Salsero Gringo
29th-November-2005, 11:19 PM
"... Hmm. There are all these people talking about stuff that on the few occasions I've heard a bit of, I didn't really like cos it wasn't easy to dance to.

{big snip of sarcastic pseudo-think in the mind of someone who, in ChrisA's world, clearly isn't good enough but hasn't realised it yet}

Only those elitist w**kers would be like this. What makes them better than me?

I'm fine..."and yet

I'm sick of accusations of "elitist". Elitist is all about people saying that one person isn't good enough. Which no one is doing.Will the real ChrisA please stand up?

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 11:30 PM
except that Paul F did make his statement "I want to go to Funky Lush because, in my spare time, I want to dance with the better dancers and not beginners".
He did indeed say that. And why on earth shouldn't he?

I might say the same thing, but omit to mention the fact that, until last night, when I started what will be an extended break from the job, I have been taxiing continuously, on average every other week, for the last seven years.

So I think it's very dangerous to generalise too much about one statement about wanting to dance with some good dancers.

Having said that, like it or not, it does seem that good music attracts good dancers, and vice versa. If someone can't cope with being somewhere where the music is a bit more difficult to dance to, and there are lots of people about that, by their very presence, remind them that they don't look as cool as they'd like, they should go elsewhere.

However, no one is excluded on the grounds of ability, and that is as it should be in my opinion. There is nothing elitist about that.

But if it were to slide from there, to "all beginners welcome", and then from there to "oh, we have lots of beginners so we need to provide music they can dance to", then there would be no sanctuary, as ZW put it - where people that like smooth grooves to dance to can find what they want.

Lynn
29th-November-2005, 11:39 PM
OK, I wasn't at FL. I'm possibly never going to be at a FL night (unless I happen to be in London when one is on) - but I know what UP and others mean about the music. Its not about a 'standard' of dancing, its about dancing that expresses the music - whatever that music is. Some music lets us dance they way we are taught to dance. Some music teases us, pushes us, beckons to us, inspires us, to go beyond that.

The majority of venues provide music that enables people to put into effect what they know and enjoy about dancing. Then there are times and places where the music is different and FL is providing that different option for those who want it. 'Different' is not 'elitist'.

I'm not a very experienced dancer and am certainly not a 'good dancer' (but always aim to improve!) but its the 'different' music that inspires me the most to improve.

ChrisA
29th-November-2005, 11:42 PM
Will the real ChrisA please stand up?
Firstly, this "sarcastic pseudo-think" that you talk about... there's nothing sarcastic or pseudo about it, I promise you.

I didn't invent any of it - it's absolutely the sort of thing that used to go through my mind.

Secondly, I never say that anyone isn't good enough. Except me, of course. I'm never good enough.

I just say that people shouldn't blame others when they don't feel good enough. When I stopped doing it, my life improved.

Paul F
29th-November-2005, 11:49 PM
Seeing as the FL experience is, at this point, a single event, isn't it a bit premature to say what's rare and what's commonplace about it?

I was kind of referring to a general concept that some beginners take to dance much more naturally than others. As a result they may fit in with FL. Its rare to find this happening but it does happen. My post did read as though I was analysing the history of FL but it meant to be general.


Although the majoirty are normal dnacers, there were about 10+ super-advanced dancers there (national title holders etc.). Know anyone who wants to try to showboat against that type of audience??


Depending, of course, whether you consider that being a national title holder means you are super advanced! :wink:
Sorry, different thread altogether. Humble apologies




Why not post a playlist? Seriously, if it's all about the MUSIC, surely a MUSIC playlist would be a great marketing tool if nothing else? Even I might be persuaded (OK, probably not, but you never know)


Yeah. I dont see why that should be a problem. Its not like anyone is going to steal the ideas for their sets. Brave DJs if they do! :)
As Gus said, a lot of the music may be completely alien to most people like me but it could be good reading.



Whether some of you like this or not,
lots of this thread seems very elitist.

Elitism can be defined as a belief that certain groups deserve favoured treatment given that groups' perceived social status.

I believe that dancers who can adapt and cope with challenging music deserve a place they can go to, dance and enjoy.
I also believe that the same group of people that can adapt and dance to this music cannot be considered beginners and therefore hold a higher social status when it comes to level of dance ability (and only level of dance ability).
I didnt find a description of elitism that suggests anyone was excluded from joining said group.

Is it elitist? Yes.

It happens in all walks of life.

ps. this if from that all powerful oracle www.dictionary.com search term "elitism" :)

El Salsero Gringo
29th-November-2005, 11:49 PM
Firstly, this "sarcastic pseudo-think" that you talk about... there's nothing sarcastic or pseudo about it, I promise you.

I didn't invent any of it - it's absolutely the sort of thing that used to go through my mind.I was going to point out that the faults people see in others are usually just reflections of what they see in themselves, but you've saved me the trouble.

Don't you see how snobby you're being by inventing this category of dancer and imagining what they're thinking? Have you thought that you might be supposing a motivation into the minds of other people merely so you don't have to listen to their criticism of you for how you come across?

Lory
29th-November-2005, 11:51 PM
"... Hmm. ~snip~ Lot's of funny stuff ~snip~
I'm fine..."
:rofl:

I've read the whole thread and this is MY take on it :waycool: :D

Firstly, I'm NOT an advanced dancer but I just happen to like smoother, slower, less poppy stuff... ;)

Weird or lucky, I don't know:confused: but I actually find it EASIER to dance to interesting stuff, as long as it inspires me.. :clap: and I find it less tiring.




But I'm safe in the knowledge, that any time I fancy it, ANY night of the week, I can get to a great standard Ceroc night, within 30mins of my house and I often do!:nice:

Here we have ONE night with a difference and long may it continue! :cheers:

David Franklin
29th-November-2005, 11:55 PM
Have you thought that you might be supposing a motivation into the minds of other people merely so you don't have to listen to their criticism of you for how you come across?And while you're answering the above, could you also tell us if you've stopped beating your wife?

Whitebeard
29th-November-2005, 11:55 PM
Want to know what music was played ... ok. Gotan project, Pink Martini, some Ry Cooder, some Sananta off the latest album ..... some subtle electro-tango ... the usual TWK type music.
Ho hum, that ellicits mixed responses. Last time I heard Gotan Project the first half was pure thump-thump (but Sarah herself is marvellous); Pink Martini I've never knowingly heard; Ry Cooder can be brilliant but has paddled and splashed in many puddles; and the Santana I've heard is rather on the whiney side.

But the normal Ceroc night doesn't leave me feeling fullfilled either. There's no pleasing some people and in most parts nobody's even trying to cater for the trying minorities.

Zebra Woman
30th-November-2005, 12:00 AM
Ho hum, that ellicits mixed responses. Last time I heard Gotan Project the first half was pure thump-thump (but Sarah herself is marvellous); Pink Martini I've never knowingly heard; Ry Cooder can be brilliant but has paddled and splashed in many puddles; and the Santana I've heard is rather on the whiney side.

But the normal Ceroc night doesn't leave me feeling fullfilled either. There's no pleasing some people and in most parts nobody's even trying to cater for the trying minorities.

Correct me if I'm wrong someone but I think it was Sarah's version of Whatever Lola Wants that was played.

:drool:

Be there next time and we can dance to it.

ZW

Gus
30th-November-2005, 12:01 AM
Playlists are regularly posted, I think they're a great marketing and advertising tool apart from anything else - in a "Hah! See what you missed last time?" kind of way. And since FL is clearly non-standard in music terms, I'd imagine the dangers of regular DJs "poaching" are even less likely. I'm never sure if you are trying to set the bait or if you honestly believe what you say sometimes. The DJs who played all have a vast amountg of DJing exeperience and spend a lot of time researching new tracks and carefully putting a set together. There are other DJs like that, e.g. DD, P Phillips etc., but my bitter experience is that there are many DJs who would prefer to take the easy option and just nick the fruits of someone elses labours.

I only played the openning set, and as it was a cold venue I had to play a more commercial set ... even then 3 of the tracks I played are 'new' (AFAIK) ... and had been the result of about 3 hours trawling through music sites. Think I'm just going to hand that over? There are other tracks I come up that I might want to share ... but if someone wants to try to emulate FL ... then if they had the complete playlist .. isnt that a lot of the hardwork done.

If you want to know some specifics, some of my openning set included;

"I need to know" (Original version) - Marc Anthony
"Carino" - J Lo
"Foolish" - Tyler James
"Amando Mio" - Pink Martini
"Cry Baby Cry" - Santana
"The In Crowd" - Ramsey Lewis
"Volare" - Domenico Midungo
"Cruella De Vil"

Funnily enough, my set was quite similar to what we used to play at Cool Catz .... ahead of our time:o

ChrisA
30th-November-2005, 12:07 AM
Don't you see how snobby you're being by inventing this category of dancer and imagining what they're thinking?

Erm, mostly I don't care about what dancers who are enjoying themselves are thinking, other than being pleased that they're enjoying themselves.

For myself, I do what I can, as far as I'm able, to encourage beginners that seem to want to learn to dance. I like dancing with some people more than with others, to some music more than other music. I'm far more preoccupied with how rubbish I feel I am as a dancer, and dealing with that, than imagining what other people are thinking - except when they pop up and start accusing me and others I know of being elitist.

I feel that these accusations are untrue, and so I try to figure out what might be behind them. Not being able to read people's minds, I speculate a bit, based, admittedly, on the crap I used to think about people, when I felt even more insecure about my dancing than I do now. I'm not particularly proud of it, but there it is.

Of course, I might be completely wrong. I, and all my friends, may, for all I know, be a bunch of hypocritical hotshot elitists, lost in our own little world of looking down our noses at others. But how would I know?

I'll bow out here, I think. This sort of sparring doesn't entertain me anywhere near as much as it does you. I don't post here on the forum because it amuses me to watch the antics of, erm, ants, the way it seems to you, and I can't really compete.

So, my apologies for my terrible elitist tendencies. Whatever...

El Salsero Gringo
30th-November-2005, 12:16 AM
Erm, mostly I don't care about what dancers who are enjoying themselves are thinking, other than being pleased that they're enjoying themselves.That's fine, Chris - but you so obviously *do* care.
Of course, I might be completely wrong. I, and all my friends, may, for all I know, be a bunch of hypocritical hotshot elitists, lost in our own little world of looking down our noses at others. But how would I know?If you were, then I'm sure someone on the Forum would have said by now, don't you think?
I'll bow out here, I think. This sort of sparring doesn't entertain me anywhere near as much as it does you. I don't post here on the forum because it amuses me to watch the antics of, erm, ants, the way it seems to you, and I can't really compete.Fair enough. It doesn't amuse me, actually, it makes me feel nauseous. But slightly less nauseous than watching a load of contradictory tosh pass by without comment.


So, my apologies for my terrible elitist tendencies. Whatever...Be out, and proud...

David Franklin
30th-November-2005, 12:16 AM
For myself, I do what I can, as far as I'm able, to encourage beginners that seem to want to learn to dance. And, to my recollection, you've had more beginners posting about how much you've helped their dancing than pretty much anyone else here (teachers excepted).

At first, I thought that was strange behaviour for someone who's supposed to be so elitist. But then I realised you were just doing it to make the rest of us look bad. You elitist b**stard, you! :devil:

DavidY
30th-November-2005, 12:23 AM
When's the next one then? I need to get it in the diary!:yeah:

Zebra Woman
30th-November-2005, 12:28 AM
And, to my recollection, you've had more beginners posting about how much you've helped their dancing than pretty much anyone else here (teachers excepted).

Exactly!!! Not just when he's been on duty as a taxi dancer either. Chris has helped a lot of people way beyond the call of duty. :clap: :clap: :clap:



At first, I thought that was strange behaviour for someone who's supposed to be so elitist. But then I realised you were just doing it to make the rest of us look bad. You elitist b**stard, you! :devil:

:yeah: He's done a very good job, it's going to be tough to catch him up. :worthy:

ZW

ChrisA
30th-November-2005, 12:32 AM
That's fine, Chris - but you so obviously *do* care.
I care very much about beginner girls being put off by people that yank them about, and about beginner guys that feel so crap that they struggle to get past that initial "how the hell do I do this" point. I care very much about people that want to learn to get better as dancers but don't know how to go about it. I care very much about people who don't feel able to tell the pervs to **** off.

I care very much about the people that are important to me. I care very much about dancing, and in particular about dancers that want to become the very best they can be.

I wish I cared less than I do about unjust accusations. That one I'm working on, and I appreciate your help in this matter.

Mary
30th-November-2005, 12:35 AM
Anyone for tennis? :D

M

under par
30th-November-2005, 01:47 AM
:rofl:

I've read the whole thread and this is MY take on it :waycool: :D

Firstly, I'm NOT an advanced dancer but I just happen to like smoother, slower, less poppy stuff... ;)

Weird or lucky, I don't know:confused: but I actually find it EASIER to dance to interesting stuff, as long as it inspires me.. :clap: and I find it less tiring.




But I'm safe in the knowledge, that any time I fancy it, ANY night of the week, I can get to a great standard Ceroc night, within 30mins of my house and I often do!:nice:

Here we have ONE night with a difference and long may it continue! :cheers:


Hooray! Lovely common sense no nonsense post have some rep......:worthy:

so much heat over one night of dancing.......:mad:

let the music play and if you like it .....DANCE....:clap: :clap: :clap:

It is supposed to be fun you know!! ...:yeah: :yeah:

that is until the over-analysists get hold of it:tears:

they manage to turn everybodys great night out into some pseudo psychological social engineered crap b*ll*cks something else whatever.

