Swingin' Into Spring 2022
Friday, April 29, 2022, - Sunday, May 01, 2022,
Swingin' Into Spring
Fri-Sun, April 29 - May 1, 2022
Hartford, CT
Event web site: http://sis.djkenm.com
Registration Process
Our 2022 Group:
Group Host: Erik Novoa
1) Janice F., 2) Paul O., 3) Anne H., 4) Renee N., 5) Bobby N., 6) Gary M., 7) Susan M., 8) Elizabeth DeF., 9) Cynthia L., 10) Michelle Y., 11) Joyce C., 12) Joann K., 13) Mark K., 14) Lynda H., 15) Bella M. 16) Deb E., 17) Maria V., 18) Georgette W.
Please join our table by following these steps:
Step 1: Book Your Hotel Room
Use this link for instructions to reserve your hotel room.
*This is the most important thing to do.
Step 2: Register For Our Group
Our deadlines have passed for registration on this website. Follow the directions to continue being a part of our group:
1) Register directly on the event website and choose "Gold Pass": https://sis.djkenm.com/paypal-open.html
2) Forward your receipt to me.
3) Email the event director to let him know that you are part of the SwingShoes / Erik Novoa Group: Email the event director
4) If you are joining us for the Saturday night dinner, pay for the dinner (see below).
COVID Policy of the Event
Your safety is very important to me. Here is the current COVID policy of the event (as of March 28, 2022). However, I am awaiting an updated and more specific version, which I will post if/when it is approved. Be prepared to a) show your COVID vaccination card to show your vaccination and booster shot, b) bring and take a rapid test upon arrival to show at registration, and c) definitely bring multiple KN95 masks (not cloth) and hand sanitizer.
SwingShoes Group Picture
Please be prepared for our Group pictures:
Friday Night - after the Instructor's Jam (approx 10:30pm)
Schedule of the Event
This is the preliminary schedule (as of Wed. April 27, 2022)
Group Dinner
As part of the SwingShoes group, you are invited to our group dinner at 5:30pm on Saturday (after afternoon competitions). The dinners in the past years have been so much fun.
Location
Agave Grill (Mexican Restaurant)
walkable from the hotel
Price
$40 per person for buffet
Drinks are a separate cost.
Menu
Hors d'Oeuvres
- Fresh Guacamole, Warm Tortilla Chips, and Zesty Salsa
- Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Empanadas
- House Salad
Main Courses
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Steak Fajitas
Sides
- Mexican Style Rice
- Refried Beans
Welcome Email
Welcome Email sent on 4/28/22
Dancers,
Thank you for registering for Swingin’ Into Spring 2022 and for being a part of the SwingShoes Group. Here is some information that will help you with this event:
COVID Test to Enter Swingin’ Into Spring
In order to enter this event, you will need to show proof of a negative COVID test. You can test just before leaving your home or as soon as you arrive at your hotel room. You will need to either a) show the negative test directly at the registration table or b) take a picture of the negative test to present at the registration table. My advice would be to bring a couple of tests with you.
Table in the Ballroom
We will have two tables in the ballroom for our group. This will be our home base for the event.
SwingShoes T-Shirt
Feel free to wear your SwingShoes t-shirt on any day of the weekend.
What to Wear
This dance event is quite casual. You can probably wear jeans for the entire event. If you decide to compete (see below), many people wear a pair of black slacks (followers too) and a colored top.
Workshops
The workshop schedule has not been released yet. However, it will be available when you arrive. Registration opens at noon on Friday. You do not need to sign up for individual workshops—simply find the ones on the schedule you want to attend, go to the location at the designated time, and hop in! Feel free to explore other teachers’ beginner classes (including my Hustle classes) or attend some of the intermediate workshops. Learn as much as you can. I will help to guide you.
Shoe Vendor
There should be a shoe vendor on site. This is a great opportunity to see what other people are wearing and try them on.
Masks and Hand Sanitizer
Please bring enough masks (KN95s) to get you through the weekend. You should also bring a personal-size hand sanitizer to keep handy. Large bottles of sanitizer will be provided on our SwingShoes tables in the ballroom. Make sure that you encourage people to use it.
Food and Drink
Bring some good snacks for the weekend. It is easy to forget to eat when you’re taking workshops, watching competitions, competing, or dancing. Bring Gatorade or something that will keep you hydrated. People frequently get dehydrated and don’t even know it until the headache hits.
Competing in Jack & Jills
You’re going to think I’m crazy, but you should definitely consider entering the random-partnered competition called Newcomer Jack & Jill. Be ready to cheer for people you know.
Watch Some and Dance More
It’s easy to feel intimidated by all the people who seem to know what they are doing. Watch people who inspire you. However, you will get the most from this experience by the amount of time you spend on the dance floor. Your dancing will improve exponentially simply by dancing with different people of different levels. A couple of tips: ask people to dance (don’t just wait for people to ask you); dance with people who are better than you (you will dance better with them); try not to turn down a dance (unless someone makes you feel uncomfortable).
Red Folder
Feel free to bring your red SwingShoes folder to track things you learn in your workshops that you enjoyed (as well as those that challenged you). Take notes on patterns you learn that you’d like to practice after the event.
Workshop Review Videos
While instructors may not do video recaps at the end of their workshops, there is typically a digital “video diary” available for purchase which will include demos of all the workshops taught by the instructors.
Saturday Dinner
I’m so excited to be with all of you for our group dinner. Let’s plan to walk to the restaurant together around 5:15pm (reservation is for 5:30pm). We’ll meet at our group table in the ballroom, then make sure we’re all together in the lobby. Make sure you have my cell number on hand (917-414-3105).
After the Event - COVID Test to return to Thursday, West Coast Swing
We will all have to take a COVID home test before returning to our weekly West Coast Swing class on Thursday, May 5. Please take a test on Wednesday night or Thursday (not sooner) and send a picture of the result to me. You will only be let into class with a negative test.
Have a great time,
Erik
Location
Hilton Hartford
315 Trumbull ST
Hartford, CT
