Fair Price for a QUALITY Freestyle

[Sheepman]

A big night out for me has to have some special feature, and here I agree with Rachel, it is likely to be the chance to watch some fab cabaret or competition dancing.

I'm really not bothered about food, as under par says, deal with this long before the dancing begins, otherwise I'll only be suffering. (Though somehow I managed (lots of) both at Andy's Hog Roast, and no indigestion )

On an average Saturday night, it has to be a case of sizing up the opposition, one of my favourite venues is just £5 for a Saturday night, only 40 minutes journey, a great floor, brilliant music, we then carrying on partying nearby till late into the night. I'm not likely to give this one up to pay twice or three times as much, and not be guaranteed a good night. I think anyone who is trying to put on a big night has to contend with the fact that many people will opt for making a late decision, and going to a cheaper venue they already know, there has to be a real USP (like Jive Masters) to drag people away from their usual.

Greg

[Andy McGregor]

I'm really not bothered about food, as under par says, deal with this long before the dancing begins, otherwise I'll only be suffering. (Though somehow I managed (lots of) both at Andy's Hog Roast, and no indigestion )Greg

I think this was down to the length of the night. We started early and finished late, and the food was available pretty much all night - in fact, some of it is still available!

..although the lamb was eaten quite quickly

I've been researching the possibility of doing a black-tie dinner dance for the new year. There is a lot of interest, particularly from people who have partners who don't dance. I think the motivation is that you want to be with your loved ones to see in the new year but you also want to be at a party where you can indulge your dance addiction. Watch this space.

[Peter]

I run the LeRoc ball in Weston-super-Mare every year. This year is our 15th year. Every year it sells out. Every year we get fantastic feedback. It's black-tie in a fantastic venue fully decorated (takes all day), we have a free drinks reception, sit-down meal, live band, cabaret, great DJ, side shows, fun casino, photographer, late finish, free water, subsidised coaches, charity raffle (with great prizes). All profits go to charity (usually about £2000 including raffle takings etc). We pretty much sell out before the date where ticket price increases. Last year it was £30/£35. 400 people all having a great time and no complaints about the price. I guess it depends what you get for your money. This year's event on December 11th.

www.cliftonleroc.co.uk

After the champs on 17 Jul, there is a "glitter ball" for £20. Details here. Is this a cut price version of the Leroc ball referred to above? The publicity leaflet states "Dress to impress Glitter (black tie) is the theme. Please make an effort." Are all the guys planning to wear DJ/tuxedo?

[jivecat]

I totally agree with Under Par. For me, my list of priorities is: 1. music that I like, 2. decent floor, 3. at least one nice person to dance with.

I totally agree with Rachel- and Under Par. I would add that space to dance is another priority, and is often not available at bigger, well-hyped freestyles.
I don't want to eat during a Ceroc evening - makes me feel heavy and worry about breathing garlic over everyone. I also prefer not to go to events where there's any pressure on me to dress up, though I know lots of other people enjoy that. For me mood and atmosphere are hugely important but indefinable. No more guarantee of getting it right at a £30 gala ball than a bog-standard Ceroc weeknight.

[Minnie M]

.../snip/....weekenders cater for MJ dancers and their families (yes children ARE allowed) Party Weekender

The web site is down at the moment as they are working on it - apologies from Darren, should be OK tomorrow

[Minnie M]

.../snip/....weekenders cater for MJ dancers and their families (yes children ARE allowed) Party Weekender

The web site is down at the moment as they are working on it - apologies from Darren, should be OK tomorrow

Whilst speaking to them this afternoon, Darren assured me that although smoking is allowed at the venue it is NOT allowed on the dance floor or the areas around it AND there are lots NO SMOKING signs around the room stating this and there are no ashtrays on the tables. The only acceptable smoking areas are, by the bar and near to it.

[Nick M]

Are all the guys planning to wear DJ/tuxedo?

