Comments on: (re)Building a Blues Scene – Part 0

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:34:35 +0000

Re: Kevin – There definitely is more “opportunities” to be creepy on the dance floor because of the nature of the dance. However, I like what you say about giving forward momentum instead of chastising them right from the get-go.

Re: Emilio – Thanks for the comment! I’ll also definitely make it to Philly in 2010.

By: Emilio Estevez

Emilio Estevez — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:38:03 +0000

It is wonderful to hear that blues will be going again in Toronto! I have traveled from Philly to go dancing there a couple of times but it has been a long time. I would love to come up and teach some weekend. I have been up to Montreal multiple times to teach so a couple of extra hours would not be a big issue to see wonderful Toronto again!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:18:52 +0000

I firmly agree with 2), actually giving people learning opportunities. It is very empty to complain about the level of dance without offering ways to pick it up.
Just saying “you guys suck at blues dancing, it’s creepy” isn’t particularly helpful, but saying “you guys suck, good thing there are classes on Day X and an event next month in City Y” gives a lot more forward momentum.

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:57:35 +0000

Hey Fred,

From my conversations with Simon and Shawn, it seemed like the people who were setting up the house parties and organizing outings are either no longer in the scene actively or have gone through life changes that has drastically reduced their dancing. There was a period of time that blues dancing just didn’t happen anymore in Toronto and when the influx of new dancers came, it just wasn’t part of their scene anymore (so no one stepped up).

By: Fred

Fred — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:40:27 +0000

Hey, wow, that’s interesting. You’re right, when I used to be a Toronto regular (many, many moons ago) the Blues scene was amazing. I wonder what happened.

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:03:02 +0000

Hey Mike,

thanks for the comment! Seattle has a very diverse blues scene and one of the biggest blues weekends in the world (read: I am very jealous). If Toronto can even be a fraction of that in 2010, I would be very pleased.

By: MIke P

MIke P — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:45:27 +0000

Ooh, exciting.

I was in Seattle for a few months last year, and I definitely enjoy having Burn Blue every week at Waid’s, not to mention all the house parties and Emerald City. :)

Best of luck, and keep posted!