What ever happened to live and let live !

Bring on the flames ....ouch!

I WAS there and I had a great time............... if you weren't go next time see what you are missing

Gus
30th-November-2005, 01:57 AM
Ho hum, that ellicits mixed responses. Last time I heard Gotan Project the first half was pure thump-thump (but Sarah herself is marvellous); Pink Martini I've never knowingly heard; Ry Cooder can be brilliant but has paddled and splashed in many puddles; and the Santana I've heard is rather on the whiney side.Hmmm .. reconsidered my earlier posting in the light of your comments above ... and so that why I posted part of my playlist. Should give you a better idea. Can't remember the Gotan track I played but rest assured that the Gotan tracks palyed at FL were all floor fillers .. :waycool:

Rachel
30th-November-2005, 11:35 AM
Ok, apologies if I am the one to blame for this whole discussion on elitism/advanced dancers/thump thump music, etc etc.

But, honestly – all I said was, it was nice to see some beginners at Funky Lush.

And I believe that. I think it's nice that newer dancers have an appreciation for this kind of music, get inspired by watching people dancing to it and hopefully learn some good dancing skills themselves.

Please understand, I was not talking about targetting beginners and actively trying to get more in. And I'm certainly not talking about compromising on the music or on making it 'easier' for beginners to dance to.

Funky Lush is what it says on the tin – it's packaged and marketed in a certain way so no-one's under any illusion that it's going to be any different. If people don't like the music, they have no right to complain, moan at the dj, or expect any kind of compromise.

You wouldn't go to a tango club and complain that they weren't playing rock 'n' roll, would you?

But when newer dancers come along and they like this music and would like to learn to dance to it, isn't that good? Surely that's how we get more good dancers, no? Or are we quite happy with the number of good dancers that there are already?

People seem to be saying that they want one night where they can relax and dance with advanced dancers. They do their bit to help beginners at other nights so this is the one night where they can have things exactly as they want.

Yes, fair enough. But what I don't understand is, where do people think that these other good dancers are going to come from? Will they just appear as if by magic?

No, everyone needs to learn. As Chris says, when he was bored and wanted to learn more musicality, etc, he sought out the better venues, music and dancers. No-one said to him, you're not welcome here, you're not good enough yet. Stick to your Ceroc venue until you're better.

Do we really expect people to get sufficiently 'advanced' and 'musical' at a standard Ceroc night so that, when they get bored with the music there, they can turn up at Funky Lush and are immediately a good enough dancer for the rest of us to want to dance with?

I thought it was great when this particular beginner came along to Funky Lush. He likes the music and has the potential to be a great dancer.

I'm not saying that anyone should feel a duty to dance with him – we're not at a Ceroc night, none of us were taxiing, we're all there to relax & dance with our friends & like-minded people. But I did find it a little sad that I didn't see anyone asking him to dance (though they may well have done and I didn't see).

Sure, I'd rather dance with advanced dancers myself all night and thereby improve my dancing – who wouldn't? But I'm more than happy to have a couple of dances with a beginner who is likely to turn out to be one of those advanced dancers himself before too long. I'm not just being 'nice' or 'charitable' - it's purely for selfish reasons. As I said, where better to learn?

Rachel

Paul F
30th-November-2005, 11:52 AM
Yes, fair enough. But what I don't understand is, where do people think that these other good dancers are going to come from? Will they just appear as if by magic?



I was going to make a concerted effort to do some work today and not post on the forum. Now look what you made me do :nice: :flower:

These people will not appear as if by magic. One of the reasons, from what I can see, that FL was created was because there were loads of people who have gone as far as they can with Ceroc (MJ) who now wanted somewhere to challenge them.

This isnt going to stop

The beginners will still turn up at the MJ classes. They will still enjoy the music and rightly so. They will then progress to intermediates and possibly high intermediate ................and then what ? :confused:

!!FL!! :clap:

They may just turn up at FL, able to dance a bit and ready to frolic with the strange music :whistle:

Why do you think the process that has been going for the last x number of years will suddenly stop now FL exists?




No, everyone needs to learn. As Chris says, when he was bored and wanted to learn more musicality, etc, he sought out the better venues, music and dancers. No-one said to him, you're not welcome here, you're not good enough yet. Stick to your Ceroc venue until you're better.


Thats exactly my point. He was bored. He had gone as far as he could with MJ and decided to try FL. Thats fantastic!
He didnt turn up having done 1 or 2 classes, understandably unable to dance much and attempt to have a go. to me THATS the definition of a beginner.

stewart38
30th-November-2005, 11:53 AM
Ok, apologies if I am the one to blame for this whole discussion on elitism/advanced dancers/thump thump music, etc etc.

But, honestly – all I said was, it was nice to see some beginners at Funky Lush.

And I believe that. I think it's nice that newer dancers have an appreciation for this kind of music, get inspired by watching people dancing to it and hopefully learn a some good dancing skills themselves.

Please understand, I was not talking about targetting beginners and actively trying to get more in. And I'm certainly not talking about compromising on the music or on making it 'easier' for beginners to dance to.

Funky Lush is what it says on the tin – it's packaged and marketed in a certain way so no-one's under any illusion that it's going to be any different. If people don't like the music, they have no right to complain, moan at the dj, or expect any kind of compromise.



Rachel


I attended the night, knew what to expect and if I dont like the music I dont need to go back. I liked enough of it to go back, i cant pretend it was all to my taste but as you say it wasnt advertised as Rock and Roll night

The standard of dancing was good but it wasnt all olympic standard and i didnt feel out of my depth and Im a very average dancer

I think what Under Par said it was about the music I saw no elitism didnt get refused any dances and also LOVED watching some great dancers including SimonR and Marc, Paul F with a women whos name I dont know (pic on here).

Paul F
30th-November-2005, 12:08 PM
As I am starting to sound like a big meany I just want to clarify my position.

I am currently registered as a Ceroc teacher.
The reason is because I love teaching. I love seeing people who may have never danced a step before have the confidence to get up and have a go.
I love the look on a persons face when you lead them through something they may never have done before. Its a truly great feeling.
When I hear feedback that someone has really enjoyed themselves at one of my classes that makes me feel good.

When I teach I make it a point to dance with beginners and help, along with the team, to try and make them feel comfortable.
When I go to usual freestyles I like the fact that beginners turn up. Its not an easy thing to do when you are new.

What I also like is dancing :)
As I said earlier in this thread, I like dancing with good dancers. Of course I do.
If I was an advanced tiddly wink player I would like to compete with and practice with other advanced tiddly wink players. Its just the way it goes.

For 1 night a month (hopefully) I now have the opportunity to dance with people of a good level in this particular area of dancing. I dont consider myself a beginner dancer so it naturally follows that I would enjoy it.

There are hundreds of dance events, both classes and freestyles, that a beginner can go to and enjoy and that I too often enjoy going to.
For 1 night a month, however, I will now look forward to going to FL and, if I am able, to help along the FL beginners who, hopefully, will be coming from an experienced MJ background.

Paul F
30th-November-2005, 12:13 PM
I think what Under Par said it was about the music I saw no elitism didnt get refused any dances and also LOVED watching some great dancers including SimonR and Marc, Paul F with a women whos name I dont know (pic on here).

Thanks Stewart. Her name's Victoria.

Rachel
30th-November-2005, 12:18 PM
I was going to make a concerted effort to do some work today and not post on the forum. Now look what you made me do :nice: :flower: Me too!! And I will in just a minute ...


The beginners will still turn up at the MJ classes. They will still enjoy the music and rightly so. They will then progress to intermediates and possibly high intermediate ................and then what ? :confused: Ok, so you're saying it's better for people to reach a high'ish intermediate standard at their regular venue before moving on to places such as FL?

I still think that if people can be taught early in their modern jive dance lives that they don't have to do the semi-circle to start a dance and don't have to pull the lady around by sheer physical force and don't have to dance in endless clockwise circles, .... then that's better.

Ceroc is actually less likely to get people to that higher intermediate standard and more likely to ingrain bad habits that are harder to break later on.

Marc has actually been told by, um, a certain franchise, when teaching Ceroc, that he shouldn't focus on lead & follow, footwork, etc, & 'don't worry about intermediates, the beginners are our bread & butter. Intermediates will move on to salsa or lindy after a couple of years anyway ...'

If people actually get to a higher intermediate standard in that kind of environment, it's a miracle.

R. xx

BTW Paul, I'm just ****ed off that I didn't get to dance with you on Sat! ;) :hug:

Simon r
30th-November-2005, 12:21 PM
As I am starting to sound like a big meany I just want to clarify my position.

I am currently registered as a Ceroc teacher.
The reason is because I love teaching. I love seeing people who may have never danced a step before have the confidence to get up and have a go.
I love the look on a persons face when you lead them through something they may never have done before. Its a truly great feeling.
When I hear feedback that someone has really enjoyed themselves at one of my classes that makes me feel good.

When I teach I make it a point to dance with beginners and help, along with the team, to try and make them feel comfortable.
When I go to usual freestyles I like the fact that beginners turn up. Its not an easy thing to do when you are new.

What I also like is dancing :)
As I said earlier in this thread, I like dancing with good dancers. Of course I do.
If I was an advanced tiddly wink player I would like to compete with and practice with other advanced tiddly wink players. Its just the way it goes.

For 1 night a month (hopefully) I now have the opportunity to dance with people of a good level in this particular area of dancing. I dont consider myself a beginner dancer so it naturally follows that I would enjoy it.

There are hundreds of dance events, both classes and freestyles, that a beginner can go to and enjoy and that I too often enjoy going to.
For 1 night a month, however, I will now look forward to going to FL and, if I am able, to help along the FL beginners who, hopefully, will be coming from an experienced MJ background.


:yeah:

Sorry but this is exactly my position as well ....

I have always loved Toby's music and would always travel to indulge myself in dancing for me...

Once or twice a month ...
this is my time out of my normal enviroment to have fun

FL is not about elitist issues or attitudes but simply a well thought out freestyle night for those who want to appreciate a smoother vibe ...

All the crew and Toby and Clare would of course appreciate constructive critic but ladies and gentlemen ,take funky lush for what it is ....:innocent:

Rachel
30th-November-2005, 12:32 PM
Oh Christ, I give up... I think the world of both of you, but I just don't get you.

You know what my absolute ideal dancing night would be? Having Marc to myself to dance with all night long. And you know what? I might just do that. (Sorry ladies!)

Rachel

senorita
30th-November-2005, 12:38 PM
Oh Christ, I give up... I think the world of both of you, but I just don't get you.

You know what my absolute ideal dancing night would be? Having Marc to myself to dance with all night long. And you know what? I might just do that. (Sorry ladies!)

Rachel

GIRL POWER!!!!

go girl Go girl lol ;-)

David Bailey
30th-November-2005, 01:00 PM
But, honestly – all I said was, it was nice to see some beginners at Funky Lush.
Well, I guess that'll teach you in future, won't it? :devil:


Please understand, I was not talking about targetting beginners
What, you're shooting them now? :eek: I thought the guard dogs were bad...


If people don't like the music, they have no right to complain, moan at the dj, or expect any kind of compromise.
:rofl: If you're targeting people who have, shall we say, very specific and demanding musical tastes - it's hardly surprising if they have strong views on the music.


But when newer dancers come along and they like this music and would like to learn to dance to it, isn't that good? Surely that's how we get more good dancers, no? Or are we quite happy with the number of good dancers that there are already?
{ snip all the other good points - they're good points }

Look, if you will keep on being rational, you'll spoil the fun for the rest of us.

And:

Marc has actually been told ... 'don't worry about intermediates, the beginners are our bread & butter. Intermediates will move on to salsa or lindy after a couple of years anyway ...'
It shouldn't be a major surprise to anyone that most Ceroc franchises are focussed this way. See the "How would I change Ceroc if I were boss" thread - this is exactly the area I'd change.

Daisy
30th-November-2005, 01:15 PM
It's funny don't you think that every time there is an event where a large number of competant dancers turn up together and have a fab time there is always some beginner or other who has sour grapes over it and harps on about the elitist, hotshots rubbish.

It seems to me that some people cannot wait to become as good as they need to be to really get into these dance occasions and have fun with everyone. They whine on about feeling left out and made to feel inferior....which is never the case at all (only in their own minds) and would prefer everything to be dumbed down to suit them and keep them in their comfort zone.

It takes time to become a good dancer...for some it's more time than others but there are NO short cuts and they must just be patient and get on with it. In the meantime, give it a rest bleeting on and let everyone else do what they want. Join in if you want or stay way...they have the choice.

If they do decide to join in then I'm certain they will be made to feel welcome......good dancers are nice people as well!!

Sorry about the rant but I've heard this old record played so many times now that I've just about had it. Personally I'm delighted that alternative dance nights are catered for....variety is the spice of life and it would be very boring if all we had was Ceroc all the time.

I will now retire and place my tin hat firmly on my head.

Rant over:flower:

Gus
30th-November-2005, 01:26 PM
So in response to this clearly insane and heretical request, I'm now told "the names of the tracks won't mean anything" (?)HEY! You've been bleating on about this for half the thread. I've now posted a sample playlist of the night. How about having the decency to have a look at it and come back with one one of your witty and urbane comments (:rolleyes: ). You asked, you got ... and your comment is ......

Rachel
30th-November-2005, 01:28 PM
It's funny don't you think that every time there is an event where a large number of competant dancers turn up together and have a fab time there is always some beginner or other who has sour grapes over it and harps on about the elitist, hotshots rubbish.
...
They whine on about feeling left out and made to feel inferior....which is never the case at all (only in their own minds) and would prefer everything to be dumbed down to suit them and keep them in their comfort zone. :confused:

I'm not aware of any beginner with sour grapes or who has whined on about feeling left out & inferior & wanting things dumbed down as a result of funky lush. Who/what are you referring to?

