Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3

A few minutes ago, I sent out "You Are Registered" notices for March 3 including directions to the event location.  If you did NOT get one of those notices, then you are NOT registered.  But don't worry!  We still have openings and we'd love for you to come to the A-1 Crash Course.
 
Here are more details:
 
1.  The event is suitable for four kinds of people:
 - Plus dancers who will get a good solid intro to Advanced (with no further obligation to continue)
 - new Advanced dancers who would like another look at all (47) of the A-1 calls
 - Experienced Advanced dancers who enjoy helping others learn
 - Anyone with a long dance weekend coming up who wants practice dancing 8 hours a day. :)
 
2.  Location is near San Marcos, Texas.  (Specifics will be sent when you register.)
 
3.  Schedule:
      9 am to 12 noon
      2 to 5 pm
      7 to 9:30 pm
 
4.  Cost is $15 per person, payable at the event.
 
5.  Limited enrollment.  We have space left for about 4 more people.  If you know anyone who might be interested, please ask them to contact me.  Likewise, if you are registered and cannot make it, please notify me so that we won't think we have a full house and turn someone away while space is actually available.
 
6.  Snacks / drinks.  Everyone should bring their own snacks / drinks.
 
7.  Meals.  You may choose to drive into town for meals or you can bring a covered dish to share for a potluck. Plans are in place to provide water, ice, coffee, plastic glasses, paper plates, napkins, utensils.
 
8.  Dancing.  Everyone will dance every tip (even if we have an odd number of people).  We use a unique rotation system so that everyone dances most of the time.
 
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For those who helped make the February A-1 Crash Course such a success, thanks so much for supporting Advanced dancing in the region. For those who will be attending an event like this for your very first time, you'll work hard but you'll also have a lot of fun. The "Crash Course" method is certainly different from usual practice, yet's is a viable way to learn a lot of calls in a short time. We eagerly look forward to the A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3 from 9 am to 9:30 pm!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Sadie Hawkins Dance at FunDancers on February 26

This Sunday, February 26, is special at FunDancers. It's Leap Year. This coming Sunday is our dance date nearest to Leap Day. It's time for a Sadie Hawkins Dance!

The rules of a Sadie Hawkins dance are simple: ladies ask gents to dance. Ladies can dance with anyone they choose. Gents must wait until ladies ask them to dance. It will be different (for all) and a lot of fun (especially if you're a lady) :)

- 5 to 7 pm - Beginner Squares and Lines
- 7 to 9 pm - Experienced Squares and Lines

Big Thanks to the outgoing board of directors and also to the incoming board. Quite simply, the only reason we can even have FunDancers is because of excellent leadership. Volunteers ROCK!

Next Saturday March 3 we will do another all-day "Crash Course" in the Advanced-One level. It's suitable for experienced Plus dancers. Contact me for details or hunt down a flyer on the internet.

Whenever you're surfing the web, look us up at fundancers.org or meetup.com/fundancers or "FunDancers" on Facebook. Here's an ever better idea: get OFF the internet and get yourself OUT to FunDancers on Sunday! You'll be so glad you did!

Everyone adds something unique and special to the overall mix. You are cordially invited to Sadie Hawkins Sunday at FunDancers on February 26!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Save the Date - A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, March 3

There appears to be a good group of people interested in another A-1 Crash Course to be held all day on a Saturday.
 
Only one Saturday in the near future is do-able: March 3rd.  Nasser is tied up all other Saturdays until the end of June.  So please check your calendar for Saturday, March 3, 2012.
 
 Date:  Saturday, March 3, 2012
 Time:  9 am to 12 noon, 2 pm to 5 pm, 7 to 9:30 pm
 Cost:  all day for only $15
 Location:  To be determined ; based on the number of expected participants
 
The event is suitable for four kinds of people;
 - Plus dancers who would like a good intro to Advanced (with no obligation to continue)
 - New Advanced dancers who would like another good look at all the A-1 calls
 - Experienced Advanced dancers who enjoy helping others learn
 - Anyone who has a long dance weekend coming up and would like to practice dancing 7 hours a day. :)
 
Please reply if interested so that we can get a head-count in order to secure a facility with enough room for dancing. Please let me know if you're a Yes, No or Maybe for this event! Also, please share this announcement with other dancers who might be interested. The date is definite and the event -will- happen. We just need to decide the location (based upon the expected number of participants). Thanks in advance for your reply! Whether or not you can make it to the event, thanks for participating in the All-American Activity of square dancing!

