Where
the mysteries of waltz are unveiled...
What style of waltz is danced
at Mostly Waltz?
The traditional turning waltz style predominates, but you will see a
variety of styles of waltz, depending on the tune, tempo and personal
dancer style. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to the very
advanced. The waltz is popular in many music genres, including Ballroom,
Cajun, Viennese, Contra, country western, cross-step, Latin, etc. You’ll
see elements of many of these styles at Mostly Waltz.
Our 45-minute pre-dance lesson on Sunday
afternoons, included in the cost of admission, teaches the basic rotary
waltz figures and dance principles that will enable a beginner to participate.
The lesson also covers the basics of common flourishes.
Lessons
series for beginners, intermediate and advanced are often scheduled
on Monday evenings.
What do people wear to Mostly Waltz?
Generally, people tend to wear clothes, although there are a few that
really wear our patience.
Casual clothing is in order. Ladies have wide latitude in attire—anything
from slacks or jeans to skirts and dresses—even evening dresses—it’s
all good. As for men, we just ask that they don’t embarrass themselves.
Do I need a partner?
Not really. Many come with a partner, but many others don’t.
Our dancers are notably gregarious and like to switch partners for
each successive dance. But a few like to stay with their “steady”
partner.
What is dance floor etiquette?
So that all may enjoy themselves, we ask everyone to please
observe the following "Rules of the Road" to promote the
smooth flow of dancer traffic on the dance floor.
-
All dancers shall proceed in a counterclockwise
direction around the floor.
-
Faster dancers should move to the outer perimeter
and slow moving dancers should make an inner circle or be near the
center of the floor.
-
Dancers who are not moving along should dance in
the center of the floor.
-
Move toward the center of the floor if many couples
are passing you or if couples are bunching up behind you.
-
Those who are not dancing should move well off
to the sidelines so as not to obstruct the dancing.
Do you serve refreshments?
No cocktails on the terrace, I’m afraid. But we do serve melon
chunks at the break. Very refreshing, as well as healthy, you know.
Do I need advance tickets?
Tickets are not sold in advance. All admissions are at the door.
Can I bring food to supplement the fruit at the Sunday afternoon
events?
We welcome food contributions, but they must be kosher when we are
at Felinton Hall in Broomall—which is most of the time.
What is a hambo?
It’s a combination of hambone and the limbo (only kidding).
Actually, the hambo is a couple turning dance in 3/4 time. Sometimes
called the “National dance of Sweden”, this fun dance
requires good partnering skills. see
wikipedia for more
What is a zwiefacher?
The zwiefacher (pronounced tswee' fa khur) is a traditional couple
dance from Bavaria and neighboring Austria. Each zwiefacher has its
own pattern of waltz and pivot steps, corresponding to the music --
three counts for a waltz step, two counts for a pivot step. Some patterns
are simple and predictable; others are complicated and challenging.
see wikipedia for
more
What kind of shoes do you recommend?
For waltzing and other couple dances shoes that are lightweight, with
a sole that can slide and rotate without a lot of grip are good. Many
rubber soled shoes and sneakers have too much grip for easy dancing.
Why do Cheltenham Township residents get a discount at the
Monday night lessons and dances at Glenside Memorial Hall?
Cheltenham Township owns the building and sponsors the Monday night
dances, so they are giving Township residents a price break because
their taxes are supporting the facility.
...more to come
|
