tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48025081470689295212024-03-08T02:17:30.279-05:00Dance TalkDance Talk -- hosted by Melodie Carr -- to discuss dancing, dances, bands, facilities, steps, etc. Visit my website at www.dancemuncie.com or www.melodiecarr.comDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-41864315394577820752012-01-03T13:04:00.003-05:002012-01-03T13:18:16.176-05:00Economic Effect on Dance ClassesHi Everyone!<br /><br />I am really in a dilemma these days regarding my dance classes. Due to the economic downturn of the past few years, enrollment for my ballroom, swing, and Latin dance classes has bottomed out. In particular, my level II/III classes -- each of which has about three loyal and eager couples (thank you!) ready to take classes any time I offer them. Unfortunately, it has not made much business sense to go on as I have been. After advertising, room rental, and self-employment taxes, I sometimes <span style="font-style: italic;">lose</span> money on these classes with just a few students. That wouldn't bother me so much (I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> teaching these classes), except that I don't have a wealthy husband (or any husband, for that matter - lol) to support my habit!<br /><br />Does anyone have any advice or ideas that might help increase enrollment for these classes? I used to teach three days a week when Dancing With the Stars first came out, then people started watching the show more for entertainment than incentive. I then went down to two classes a week. These days I only teach once a week and Beginning Ballroom is the only one that has been a consistent "go." There are usually a couple of people who want Beginning Swing or Latin classes, but these days never enough, and I hate to say, "no." Any advice would be welcome!<br /><br />On a more upbeat note -- Happy 2012! I hope you all keep your dancing feet moving!!!<br /><br />MelodieDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-13524350546683192392012-01-03T13:04:00.000-05:002012-01-03T13:05:00.555-05:00Economic Effect onDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-221920933765203972009-01-03T08:27:00.005-05:002009-01-03T08:31:20.222-05:00New Year'sHappy 2009! I hope everyone found a dance on New Year's Eve! I didn't get asked to go out for New Year's : ((( but I thought of all you guys out there dancing. Wish I could have been dancing, too, but it was OK being home... alone. I was on the road sooooo much last semester, then Christmas came so fast, and I am just now catching up at home, so it was fine.<br /><br />MelodieDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-23399839857423646502009-01-03T08:26:00.002-05:002009-01-03T08:27:03.614-05:00January 2009 dance classesRemember that new classes begin the week of January 11th! See my website for details (<a href="http://www.dancemuncie.com/">www.dancemuncie.com</a>)<br /><br />MelodieDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-23377901285166858842009-01-03T08:23:00.002-05:002009-01-03T08:26:10.570-05:00Pam's commentsThanks Pam! I appreciate all the nice comments! The Sunday night Super Singles' Dance is one of the few places to dance in this area. Anyone can come -- you don't have to be single... Remember, Sunday nights, 7-11pm, White River Plaza -- Mr. DJ's studio.Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-85162742120224829032008-11-05T16:50:00.002-05:002008-11-05T16:53:16.578-05:00Spike & The Bulldogs in MuncieThe band<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Spike & The Bulldogs </span>is going to be in Muncie this Saturday. Although I love this band, the venue leaves a lot to be desired. The dance floor is not very big, and if they move or remove tables for dance space, not very many people will be able to get in. At any rate, here is the info.<br /><br />November 8, 2008<br /><br />Bygones Bar & Grill<br />2108 N. Walnut, Muncie, IN<br /><br />Tickets $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door<br />Or you can by tickets on line at bygonesonline.com<br />1-765-282-6498<br /><br />9:00-11:30pm<br />The dance floor at Bygones is not very big.<br />I would suggest you get your tickets ahead of time.Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-37764130066802272252008-10-15T08:27:00.002-04:002008-10-15T08:35:38.359-04:00More DancingThanks Jason, for the wonderful comments! It was a lot of fun, whatever the outcome.<br /><br />A new round of classes is about to start. It is always an exciting time. My "More Ballroom" and "More Swing" classes are for those who have already had some dance -- it is always fun and challenging to make sure everyone learns something new, whether they have taken 1 or 10 of my classes before! The beginning classes are always delightful, too. The turnaround at about week #4 always makes me smile -- the dancers really begin to smooth out as they have to think less and less about the basic rhythms.