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Coming to your first Ceroc evening is always a step into the unknown. Never fear! Here is what your first Ceroc night will feel like.
First of all, come determined to enjoy yourself. It is an opportunity to learn how to dance modern jive, but it is also a social occasion and a really good night out!
Whether you are coming from home or staight from work, make sure you are wearing suitable clothing. If you stay all evening you will be there for at least three hours! :
- Make sure you come 'layered' so that when you become hot, and you will, you can shed an item or two
- That awful phrase 'smart casual' sums up the general style of dress. So, if you are a bloke you will probably wear trousers (jeans tend to be hot and uncomfortable), if you are a woman you have your pick of slacks, skirt or dress. Mind you, in the summer a number of men do like to show off their legs. Up to now this has been in shorts, but you never know.....
- Wear smooth-soled shoes. Try to avoid trainers, they tend to have good grip and don't alow you to turn and spin easily. For women shoes can be flat or heeled, whatever is more comfortable for you - but no stilletto's or pointed heels please.
Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start. At Dance-Ceroc venues doors open 15 minutes before the beginners class. You will be greeted by the door person and some of the experienced dancers, known as Taxi Dancers at Ceroc (where available).
You will be asked to pay your £7 entry fee (concessions available for students in full time education), plus a one-off, £2 membership fee payable on your first night. In return for filling in a simple form , you will be given a membership card which is valid thoughout the UK. Write your name on this card, you will need to show it every time you attend a Ceroc event anywhere in the country. Your card is proof of your membership and prevents you being asked for your membership fee a second time.
Buy a drink from the bar, grab a seat, and pick up a leaflet or two from the table. Your Ceroc Guide is a good start and will help you to understand the format of the night and lets you know who is who at a Ceroc event.
At the start of the night, the teacher takes to the stage and arranges the class in rows of dancing partners. If you have come on your own, it should be easy to find someone of the opposite sex in a similar situation. If, there are more of one gender than another the teacher will get the 'spare dancers' to space themselves out between the couples. If you have come with your partner, don't be tempted to stick with him/her in the class, or it could be a case of 'the blind leading the blind'! You will learn much faster if you dance with a range of people, especially those who are more experienced than yourself.
The teacher introduces him/herself. Then, with the assistance of a 'demonstrator', shows the beginners routine for that night. This routine will consist of four moves, each move being taught individually then put into a routine that you can dance though and practice. Every so often, partners will be changed.
The beginners class will last about 45 minutes. At the end of the class, the teacher will introduce the 'taxi-dancers'. These are carefully chosen, approachable Cerocers who are there to answer your questions and help you practice your new dance moves. They are 'on duty' until 30 minutes before the end of the evening.
After the beginners class, there is the first freestyle session. During the freestyle the DJ will play a range of music (both up-to-date and from other eras) and this is your chance to practise your new dance skills. Ask anyone you like for a dance, it is expected. At Ceroc it is etiquette never to say no, that way it is safe for everyone to ask for a dance. If you don't feel that brave on your first night ask the taxi dancers for a dance or two and they will help improve your confidence. This session lasts 20/30 minutes.
Next is the intermediate class which will last about 30 minutes. This is probably too difficult for you at this early stage. However, whilst not taking part in the main class, you have a number of options. You may choose to:
- Go into a side room (iwhere available) with the taxi dancers to practice the moves you have just learned
- Watch the intermediate class to pick up some hints and tips
- Have a go at the intermediate routine. After a few weeks you may feel you want to have a go at the intermediate routine. When you do feel ready, join in, you can always drop out if the moves become too advanced.
Whatever you do, don't go home!
The last part of the night is the main freestyle session. Try to dance as much as possible. The class teaches you the moves but it is the practice during the freestyle that gets you dancing. At Ceroc everyone asks everyone else for a dance. It is perfectly acceptable for women to ask the men for a dance. It is not Ceroc etiquette to turn down the offer of a dance - everyone says yes - so just go and ask!
At the end of the night, you might feel a bit exhausted but you could also be quite exhilarated, already looking forward to your second Ceroc night.
On the way out, make sure you pick up the various fliers, etc which are of interest to you.
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