Fun-A Travels to dance Advanced this Wednesday (February 22)

I just found out that Ken Ritucci will be calling an A-1 (not an A-2, but an A-1) dance tomorrow in San Antonio. A-1 dances are few and far between, so it makes sense for our Fun-A Advanced group to go out to this dance!
 
Yes, it can be a little scary to go to your first "real" A-1 dance. However, I think our Fun-A group is ready and will enjoy the dance very much.  This includes those who started with us last fall as well as those who were at the recent A-1 Crash Course earlier this month.
 
Yes, I know we're still new to Advanced.  However, the sponsoring group ("The A Club"). is also new.  Their A-1 class started at about the same time as ours, so the two groups should be at approximately the same level. I understand that their group has had all the A-1 calls but just need more floor time.  Well, our Fun-A group is exactly at that same point.
 
The dance is from 8 to 10 pm at "Dance Plus", 2824 Thousand Oaks Drive in San Antonio. There's a map at http://www.dancewithsam.com/schedule.php?parmtype=U&parmid=ACLUB then click on the word "Map". Call or email me if you need directions.  The dance costs $6 per person.  Casual attire.
 
It will be fun!  First, we'll get to dance to a different caller.  (I will contact him before the dance to let him know that we're brand new A-1'ers.)  They do plan to randomly mix the squares ("computer squares") which is fantastic in this situation.  It ensures that every square has a mixture of new and experienced dancers, and it also ensures that visitors get to dance just as often as regulars.  In other words, it will be a very positive experience for everyone in our group.
 
I do understand that they will have a couple of A-2 "Star Tips" which will be great also, because you might get to see your instructor dance ... which will prove ...once and forever ... something I've been trying to tell you for months:  your instructor is awesome. :)  Just kidding (but c'mon, you know it's true).
 
Fun-A will be back at the regular time and place NEXT Wednesday, Leap Day (February 29).
 
They say we live the years but we treasure the moments.  The moment of Totally Acing Our Very First A-1 Dance is an experience we'll treasure for a long time. :)  I'm already looking forward to it.
 
Executive Summary:  Fun-A will dance tomorrow at Dance Plus Studio, 2824 Thousand Oaks Drive, from 8 to 10!  I look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

FunDancers this coming Sunday, February 19

The fun continues at FunDancers this Sunday, February 19:
 
 5 to 7 pm - Beginner Squares and Lines
 7 to 9 pm - Experienced Squares and Lines
 
There will be a special event at 7:30 pm when we introduce the incoming officers and board members.  It's definitely true that the club just -cannot- run except for the kind and gracious help of our talented volunteers.  Come on out and help thank the outgoing board for their wonderful service and, at the same time, help the new board get their new term off to a rip-roaring start.
  
Big Kudos to everyone who helped make last week's Valentine Dance / 2nd Anniversary such a fun event! All kinds of things were going on:  prizes, refreshments, photographs, beginner crash courses and of course lots of dancing!
 
You can keep tabs on the group at websites fundancers.org or meetup.com/fundancers.
  
Everyone adds something unique and special to the overall atmosphere. Put a bunch of good people together in one room, mix well, and wonderful things start to happen. Big thanks once again to all the fun and friendly people who make it happen on Sunday!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Big Day at FunDancers this Sunday (February 12)

A BIG day is planned for you at FunDancers this Sunday, February 12!
 
 3 to 5 pm - Beginner Crash Course - we'll re-teach -every- move in the January Beginner level
 5 to 7 pm - January Beginners
 7 to 9 pm - Experienced
 
It's the club's second anniversary and also our "Valentine's Dance", so you can expect some surprises.  (Hmmm, if you expect something, can it still be a surprise??)
 
