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Thread: St. Albans - end of an era.......

  1. #101
    Formerly known as DavidJames David Bailey's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkler View Post
    I think that person knows who they are, according to them they snuck in to check the place out and had nothing good to say about it
    Well, that's reprehensible. I'm shocked to hear that anyone would do that.

    Good thing I've got a cast-iron alibi, otherwise I'd be worried
    Last edited by David Bailey; 22nd-February-2008 at 03:52 PM.

  2. #102
    Formerly known as DavidJames David Bailey's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkler View Post
    Funny you should mention that Mick didn't call Adam to tell him he wasn't working for him anymore, but i know someone that was... etc.
    I nominate this for the "Most Vague References In One Post" award at the next BFG. If there's no such award, I think we should create one.

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkler View Post
    And being on the outside of CM i see both sides of the story very clearly, doesn't mean i have to agree with both.
    I'm on the outside as well. I've criticised CerocMetro in the past and will again. For example, I don't like Robin's new hairstyle

    I'm also happy that there are two new MJ venues opening up - competition is good for MJ customers.

    But in this case, the way it was done just seems nasty.

  3. #103
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    I'm on the outside as well. I've criticised CerocMetro in the past and will again. For example, I don't like Robin's new hairstyle
    I'm offended!

    At least some of us have hair

    15-love!

  4. #104
    Formerly known as DavidJames David Bailey's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by Robin View Post
    I'm offended!

    At least some of us have hair

    15-love!
    Pah, at least some of us have bellies!

    Err... hold on...

  5. #105
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    Pah, at least some of us have bellies!

    Err... hold on...
    ermmm to what exactly, dare I ask ?


  6. #106
    Registered User martingold's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by Robin View Post
    I'm offended!

    At least some of us have hair

    15-love!
    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    Pah, at least some of us have bellies!

    Err... hold on...
    Quote Originally Posted by Robin View Post
    ermmm to what exactly, dare I ask ?

    do you two need a referee???

  7. #107
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by martingold View Post
    do you two need a referee???
    No, we both have a sense of honour... I mean humour

  8. #108
    Formerly known as DavidJames David Bailey's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Well, I thought I'd check out the new St Albans last night, and I was pleasantly surprised - most of the issues I had with it last time are now gone.

    • The last class finished at 9:30, so there was a full 90 minutes' dancing. It's funny, but an extra 20 minutes really makes a difference - it's the difference between rushing and enjoying it.
    • Marie's music was Ceroc-y, of course, but it was a nice set, and I enjoyed it much more than Jon's, it seemed to flow better, although these things are highly subjective.
    • The atmosphere seemed friendlier, no refusal rows in evidence for example.


    I didn't get there in time for the class, so I can't really comment on that, but otherwise it was a great night.

    And the things I liked about it before - for example, the venue, the good-quality floor and so on - are still there.

    So overall, for me, I'd have to say it was a better night than when I went previously.

    And I even managed to force Lou into a Tango

  9. #109
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    Well, I thought I'd check out the new St Albans last night, and I was pleasantly surprised - most of the issues I had with it last time are now gone.

    • The last class finished at 9:30, so there was a full 90 minutes' dancing. It's funny, but an extra 20 minutes really makes a difference - it's the difference between rushing and enjoying it.
    • Marie's music was Ceroc-y, of course, but it was a nice set, and I enjoyed it much more than Jon's, it seemed to flow better, although these things are highly subjective.
    • The atmosphere seemed friendlier, no refusal rows in evidence for example.


    I didn't get there in time for the class, so I can't really comment on that, but otherwise it was a great night.

    And the things I liked about it before - for example, the venue, the good-quality floor and so on - are still there.

    So overall, for me, I'd have to say it was a better night than when I went previously.

    And I even managed to force Lou into a Tango
    mmm i just might return there as well then..... seeing as the bad stuff has gone.

