Hi Team!
Happy Sunday! Today we had a great newcomer lesson on the Waltz, Samba, and Quickstep from Steve and Susan. If you have any questions on what was taught, be sure to attend DTS! Also, don’t forget to change partners at newcomer lesson! Dancing with your friends can be lots of fun, but dancing with more or less experienced team members can also really help when learning new moves. If you’re struggling in lesson, dancing with someone who has been on the team for a few years might help you. This week we’ll also be starting our 50/50 guided practices on Thursdays. This means that Thursday review lesson will now be a one-hour review and the rest of the time will be free practice with upper level team dancers present to help answer any questions you have. It’s a great opportunity to learn regardless of your level, so bring a partner or attend on your own!
Announcements for Everyone:
- Michcomp Advertising: We go out to Ann Arbor businesses each year to ask for donations to help fund Michcomp. Group assignments will be sent out tonight!
- Competition Prep Night: If you’re a newcomer and you’re interested in competing, this event is for you! At Comp Prep Night, you’ll learn everything you need to know about competing including what to bring, how to dress, and how to impress the judges before the music even starts! We’ll also demo hair and makeup. Comp Prep Night will start at 7pm on Friday, Feb. 21st at Johny’s house.
- Northwestern Photo Album: Please put all of your photos from Northwestern in this album!
- Chess Tournament: If you love chess, sign up here by 2/19 to join a tournament to determine the best chess players on the team!
- Pie Baking Social: We are having a pie baking social on 2/22 in the evening. You’ll be able to learn how to bake a pie as well as play some board games as we wait for parts to finish. Please sign up here to attend! This form is due 2/18!
- Themed DTS: Themed DTS every Wednesday. This Wednesday’s theme is animals. Wear your cat ears, animal shirts, zebra print, etc.
- Partner Search: If you want to find a partner to practice and/or compete with, please look at this partner search sheet for you to find a partner on.
- W25 Approved Teachers: We recommend only asking for help regarding dance moves and technique from a list of couples approved by Steve and Susan. See the list here.
- W25 Competition Schedule: Check here for the dates of the competitions we’ll be attending this semester.
- Feedback Form: Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the team? We want to hear from you! Let us know by talking to a board member or by using the team’s anonymous feedback form on our website. Anything you report to us is 100% confidential.
- Other Practice Spaces: Some great places to practice are the IMSB multi-purpose room A (where we hold lessons) and B (bottom of the stairs). Check here to find a time where the IMSB is not reserved for another group. The ballroom dance club is generally also available for lessons and open practice on Sundays 6-9pm in the Rogel Ballroom in the Union (free for UMBDT dues paying members). Check their schedule here.
- Liability Waiver: Please fill out these yearly mandatory liability forms before coming to lessons and DTS if you are a new member! The IMSB liability form is here and the team waiver is here. Everyone needs to fill these out once per year and it does not take long so do them now before you forget!
This Week’s Schedule…
Monday 2/17
9:30-11:30 pm: Open Practice at DTS
Tuesday 2/18
9:30-11:30 pm: Open Practice at DTS
Wednesday2/19
10 pm-12 am: Open Practice at DTS, wear your animal attire!
Thursday 2/20
9-11 pm: Newcomer lesson/Guided Practice in the IMSB
9:30-11:30 pm: Open Practice at DTS
Friday 2/21
7 pm: Intro to Competition Night at Johny’s House!
Saturday 2/22
Pie Baking Social at Johny’s!
Sunday 2/23
3-5 pm: Newcomer lesson!!!
6-9 pm: Ballroom Club Lesson and Open Dance
Remember to keep an eye out for the Arnold registration email that Nate will be sending out! I can’t wait to go and compete with you all, I know it’s going to be so much fun! In the mean time keep resting up, practicing all of your cool new moves, and pushing through your midterms. We’ve got this. As always, let me know if you need anything.
Love,
Nicolette
MBDT President