Envy swing archive
From Wikisquare
Contents |
Swingin' Thursdays
To receive email updates on Thursday Night Swing, join this list. To email us privately, go here. For more news, visit Albany swing scene. The discussion that led us to Envy is archived here.
Swingin' Thursdays started on 3/20 at the Envy Lounge, 55 North Pearl (next door to Jillian's, Albany).
dress code
We are asking that people voluntarily dress a bit better. No one will be turned away, but we want the scene to look a bit classier than the Fuze. That means guys should have collars; girls should, uh, not wear sweatpants.
drinks
We now have a mandatory $1 fee for Envy to put out pitchers of water. Get in the habit of paying, so we don't have to go back to $2 bottles.
Envy also holds specials on wine, appletinis, cosmos, and beer. Try one, they're cheap, and you'll dance better!
lessons (NEW)
WE NOW HAVE A DEDICATED ADVANCED SWING LESSON AT 8:15. Come down early and park so we can start promptly. Advanced swing will include lindy hop & charleston. We are not looking to start any latin -- that is on Friday night. We will then have the beginner lesson at 8:45.
We are looking for ideas and instructors. Instructors will be paid. We expect there will be some instructor rotation. Contact us if you are interested in teaching.
Music feedback (NEW)
The DJ feedback form is an opportunity for you to give us feedback on a particular DJ or on the music in general. We are not set on the music format yet -- though the old Fuze mix of all swing types and a variety of extras (latin, hustle, hip hop...) is the starting point. The bar goes late, and DJ duties are passed on to a hip hop DJ when we finish. So expect more hip hop, and a crossover at some point in the evening.
Though we want a variety of music and DJs, we want to establish one music format for consistency in the night.
DJs and feedback
DJ duties will rotate. Anyone looking for a DJ slot should contact us. DJs are paid based on what the door gets.
We are looking for feedback on DJs and music on the DJ feedback form.
General Discussion
Nice job on picking the new place - classy decor...the booths and the couches are a nice feature. Softer floor than the Fuze box. I wish it was a touch faster, but it appears it won't sweat like the Fuze's tiles so that is a big improvement.
The sound quality was very good the second night and it was a touch brighter on the dance floor - good adjustments. Only constructive criticism is about the warmth, not a big issue...perfection is dull.
- KevinM
I love the new place... and like the extra class. I also liked the 'Dress Code' because everyone looked good and looked like they wanted to be there... definitely more inviting.
G'day all,
After last week's great start I offered three suggestions to Jason for organizing the lessons more efficiently. I'll repeat them here:
1) The instructor needs a hands-free microphone to overcome the noise from the students and the crowd. 2) The difficulty level of the lesson and times of the evening needs to be spelled out clearly both verbally and in written form. A sign at the front should say something like: "Beginners Swing: 8:30-9. Intermediate Swing: 9-9:30. Dancing: 9:30 - 11:30" (or whenever it officially ends). At 8:30 the instructor should ask the beginners to step up and those who have experience to sit down and let the beginners have some space. At 9 the instructor should ask the beginners or 'those still working on what I just showed you' to go to the back of the room or have a seat and ask the more experienced people to come up front. "Back and front?" you say, "what is this back and front?" I mean: 3) Have people dance in lines parallel to the front doors rather than the traditional circle. The circle format does not work well in that space, especially when you have people arriving over time. People end up dancing in tiny spaces, crowded more to the back than the front, and wasting all the space in the middle of the floor. Actually there would be space for two lines perpendicular to the front doors, but then you have to designate one line as beginners and one line as intermediate, and people may get confused. Regardless, lines, I think, are more efficient than the circle in that space.
Until anon,
Sean
Small suggestion on the lessons: I think it would be good if the teacher would rotate partners more often than he has been. This helps people learn to lead/follow differing styles of dancers, and it also helps people get to know each other for dancing after the lesson (especially for new people/beginners).
Sean did a great job for his first time DJing. I like that he took the music in different directions and broaden our swing horizon a bit more. The scene needs that. My only suggestion is that maybe next time he mix the slow blues and jazz with more mid and faster tempo stuff to keep the energy of the room moving. I look forward to hearing him DJ again.
Jason
I really liked how things were set up last week - the couches moved to the side of the room. It opened the floor up to provide more room for dancing, and I think it really balanced out the room better.
Jessica B.