  10. #110
    Not a spoon! Lou's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    I didn't get there in time for the class, so I can't really comment on that, but otherwise it was a great night.
    I missed the first class - got there in time for the second, but was nattering out the back, so didn't do it - but it seemed to contain some nice Classic moves, like the Accordion & Secret Move. The third class was challenging. There was a dip & a couple of Sway moves, with tricksy footwork, and a cute move that could be used for hi-jack purposes...

    And the things I liked about it before - for example, the venue, the good-quality floor and so on - are still there.
    Nobody's nicked the floor? Blimey!

    So overall, for me, I'd have to say it was a better night than when I went previously.
    Yeah. I think I agree. The atmosphere was different - it's friendlier, but it doesn't feel as... ermmm.... "fashionable", I suppose. I definitely did like the fact that there's room to move, now, though. That's not to say it's empty, mind - just not packed like sardines!

    And I even managed to force Lou into a Tango
    Was that what it was?! I couldn't tell - I had my eyes closed!

  11. #111
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    Well, I thought I'd check out the new St Albans last night, and I was pleasantly surprised - most of the issues I had with it last time are now gone.
    • The last class finished at 9:30, so there was a full 90 minutes' dancing. It's funny, but an extra 20 minutes really makes a difference - it's the difference between rushing and enjoying it.
    • Marie's music was Ceroc-y, of course, but it was a nice set, and I enjoyed it much more than Jon's, it seemed to flow better, although these things are highly subjective.
    • The atmosphere seemed friendlier, no refusal rows in evidence for example.

    I didn't get there in time for the class, so I can't really comment on that, but otherwise it was a great night.

    And the things I liked about it before - for example, the venue, the good-quality floor and so on - are still there.

    So overall, for me, I'd have to say it was a better night than when I went previously.

    And I even managed to force Lou into a Tango
    Few thoughts:

    - the classes were rushed.....too rushed. A few women said to me words to the effect that no-one would do these moves in Freestyle. The Intermediate class for me was more complex than the Advanced.

    It was impossible to see the footwork stuff unless you were at the front....and it needs more precise explanation in that case.

    On the music front.....well it was a bit 'frantic' all the way through. Marie knows that is the case as she mentioned that to me the next night when we spoke. Her feeling was that it was the only way to keep people on the floor. Well.......it's a question of balance.

    Oh - and can we make sure that Duffy 'Mercy' is played every week from now on? Thanks.


  12. #112
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidJames View Post
    snip......review of Ijig ....Seeing as there was no waistcoat for me to hide as a button in, I cunningly disguised myself as an extra tattoo on Mick's arm*, and snuck in last night to check the place out.

    The venue itself is OK, a nice big hall - reminds me a bit of Finchley in fact... snip
    Review of Ijig Monday 3rd March

    Did the end of the beginners and the improvers. The improvers lesson was just right - with simpler moves (compared to 2nd lesson at St. Albans last week - see above). That suited me. I didn't do the 3rd lesson (Advanced?) and quite a few women sat out as well.

    Gender balance was significantly women over.

    Music was very good (JB) - and several people commented on it as we left.

    Floor was very slippy in one place where I seemed to be - and that is one of the weak points of the venue (it's inconsistent - and bit 'bobbly') - but does not stop you having good dances. In fact one guy told me he liked the slippiness.

    And.......no orange squash(!) - wot?

    Now the key question is about the 'vibe' the atmosphere. I don't know why but it just did not seem to 'get going'. The music was great, there were plenty of great dancers. Was it the gender blance which made it less enjoyable for the women? Hmmm - is it a Monday thing? Maybe the 'vibe' will build over time as it evolves it's own identity....(maybe get more students in as it is on the campus).

    Well whatever - it's another good dancing option during the week.

  13. #113
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post
    Review of Ijig Monday 3rd March

    Did the end of the beginners and the improvers. The improvers lesson was just right - with simpler moves (compared to 2nd lesson at St. Albans last week - see above). That suited me. I didn't do the 3rd lesson (Advanced?) and quite a few women sat out as well.