R.

David Bailey
30th-November-2005, 01:36 PM
HEY! You've been bleating on about this for half the thread. I've now posted a sample playlist of the night. How about having the decency to have a look at it and come back with one one of your witty and urbane comments (:rolleyes: ). You asked, you got ... and your comment is ......
OK:
"It was damned cold outside this morning, wasn't it?"
Howsat? :innocent:

Sorry - I did appreciate you posting it, but it got lost very quickly, what with all this kerfuffle, and I forgot to respons.

As penance, I'll re-quote it:

... some of my openning set included;

"I need to know" (Original version) - Marc Anthony
"Carino" - J Lo
"Foolish" - Tyler James
"Amando Mio" - Pink Martini
"Cry Baby Cry" - Santana
"The In Crowd" - Ramsey Lewis
"Volare" - Domenico Midungo
"Cruella De Vil"

Funnily enough, my set was quite similar to what we used to play at Cool Catz .... ahead of our time:o
Nice tracks.

And to answer your question, the reason I like playlists is that I can imagine myself there, I can think "Oh, that sounds like it'd work" (or not), and it'll give me a clue as to whether it's the type of music and ambience I'd be interested in.

Of course, it's no substitute for being there - as I'm sure 25 people will immediately point out - but you could say that about any description of any venue at any time. Playlists give me more information, and help me make more judgements about venues. Short of visiting every venue in the Greater London area, this is the best I can do.

DavidB
1st-December-2005, 12:11 AM
A couple of years ago I realised I would never get the combination of the music I wanted to dance to, and the people I wanted to dance with, together in the same venue. I also knew I wasn't prepared to do anything about it.

I didn't dislike the majority of music at Funky Lush, but neither did it really inspire me to dance. Latin music never really has. On the other hand, there were a handful of tracks I really liked - probably more that I get at other venues.

To me the people are more important. There were a lot of people I wanted to dance with, and I did manage to dance with most of them before my feet gave out.

So it is the people I would go back for, not the music.

David

PS Anyone interested in a nice curry before?

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:20 AM
I didn't dislike the majority of music at Funky Lush
This is the most complimentary I can recall you being about the music anywhere at any time since I've known you...

So top marks to Gus, Greg and Toby :clap:

foxylady
1st-December-2005, 12:27 AM
PS Anyone interested in a nice curry before?

Absolutely - on the proviso that enough male dancers of requisite standard also partook of said curry so that I might have no fear of breathing curry breath smells on anyone who wasn't reciprocating !

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:30 AM
enough male dancers of requisite standard
Elitist... :devil:

foxylady
1st-December-2005, 12:32 AM
Elitist... :devil:

Fussy... :na: :na:

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:38 AM
Fussy... :na: :na:
You ain't seen nuthin yet. :devil:

spindr
1st-December-2005, 01:37 AM
You wouldn't go to a tango club and complain that they weren't playing rock 'n' roll, would you?
Quite a few do :)

They play "cortina style" -- 3 or 4 tracks that are the same style / tempo, etc. of tango -- then a contrasting track (sometimes a snippet, sometimes a full track -- often not tango, sometimes rock'n'roll) -- then back with another set in a different style / tempo.
You generally stick with the same partner for the tracks in a set.

SpinDr.

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 09:56 AM
They play "cortina style" -- 3 or 4 tracks that are the same style / tempo, etc. of tango ...... You generally stick with the same partner for the tracks in a set.

Is "Escort style" when you go home with her afterwards?

Gojive
1st-December-2005, 10:11 AM
Originally Posted by spindr
They play "cortina style" -- 3 or 4 tracks that are the same style / tempo, etc. of tango ...... You generally stick with the same partner for the tracks in a set.



Is "Escort style" when you go home with her afterwards?

Which of course leads to "Fiesta style", where she gets her kit off...

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 10:14 AM
Which of course leads to "Fiesta style", where she gets her kit off...
On a Mondeo? Or a Tuesdeo too?

In fact I think we need to Probe this question a bit further...

DavidB
1st-December-2005, 11:02 AM
Kan't we Focus back on the original topic?

Chef
1st-December-2005, 11:04 AM
I couldn't get on the forum for most of yesterday so this post is going to be a little bit of a time slip feel about it.


I still think that if people can be taught early in their modern jive dance lives that they don't have to do the semi-circle to start a dance and don't have to pull the lady around by sheer physical force and don't have to dance in endless clockwise circles, .... then that's better.

Ceroc is actually less likely to get people to that higher intermediate standard and more likely to ingrain bad habits that are harder to break later on.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

I was having a chat with Nelson and Karen Rose when I was at Camber last November. I remarked about the standard of the dancers that attended his classes in Exeter. I expressed the view that I thought his job was made considerably easier by the fact there were no Ceroc classes in his area so at least he didn't have to waste effort training out of all the bad habits that Ceroc dancers get into.

I have also had the view expressed to me (by a franchise holder) that Ceroc was the McDonalds of the dance world - get them in and give them a happy meal. If the advanced dancers leave then that is great because it is easier to teach beginners than it is to teach advanced dancers. I don't see this as a critism of Ceroc, just a valid and well thought out business model.

It seems only reasonable that when you have exhausted the range of something like Ceroc you would look elsewhere to develop further.

Now for the post I put together yesterday but couldn't put on the forum.


Funky Lush

I heard two ladies talking to each other at Funky Lush last Saturday. One said to the other “I wish we had gone to Putney”. I have no idea what was going on in Putney that night but I did think that at least they had somewhere to go where they could find what they wanted. For so long I have ended up in dance halls to be met by more or less the same music. It was like finding a McDonalds in Nepal – no matter how far you went or how remote the location it was always the same menu.

I have often longed to recapture the feeling of the Blues room on a weekender or Beach Boogie at 3am but it was never to be found away from these places. I had felt deep depression when I had returned to my normal venues to feel my hand yanked about by the same people who had been doing it for the last five years. I wished for somewhere where the music was smooth and fluid and the dancers felt the emotion of the music and not merely the beat.

Last Saturday that wish came true for me.

There were no dance police on the door keeping people out and there were no locks on the door holding people in. If you don’t like it then there are hundreds of other places for people to go. If people do like that sort of music played at Funky Lush then the choice is limited to Jango, T-jive and Funky Lush (so far).

There are going to be dancers that want to make the change from the bouncy style of Ceroc to a smoother style and there seems to be little in the way of classes (except blues classes which are way too few and far between) to help them make the transition. If you are a regular dancer at somewhere like Jango, have the lead and follow and footwork discipline of WCS or keen on blues dance then you may have a head start on the smoother style of Funky Lush.

Sparkles
1st-December-2005, 11:09 AM
...music I wanted to dance to...
So what sort of music do you like then, David? Just curious :flower:

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 11:27 AM
Kan't we Focus back on the original topic?
Don't be silly, some of us are Scorpios, you know...

If you really want to be back on topic, I'd have to say that Funky Lush was just like a Model T dance.

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 11:30 AM
. I expressed the view that I thought his job was made considerably easier by the fact there were no Ceroc classes in his area so at least he didn't have to waste effort training out of all the bad habits that Ceroc dancers get into.

I have also had the view expressed to me (by a franchise holder) that Ceroc was the McDonalds of the dance world - get them in and give them a happy meal. If the advanced dancers leave then that is great because it is easier to teach beginners than it is to teach advanced dancers. I don't see this as a critism of Ceroc, just a valid and well thought out business model.

It seems only reasonable that when you have exhausted the range of something like Ceroc you would look elsewhere to develop further.


Funky Lush

I heard two ladies talking to each other at Funky Lush last Saturday. One said to the other “I wish we had gone to Putney”. I have no idea what was going on in Putney that night but I did think that at least they had somewhere to go where they could find what they wanted. For so long I have ended up in dance halls to be met by more or less the same music. It was like finding a McDonalds in Nepal – no matter how far you went or how remote the location it was always the same menu.

. I had felt deep depression when I had returned to my normal venues to feel my hand yanked about by the same people who had been doing it for the last five years. I wished for somewhere where the music was smooth and fluid and the dancers felt the emotion of the music and not merely the beat.

Last Saturday that wish came true for me.

There were no dance police on the door keeping people out and there were no locks on the door holding people in. If you don’t like it then there are hundreds of other places for people to go. If people do like that sort of music played at Funky Lush then the choice is limited to Jango, T-jive and Funky Lush (so far).

There are going to be dancers that want to make the change from the bouncy style of Ceroc to a smoother style and there seems to be little in the way of classes (except blues classes which are way too few and far between) to help them make the transition. If you are a regular dancer at somewhere like Jango, have the lead and follow and footwork discipline of WCS or keen on blues dance then you may have a head start on the smoother style of Funky Lush.

Classic hot shot comments

Patronising to ceroc

If you want to bounce in ceroc please do so dont assume we all do. If you want to learn bad habits you can do that anywhere.

yes putney had ceroc on and if its the same two ladies ,yes they did want to go there, so what ?

The day you can run through the 800 + moves of ceroc will be the the day id listen to such nonsence

One thing with ceroc is that venues dont play all the same type of music and to compare it to Mcdonalds ?

KatieR
1st-December-2005, 11:42 AM
Classic hot shot comments

Patronising to ceroc


ONE ... fluffy bunny...... TWO ... fluffy bunnies.....

Chef
1st-December-2005, 11:59 AM
Classic hot shot comments

Patronising to ceroc

If you want to bounce in ceroc please do so dont assume we all do. If you want to learn bad habits you can do that anywhere.

yes putney had ceroc on and if its the same two ladies ,yes they did want to go there, so what ?

The day you can run through the 800 + moves of ceroc will be the the day id listen to such nonsence

One thing with ceroc is that venues dont play all the same type of music and to compare it to Mcdonalds ?

Did you read everything that I said or just scan through it. I don't understand how you can read the words that I wrote and comprehend them in the manner that you have. Please explain.

Feelingpink
1st-December-2005, 12:00 PM
Classic hot shot comments

Patronising to ceroc

If you want to bounce in ceroc please do so dont assume we all do. If you want to learn bad habits you can do that anywhere.

yes putney had ceroc on and if its the same two ladies ,yes they did want to go there, so what ?

The day you can run through the 800 + moves of ceroc will be the the day id listen to such nonsence

One thing with ceroc is that venues dont play all the same type of music and to compare it to Mcdonalds ?This says just so much about you Stewart. Why on earth would being able to remember 800 moves make anyone more qualified to comment on anything? Perhaps there should have been guards on the door of Funky Lush to keep you out :devil:

Gus
1st-December-2005, 12:03 PM
Classic hot shot comments

Patronising to ceroc Actualy Stewart ... you are wrong. Chef has made an excellent statement from his point of view which is not bounded by having to represent the Ceroc(tm) view and benefits from his wider dancing perspective. To rubbish it with such demeaning comments is far more a reflection on your sad lack of understanding than on any agenda on Chef's part. In fact there isn't even any point in neg-repping you ... you have done yourself more damage by your comments than any neg rep could do. Please copntinue your self-defacement in public ... it quite amusing.:flower:



The day you can run through the 800 + moves of ceroc will be the the day id listen to such nonsenceThe point being? OK .. I'll used to know the 450 official Ceroc moves ... does that make my point any more valid? Shall I drag across a few respected Ceroc teachers for them to back up Chef's comments befoe you listen.

I don't totaly agree with Chef's comments, though I fully accept where he is coming form. The vast majority of good dancers HAVE been through Ceroc(tm) teaching. We all know that there are weakpoints in the training approach ... BUT, its far better than any other model for bringing large amounts of dancing novices through. Not all end up with bad habits, but luckily now there are enough teachers and workshops to allow dancers to progress .... the limitation is not the moves, its one of attitude.

David Franklin
1st-December-2005, 12:03 PM
The day you can run through the 800 + moves of ceroc will be the the day id listen to such nonsenceOoh, 800 moves! That's a lot! Bet the book that holds them must be impressive. In fact, I bet it resembles a telephone directory...


One thing with ceroc is that venues dont play all the same type of music and to compare it to Mcdonalds ?Don't blame Chef for reporting how a franchise holder sees Ceroc (and I still have the video tape where James Cronin makes a similar comparison).

David Bailey
1st-December-2005, 12:03 PM
I was having a chat with Nelson and Karen Rose when I was at Camber last November. I remarked about the standard of the dancers that attended his classes in Exeter. I expressed the view that I thought his job was made considerably easier by the fact there were no Ceroc classes in his area so at least he didn't have to waste effort training out of all the bad habits that Ceroc dancers get into.
Hmmm... I think that's a bit harsh. Are you saying that a Ceroc-er of, say, two years' experience is more difficult to teach than someone who's never done any dancing?

I also think 90%+ of non-Ceroc MJ classes wouldn't exist if it weren't for this large dance organisation promoting MJ dancing, so even from a business point-of-view I don't think that's correct.


I have also had the view expressed to me (by a franchise holder) that Ceroc was the McDonalds of the dance world
That's a famous quote of James Cronin's - so it's not exactly new. And I'm not sure if that's the case now. Pizza Express level at least :)


If the advanced dancers leave then that is great because it is easier to teach beginners than it is to teach advanced dancers.
Again, that's extreme. I'd totally agree there's little focus from a national point-of-view of resources on developing dancers past a certain level (and that's one of the things I whinged about in the "If I were boss of Ceroc" thread). However, some individual franchisees are developing ways of retaining these people - Franck's style workshop comes to mind. Of course, sure, other franchisees take the short-term view and don't want to improve dancing, they just want the cash.