I am, Peter, with a fabulous black glittery Italian shirt I found in a shop in Munich

[Lounge Lizard]

The web site is down at the moment as they are working on it - apologies from Darren, should be OK tomorrow

Whilst speaking to them this afternoon, Darren assured me that although smoking is allowed at the venue it is NOT allowed on the dance floor or the areas around it AND there are lots NO SMOKING signs around the room stating this and there are no ashtrays on the tables. The only acceptable smoking areas are, by the bar and near to it.

I dont fink smoke can read the signs - if it is the venue it can reach the dancers - one of the big attractions for focusing on DJ'ing MJ events is the no smoking, every time I play a private gig the smoke really gets to me.
Also the party weekenders ruin the night for me by playing tiger feet etc EVERY NIGHT, just when the dancing is into full swing it seems. Mind you the after dance parties are ledgendry

[Andy McGregor]

Mind you the after dance parties are ledgendry

I'd forgotten all about THAT PHOTO!!!

It's of a certain reptile with TWO others shortly after they'd shed their skins. It's actually too rude to put on here but I am willing to sell the picture and negative

[Andy McGregor]

I dont fink smoke can read the signs - if it is IN the venue it can reach the dancers - one of the big attractions for focusing on DJ'ing MJ events is the no smoking,

The only acceptable smoking areas are, by the bar and near to it.

If the bar is in a different room from the dancing I think this is fine. If the bar is in the same room as the dancing I think LL is absolutely right.

I haven't been for 2 years so I don't know the current layout. Maybe someone who's been recently could let us know.

I must admit that, now I've been reminded, I'm quite keen to go to a Party Weekender again. It would be a shame if a bunch of smokers in the wrong place meant I stayed away for the sake of my health.

[Sheepman]

After the champs on 17 Jul, there is a "glitter ball" for £20. "Dress to impress Glitter (black tie) is the theme. Please make an effort." Are all the guys planning to wear DJ/tuxedo?

Not much point in me going for the DJ, 'cos I'd have it off within a couple of dances, I think I may go for the glitter option instead.

Greg

[Minnie M]

If you want to moan about the price of a freestyle - please use this thread - thanks

[David Bailey]

If you want to moan about the price of a freestyle - please use this thread - thanks

Good resurrection

But I don't care about the price - what I care about is the quality.

So maybe it should be "How much would you pay (and how far would you travel) to take a gamble on a night?"

[KatieR]

Apart from a few we have had only men's opinions, and being a woman (well I was last time I looked, even though I have cut my hair). I guess my thoughts on the subject are as follows:

I would pay 'whatever it costs' AS LONG AS the people are friendly, dont mind dancing with me and you can get a glass of tap water or some ice.

I was quite disheartened with the Rebel Roc Freestyle for the main reason that we have gone over many times on the forum is there were just way too many women and the guys didn't really seem all that interested in dancing with us ladies that weren't card carrying top of the line been dancing for 10 years or more dancers. Well that was my experience anyway.

I know Im not the most amazing dancer on the planet but am not totally useless either so as long as the guys dont go all hotshot and walk away as you approach them, I really would be happy to pay whatever it costs.

[TiggsTours]

I have to admit that I did not read the thread before voting, so I thought you meant a regular weekly freestyle night, and voted for up to £8.

If I'd known you meant for a proper ball like JB used to do, then I'd have put up to £30, but it would also need to be a special occassion. JB used to have his between Christmas & New Year, so it was a special time of year too.

I'd pay up to that, but for that I'd expect:

A dress code, posh frocks & black tie
A free drinkie on arrival
A GOOD live band
A GOOD DJ
Something better than the run-of-the-mill town hall
Tea, coffee and something nice to nibble on at the end
2am carraiges

If it was a charity event, I'd pay up to £40, and you may also find venues who will give a slight deduction (I don't know this, I'm relying on human kindness).

[David Bailey]

JB used to have his between Christmas & New Year, so it was a special time of year too.