    Gender balance was significantly women over.

    Music was very good (JB) - and several people commented on it as we left.

    Floor was very slippy in one place where I seemed to be - and that is one of the weak points of the venue (it's inconsistent - and bit 'bobbly') - but does not stop you having good dances. In fact one guy told me he liked the slippiness.

    And.......no orange squash(!) - wot?

    Now the key question is about the 'vibe' the atmosphere. I don't know why but it just did not seem to 'get going'. The music was great, there were plenty of great dancers. Was it the gender blance which made it less enjoyable for the women? Hmmm - is it a Monday thing? Maybe the 'vibe' will build over time as it evolves it's own identity....(maybe get more students in as it is on the campus).

    Well whatever - it's another good dancing option during the week.
    come over to the dark side Jive Lad - oakwood WCS on a monday nite, far better option. xx

  14. #114
    Registered User martingold's Avatar
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post
    Few thoughts:

    - the classes were rushed.....too rushed. A few women said to me words to the effect that no-one would do these moves in Freestyle. The Intermediate class for me was more complex than the Advanced.

    It was impossible to see the footwork stuff unless you were at the front....and it needs more precise explanation in that case.
    Did you give this feedback to the venue manager or the teacher as the time scale has been dictated by feedback given to ceroc hq and i know all the cerocmetro venues i attend would be only too glad to get real dance floor feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post
    On the music front.....well it was a bit 'frantic' all the way through. Marie knows that is the case as she mentioned that to me the next night when we spoke. Her feeling was that it was the only way to keep people on the floor. Well.......it's a question of balance.

    Oh - and can we make sure that Duffy 'Mercy' is played every week from now on? Thanks.

    Marie's music is almost always good in my honest opinion as most seem to like it whenever we lose her at chelmsford for whatever reason a lot of people tell me they dislike the music (except when robin filled in for her)

  15. #115
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by martingold View Post
    Did you give this feedback to the venue manager or the teacher as the time scale has been dictated by feedback given to ceroc hq and i know all the cerocmetro venues i attend would be only too glad to get real dance floor feedback


    Marie's music is almost always good in my honest opinion as most seem to like it whenever we lose her at chelmsford for whatever reason a lot of people tell me they dislike the music (except when robin filled in for her)
    Hi Martin

    On the complexity/rushing of the lessons well that is just my opinion - and I am one dancer (and still a 'Beginner' in the bigger scheme of things) out of many. My challenge is this: how can we as leaders be expected to get the moves into muscle memory in this short time?

    It would help if we could see the lesson moves online afterwards.... that is one idea. (See DanceYourselfDizzy web site....for an example of how they do it).

    And...it would help if the moves were a 'build' from the previous lesson.

    I didn't get chance to speak to Amy (I only saw her fleetingly - and was hoping to dance - as she did say "grab a dance with me...." ) or Tezi who was there watching the lesson. Now I am aware that I am just one voice in many on this......and when (for example) I rant on (as I have to several people) about scaling back the lessons it is just my preference.

    To meet the 9:30 deadline - there is the option to scale back the lessons...... and that would be my preference. Less is more!

    -------------------------

    Anyway.....

    ...Marie is a great DJ - and a fantastic fun dancer (see my blog about all that). She has done some great sets (one of them was at Cheshunt - and I told her that was her best ever set imho) - and I love her enthusiasm for it all.

    On Friday when I danced with Marie she just asked the question to me "was it a bit frantic last night?" - and I said yes I thought it was. (I'm guessing that someone else had mentioned it to her). That's all. I also said to her that the first 30 mins was not so good and then it just got better and better......

    -----------------

    It's interesting that Marc at Luton had got feedback that his first set was too slow......well that just shows you it is **** difficult for a DJ to please everyone!