But "not actively targetting national resources to develop MJ dancers beyond a certain level" is a long way from saying that "we want advanced dancers to leave".


It seems only reasonable that when you have exhausted the range of something like Ceroc you would look elsewhere to develop further.
Sure, but I don't think Ceroc is inherently that limited - there's no reason why "Advanced Ceroc" can't be taught IMO. Certainly, I believe that "advanced MJ" can be taught.


There were no dance police on the door keeping people out
Well, who needed them, what with the guard dogs and Rachel's sniper rifle? :innocent:


If you don’t like it then there are hundreds of other places for people to go.
You know, that phrase is just always guaranteed to wind me up... :mad:

Believe it or not, I do want venues like FL to succeed, but that attitude 's no way to welcome new people, or to promote any business - and FWIW I don't believe any of the organisers have ever said anything like that. If your customers say something critical, you can't just dismiss it by saying "Go away then" - that's how you end up with no customers.

No, you don't always have to do what your customers want, and yes, you do have to keep a unique vision. But if you ignore free customer feedback, you're nuts.

Gus
1st-December-2005, 12:16 PM
You know, that phrase is just always guaranteed to wind me up... :mad: If your customers say something critical, you can't just dismiss it by saying "Go away then" - that's how you end up with no customers.Get a marketing book. You CAN'T be all things to all people ... thats why a niche is a niche. Chef put it very well, nights are self-choosing in that people will go if they like and won't if they don't ... where's the harm in that? FL is not a standard "pack them in" type venture.

FL is aimed at a particular market segment, Ceroc is aimed at a far wider segment, but does not cover the needs of the more experieneced dancers who want really expressive music .... though I stand to be corrected on this last point. If you know a Ceroc venue that does cater for this style of dancing plesae let me know.

Zebra Woman
1st-December-2005, 12:18 PM
But if you ignore free customer feedback, you're nuts.

David


You're not a customer

Will
1st-December-2005, 12:21 PM
A couple of years ago I realised I would never get the combination of the music I wanted to dance to, and the people I wanted to dance with, together in the same venue.
I just want to point out to everyone that David wrote this before he discovered the "School Disco" at the Hammersmith Palais on every Saturday night.

Daisy
1st-December-2005, 12:33 PM
Ooh, 800 moves! That's a lot! Bet the book that holds them must be impressive. In fact, I bet it resembles a telephone directory... .

Excellent reply David :rofl: :worthy: I wonder how many people will get it?

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:34 PM
But if you ignore free customer feedback, you're nuts.
Obviously true... but there's feedback and feedback.

If someone goes into Pizza Express and orders a Big Mac and fries, the waiter will say "I'm sorry sir, we don't do that sort of food here, try MacDonalds" (while thinking "he must be a loony" :whistle: ).

If another customer goes to Pizza Express and suggests that they move the tables slightly to avoid the draught from the entrance, or asks for a little more black pepper on their pizza, it's very different.

And at risk of stating the obvious, it's because both the latter requests can be accommodated without compromising what Pizza Express is about.

Even one burger and chips served up in Pizza Express would set a precedent, with the risk that more people would turn up wanting burgers. And then the management would be faced with the dilemma of either turning away custom, or sticking to their principles despite the precedent.

The fact that it's perfectly possible to go to MacDonalds and get a burger is sufficient reason for Pizza Express not to start serving them.

Saying that if people don't like the music at FL (and would prefer thumpy pop music) they can go elsewhere, I'd put firmly in the former category of responding to feedback, not the latter. Rachel's comment earlier in the thread about contrasting tracks, I'd put in the latter.

Chef
1st-December-2005, 12:39 PM
Hmmm... I think that's a bit harsh. Are you saying that a Ceroc-er of, say, two years' experience is more difficult to teach than someone who's never done any dancing?

No. I am saying that when any person that has gained a bad habit in anything, it is harder to train them out of that bad habit than to have just trained them into the correct habit in the first place. In most things, once a certain sequence of body movements have become embedded in muscle memory it is the devils own job to get them out.


I also think 90%+ of non-Ceroc MJ classes wouldn't exist if it weren't for this large dance organisation promoting MJ dancing, so even from a business point-of-view I don't think that's correct.

There is a thriving ballroom, salsa etc scene in this country that owes very little of their success to Ceroc. eroc and Ceroc started off at about the same time. It is just that Ceroc are better and more agressive business men - even if they are now growing to a significant extent by means of aquisition of formerly non Ceroc MJ businesses.

It is my view (and nobody has to agree with it) that Ceroc is a business first and foremost. They are promoting MJ dancing because it makes good business sense.


Again, that's extreme. I'd totally agree there's little focus from a national point-of-view of resources on developing dancers past a certain level (and that's one of the things I whinged about in the "If I were boss of Ceroc" thread). However, some individual franchisees are developing ways of retaining these people - Franck's style workshop comes to mind. Of course, sure, other franchisees take the short-term view and don't want to improve dancing, they just want the cash.

OK say you say that it is extreme - and then agree that it is true - except for one place (namely Francks classes in Stirling). As for the statement that teaching beginners were more easy than catering for advanced dancers - that was the francise holders veiw not mine.


But "not actively targetting national resources to develop MJ dancers beyond a certain level" is a long way from saying that "we want advanced dancers to leave".

No they don't seem to want advanced dancers to leave and that was not what the statement said. My interpretation of the statement was that they were


"not actively targetting national resources to develop MJ dancers beyond a certain level"

with the notable exception of Francks Classes in Stirling. They certainly don't want advanced dancers to leave - they are a wonderful advert for what can be achieved and they even pay to get in.



Sure, but I don't think Ceroc is inherently that limited - there's no reason why "Advanced Ceroc" can't be taught IMO. Certainly, I believe that "advanced MJ" can be taught.

I also have that belief. I have just ony seen it taught at non ceroc weekenders by non ceroc teachers. Perhaps this only means that my experience is limited.


You know, that phrase is just always guaranteed to wind me up... :mad:

How can an anecdote about two dancers who find that they don't like the music in one place but still have the choice of many places to go where they can find music they like, while I find that there are hundreds of places where I don't like the music but I only have the choice of two places where there is music I like be interprete3d as me saying "they are not welcome here"? It was about choice. Their choices were large mine are 2.


Believe it or not, I do want venues like FL to succeed, but that attitude 's no way to welcome new people, or to promote any business - and FWIW I don't believe any of the organisers have ever said anything like that. If your customers say something critical, you can't just dismiss it by saying "Go away then" - that's how you end up with no customers.

No one has said "go away then" to people that don't like the music at FL (not even me). As I said above they have the choice of many venues where the music is to their taste while I have only two.


No, you don't always have to do what your customers want, and yes, you do have to keep a unique vision. But if you ignore free customer feedback, you're nuts.

TWK, Greg and the crew are actively seeking feedback.

I am not part of the FL organisation. My view is that if you would prefer the music at a Ceroc venue then you should be where you are happy. If the music a FL makes you happy then FL is where you should be. Simple.

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:41 PM
Excellent reply David :rofl: :worthy: I wonder how many people will get it?
Just the hotshots, probably... :devil: :whistle:

Lynn
1st-December-2005, 12:42 PM
Snip...lots of food related stuff... So glad I'm leaving for an early lunch today (to a lovely little cafe by the sea that does fab homecooked style dinners and desserts. Yum!)

David F - the telephone directory comment - :worthy:

DJ - maybe you should actually, you know, go to FL next time? :whistle:

(Sounds like the floor needs a good sweep anyway...and no-one would notice you...)

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 12:44 PM
Excellent reply David :rofl: :worthy: I wonder how many people will get it?


Only the HOT SHOTS who remember a comment i made about 3yrs ago about a dance and WHAT I SAW AND OTHERS

Which was withdrawn and changed

Very sad really that it hit just a raw nerve :sad:

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 12:47 PM
Only the HOT SHOTS who remember a comment i made about 3yrs ago about a dance and WHAT I SAW AND OTHERS

Well it was nowhere near as long ago as that... I wasn't on the forum then.

But the reason people remember it is because you continue to post comments that are equally insightful.

:hug:

David Franklin
1st-December-2005, 01:02 PM
Well it was nowhere near as long ago as that... I wasn't on the forum then.That comment was made about last years' Jivemasters final. The final was held on 20th November 2004, so it must have been about a year ago.

TiggsTours
1st-December-2005, 01:06 PM
OK, when I last checked this thread, it was a nicey nicey thread about how great Funky Lush was, and I don't see that anyone has had a different opinion on that at all, so, why has it decended into a war zone?!

Why do people suddenly jump on someone who dares to say "I like dancing with advanced dancers more than beginners"?, WHY? Why can't we all just admit that we feel the same way?

We have paid to go out for a nice evening of dancing, why shouldn't we all want to dance with someone good? Even if we ourselves are still a beginner, or once were (and some of us may have to search the dim and distant crevices of our memory banks here) didn't we even then prefer dancing with a good dancer to a bad one? And lets get that right, we're talking bad dancers, not beginners, there are plenty of beginners who are far better dancers than people who have been dancing for years, so, Icey, I'll have no more of this "I'm not good enough to take the space of a more experienced dancer" talk from you!

The type of music played at Funky Lush is more likely to appeal to the good dancer than the bouncy bouncy arm yanking dancer, so I say, bring it on! There is plenty of choice around for everyone, so let those of us who don't like the bouncy bouncy arm yankers have our night too!

Also, why do people associate the bouncy bouncy arm yanker with Ceroc? I know plenty of people who dance that way who don't have a Ceroc venue within 50 miles of where they live!

Just because we "prefer" to dance with good dancers, doesn't make us bad people, we still dance with bad dancers, and beginners of all abilities, we're not elitist, just expressing a preference!

I, personally, prefer to go to see a fully trained concert pianist at the Royal Albert Hall backed by the Royal Philharmonic, that doesn't mean I won't go to my 8 year old niece's school piano concert, and thoroughly enjoy her performance either!

David Bailey
1st-December-2005, 01:07 PM
You CAN'T be all things to all people ... thats why a niche is a niche. Chef put it very well, nights are self-choosing in that people will go if they like and won't if they don't ... where's the harm in that? FL is not a standard "pack them in" type venture.
The harm is that the business might fail, by having too few people attending, with an attitude of "Sod the retention rate" (apparently retention that's one of these marketing terms), "we'll do whatever we want".

Jokes about guard dogs aside, uou (well, the organisers, I imagine) want to persuade people, to convert them, to develop them and to welcome them.

And part of that process is saying, for example to the Putney Ladies that "I understand why this is different to your normal type of music, but these are the reasons for it, so please, do try it out, ask some of these lovely dancers, you might find you like this sort of thing". Not saying "Well, bugger off to Putney then, you plebs".

And yes, occasionally this may mean some compromise to play more populist music, to "ease people in". Or, using another one of these marketing terms, to improve your acquisition rate.


FL is aimed at a particular market segment, Ceroc is aimed at a far wider segment, but does not cover the needs of the more experieneced dancers who want really expressive music .... though I stand to be corrected on this last point. If you know a Ceroc venue that does cater for this style of dancing plesae let me know.
If you can find anywhere where I said "FL should cater for the masses and produce popular music like Ceroc does, ignoring their own unique vision", then not only shall I happily accept negative rep, I shall also rep you.


David

You're not a customer
True, but I'm a prospect in the target market (yay, more terminology), and more to the point, I was commenting on the remarks made by real, honest-to-God paying customers.

I swear to God, I'm trying to help this venture. I think it's a great idea and I want it to both succeed and grow. But new ventures are always fragile, and ignoring customer / prospect feedback won't help it.

Paul F
1st-December-2005, 01:12 PM
That comment was made about last years' Jivemasters final. The final was held on 20th November 2004, so it must have been about a year ago.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the telephone book reference means :confused:

David Bailey
1st-December-2005, 01:17 PM
There is a thriving ballroom, salsa etc scene in this country that owes very little of their success to Ceroc. eroc and Ceroc started off at about the same time. It is just that Ceroc are better and more agressive business men - even if they are now growing to a significant extent by means of aquisition of formerly non Ceroc MJ businesses.
I don't believe MJ would be around without Ceroc, but it's probably an "agree-to-differ" thing.


It is my view (and nobody has to agree with it) that Ceroc is a business first and foremost. They are promoting MJ dancing because it makes good business sense.
Absolutely :yeah:


OK say you say that it is extreme - and then agree that it is true - except for one place (namely Francks classes in Stirling).
Oh come on - I gave on off-the-top-of-my-head prominent example, I didn't even come close to saying that this was the only place in the world teaching advanced concepts. There are lots of non-standard classes in London (nosequins, Jive Bar advanced, Surbiton advanced, lovely Finchley latin, etc. etc.); I just provided an example of one that most Forumites could be familiar with.


No they don't seem to want advanced dancers to leave and that was not what the statement said. My interpretation of the statement was that they were


"not actively targetting national resources to develop MJ dancers beyond a certain level"

with the notable exception of Francks Classes in Stirling.

Then, as I've said, you're interpretation of my words is incorrect. Franck is a stirling (:) ), example, not the only on on the planet.


No one has said "go away then" to people that don't like the music at FL (not even me).
I'm sorry, but that's exactly what several posters have said. Fortunately, and tellingly, none of the organisers have said anything like that.


I am not part of the FL organisation. My view is that if you would prefer the music at a Ceroc venue then you should be where you are happy. If the music a FL makes you happy then FL is where you should be. Simple.
:yeah: Here we agree, always a good point to finish...