The Beginner Crash Course is suitable for:
 - brand-new beginners (even if you never danced before)
 - former dancers who are looking for a quick way to get back into the activity
 - January Beginners who would like another look at all the moves we've had so far this year
 - anyone who wants a fun way to burn 3000+ calories (6 hours of dancing) instead of just 1000+ (2 hours).
 
Check out the website fundancers.org for various future happenings.
 
Everyone adds something special to the overall atmosphere.  Big thanks once again to all the fun and friendly people who make it happen on Sunday!
 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Beginner Crash Course on Sunday, February 12

FunDancers will have the regular program on Sunday February 12 (Beginner Dance at 5 pm, Experienced Dance at 7 pm), however the purpose of this message is to spread the word about a special event at 3 pm. 
 
 = = = = =
 
For good friendly people seeking fun and fitness during 2012
 
“One More Chance!”
 
FunDancers’ January 2012 Beginner Dance Series started in … wait for it … January!  Each week the group gets to enjoy fun, fitness, friendship, music, laughter and team spirit.  Perhaps you’re wondering when the next Beginner Dance Series will start.  Here’s the answer but you probably won’t like it.  A Beginner Dance Series starts every January.  So in January 2013 you will once again get the opportunity to have fun, get in shape, meet new friends and enjoy the numerous benefits of a most wonderful social activity.
 
But wait!  There IS a way for YOU to join the January 2012 Beginner group already in progress.  Can you say Crash Course? On Sunday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm, FunDancers will re-teach EVERY move or step introduced so far to the January Beginners.  After the Crash Course you will be in fine form to dance with the January Beginners.
 
Can you think of even ONE reason to wait until 2013 to finally get all the fun, fitness, friendship and entertainment you so richly deserve today?  Go ahead and get it right NOW at FunDancers Beginner Crash Course to be held One Time Only on February 12, 3 to 5 pm.
 
The Crash Course is ideal for:
-  People who have never danced before.
-  Former dancers who are looking for a convenient way to ease back into the activity.
-  January beginners who would like one more look at ALL the steps used so far this year.
 
You’re probably wondering “What does it cost?”. Well, that’s the best part!  It costs far less than a movie yet does far more good for you!  During an hour of dancing you’ll walk about a mile (over 2300 steps), burn 500+ calories, enjoy good friends, gain a genuine smile and have the time of your life … simultaneously.  It’s the ultimate time-efficient way to get the most bang for your recreational buck.
 
Dance sessions at FunDancers normally cost $5 each.  So, on Sunday, February 12, the normal cost would be $5 for the Crash Course (from 3 to 5 pm) and another $5 for the Beginner Dance (from 5 to 7 pm).  Four fantastic hours of healthy fun entertainment for only ten measly bucks … that’s a bargain!  Still, let’s find a way to make it an even better bargain!
 
How about this?  Everyone at the Beginner Crash Course at 3 pm gets in FREE to the Beginner Dance at 5 pm(If you already prepaid for the Beginner Dance at 5 pm then you get the Crash Course at 3 pm for free.)  Now THAT’s a deal!  Pay for two hours but get a whopping FOUR! 
 
Let’s sweeten the pot even more!  Throughout history, community activities grow by one principal method:  “Friends Bring Friends”.  We want our FunDancers family to enjoy the Crash Course but we also want brand-new friends to try it.  The unique thing about line and square dancing is that almost everyone who tries it, LOVES it.  We’re looking for a good incentive to get newbies to try it.  We know they’ll have a blast and will want to come back.
 
So here’s the deal:  If you bring a first-timer (someone who has not been to FunDancers in 2011 or 2012), both you and your first-timer get in FREE.  The free admission is just one way to say “Thank You” for participating in “Friends Bring Friends”.  Bring a friend and you BOTH get in FREE.
 