    One thought which crosses my mind is to get the average BPM for the night - it would be interesting to compare average BPMs for different nights/DJs.
    Last edited by JiveLad; 4th-March-2008 at 08:10 PM.

  16. #116
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    My Recipe For a perfect Monday Night!
    1 Drop Mini Mac off at Ijig = Student discount entry + and kid free evening,

    2 leg it down to Southgate for WCS wit Lee and fab Coasters

    3 Leg it back to Ijig to practice said WCS for the last half hour or so during their specialist styles slot 11 to 11 30 ish

    oh and 4 not to forget to pick up said Mini Mac for yac yac yac journey home!

    Well three outa four ain't bad!!

  17. #117
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post
    Hi Martin

    On the complexity/rushing of the lessons well that is just my opinion - and I am one dancer (and still a 'Beginner' in the bigger scheme of things) out of many. My challenge is this: how can we as leaders be expected to get the moves into muscle memory in this short time?

    It would help if we could see the lesson moves online afterwards.... that is one idea. (See DanceYourselfDizzy web site....for an example of how they do it).

    And...it would help if the moves were a 'build' from the previous lesson.

    I didn't get chance to speak to Amy (I only saw her fleetingly - and was hoping to dance - as she did say "grab a dance with me...." ) or Tezi who was there watching the lesson. Now I am aware that I am just one voice in many on this......and when (for example) I rant on (as I have to several people) about scaling back the lessons it is just my preference.


    To meet the 9:30 deadline - there is the option to scale back the lessons...... and that would be my preference. Less is more!
    some good ideas there i have always liked the idea on building from a previous week i dont however like the idea of scaling back lessons as midweek is normally a class night rather than a freestyle i would rather see 45 minute lessons
    The problem as i see it is ceroc doesnt hear from people like us enough and have taken a lot of their ideas from a phone survey of complete beginners who never return and would never return even if only one move was taught each week which is why we need to speak up when we think something can be improved
    I have been at cerocmetro chelmsford for almost 9 years now and rather than concentrate on beginner retention (which seems to happen there naturally when i started there were about 100 dancers it dropped away to almost nothing due to a bad teacher and dj now we are in the 130- 150 which basically fills the shire hall ) i think ceroc should concentrate on intermediate and advanced retention

    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post

    ...Marie is a great DJ - and a fantastic fun dancer (see my blog about all that). She has done some great sets (one of them was at Cheshunt - and I told her that was her best ever set imho) - and I love her enthusiasm for it all.

    On Friday when I danced with Marie she just asked the question to me "was it a bit frantic last night?" - and I said yes I thought it was. (I'm guessing that someone else had mentioned it to her). That's all. I also said to her that the first 30 mins was not so good and then it just got better and better......
    I guessed you werent knocking marie who as i said before always satisfies the majority at chelmsford and other venues where i have seen her work
    Quote Originally Posted by JiveLad View Post

    It's interesting that Marc at Luton had got feedback that his first set was too slow......well that just shows you it is **** difficult for a DJ to please everyone!

    One thought which crosses my mind is to get the average BPM for the night - it would be interesting to compare average BPMs for different nights/DJs.

    very good point once again that would be really interesting to hear from all the djs who come to this forum

  18. #118
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by Trouble View Post
    come over to the dark side Jive Lad - oakwood WCS on a monday nite, far better option. xx
    Why not do both? Several of us do WCS on Monday, and stop by for 45 mins of freestyle at iJig afterwards as it closes at 11:30, also the iJig crew slow the music down at the end and play more WCS/Blues tracks so you have the choicde. We even had some Tango tracks this Monday!

    Onkar

  19. #119
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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Quote Originally Posted by onkar View Post
    We even had some Tango tracks this Monday!
    Did you have any Tango dancers?

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    Re: St. Albans - end of an era.......

    Don't understand why those who go to Oakwood for the classes don't stay at Oakwood for the social which goes on until 11 (or 11.15) Surely the time spent travelling is time missed dancing? Don't you like Lee's music selections?

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