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 01:21 PM
Can someone enlighten me as to what the telephone book reference means :confused:

In November 2004 I dare to say this following the Jive master event



Well flame away but Im afraid Ive seen more musical interpretation in a telephone directory

Thought the overall standard was 'relatively' poor :sad:

Ok it wasnt the best post ever and like many wasnt 'backed up with FACT' just an opinion

Clearly many people still felt very grieved about having there musical interpretation being compared to the yellow pages and i did apologise for that

of course many others went on to comment who felt there was more musical interpretation then in the yellow pages but thats all forgotten i think


There is, of course, no musical interpretation in the telephone directory. And I did see some musical interpretation last night - but not as much as I'd hoped :tears:

Viktor is more known for his stylish moves than his musical interpretation. IMHO he showed he was listening to the music more than usual but it was Carol that put in most of the interpretation - overall I think they were still the best couple by far.

.

Stewart38 has actually got a point. Although I think it would be wrong to say there was no musicality at all.

Me thinks i have 9 more years to serve :tears:

TiggsTours
1st-December-2005, 01:33 PM
I don't believe MJ would be around without Ceroc, but it's probably an "agree-to-differ" thing.

There are areas of this country that Ceroc has tried on a number of occassions to launch, and never succeeded, due to the popularity of other MJ organisations in the area. If Ceroc weren't around, there would still be other organisations, they'd just be more successful.

DavidY
1st-December-2005, 01:34 PM
If you really want to be back on topic, I'd have to say that Funky Lush was just like a Model T dance.Presumably the dancers could wear any colour they liked, as long as it was black? :whistle:

Daisy
1st-December-2005, 01:45 PM
Only the HOT SHOTS who remember a comment i made about 3yrs ago about a dance and WHAT I SAW AND OTHERS

Which was withdrawn and changed

Very sad really that it hit just a raw nerve :sad:

Actually it was after last years Jive Masters...which I did not compete in and it managed to insult most of the advanced dancers in the country in one go. Who could forget it.

Well done

Daisy
1st-December-2005, 01:48 PM
OK, when I last checked this thread, it was a nicey nicey thread about how great Funky Lush was, and I don't see that anyone has had a different opinion on that at all, so, why has it decended into a war zone?!

Why do people suddenly jump on someone who dares to say "I like dancing with advanced dancers more than beginners"?, WHY? Why can't we all just admit that we feel the same way?

We have paid to go out for a nice evening of dancing, why shouldn't we all want to dance with someone good? Even if we ourselves are still a beginner, or once were (and some of us may have to search the dim and distant crevices of our memory banks here) didn't we even then prefer dancing with a good dancer to a bad one? And lets get that right, we're talking bad dancers, not beginners, there are plenty of beginners who are far better dancers than people who have been dancing for years, so, Icey, I'll have no more of this "I'm not good enough to take the space of a more experienced dancer" talk from you!

The type of music played at Funky Lush is more likely to appeal to the good dancer than the bouncy bouncy arm yanking dancer, so I say, bring it on! There is plenty of choice around for everyone, so let those of us who don't like the bouncy bouncy arm yankers have our night too!

Also, why do people associate the bouncy bouncy arm yanker with Ceroc? I know plenty of people who dance that way who don't have a Ceroc venue within 50 miles of where they live!

Just because we "prefer" to dance with good dancers, doesn't make us bad people, we still dance with bad dancers, and beginners of all abilities, we're not elitist, just expressing a preference!

I, personally, prefer to go to see a fully trained concert pianist at the Royal Albert Hall backed by the Royal Philharmonic, that doesn't mean I won't go to my 8 year old niece's school piano concert, and thoroughly enjoy her performance either!

:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

David Bailey
1st-December-2005, 01:55 PM
Actually it was after last years Jive Masters...which I did not compete in and it managed to insult most of the advanced dancers in the country in one go. Who could forget it.

Well done
Indeed - it's an inspiration to me, I can usually only manage to insult a few people at a time. :worthy:

When's the next Jive Masters then? :innocent:

Oh, and "most of the advanced dancers in the country", possibly a slight exaggeration? Maybe "Many of the better MJ dancers in the country" would be more accurate. But still, it's a heck of an achievement. :devil:

ChrisA
1st-December-2005, 01:58 PM
Presumably the dancers could wear any colour they liked, as long as it was black? :whistle:
Absolutely, unless they wanted to televise it on Anglian or Granada - it wouldn't look too good under the lights.

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 02:02 PM
Actually it was after last years Jive Masters...which I did not compete in and it managed to insult most of the advanced dancers in the country in one go. Who could forget it.

Well done

You didnt even compete amazing. I wonder if it insulted 4 people or 8,500 'advanced dancers'

Prob 8,496 saw it as a stupid crass comment made by a bafoon and gave it no more thought (he apolgised anyway)

of course some will nurture it and feed it

did you read the rest of the posting ? (some agreed with the sentiment although as mention the way it was said was crass)

El Salsero Gringo
1st-December-2005, 02:03 PM
OK, when I last checked this thread, it was a nicey nicey thread about how great Funky Lush was, and I don't see that anyone has had a different opinion on that at all, so, why has it decended into a war zone?!Why? It's bleedin' obvious why. Because most of the posters on this thread (and now you) are winding people up to it. Here's a perfect example, from your own post:
I, personally, prefer to go to see a fully trained concert pianist at the Royal Albert Hall backed by the Royal Philharmonic, that doesn't mean I won't go to my 8 year old niece's school piano concert, and thoroughly enjoy her performance either!You see, if you use metaphors that invite comparisons between people who go to Funky Lush with concert pianists, and those who don't with 8-year old school performers, is it any wonder peoples backs get up?

If anyone's message is "I'm a better dancer and I want my difficult, interpretable music for a whole evening and let anyone who wants different go elsewhere" - you'll just have to accept that *is* kind of elitist, and everyone else will have to accept that that's how a group of people feel - and get over it.

Sparkles
1st-December-2005, 02:04 PM
see below

Sparkles
1st-December-2005, 02:05 PM
a stupid crass comment made by a bafoon and gave it no more thought (he apolgised anyway)
Sometimes it's better to think before you post... rather than post first and apologise later :rolleyes:

my above post being an ironically good example *cough*

Paul F
1st-December-2005, 02:16 PM
I wonder if there is a record for the fastest growing thread. This has to be a contender.

Sorry, carry on.


:)

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 02:57 PM
Sometimes it's better to think before you post... rather than post first and apologise later :rolleyes:

my above post being an ironically good example *cough*

If i hadnt posted that comment it wouldnt have lead to....


A Thread on musical interpretation

That thread was the foundation , the launching stone where people demanded a new type of dance which led to Jango which led to Funky Lush

Maybe not correct but a nice idea :whistle:

KatieR
1st-December-2005, 02:58 PM
If i hadnt posted that comment it wouldnt have lead to....


A Thread on musical interpretation

That thread was the foundation , the launching stone where people demanded a new type of dance which led to Jango which led to Funky Lush

Maybe not correct but a nice idea :whistle:

bounce... bounce... bounce.... these fluffy bunnies are just out of control!!

Catch that darn rabbit!!

stewart38
1st-December-2005, 03:02 PM
bounce... bounce... bounce.... these fluffy bunnies are just out of control!!

Catch that darn rabbit!!

Well I've had more -ve rep over that telephone comment and been called a baffoon (not just by me) .

I dont even know the girl :sad:

TiggsTours
1st-December-2005, 03:10 PM
Why? It's bleedin' obvious why. Because most of the posters on this thread (and now you) are winding people up to it. Here's a perfect example, from your own post:You see, if you use metaphors that invite comparisons between people who go to Funky Lush with concert pianists, and those who don't with 8-year old school performers, is it any wonder peoples backs get up?

If anyone's message is "I'm a better dancer and I want my difficult, interpretable music for a whole evening and let anyone who wants different go elsewhere" - you'll just have to accept that *is* kind of elitist, and everyone else will have to accept that that's how a group of people feel - and get over it.
To get a true idea of comparisons, sometimes it is better to use extreme examples.

Besides, can you honestly say that you don't agree with everything that was said? Do you, personally, not prefer dancing with good dancers to bad ones? Are you saying you have absolutely no preference?

And, I wasn't saying that those who go to Funky Lush are good dancers, those that don't aren't, so don't you put words into MY mouth, Mr ESG!There has only ever been one, how could anyone say that! I know PLENTY of fabulous dancers who weren't there, and will probably never go.

All I was saying is, why attack someone for saying they prefer to dance with someone who is a good dancer? Why is that such a terrible thing to say? Dancing with someone who is as good, or better, than yourself, whatever level you are at, is more enjoyable, as it challenges you, you can react to each other better. The only reason I used a pianist as an example, and in another thread tennis players, is to demonstrate that this desire to challenge oneself in your personal chosen sport or art form, or any other skill area, is not by any means specific to dancing, it is not elitist, its simple straight human nature, and I respect the people who are willing to accept their humanity far more than those who aren't!

El Salsero Gringo
1st-December-2005, 03:26 PM
To get a true idea of comparisons, sometimes it is better to use extreme examples.It's more memorable, but comparisons are tricky. You didn't *actually* compare dancers with concert pianists, but anyone who was feeling raw on that score might have read more into your comparison than you intended. Isn't it an NLP precept that the real communication is about what people interpret and understand from what you say, not what you intended to say? Getting the two to coincide and so avoid misunderstandings is very hard, and harder still when the two camps are already at loggerheads! That's why the argument continues, even though I think both sides have totally reasonable positions!
Besides, can you honestly say that you don't agree with everything that was said? Do you, personally, not prefer dancing with good dancers to bad ones? Are you saying you have absolutely no preference?Since you ask, absolutely I do. I'm not shy - I even posted a list of my favourite dancers in the thread about that subject, a while back. I've got no fear of saying what I enjoy, and what I don't. I don't expect my opinons of what do and don't like are that interesting to people, but I'm at peace with my own preferences so I'm happy for them to draw their own conclusions - be it 'Hotshot', 'Elitist', 'crap dancer', or 'stuck-up twit'.
And, I wasn't saying that those who go to Funky Lush are good dancers, those that don't aren't, so don't you put words into MY mouth, Mr ESG!No, indeed you weren't. But some people might have thought you were.
All I was saying is, why attack someone for saying they prefer to dance with someone who is a good dancer?I don't think I would. It sounds very reasonable to me.
Why is that such a terrible thing to say? Dancing with someone who is as good, or better, than yourself, whatever level you are at, is more enjoyable, as it challenges you, you can react to each other better.Quite true.
The only reason I used a pianist as an example, and in another thread tennis players, is to demonstrate that this desire to challenge oneself in your personal chosen sport or art form, or any other skill area, is not by any means specific to dancing, it is not elitist, its simple straight human nature, and I respect the people who are willing to accept their humanity far more than those who aren't!Comes down to the semantics of "elitist", doesn't it? Stick a label on something, use it as an insult, and people scurry to try to distance themselves from it. Try this line for size: "You think I'm elitist? And that is supposed to bother me how exactly?"

Sparkles
1st-December-2005, 04:11 PM
If i hadnt posted that comment...
I wasn't referring to any one post in particular, I was just hoping you (and all members of the forum) might bear it in mind as a general rule of thumb - I directed the comment to you because you seem have to apologise more than most :flower:

Cruella
1st-December-2005, 06:29 PM
Blimey, i haven't been on the forum for a few days, this thread was a nice one saying thanks to the organisers of an enjoyable freestyle last time i looked. Did those fumes from the other room go to everybody's heads there seems to be a lot of paranoia on here now!
IMO there were what i consider a good amount of experienced dancers and some of my 'favourite' dancers at FL but there were also alot of my favourites that weren't there! What i'm trying to say, in a not very clear way, is that what one person would consider a good dancer another wouldn't. I know that ZW and i have sometimes disagreed on the ability of certain men! So how can a venue be said to have 'only good dancers' it's all down to individual opinion surely? As to the music, the idea i thought of FL is to offer something different! Which it did very successfully. :flower:

LMC
1st-December-2005, 09:24 PM
I'm really sorry I missed what seems like a great event - but glad it went so well, because that means there'll be another one, right? - which I *will* go to :clap:

AFA as the hotshot or not question is concerned... it's about attitude, not the music preference or the dancing ability. I don't think I want to say any more than that really. (Pick yourselves up off the floor people....)

CJ
5th-December-2005, 02:09 PM
OK, I don't get it.

Have never been to FL but Jango, IMHO, was cool.

There were lots of fab dancers there. There were lots of cool music (ALOT of which I'd never heard before).

The coolest thing for me was that there was absolutely no arrogance there at all. It was the warmest friendliest venue I have ever been to. My theory on this is that:

The dancers there could all dall themselves "dancers": with that comes a self-assuredness that they are in the right place to enjopy them selves. There was no ego, pretentiousness (not even form ChrisA!!:wink: :whistle: ), or social insecurity.

Now I gelled with some dancers, had ok dances to what I found to be difficult music (i.e. I could have done first move/basket variations the whole song, but I wanted to "dance" it, express my reaction to the music and not just do moves.) and had some tough dances where I struggled to give my partner the best dance I could.

I had some amazing dances e.g. with Puddy Cat and MsFab but gave Kate the worst dance of her entire dancing career.:blush:

My take on it is: the dancers there want to be pushed, challenged. They want to dance. I have to say, that if a "beginner" walked in to J/FL, they would still be made to feel very welcome. Any discomfort would be their own doing from reactions to moves/music that would be challenging and not from the regulars.

Elite?!? My ar$e. Just a group of people with a similar mindset and a broadly speaking similar skill base.

