A New Studio Location For West Coast Swing, Hustle, and Salsa
A Quick Scare
At the end 2014, the owner of Dance Dimensions - the home of our West Coast Swing and Hustle classes in Norwalk, CT - gave me a good scare. She told me the studio was going to be torn down for a new real estate development. But she quickly relieved my fear, when she invited us to be a part of the studio's relocation to 15 Cross Street in Norwalk, CT.
A New Studio Location For West Coast Swing, Hustle, and Salsa
A Quick Scare
At the end 2014, the owner of Dance Dimensions - the home of our West Coast Swing and Hustle classes in Norwalk, CT - gave me a good scare. She told me the studio was going to be torn down for a new real estate development. But she quickly relieved my fear, when she invited us to be a part of the studio's relocation to 15 Cross Street in Norwalk, CT.
The New Studio
The transition to the new studio occurred during the end of the year break, which was a perfect 2 week period to move the sound system, some of the furniture, and office equipment.
Our first week of class started on Monday, January 5, 2015 with Salsa, followed the next days by Hustle and West Coast Swing. The classes were well attended considering winter weather that we started getting in the middle of January.
The Dance Floor
One little challenge that we faced during our first classes was the dance floor - it was pretty, shiny dark wood - but it was fast. It felt like someone had used Pledge to clean the floor, but in actuality it was just the floor itself. Of course, the cold, dry weather was only making it feel faster. It wasn't such a big deal for a dance like Salsa, which mostly remains in a single area of the floor, but it was a serious issue for a dynamic dance like Hustle where both partners are constantly in motion and changing direction. West Coast Swing handled the floor well because the leaders mostly remain in one place and followers have 6-beats in which to change direction. Nonetheless, by the end of January, even the studio owner realized the speed of the floor was an issue (imagine ballet, tap, and jazz on a fast floor).
The New Dance Floor
One would think that all the snow storms would have been a major business disruptor - they were. However, there was one particular snow storm which cancelled Salsa on Monday, February 2, 2015, that provided the studio the needed time to replace the entire dance floor.
It was certainly a tour de force by the studio owner to make this expensive change so quickly. I went to the studio the morning after the installation to test it and take pictures. It was great. I could still feel the dryness of the cold winter air, but the texture of the floor was now perfect for multiple forms of dancing. Salsa, Hustle, and West Coast Swing would be lucky enough to have the benefit of a perfect, new dance floor.
The Transition is Nearly Complete
During any major transition, doubts can easily creep into the mind. Will the new location be as functional as the former location? Will people like the new location? Will people be supportive of the transition?
So far, our biggest challenge has been the weather. Between the "polar vortex" effects, which we have dropped temperature to record lows, and the weekly snowfall, which always complicates travel, it has been difficult to gain true dance momentum. Education (whether it be dance or academics), is all about building upon a foundation of knowledge. It's difficult to establish this foundation when the mother-nature is the main disruptor.
Starting Anew
Now that we've survived January and February winter disruptions, it's time to get 2015 Hustle and West Coast Swing "started". On Saturday, March 7, 2015, we will be hosting a Studio Warming event to celebrate the new location of Dance Dimensions at 15 Cross Street and the dance classes that we host. We will have basic/beginner lessons in Salsa, Hustle, and West Coast Swing. It will be a perfect opportunity for new people to take their first partner dance class and for regular students to inspire others. We're looking forward to dancing through 2015.
Join us at the Dance Dimensions Studio Warming featuring Salsa, Hustle, and West Coast Swing..