<br /><br />There is a regular place to dance on Sunday evenings in Muncie now -- it is billed as a single's dance, but couples are also encouraged to come. It is at Mr. DJ & Co., White River Plaze (at the corner of White River Blvd. and Nichols Ave.) -- 7:00-10:00pm (or maybe 11:00 -- I'm not sure) -- $6.00/person. Enter under the "White River Plaza" sign on the White River Blvd. side of the building (the Bingo entrance). Go up the stairs (1 flight). The studio is on the left. Hope to see you there!<br /><br />MelodieDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-66098116756008747032008-10-03T07:08:00.002-04:002008-10-03T07:16:12.734-04:00New classesNew classes are getting closer!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">October 15 - November 19, 2008<br />White River Plaza <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">(<span style="font-style: italic;">NEW LOCATION</span>)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wednesday nights<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Ballroom - 6:30pm<br />More Swing - 7:30pm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">(You <span style="font-style: italic;">must</span> pre-register for these classes)<br /></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$80/person -- $150/couple<br /><br /><br />October 19 - November 23<br />Forrest Park Center<br />2517 W. 8th St. Muncie<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beginning Ballroom - 2:00pm<br />Beginning Swing - 3:00pm<br />Latin - 4:00pm<br /></span>$80/person -- $150/couple<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hope to see you there!<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span></span></span></span></div>Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-12705210598763518952008-10-03T07:04:00.002-04:002008-10-03T07:08:40.070-04:00Swing contestMy son, Joseph, and I placed 3rd in a swing contest at James Dean Days last weekend! We had a lot of fun, and we got (by far!) the biggest applause from the audience. (Even the 1st and 2nd place winners couldn't figure out why we didn't get 1st place!) That was OK -- how often do you walk away with $100 for dancing for 15 minutes?Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-6548648691593881362008-09-19T16:02:00.003-04:002008-09-19T16:19:09.925-04:00Big Daddy Caddy Canceled -- New Classes scheduledBig Daddy Caddy (a great dance band) has canceled their show at the Noblesville Moose tomorrow night.<br /><br />Other news: I will be starting a new round of classes soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Ballroom</span><br />Wednesdays, October 15 - November 19, 2008<br />6:30-7:30pm<br />Forest Park Center<br />Muncie IN<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Swing<br /></span>Wednesdays, October 15 - November 19, 2008<br />6:30-7:30pm<br />Forest Park Center<br />Muncie IN<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">CALL AHEAD FOR THE <span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE BALLROOM</span> AND <span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE SWING</span> CLASSES -- I must have at least 6 couples to be able to schedule the class (765-749-9080)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beginning Ballroom<br /></span>Sundays, October 19 - November 23, 2008<br />2:00-3:00pm<br /> Forest Park Center<br /> Muncie IN<br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beginning Swing<br /></span>Sundays, October 19 - November 23, 2008<br />3:00-4:00pm<br /> Forest Park Center<br /> Muncie IN<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Latin<br /></span>Sundays, October 19 - November 23, 2008<br />4:00-5:00pm<br /> Forest Park Center<br /> Muncie IN<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Call to register: 765-749-9080<br /><br /><br />I hope you dance!<br /><br />Melodie<br /></div></div>Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-57834337251255644052008-09-10T06:44:00.002-04:002008-09-10T06:47:27.922-04:00Some classes cancelledUnfortunately, I have had to cancel my Monday and Wednesday classes due to lack of enrollment. The economy is really taking its toll... I still have my Sunday classes (Beg. Ballroom at 2pm, Beg. Swing at 3pm, and Latin at 4pm). If I hear from enough people in the next day or two, I'll set up Intermediate Ballroom and Intermediate Swing classes for Monday evenings.Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-87429677454330040532008-09-05T08:28:00.002-04:002008-09-05T08:31:52.829-04:00Cancelled classesWell, I had to cancel my Wednesday night classes. Wednesday nights have always been bad -- I will probably no longer offer classes on that night. My Sunday classes should be great. I have a lot of people of my list for all three Sunday classes. Not sure about Monday. If I don't get many people next Monday evening, I'll offer a couple of Level II/Intermediate classes on Monday nights. Stay tuned!Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-50057433864111978562008-08-24T13:37:00.003-04:002008-08-24T13:39:46.246-04:00Joy in social dancingThere is great joy in dancing socially, especially with a signifant other. I am, however, having great difficulty finding joy in dancing socially myself, ever since I lost Dale, my dance partner and love interest earlier this summer (to another woman -- ouch). I thought getting out and forcing the issue (going to singles' dances, etc.) would help matters, but it seems to only have made matters worse. Sometimes, I see Dale and his new significant other at these dances (the singles' dances!) and it really, really hurts...Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-1174433135643461622008-08-24T13:33:00.002-04:002008-08-24T13:37:08.670-04:00New classesNew classes will be starting soon. See Home Page of my website for schedule (<a href="http://www.dancemuncie.com/">www.dancemuncie.com</a>). I'm looking forward to teaching people how to dance again!Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-31947701201805389712008-08-04T15:41:00.002-04:002008-08-04T15:44:52.263-04:00Dance ClassesI just found out that my venue for Monday night classes starting in September has not accepted my application (College Avenue United Methodist Church). I'm so frustrated! I cannot find a venue near Muncie that is large enough that is available on Monday nights! The places that I can afford are all booked for Mondays in the Fall. Any suggestions?Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-92014465042982618452008-08-02T10:10:00.002-04:002008-08-02T10:19:37.085-04:00End of SummerI hope everyone has been finding places to dance this summer. I recently lost my dance partner to another woman (ouch), so I haven't danced very much. Just now getting back on the dance floor at singles' dances, but the 2 closest ones (Fridays at the Muncie Moose and Sundays at the Anderson Elks) were both cancelled!! Another ouch. That means I usually have to travel and hour or more to get somewhere to dance. (It doesn't do me any good to wander into a regular dance, as everyone comes with partners.) I don't expect (nor do I really want) to find a romantic relationship at a singles' dance (it is somewhat like a bar - yuck), but I <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> need to dance. (Many of the men will say something like, "I've been coming here for 4 years -- or 7 years" -- etc... <span style="font-style: italic;">not a good sign!</span>)<br /> I'm looking forward to classes beginning in a month. At least I get to help people improve <span style="font-style: italic;">their</span> lives and relationships with dance!!!Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-68824462575242664942007-12-01T16:33:00.000-05:002007-12-01T16:44:31.237-05:00Slater HawkinsSlater Hawkins is up for sale (a cool $650K). This is a <span style="font-style: italic;">most wonderful</span> venue for dances, but the previous owner would never let me rent the space to hold my dances there. There used to be a regular singles' dance there each month (or maybe it was twice a month) for awhile and it was really beginning to take off (having started in the dead of winter, the spring brought out more people), but the owner cut it short, not giving it a chance to really build by word of mouth (he never advertised these dances).<br /> If I had the funds, I would buy the place, hold my classes there, and have regular dances. Arghhhh! It is very frustrating!<br /> Please keep your ears to the ground about potential buyers. If you know of anyone who is looking into the property, I would be very interested in talking to them about some sort of arrangement. I hate to have such a great dance floor and facility unavailable, since there are so few good (and affordable) venues in this area...Dancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802508147068929521.post-71383224870735450322007-11-26T13:50:00.000-05:002007-11-26T13:56:27.749-05:00First PostingDance Talk -- hosted by Melodie Carr -- to discuss dancing, dances, bands, facilities, steps, etc. Visit my website at www.dancemuncie.com or www.melodiecarr.comDancing Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14559129622839071011noreply@blogger.com0