But what do I know, I'm just a hotshot.
with the t-shirt to prove it

TiggsTours
5th-December-2005, 03:05 PM
OK, I don't get it.

Have never been to FL but Jango, IMHO, was cool.

There were lots of fab dancers there. There were lots of cool music (ALOT of which I'd never heard before).

The coolest thing for me was that there was absolutely no arrogance there at all. It was the warmest friendliest venue I have ever been to. My theory on this is that:

The dancers there could all dall themselves "dancers": with that comes a self-assuredness that they are in the right place to enjopy them selves. There was no ego, pretentiousness (not even form ChrisA!!:wink: :whistle: ), or social insecurity.

Now I gelled with some dancers, had ok dances to what I found to be difficult music (i.e. I could have done first move/basket variations the whole song, but I wanted to "dance" it, express my reaction to the music and not just do moves.) and had some tough dances where I struggled to give my partner the best dance I could.

I had some amazing dances e.g. with Puddy Cat and MsFab but gave Kate the worst dance of her entire dancing career.:blush:

My take on it is: the dancers there want to be pushed, challenged. They want to dance. I have to say, that if a "beginner" walked in to J/FL, they would still be made to feel very welcome. Any discomfort would be their own doing from reactions to moves/music that would be challenging and not from the regulars.

Elite?!? My ar$e. Just a group of people with a similar mindset and a broadly speaking similar skill base.

But what do I know, I'm just a hotshot.
with the t-shirt to prove it
:clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :yeah: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap:

What a perfectly wonderful attitude, and puts into words, so well, exactly what my thoughts are on this "hotshot/elitist" rubbish!

Well put CJ, and it was lovely to meet you on Saturday, it will be even lovlier to dance with you sometime!:hug:

under par
5th-December-2005, 03:37 PM
:clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :yeah: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap: :worthy: :clap:

What a perfectly wonderful attitude, and puts into words, so well, exactly what my thoughts are on this "hotshot/elitist" rubbish!

Well put CJ, and it was lovely to meet you on Saturday, it will be even lovlier to dance with you sometime!:hug:

I wasn't going to post again on this topic as I have already said a lot and most will understand my views.

CJs post was just brill!:yeah: :yeah:

+ve rep already sent.

Live and let live...Dance for fun...:cheers:

Paul F
18th-December-2005, 11:25 PM
From what I can remeber FL is on again soon and I believe someone said January but having not been around much recently I wondered if anyone can furnish me with a date? Please. :flower:
I suppose I could have asked this afternoon but was too busy dancing. :blush:

Mary
19th-December-2005, 12:11 AM
And I believe the next date for the evening freestyle is Friday 20th Jan. It would normally be a Saturday, but Toby had reasons for making this one a Friday. However, don't take my word for it as it may not be set in stone.

I don't know if any more dates are booked yet but, ahem, it would be good to know so folk can get them in their dance diaries?:flower:

M

Lory
19th-December-2005, 01:46 AM
Friday 20th Jan. It would normally be a Saturday, but Toby had reasons for making this one a Friday.
:clap: Friday's are much better for me! :clap:

Msfab
19th-December-2005, 10:51 AM
And I believe the next date for the evening freestyle is Friday 20th Jan. It would normally be a Saturday, but Toby had reasons for making this one a Friday. However, don't take my word for it as it may not be set in stone.

I don't know if any more dates are booked yet but, ahem, it would be good to know so folk can get them in their dance diaries?:flower:

M

I believe the Next FL is on the 8th January 2006 (well according to toby last email)

Sparkles
19th-December-2005, 10:58 AM
I believe the Next FL is on the 8th January 2006 (well according to toby last email)
Who's your guest DJ, Toby? :confused:

Msfab
19th-December-2005, 11:00 AM
Who's your guest DJ, Toby? :confused:

Who would you like Sparkles? :yum:

Sparkles
19th-December-2005, 11:07 AM
Who would you like Sparkles? :yum:
If I could have my choice of DJ I guess I'd choose Greg or Marc - they're both brilliant!!! :blush:

Msfab
19th-December-2005, 12:46 PM
If I could have my choice of DJ I guess I'd choose Greg or Marc - they're both brilliant!!! :blush:

Do you hear that Toby?

Zebra Woman
19th-December-2005, 12:54 PM
If I could have my choice of DJ I guess I'd choose Greg or Marc - they're both brilliant!!! :blush:

Yeah, being a greedy Zebra - I would choose Greg AND Marc :whistle:

ZW

CJ
19th-December-2005, 01:00 PM
If I could have my choice of DJ I guess I'd choose Greg or Marc -

:eek: :sick: :o :tears:

KatieR
19th-December-2005, 01:18 PM
:eek: :sick: :o :tears:

Could you do better? ;)

CJ
19th-December-2005, 01:24 PM
Could you do better? ;)

'Twould appear not.:D

Toby wan Kenobe
19th-December-2005, 02:09 PM
I'd love to tell you when the next FL is on.....

....but under the new Ceroc Scotland Forum No-Advertising Guidelines (not available on request) it would appear I'm not allowed.....:whistle:

Franck
19th-December-2005, 02:25 PM
I'd love to tell you when the next FL is on.....

....but under the new Ceroc Scotland Forum No-Advertising Guidelines (not available on request) it would appear I'm not allowed.....:whistle:
Luckily, Mary answered for you above:

And I believe the next date for the evening freestyle is Friday 20th Jan.

The advertising guidelines (as made available to you by Private Message several times already)on the Forum are simply that if you are an organiser, you don't post adverts or get your friends to do it for you. Simple!

Toby wan Kenobe
19th-December-2005, 03:03 PM
The advertising guidelines (as made available to you by Private Message several times already)on the Forum are simply that if you are an organiser, you don't post adverts or get your friends to do it for you. Simple!


Hmmm..
Have it your way. :worthy: It's your Forum:worthy:




It is your Forum isn't it?????

Simon r
19th-December-2005, 03:08 PM
Hmmm..
Have it your way. :worthy: It's your Forum:worthy:




It is your Forum isn't it?????


So is funky Lush on the friday if so not fair because i can never make a friday and i will be throwing all my toys out my pram....

Msfab
19th-December-2005, 03:11 PM
So is funky Lush on the friday if so not fair because i can never make a friday and i will be throwing all my toys out my pram....

First there is a FL on Sunday Afternoon the 8th January 2006!

DavidY
19th-December-2005, 03:21 PM
I'd love to tell you when the next FL is on.....

....but under the new Ceroc Scotland Forum No-Advertising Guidelines (not available on request) it would appear I'm not allowed.....:whistle:But couldn't you advertise it somewhere else like UK-jive, or even jango.co.uk, funkylush.com, etc...? I looked through all of these and couldn't find any future dates of Jango/FL weekend events.:sad:

CJ
19th-December-2005, 03:26 PM
Well put CJ, and it was lovely to meet you on Saturday, it will be even lovlier to dance with you sometime!:hug:


FL on the 8th it is, then??

Dizzy
19th-December-2005, 03:43 PM
FL on the 8th it is, then??


Glad to hear it. :clap: :clap: :flower:

Is it too early to sign your dance card CJ? :D :wink:

CJ
19th-December-2005, 03:46 PM
Glad to hear it. :clap: :clap: :flower:

Is it too early to sign your dance card CJ? :D :wink:

As long as it's not joined up writing, should be able to read it ok!!!

Twyford on the Sat, anyone??

Puddy Tat
19th-December-2005, 04:09 PM
As long as it's not joined up writing, should be able to read it ok!!!

Twyford on the Sat, anyone??

May I be greedy and add my name to your dance card for FL on Sunday 8 Jan and Twyford on Saturday 7 Jan please, if these dates are confirmed?

:kiss:

CJ
19th-December-2005, 04:13 PM
These dates are confirmed and their are one or two yummy Scottish dancers (of both sexes) to be added on to your card!!!!!!!

Speculation, anyone??

Oh, and of course, PT!!

under par
19th-December-2005, 08:01 PM
PRAY TELL MORE CJ.......whos travelling down with you pray tell?:cheers:

Little Monkey
19th-December-2005, 09:30 PM
PRAY TELL MORE CJ.......whos travelling down with you pray tell?:cheers:

I'll be there! Although not travelling down with the rest of the mad Scots.... Planning to stay a wee bit longer than them! :D

azande
20th-December-2005, 10:02 AM
PRAY TELL MORE CJ.......whos travelling down with you pray tell?:cheers:
:whistle:

Sparkles
20th-December-2005, 11:08 AM
:whistle:
:clap: :worthy: :clap:

Icey
23rd-December-2005, 07:41 PM
Has anyone heard back about tickets yet? I know, I know it's Christmas and everyone is very busy.

El Salsero Gringo
23rd-December-2005, 08:47 PM
The advertising guidelines (as made available to you by Private Message several times already)on the Forum are simply that if you are an organiser, you don't post adverts or get your friends to do it for you. Simple!I don't think that in the case of Toby and FL, that leaves anyone at all - except possibly DavidJames. Is *he* allowed to post adverts for Funky Lush?

ChrisA
23rd-December-2005, 08:53 PM
The advertising guidelines (as made available to you by Private Message several times already)on the Forum are simply that if you are an organiser, you don't post adverts or get your friends to do it for you. Simple!
Ha ha...

:devil:

Toby hasn't "got me to do it for him", I'm doing it on my own initiative!

So since it's
simple, I must be allowed to advertise FL.

Funky Lush.... yeah baby...

January the 8th. Be there !!!

:devil: :devil: :whistle:

David Bailey
23rd-December-2005, 09:22 PM
I don't think that in the case of Toby and FL, that leaves anyone at all - except possibly DavidJames. Is *he* allowed to post adverts for Funky Lush?
Blimey, it's Pick On DJ Day, is it? :tears:

Heh, I'd really love to post an advert for FL, can I? Please....? :innocent:

Tessalicious
24th-December-2005, 12:22 AM
Blimey, it's Pick On DJ Day, is it? :tears:

Heh, I'd really love to post an advert for FL, can I? Please....? :innocent:Go on - I dare you - let's see how long it stays up... :grin:

El Salsero Gringo
24th-December-2005, 12:27 AM
Go on - I dare you - let's see how long it stays up... :grin:Bother - beat me to it!

Dreadful Scathe
24th-December-2005, 12:28 AM
What I want to know is...when's Funky Louche ? some of us want a more depraved dance experience ;)

Rhythm King
24th-December-2005, 09:08 AM
What I want to know is...when's Funky Louche ? some of us want a more depraved dance experience ;)


Yeah baby!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

David Bailey
24th-December-2005, 09:39 AM
Go on - I dare you - let's see how long it stays up... :grin:
Put up at 8.40am on 24th. Tick tick tick....

Mary
24th-December-2005, 10:41 AM
Funky-Lush or -Louche I can't go on the 8th - I'm working!:tears: :tears:

Does that count as advertising?:wink:

M

Rhythm King
25th-December-2005, 01:44 AM
Funky-Lush or -Louche I can't go on the 8th - I'm working!:tears: :tears:

Does that count as advertising?:wink:

M

Depends on what you're working at and whether you benefit from posting about it :whistle:

Dreadful Scathe
28th-December-2005, 02:02 PM
Funky-Lush or -Louche I can't go on the 8th - I'm working!:tears: :tears:

Does that count as advertising?:wink:

M
Is there a Louche as well or are you saying its the same thing ;) Is Twk a Lush Louche ? :)

Toby wan Kenobe
10th-February-2006, 12:52 PM
But couldn't you advertise it somewhere else like UK-jive, or even jang*.co.uk, funkyl**h.com, etc...? I looked through all of these and couldn't find any future dates of Jango/FL weekend events.:sad:

OK, as requested there is now a www.funkyl**h.com (http://www.funkylush.com) website with all the new dates and venues. Plus also a Flouche playlist.
I also have full details on www.UK-Jive.com

Please note: There is no Flouche this Sunday. Problems with the Southall venue, somethin 'bout a flock of sheep trashed the ballroom, maybe it was Dai James' Valentines Party.

If you are looking for a FL fix, then you can catch some TwK tunes at the Ceroc Twyford Freestyle this Sat 11 Feb and also at the Polar Freezestyle Sat 18 Feb.
TwK :cheers:

Mary
10th-February-2006, 10:16 PM
It's quite possible that Amir fans London-based may not be aware that he is back teaching at Kent House on Mondays. Once Jango now Monke - erm Monday Lush.

But bad luck if you were'nt there last Monday - you missed Amir and Will's birthday dances. Ner, ner de ner ner. :wink:

Just to avoid confusion Amir is teaching Jango, but it's still called Mon*** -Lush.:confused:

M

Sparkles
17th-February-2006, 12:49 PM
So is everyone turning up for Sheepman's Birthday dance on Monday then? :whistle:

Msfab
17th-February-2006, 12:57 PM
So is everyone turning up for Sheepman's Birthday dance on Monday then? :whistle:

Of course, I'll be second in line after you Sparkles!:grin:

Plus I believe that there will a birthday dance for Mr King!

And will there be two cakes? seeing as there are 2 birthdays in the house!:rolleyes:

Aleks
17th-February-2006, 01:06 PM
I can't make it this month but watch out as I'll definitely be coming down the weekend of 25/26 March!
:clap:

Sparkles
17th-February-2006, 01:33 PM
And will there be two cakes? seeing as there are 2 birthdays in the house!:rolleyes:
Why do I get the impression you're more worried about your own stomach than the Birthdays of these two lovely men?
I'll see what I can do... :rolleyes:

Has RK confirmed he will be attending on Monday?