Glitter Ball, Bedford Corn Exchange - ahh, those were the days. And to Jon for leading the way and showing that there's a market for dancing in that dead zone between 25-30th December.

As far as I know, those were (some of) the first MJ dance events at that time.

I think, from memory, they were about £25?

EDIT: just remembered, I went there with young Gus a couple of times!

[Martin]

I would pay 'whatever it costs' AS LONG AS the people are friendly, dont mind dancing with me and you can get a glass of tap water or some ice.

I went for "whatever it costs" as well. Got to have the mix though. Good dancers and good music.

I was quite disheartened with the Rebel Roc Freestyle for the main reason that we have gone over many times on the forum is there were just way too many women and the guys didn't really seem all that interested in dancing with us ladies that weren't card carrying top of the line been dancing for 10 years or more dancers. Well that was my experience anyway.

Now you have hit on "my worst UK experience" - I turned up with my membership card (which I paid for on my last trip ) Only to be told they have changed thier name and I have to pay again... despite travelling from central London [after of course the trip from Australia] - never again - such anal people I have never before met.

It comes from the top they say, so got to expect an "exclusive" night.

So sad...

I even asked to speak to the main organiser, no luck there...
I was told, pay again...

[Paul F]

I would pay 'whatever it costs' AS LONG AS the people are friendly, dont mind dancing with me and you can get a glass of tap water or some ice.

I'd pay up to that, but for that I'd expect:

A dress code, posh frocks & black tie
A free drinkie on arrival
A GOOD live band
A GOOD DJ
Something better than the run-of-the-mill town hall
Tea, coffee and something nice to nibble on at the end
2am carraiges

).

Without wanting to put a downer on the discussion, once again it comes down to pleasing everybody all the time.

On the one hand we have the requirement for friendly people, free water and on the other live bands and posh dresses etc.
These are all great suggestions IMO but it highlights the fact that people will never be completely happy. If I was asked what I want (and I will tell you ) and I said great floor and great music I would bad mouth the event afterwards if I had to pay £2 for a pint of water.
In my case I would pay anything if it meant having a dedicated WCS room but thats purely because I like it. If the venue just played 'normal' Ceroc music , whatever that may be, I probably wouldnt enjoy it as much. The next person will almost certainly disagree.

To get a concensus of opinion on price we would have to stipulate what this theoretical freestyle would consist of then offer some prices.

It comes down to one thing. I would pay anything for MY ideal freestyle.




Sorry for including your quotes TT and Katie. Its just to highlight my point - as feeble as it is ! - Hope you dont mind.

[KatieR]

Sorry for including your quotes TT and Katie. Its just to highlight my point - as feeble as it is ! - Hope you dont mind.

Thats alright.... It was just what I look for.... I just dont want to pay a heap of money to have my self esteem dented.

[TiggsTours]

Without wanting to put a downer on the discussion, once again it comes down to pleasing everybody all the time.

On the one hand we have the requirement for friendly people, free water and on the other live bands and posh dresses etc.
These are all great suggestions IMO but it highlights the fact that people will never be completely happy. If I was asked what I want (and I will tell you ) and I said great floor and great music I would bad mouth the event afterwards if I had to pay £2 for a pint of water.
In my case I would pay anything if it meant having a dedicated WCS room but thats purely because I like it. If the venue just played 'normal' Ceroc music , whatever that may be, I probably wouldnt enjoy it as much. The next person will almost certainly disagree.

To get a concensus of opinion on price we would have to stipulate what this theoretical freestyle would consist of then offer some prices.

It comes down to one thing. I would pay anything for MY ideal freestyle.




Sorry for including your quotes TT and Katie. Its just to highlight my point - as feeble as it is ! - Hope you dont mind.

Not at all, everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but I do feel that what you are describing is all too readily available already, and not something "special" which Gus is aiming for. If this sort of night is already available for a tenner, then I wouldn't pay £30 for it!

For those of us who remember what an excellent event the Glitter Ball was (and included all that I listed) they'd know what I mean.