Please realize that you are always welcome at FunDancers, no matter what.  Please do NOT get the idea that you must bring a newbie to the Crash Course in order to feel welcome.  If you bring a first-timer, both you AND your first-timer are welcome for free.  That’s four big hours of entertainment for free!  If you show up all by your little lonesome, both you AND your five dollars are equally welcome.  That’s four big hours of entertainment, the kind which happens to actually be good for you, for only five bucks.  Whether or not you bring someone new, you’ll always get a very warm and enthusiastic welcome at FunDancers.
 
Don’t wait until 2013 to start harvesting the many benefits of Fun, Fitness, Friendship and FunDancers.  Get those benefits right NOW, at the Line and Square Dance Crash Course.
 
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Crash Course at 3 pm (a re-teach of every beginner move)
Beginner Dance at 5 pm (dance the moves you know and learn new moves too)
 
Location:  City of Schertz, Community Center North
3501 Morning Drive at Country Club Blvd.
 
Questions?  Comments?  email info@fundancers.org

Saturday, February 4, 2012

FunDancers next dance is February 12

Reminder: FunDancers is closed on February 5 (Super Bowl Sunday).  We dance again on February 12.
 
If you are an Experienced Dancer at the Plus level and you'd like to explore the Advanced level, come to the all-day A-1 Crash Course on Saturday, February 4.  For more info, see the flyer on dancewithsam.com or fundancers.org. 
 
Speaking of Crash Courses, next Sunday February 12 we will have a Beginner "Quick Review" from 3 to 5 pm. This is in addition to the weekly Beginner dance from 5 to 7 pm. January Beginners have learned several dance steps each week.  The "Quick Review" on February 12 will cover ALL Beginner steps introduced so far this year.
 
The Quick Review on February 12 is a splendid "Second Chance" for new people to join the January Beginners already in progress. From 3 to 5 pm you can learn (ahem, get introduced to) every Beginner dance step so far. You will then be all caught up and ready to dance Beginner level from 5 to 7 pm.  So talk it up among your friends ... the more the merrier! Dancing is a fantastic way to get in shape, make new friends, feel great and have a lot of fun.
 
Be sure to check out the Beginner Progress chart at FunDancers dot org.  It shows the calls we're supposed to know. A call lands on the "Calls We Know" list after it is taught and used for at least three weeks. Beginners, please plan to stay until 7:15 pm to dance a tip at full speed with the Experienced dancers.
 
News Flash!  Internationally known line dance choreographer Ira Weisburd will do a special workshop at FunDancers on Sunday, March 18 at 3 pm!
 
Mega-thanks to all the fun people who help make FunDancers such a wonderful Sunday treat!

Crash Course in Advanced A-1, Saturday February 4

To A-1 Crash Course participants:

Thank you for registering for the Advanced-One (A-1) Crash Course. The course will be held in one of the meeting rooms at the Atrium Inn in Schertz.  Street address is 17401 IH 35 N, which is I-35 exit 175 (Natural Bridge Caverns Road), on the southbound frontage road.
 
We'll meet from 9 am to noon, 2 to 5 pm, and 7 to 9:30 pm.  With 2 hours between sessions, you'll have plenty of time for a visit to one of the area's great restaurants or a last-minute dash to Walmart.
 
A nice-sized group is registered yet we do have room for a few more.  Please talk it up among your friends if they are experienced Plus dancers who might be interested in exploring Advanced.  We request reservations in advance by phone or email.  We can only accommodate about 6 more people and we'd hate for anyone to drive to the venue only to be disappointed because there's no room at the inn.  The flyer can be found at dancewithsam.com or nshukayr.com or fundancers.org
 
I hope you already received the A-1 Definitions by email when you registered.  During the Crash Course you will also receive the handy "Shukayr Quick Guide to A-1" which is yours to keep and treasure.  The Quick Guide (6 pages) does not replace the definitions but it does serve as a nice reference or reminder.
 
Thanks again for participating!  Some of the finest people in Texas (including you!) will be at the event.  We eagerly look forward to a splendid time with good friends!