Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81452792526?pwd=aU1hK3drRTM3c3EyWk5pRjdlb3Y3UT09
More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/173435133881306/

We are so excited to host Charlottesville instructors, Eddie + Adela, for two West Coast Swing intermediate workshops via Zoom! Yes - they will be teaching from a safe social distance - from their living room turned dance studio in Charlottesville, and you can learn, ask questions, visit with them from your kitchen, basement, or wherever…

We have two workshops planned, both requiring basic WCS knowledge (Side Passes, Sugar Pushes, Starter Step, Whip…). If you have questions about your suitability, contact you teach or email info@sapphiredance.com.
The first workshop is focusing on solo movement, aka - how to look and feel fantastic no matter what your partner is doing. This is where you learn to spin like a top and stop on a dime all while staying cool like a cucumber.
The second workshop is currently top secret, but my inside source says they are working on something fresh and light and sure to inspire fifty thousand knock-offs (variations!). In any case, they pinky swear that it will be exciting and more than technique. The material in the second workshop will be based on the material in the first one. So, man, you really need to come to #1 if you want to come to #2.

As with all our online classes, payment is optional. We are suggesting $12/person/workshop, which will include two Q&A sessions, just dance time, and the chance to catch up with people you haven’t seen since the last big dance thing you went to. Visit our Square site to pay the amount that seems right to you: order.SapphireDance.com

We have two requests for you:
1. Please, register by Friday, May 8. It makes check-in way easier on us! Just send an email to info@sapphiredance.com with your name (and names of anyone else you’re bringing along) and if you’re coming to just the first workshop or both workshops. Feel free to pay (or not) after the workshops are done if you’re not sure what you’re going to participate in.
2. If you don’t manage to register ahead of time, come dance with us any way!

In the meantime, take a minute to watch them dance! Here they are (wearing blue) dancing their way to 3rd Place in Advanced Strictly Swing at 2019 Trilogy Swing: https://youtu.be/iwM3zOpmF_Q.

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For several years, it was a thing in a certain group of families for the teenaged boys to bring their mom’s out dancing for mother’s day. It was one of the sweetest things I have seen while working at Sapphire, and that memory inspired me.

Any kid who buys their mom a dance lesson, or even better, takes one with her for mother’s day, will get an electronic gift card of equal value for free. We’re matching your gift.

So - let’s say you're in lockdown with your mom. You can’t take her to dinner, now can you? But drop us an email (info@sapphiredance.com) and say which online class you’d like to come to, or schedule a private lesson (see below) and we will send you a gift card that you can use now for another online class or save for later when the classes will be in person again. Or give the card to your mom. Or your dad, or… you get the picture.

But what if you’re not lucky enough to be in lockdown with that lovely lady? No problem! Still just send us that email, but be sure to include your mom’s email as well. We will send her the info she needs to join the class. (Partners are not required, so don’t worry about that.)

Or maybe you don’t want to make choices, then just get her a gift card [link] in any amount. As long as you send us that email telling us what you did, we will match the gift card.

Now - moms. You’re going to have to help with this and ask for your child to take you dancing. Don’t be shy - forward this email to your kids, husband, whoever will make it happen.

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None of use like being shut away from our normal lives - or being “essential” enough we can’t shelter in our homes. But the people that I feel Hallmark-Channel weepy over are the ones who have had really special moments completely derailed by the coronavirus: Graduations, Birthdays, Weddings…

Usually by this time of year, we have a steady stream of wedding couples coming through our doors, preparing for their May Wedding, or June, or sometimes even further out. They all are interesting, sweet, and utterly adorable (sorry, but you are!). They bring their unique song choices in, sometimes their colorful families, and we have a blast teaching them.

So, here’s a lesson special just for the Special Occasion people out there. From now until the end of the lock down (at least through May, probably longer), I offer you online private lessons at only $20/lesson, no minimum number required. So try it out - bring your sweetheart on a virtual date. Learn how to boogie in your bathrobe. Just email us to get started.

When you email, please include your special occasion, the name of anyone joining you in the lesson (first name is enough), your schedule preferences, and if you have a dance style or particular song in mind. Lesson times are limited, but we will do our best to work with your schedule.

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We have 21 playlists of “Songs For Practice” on Youtube. This month, check out another handful of these playlists and think about learning something new. Additionally, look for mini dance party playlists posted every week on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SapphireBallroom/), hopefully every Friday, because we need a dance party on Fridays, right?

Bolero Is a super exciting, suuuuper slow dance. It’s one of those dances that combines Latin and Smooth motions to make a truly unique experience. If you’re getting married any time soon, this playlist will have lots of good options to choose from.

Cha Cha Energetic and happy, this sassy dance is versatile and handy. I use it almost every time I dance in public.

Merengue A Latin dance club staple, Merengue is even sweeter than the meringue that spell check keeps thinking I’m talking about. Super fun and takes almost no space - it’s perfect for dancing in your kitchen.

Rumba Frequently labeled the dance of love, Rumba can be casual and or intense. It’s great for a sunny afternoon and Jimmy Buffett music, or for wooing your woman to Enrique Iglacias.

Single Time Swing Fast and hip, this swinging style will get you bopping around your dining room.

Waltz This is what being a princess is all about - dancing a waltz in a fantastic gown in a magical castle. Well, we can get you the dancing part of that.

West Coast Swing Covering a huge variety of genres, WCS music is funky, hip, groovy, happy, gritty, and cool, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

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May ONLINE Dance Classes:

Events are hosted by Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center.

Online classes are easy, once you try it. You do not need a partner; you do not need a fancy space. You do not have to share your picture or video.

All events require a Zoom log in which we will provide you, but not a Zoom account.

All events offer a variety of payment amounts and payment is not actually required. If you are strapped for funds, for any reason, please still dance with us! If you have the means, please consider paying a little extra for your classes, like you would tip a server at your favorite restaurant. It will go towards paying our rent and utilities until we can get back on the dancefloor (hopefully in June!). We love you all and believe you deserve the chance to dance as often as possible.

To help with check in, please email your registration with your name(s) and workshop date before the day of the workshop.

Friday, May 8, 7pm - Friday Beginner Workshop - Fox Trot
Learn the beginning steps for Fox Trot, a smooth, mellow dance. Usually Fox Trot takes a lot of space, but we’ll show you how to make it fit in your space. Learn on your own or with a partner.
Suggested cost: $6/person
Prerequisite: None! This is just for beginners, just for you!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/73243954046
 

Saturday, May 9 - Eddie + Adela!
We are doing it! There will be one workshop specifically geared toward dancing in your own body (no partner) and another one geared towards new material. More information available above and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/173435133881306/
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81452792526

All of our online events are listed at http://www.sapphiredance.com/onlinelessons.htm

For more information about anything or to register for any of these classes, please email us at info@sapphiredance.com.

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Thanks for reading; we hope you found something you liked. Until we see you again, happy dancing!

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