Dizzy
17th-February-2006, 02:23 PM
I'll be there!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :flower: :hug:

Wouldn't miss a birthday dance with the lovely sheep and RK :worthy: :cheers:

Is there going to be celebratory karaoke tune??!! :rolleyes: :D

Msfab
17th-February-2006, 02:46 PM
Why do I get the impression you're more worried about your own stomach than the Birthdays of these two lovely men?
I'll see what I can do... :rolleyes:

Not at all!:innocent: Im thinking of sheepman and RK, these guys are going to need ssomething to keep their energy levels up!:na:


Has RK confirmed he will be attending on Monday?

Well thats what he said at twyford last week!

Rhythm King
17th-February-2006, 05:30 PM
Why do I get the impression you're more worried about your own stomach than the Birthdays of these two lovely men?
I'll see what I can do... :rolleyes:

:blush:

Has RK confirmed he will be attending on Monday?

I certainly hope to be there - and out over the weekend too!

R-K :hug:

Puddy Tat
21st-February-2006, 04:29 PM
So sorry to have missed Birthday dances with Rhythm King and Sheepman, I tried to get there but finished up running so late I just couldn't make it.:tears:

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely time and some delicious cakes and I'll look forward to seeing you soon.

:hug: :kiss: :hug: :kiss: :hug:

Paul F
12th-March-2006, 09:32 PM
FAB afternoon's dancing today.

Just got back from the NEW FL venue in Burnham.

It was great :clap:

Much much nicer area than Southall and a really good atmosphere. As somebody pointed out it was like a bigger version of the t-jive. Not too big that people cant socialise and not too small to restrict the dancing. A really good venue. With the free drinks and nibbles thrown in as well it was a great way to spend a sunday afternoon.
I also liked the timing of it although it finished too early :flower: . I thought starting at 4 was a nice idea. It gave me chance to get things done in the afternoon. (ok, im lying. I only got up at 1pm :blush: )

Wonderful dances with so many lovely partners. Im really looking forward to the next one.

HOWEVER......

Warning! CONSTRUCTIVE criticism of Toby's music coming up
:eek: :eek: :eek::eek:

I have to say I think I would prefer less tango-esq tracks in the set.

I thoroughly enjoyed every track and would dance to them all again but from the perspective of wanting to suggest something that for ME would make it better - less tango music.
There are so many genres of music that offer uniquely challenging tracks. It would be great if some others were explored.

Still a great day though. Roll on the next FL sunday session :cheers: :cheers:

Mary
12th-March-2006, 11:50 PM
Warning! CONSTRUCTIVE criticism of Toby's music coming up
:eek: :eek: :eek::eek:

I have to say I think I would prefer less tango-esq tracks in the set.

I thoroughly enjoyed every track and would dance to them all again but from the perspective of wanting to suggest something that for ME would make it better - less tango music.
There are so many genres of music that offer uniquely challenging tracks. It would be great if some others were explored.

Still a great day though. Roll on the next FL sunday session :cheers: :cheers:


I actually rather enjoyed seeing so many people practising their tango, which seemed more appropriate for a late sunday afternoon than maybe a saturday evening. I also felt very flattered that Marty Baby was practising his tango with me, and I've only done Jango not Tango although I believe a lot of the following principles are the same.

Yes, there was quite a lot of Tango and nu-tango music, but I thought it made a pleasant change and afforded me the chance to watch some tango.

I would have liked to dance to some more really funky unusual stuff but then I don't think it would have been appropriate for the feeling of the afternoon, and maybe the majority of the dancers that were there.

Maybe a slightly earlier start would require a different slant to the music. Who knows with such an elusive thing as musical taste and what fits when and where?

And I didn't get any cake,:mad: but for some reason there were an awful lot of empty fairy cake wrappers on the table I was at. :whistle: :whistle: :devil:

M

Whitebeard
13th-March-2006, 12:18 AM
There are so many genres of music that offer uniquely challenging tracks. It would be great if some others were explored.

That is so true:

Country and Western (leather chaps).

Germanic drinking songs (leather shorts).

African war chants (goatskin Djembes).

Lory
13th-March-2006, 12:25 AM
I have to say I think I would prefer less tango-esq tracks in the set.


Reading this line, has only made me EVEN more gutted that I had to miss out today! :(

Lou
13th-March-2006, 08:29 AM
Still a great day though. Roll on the next FL sunday session :cheers: :cheers:
:yeah: Please can you do some more Sundays, Mr Kenobe & team. :flower:

under par
13th-March-2006, 09:25 AM
Boo Hooo Hooo:tears: :tears: ..... was working late shift and couldn't go Boo Hoo:sad: :tears:

Rhythm King
13th-March-2006, 10:41 AM
Boo Hooo Hooo:tears: :tears: ..... ~snp~ couldn't go Boo Hoo:sad: :tears:
:yeah: :sad:

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 11:11 AM
I actually rather enjoyed seeing so many people practising their tango, which seemed more appropriate for a late sunday afternoon than maybe a saturday evening.



Reading this line, has only made me EVEN more gutted that I had to miss out today! :(


I take your points but at what stage does it stop being a cross-style musical exploration event and become a tango event?

If the speakeasy's are meant to compliment Jango then fair enough. After all, Jango is based on Tango. If it is an event in its own right I think its slightly odd to have it swayed towards a minority of people who are taking tango lessons.
I love WCS but I wouldnt advocate it being 90% WCS music. I did enjoy myself on Sunday but my enjoyment will be less and less I feel if the tango freestyle theme continues. :(

Mary
13th-March-2006, 11:19 AM
I take your points but at what stage does it stop being a cross-style musical exploration event and become a tango event?

If the speakeasy's are meant to compliment Jango then fair enough. After all, Jango is based on Tango. If it is an event in its own right I think its slightly odd to have it swayed towards a minority of people who are taking tango lessons.
I love WCS but I wouldnt advocate it being 90% WCS music. I did enjoy myself on Sunday but my enjoyment will be less and less I feel if the tango freestyle theme continues. :(

OK, I suppose I agree in that the afternoon did seem fairly heavily biased toward the tango-esque genre, and I would have like a bit more R & B to do some WCS (although all the WCS ers would have been at Oxford), and some more really funky stuff.

Having said that I did enjoy the 'feel' of the afternoon, and maybe TwK (as any good DJ would) was reading the floor and tailoring to suit the feel of the people who were there on that particular afternoon?

M

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 11:30 AM
Having said that I did enjoy the 'feel' of the afternoon, and maybe TwK (as any good DJ would) was reading the floor and tailoring to suit the feel of the people who were there on that particular afternoon?

M

Could have been. I suppose I havn't been around that much recently to hear all of the other sets recently played. I could only go by that afternoon.
Looking at the people there though I cant say I recognise too many dedicated tango people. I would say the vast majority were doing improvised dancing to the tango tracks rather than practising tango patterns.

marty_baby
13th-March-2006, 11:39 AM
Hiya All,

Yesterday was brilliant! :nice: Thanks for the dances everyone, I'm no longer jaded with dancing! :D

Music was fab as always, so inspiring. RE:Comments on playlist above - oh I imagine TWK is just doing different themes... The same theme each week, would become a bit monotonous I imagine! :nice:

See you guys next week! :na:

Cheers
Martin
:hug:

Simon r
13th-March-2006, 12:11 PM
Just thought i would chip in ....

I really enjoyed the music had some fab dances and can only remember having to resort to Tango once...( not very well may i add).

Thanks to MSfab, WIcked blue, cruella,tessalicious,bex,mary, almost an angel ( one handed you know),divisima,jayne and the lovely cutey.

There was the lovely lady who won the intermediates at Western do not know her name but such a lovely dancer ( sure they will be ones to watch....)

What a lovely venue bigger than Kent house but still with atmosphere..

Well done TWK and team

mooncalf
13th-March-2006, 12:13 PM
Could have been. I suppose I havn't been around that much recently to hear all of the other sets recently played. I could only go by that afternoon.
Looking at the people there though I cant say I recognise too many dedicated tango people. I would say the vast majority were doing improvised dancing to the tango tracks rather than practising tango patterns.


No I can't do tango - but the tango tracks are my favourite - do you have something against improvised dancing?

Bex
13th-March-2006, 12:32 PM
I thought it was a great afternoon too, a chilled, relaxed atmosphere, great venue, fab music and of course the yummy cakes :drool: Well done TWK, Divi and the FL team :flower: .

I didn't have a problem with the Tango tracks (and I can't even dance tango), made a nice change and agree with Mary it was lovely to watch some couples practicing their moves - still remember Jayne's 'deep concentration face' when she was dancing :D , thought she and her partner looked very good :respect:

Thank you to everyone I danced with, they were fab :worthy: Great standard of dancers there as always.

Cruella
13th-March-2006, 12:38 PM
There was the lovely lady who won the intermediates at Western do not know her name but such a lovely dancer ( sure they will be ones to watch....)


That was Vicky, who competes with Tom Baker (John Bakers son). I didn't click until i spoke to her at the end. She used to have dark hair so i didn't recognise her.:blush:
I had a nice afternoon at the Speakeasy and personally i didn't notice too much tangoesque music but then i'm not very observant. The venue is lovely and there was a nice friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately my dancing was pants, just one of those days.:sick: I was really happy with Toby's music as he had listened to feedback from previous FL and put some more upbeat tracks into his set, it worked for me.:clap: Nice to meet you Marty Baby. Lovely to see Lou again. Lastly ESG, you are a naughty boy! :rofl:

Mary
13th-March-2006, 12:49 PM
That was Vicky, who competes with Tom Baker (John Bakers son). I didn't click until i spoke to her at the end. She used to have dark hair so i didn't recognise her.:blush:


Now she is just one gorgeous dancer :worthy: I was green with envy and jealousy just watching her dance :respect:

And Lou, thank you for dragging Marty Baby along :flower: although I made one poor tango partner for him, but he was very polite about it :D

M

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 12:50 PM
Blimey. It doesn't pay to voice an opinion on here does it!!!

I enjoyed Sunday and enjoyed the music. I am questioning the fact that Tango music is slightly over-represented while other genres are thrown in only once every so often. Lord knows I am a keen activist against the thump thump of normal ceroc nights but I feel there can be just as much invocative music in other genres as there is in Tango.

If we keep going down this path the funky lush sunday afternoons will just become tango events. Great if thats what people want.

I just want variety.

Lynn
13th-March-2006, 01:00 PM
Blimey. It doesn't pay to voice an opinion on here does it!!!

I enjoyed Sunday and enjoyed the music. I am questioning the fact that Tango music is slightly over-represented while other genres are thrown in only once every so often. Lord knows I am a keen activist against the thump thump of normal ceroc nights but I feel there can be just as much invocative music in other genres as there is in Tango.

If we keep going down this path the funky lush sunday afternoons will just become tango events. Great if thats what people want.

I just want variety.Probably about the time I ever manage to get to one it will have 'moved on' from the tango phase. :tears:

Oh and since DavidJames is no longer with us...(and in the tradition of commenting on events not actually attended)...

Too much Tango?
Too much Tango?
Too much Tango?

Sorry, don't understand...what was the problem?

Mary
13th-March-2006, 01:01 PM
Blimey. It doesn't pay to voice an opinion on here does it!!!

On the contrary. You opened up a useful discussion. And I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you, I was just adding my observations and feelings about afternoon's music.

Must be that time of the month :whistle:


I just want variety.

Don't we all poppet. :wink:

Have some :hug: :hug: :hug:

M

marty_baby
13th-March-2006, 01:01 PM
....awwww everyone is soooo nice on this Thread! :na:
Nice to meet you as well Cruella! :hug:

I had no idea there were so many forumites there yesterday. I knew a few of the names to faces... (BTW: Thanks for indulging my out-of-practice beginner's tango steps Mary, I was waaay off hehe... :) Seemed a good idea at the time! :rofl: )

I'm going to do a new game next time we are down - guess who is who... going to have fun with this - I don't even regonise people I've danced before with!... :whistle:

Mind you, Vicky did look different yesterday.... I've never seen her out a dress, and I understand she had a "haircut" during the week. (to us blokes - that means - "some hair cut off" - for females - I imagine that covers all sorts of stuff, taking several hours, consultations, and magazines! :rofl: )

Definatley diving for cover now! :devil:


Martin
:cheers:

Mary
13th-March-2006, 01:02 PM
Hmmph. Looks like I haven't got the hang of this multiple quotes thing yet. :blush:

M

Tessalicious
13th-March-2006, 01:05 PM
FWIW, I have to agree with Paul.

I enjoyed yesterday, and every dance was lovely and a different challenge. However, I don't know any tango, and have done very little in the way of Jango either. That wasn't a problem when following any of the lovely guys who can lead in a style that works for that, but was a bit too much for me when trying to lead ( :worthy: to Icey for following my rather pathetic attempts at leading that seriously intense tango track). A few more RnB or non-tango latin tracks would have given some of us tango virgins our own comfort zone!

marty_baby
13th-March-2006, 01:13 PM
FWIW, I have to agree with Paul.





FWIW???

Funny Wiggly Indiginous Women???


hehe! :na: Forgive me Tess, in bit of a silly mood today..... I do repect, and take on board, your thoughtful post.... but those words kinda jumped out at me! :rofl:

Mary
13th-March-2006, 01:17 PM
FWIW???

Funny Wiggly Indiginous Women???


hehe! :na: Forgive me Tess, in bit of a silly mood today..... I do repect, and take on board, your thoughtful post.... but those words kinda jumped out at me! :rofl:

Martin, PLEASE, music at a venue is a very serious topic.


