Ok Well a one armed Angel has been hiding up north for a week, and though I'm not dancing much (still following off my left I'm afraid guys) I 've been to vist a couple of places so here's my feedback upon the venues;
Tuesday night at Chester Guildhall.
Overall very positive. Managed to find the venue without too much trouble (apart from me taking the wrong turn!!) and although there wasn't free parking the nice car park right behind the Guildhall was reasonable (£1) (I'm sure there are free places but I was only visiting so don't know where they are).
Lots of very friendly and welcoming people at the front door, which made a good impression and who were also very happy to chat. Venue was good, not too large to lose people but big enough once everyone had arrived to have enough space. Bar was reasonable and had enough staff (big bonus).
Didn't make it in time for the beginners class so sorry can't comment about that, However I was treated to the intermediate class, which I enjoyed and was IMHO well taught. I liked the moves as they were on the more usual side, although personally I'm not sure I would have put those moves together or would use them in the future that way, it was good to see them and see how other people link moves.
Music was very good I really enjoyed the set, only downside was me not being able to dance much to it, (guys a few more of you need to learn how to cope with ladies following off the left hand) however as I was enjoying the music the night didn't seem to drag as much. I did manage a couple of left handed dances (Thank you ) and I even managed the last dance of the night to Fire
Also managed to meet the lovely Donna and Ste, who were fab, and very enjoyable to watch - Thanks for the chat guys I will try and make it up when I'm actually back following off my right hand again.
On the down side - IMHO there were a few too many move monsters in evidence, content to drag ladies through the moves regardless of the ability - however as I have an inane dislike of these kinds of people my judgement could be a little clouded, and other than a few people showing a lack in floorcraft had no real complaints.
Thursday at Cinnamon Club, Bowden
Overall comment would be OK, teaching great, music not completely to my taste.
Venue was great, free parking at the venue (always good) nice large hall, good dance floor, though it was a little cold towards the entrance and the resting area, (possibly as there was a function upstairs) but as most people were dancing they probably didn't notice as much as I did. Didn't find the door staff quite as welcoming but were helpful when asked, however did manage to find lots of friendly locals to chat to, which helped pass the night.
I managed to see both the classes here, the beginners class was pitched at the right level and pace and the majority followed the class. Intermediates, was a good if challenging routine, with the moves flowing well. Teacher was excellent, the routine that was demoed was shortened (although many would not have noticed) to keep pace with the class, ensuring they could lead the moves, and to keep the lesson to time. Also to the teacher who patiently managed to go through one tricky move 9 times. IMO very well done not sure I would have had the patience myself.
Now bad points - I have to say this, the music! I'm sorry but it really wasn't to my taste at all, I have been to a wide range of places but IMHO the music was barely OK, probably one out of every 3-4 tracks I would have considered dancing to. Music was either very retro (which isn't necessarily bad I do like a wide range of music) or club based - I just didn't enjoy the choices made by the DJ, there were a few inbetween and good tracks- just not enough of them IMHO. Saying that though, people were dancing to the music and were enjoying themselves, with only normal levels of people sat out and chatting. So although I may not have rated the music others seemed to be fine with it.
Again managed to end the night with a left handed dance!!!
Overall I would head back to Chester and Bowden again, although I enjoyed the music in Chester more, I would like to try Bowden again as one night can be misrepresentative of the whole (plus the teaching was great ).
I'll let you know the outcome next time work sends me up north.
Angel xxx
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