Paul,
Esher was actually shut last week. Paul, Cat and Lee were all in Paris on a dance weekend. Ronnie and Brandi and Kyle and Sarah were over from the States.
By the way congratulations to Cat and Lee who won all of the categories that they entered. There are alot of people that I see at MJ events that I go to as well. WCS does have a small community in London although we are getting new people all the time. The monthly workshops do attract new people and retain some of that new crowd. We are like any other dance form for the ratio of customers that come through the door. The numbers will look low compared to something like Ceroc who can be seen as a successful business at this point in time. Go to Jango or London T-Dances and you will get the same picture. Whether you could claim they are on the decline in the same way because of attendance is not a comparison I think people make. We just get on and dance with the passion for the dance. Anyone who is learning or has tried to learn WCS will appreciate it takes time to learn and become comfortable with.
It does help to be fortunate enough to have incredible teachers both North and South of the border and that helps to give us an edge. Their dedication to the dance is an example to the pupils they teach.
I was watching a documentary this week on Frankie Manning who is a living legend and represents a part of the birthplace of Lindy. If you see the ups and downs that have been experienced in that dance form you will know how difficult it can be. For quite a while Lindy was a forgotten dance but has lasted the test of time because of the passion people have had for it.
Like most things, worthwhile causes often take a long term commitment.
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