:D

M

Mary
13th-March-2006, 01:20 PM
Martin, PLEASE, music at a venue is a very serious topic.


:D

M

I've just realised this may seem like a dig at another thread - apologies this was not intended. I just fancied giving Marty Baby a slapped wristy.

M

Bex
13th-March-2006, 01:22 PM
Blimey. It doesn't pay to voice an opinion on here does it!!!



Of course your allowed to have your own opinion, as long as its the same as ours!!! ONLY JOKING!!! :D Seriously though, I think its good that you are honest and say what you feel - would be a very boring world if people didn't.

I do think however, that Toby probably would have played more WCS tracks if there were more WCS dancers there. If he tried out a tango track and the floor was full then its an obvious sign that it was popular with a lot of people. But hey, DJ's will never be able to please everyone!

CJ
13th-March-2006, 01:23 PM
I've just realised this may seem like a dig at another thread - apologies this was not intended. I just fancied giving Marty Baby a slapped wristy.

M

Mary, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This forum is a serious business you know!!:whistle:

ChrisA
13th-March-2006, 01:39 PM
Could have been. I suppose I havn't been around that much recently to hear all of the other sets recently played. I could only go by that afternoon.

At most venues I've been to, there's so little variation in style from one event to the next that this sort of discussion would never have cause to arise.

So firstly I think the fact that you can't be sure what you're going to get is a good thing, as is the amazing amount of new stuff the man in the hat seems to keep finding.

Consequently, I don't think you can really say much based just on one Funky Lush event - having been to all of them, I'd say that they've all been so different that the only thing they have in common is that the tracks are less mainstream, and more interpretable than you'd find (say) at an ordinary Ceroc night. And, of course, that they are for the most part, funky, or luscious, or both.

My perception was that the average bpm was probably a bit higher than it's been before, but there was no thump-thump, and everything was still very danceable, and full of content. I've been getting a bit more into Jango recently, so I quite liked the tango stuff.

ChrisA
13th-March-2006, 01:42 PM
I enjoyed Sunday and enjoyed the music. I am questioning the fact that Tango music is slightly over-represented while other genres are thrown in only once every so often. Lord knows I am a keen activist against the thump thump of normal ceroc nights but I feel there can be just as much invocative music in other genres as there is in Tango.

If we keep going down this path the funky lush sunday afternoons will just become tango events. Great if thats what people want.

I just want variety.
I don't think this is quite fair, Paul.

Tango was probably emphasised yesterday more than it's been at other FL events, but that's not the same as "over-represented", since it's only one event - with more of a Tango emphasis than previous ones.

If it was like yesterday every time, then I'd probably agree with you, but I bet it won't be.

Variety is what we're getting, I reckon, and :respect: for that.

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 01:54 PM
If it was like yesterday every time, then I'd probably agree with you, but I bet it won't be.

Variety is what we're getting, I reckon, and :respect: for that.

Ok, I will go with that. I think its a case of seeing where FL goes from here. I did say I hadn't been in a while so I am happy to wait and see.

Its still possibly the best freestyle event IMO. As I keep saying I DID enjoy it yesterday. Its just that I could have enjoyed it even more!

marty_baby
13th-March-2006, 01:56 PM
Blimey. It doesn't pay to voice an opinion on here does it!!!

.
.
.
.

If we keep going down this path the funky lush sunday afternoons will just become tango events. Great if thats what people want.

I just want variety.

Not at all Paul!

Keep the opinions coming in.... I think its worth taking the replies in a positive light. Everyone else reading the thread I hope does as well.

Feedback is good for DJ/Organisers. A cross sectional, discussed issue on the forum is worth alot more, than one person at the venue kicking up a fuss at the counter etc.

Martin :cheers:


PS:
Enough management b*ll sh*t speaky... :rofl:


Another acronym??

bpm????
Bobbly Pink Mangos???? - didn't see any of those on offer yesterday!... Had a iced bun tho!

Mary
13th-March-2006, 01:59 PM
Ok, I will go with that. I think its a case of seeing where FL goes from here. I did say I hadn't been in a while so I am happy to wait and see.

Its still possibly the best freestyle event IMO. As I keep saying I DID enjoy it yesterday. Its just that I could have enjoyed it even more!

You mean you want your cake and eat it! Shame on you. :angry: You could have left some for others.

:D
M

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 02:01 PM
Keep the opinions coming in.... I think its worth taking the replies in a positive light. Everyone else reading the thread I hope does as well.

No problem. I will definately keep the opinions coming :grin: :cheers:

Paul F
13th-March-2006, 02:03 PM
You mean you want your cake and eat it! Shame on you. :angry: You could have left some for others.

:D
M

I will have you know I didnt eat one piece of cake, or any other foodstuff yesterday afternoon. :grin: I felt too guilty for eating too much chocolate on saturday night :blush:

Hmmmmm, chocolate :drool:

Geordieed
13th-March-2006, 02:46 PM
I do think however, that Toby probably would have played more WCS tracks if there were more WCS dancers there.

Unfortunately like so many times there was a WCS workshop and freestyle on at the same time. The majority of the hardcore WCS dancers were at this event.

It is always difficult to choose between to great events.

Minnie M
10th-May-2006, 09:26 PM
Anyone going this Sunday ???

BTW I am worried about these new FL T-Shirts - do hope Divi designed them and not TWK :sick: (as one who does not appreciate his taste in shirts - sorry TWK :blush: )

Msfab
11th-May-2006, 10:40 AM
Anyone going this Sunday ???

BTW I am worried about these new FL T-Shirts - do hope Divi designed them and not TWK :sick: (as one who does not appreciate his taste in shirts - sorry TWK :blush: )

I hope to be there!:clap: :clap: :clap:

You might be surprised by the new FL T-shirts, they are actually quite nice:flower:

Daisy
11th-May-2006, 11:04 AM
Anyone going this Sunday ???

Won't be going this month Minnie but Ray & I will certainly be flying in for the one on the 24 June :clap:

Can't wait to catch up with our friends in the UK.....it's been a long time.

Love and hugs Jane xx:hug:

jacksondonut
11th-May-2006, 11:16 AM
I am determined to get there one of these days.. have been told how good it is and now will have to wait till my knee is better...:tears:

Hopefully will recover soon and taste the delights of Funky Lush... :yeah:

Jan
:cheers:

Sparkles
11th-May-2006, 11:42 AM
You might be surprised by the new FL T-shirts, they are actually quite nice:flower:
:yeah:
and mine is now extra sparkly :waycool:

Puddy Tat
12th-May-2006, 09:02 PM
[quote=Msfab]I hope to be there!:clap: :clap: :clap:



And I hope to be there too, so will look forward to a dance!:grin:

:kiss:

Cruella
13th-May-2006, 10:22 AM
Me too and i'm bringing a gorgeous wee scots lassie with me!

Mary
14th-May-2006, 08:45 AM
I hope everyone has a lush time today. I'm in an internet place in Bangkok, and I'm really missing everyone!:sad: :tears: But the noodles here are great.:clap:

Lots of love to everyone. :hug: :hug: :flower:

M

Paul F
14th-May-2006, 08:59 AM
I hope everyone has a lush time today. I'm in an internet place in Bangkok, and I'm really missing everyone!:sad: :tears: But the noodles here are great.:clap:

Lots of love to everyone. :hug: :hug: :flower:

M

I wish I could be there too :sad: Im enjoying the dancing here but I miss being back home.

Roll on Southport!

jivecat
14th-May-2006, 09:45 AM
I'm hoping to be there - it does start at 2 and finish at 6, doesn't it?

Msfab
14th-May-2006, 11:26 AM
I'm hoping to be there - it does start at 2 and finish at 6, doesn't it?

Correct!

See you at Burnham park hall!:clap:

wicked blue
14th-May-2006, 12:13 PM
I wont be there this time :sad:

Be there for the next one :clap:

Rhythm King
14th-May-2006, 12:57 PM
I wont be there this time :sad:

Be there for the next one :clap:
:yeah: That's my plan too!

under par
14th-May-2006, 01:00 PM
:yeah: That's my plan too!


Me too have a great time everyone who attends :yeah:

mooncalf
14th-May-2006, 07:03 PM
Apologies to those I head butted - and thanks to claire for the cakes which were too good for me to believe they were home made.

Lory
14th-May-2006, 07:49 PM
Arghhhh! 1 and 3/4 hours to get there but then I thought, YESSS it was worth it, as the numbers seemed pretty even (which was my biggest worry) and Toby was playing his usual fab cool stuff :drool: and even better news was Kev turned up unexpectedly. :clap:

So all was looking promising for a wonderful afternoon;) , when suddenly, whilst dancing with SF, and after only 3 dances in total, I felt a sharp snap in my calf muscle :eek: :tears:

I'd like to say a very big thank you to Spikey Blond for suggesting and getting me ice, (which since coming home have read was the BEST thing to do:worthy: ) and to Puddy tat for her expert advice too. :flower: But most of all to Kev, for giving up his afternoons dancing, swapping cars with me (I couldn't use the clutch ) and following me all the way home, before going home himself, I honestly don't know what I would have done:blush: :worthy: :cheers: :hug: BTW, nice car! :waycool:


I just hope and prey it's going to be better in time for Southport! :sick: :preying smiley:

Dizzy
14th-May-2006, 11:08 PM
I am gutted I couldn't go :blush: :tears: :tears:

If I start saving up now, I might be able to make it next time :flower: :hug:

WittyBird
14th-May-2006, 11:24 PM
I just hope and prey it's going to be better in time for Southport! :sick: :preying smiley:

Rather predatory of you Lory :rofl:

Cruella
15th-May-2006, 08:40 AM
Poor Lory, i did feel for you.:flower: Had some really lovely dances and some very funny moments :innocent: Although the heat was pretty unbearable, the atmosphere was chilled and relaxed! Seemed to be a few new faces which was nice. I think the guys appreciated my Scottish gift too! I know Lisa had a great time.

jivecat
15th-May-2006, 08:50 AM
I am gutted I couldn't go :blush: :tears: :tears:


:yeah: My car broke down before I got to J20 and I got towed home ignominiously by a Knight of the Road. He was muttering about "cylinder head gaskets" which even I know is Not Good. So a pretty cr@p Sunday as I couldn't go to tango in the evening, either.

PS Anyone got a good secondhand car to sell?

Zebra Woman
15th-May-2006, 08:55 AM
Poor Lory, i did feel for you.:flower: Had some really lovely dances and some very funny moments :innocent: Although the heat was pretty unbearable, the atmosphere was chilled and relaxed! Seemed to be a few new faces which was nice. I think the guys appreciated my Scottish gift too! I know Lisa had a great time.

Yeah, get well soon Lory :flower::kiss: :flower: . If I hurt my knee next week do you think Kev will lend me his car? Very very nice car :worthy: .

I had a brilliant afternoon, great dances and a lot of laughs. It was really hot though, my attempt to dance in trousers failed after less than an hour. Way too hot. :sick:

Really nice to see some new faces and the lovely Lisa :clap: .

ZW

Cruella
15th-May-2006, 09:02 AM
I, my attempt to dance in trousers failed after less than an hour. Way too hot. :sick:

ZW
Are you sure it wasn't the knickers making you hot? :whistle: They seemed to make your dance partner rather warm.:innocent:

SilverFox
15th-May-2006, 09:07 AM
Are you sure it wasn't the knickers making you hot? :whistle: They seemed to make your dance partner rather warm.:innocent:Gee, I think ZW was just stringing him along......:eek:

Cruella
15th-May-2006, 09:11 AM
Gee, I thing ZW was just stringing him along......:eek:
Poor guy, and he thought that they were dancing to their thong.:rolleyes:

Lory
15th-May-2006, 09:31 AM
great dances and a lot of laughs. The few dances I 'did' manage to have were lovely :drool: and even though I was in pain and worried about my leg:sick: seeing SF's face, when he found a certain item of ZW's clothing :really: :D reduced me to tears of laughter.:rofl:

SF, I didn't realise you were such a dental hygiene freak :what: all that flossing between dances! :whistle: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:



Really nice to see some new faces and the lovely Lisa :clap: .

:yeah:

BTW, i've got an appointment about my leg later on this morning. :o

latinlover
15th-May-2006, 12:28 PM
Poor Lory, i did feel for you.:flower: ................................

:yeah: :yeah:


I think the guys appreciated my Scottish gift too! I know Lisa had a great time.


:yeah: :drool:


I had a very nice first ever dance with Lisa, sorry to miss out on the second - Doh!

Puddy Tat
16th-May-2006, 12:41 AM
Arghhhh! 1 and 3/4 hours to get there but then I thought, YESSS it was worth it, as the numbers seemed pretty even (which was my biggest worry) and Toby was playing his usual fab cool stuff :drool: and even better news was Kev turned up unexpectedly. :clap:

So all was looking promising for a wonderful afternoon;) , when suddenly, whilst dancing with SF, and after only 3 dances in total, I felt a sharp snap in my calf muscle :eek: :tears:

I'd like to say a very big thank you to Spikey Blond for suggesting and getting me ice, (which since coming home have read was the BEST thing to do:worthy: ) and to Puddy tat for her expert advice too. :flower: But most of all to Kev, for giving up his afternoons dancing, swapping cars with me (I couldn't use the clutch ) and following me all the way home, before going home himself, I honestly don't know what I would have done:blush: :worthy: :cheers: :hug: BTW, nice car! :waycool:


I just hope and prey it's going to be better in time for Southport! :sick: :preying smiley:




Glad you got home safely. Hope your leg's feeling a bit better today and fingers crossed you make a full recovery for Southport.

:hug: :kiss: