CSDS - Monthly Dances

Second Saturday of each month (Check here to confirm exact date and location)

Our monthly dance consists primarily of live bands and/or DJs playing a combination of Lindy Hop, East Coast swing and Blues music in a smoke and alcohol free environment. The dances are for all ages, and dress is casual.

Unless otherwise noted, they are held in the New Haven area on the second Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. Admission is $10.00 for CSDS members, $12.00 for non-members and $6.00 for students for dances with live bands. For DJ dances, admission is $8 for CSDS members, $10 for non-members and $5.00 for students. Preceding each dance, from 7:30 to 8:30, there is an introduction to swing dance lesson at no extra charge. These dances are attended by dancers of all levels, so come join the fun! No partner-No problem.

CSDS membership is only $15 for one year. Not only do you receive discounts on dances, classes and workshops, you'll also be helping us to continue holding these events! Why not become a member today?

CSDS offers Gift Certificates. Give the gift of dance!

Our monthly dances are all held at Ballroom Experience in Milford unless otherwise noted. Ballroom Experience is just about 10 minutes from New Haven, has a great dance floor, air conditioning and plenty of parking!

Date	Band/DJ	Location
April 12	DJ Chris Oksanen	Ballroom Experience, Milford
May 10	DJ Wil Reed	Ballroom Experience, Milford
June 14	DJ Rob Szarka	Ballroom Experience, Milford

Friday Night Swing Review and Practice Parties!

Location: MECA (formerly NEAT), 28 Washington Ave, North Haven.
Third Friday of the month.
March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20
Directions to MECA.

Want to improve your swing dance skills? If you have taken swing classes and want to practice, improve and/or review what you have learned, this practice session is for you.

These practice sessions are not meant to take the place of beginner lessons. They are to practice what you've already learned. If you are brand new to swing dancing, or if you've never taken any classes, we recommend taking some classes first. You will get more out of the practice session that way!

8:30 - 10:00 PM - experienced dancers from the local community will be available to answer questions, offer suggestions and dance with beginners!

10:00 - 11:30 PM - use what you've learned, dancing to DJ swing tunes!

Cost: $10, after 10:00 $5.

No partner needed -- bring your shoes and water!
If parking lot at MECA is full, park in neighboring lots on either side.

Personal Grooming

Be fresh and clean when you start. Use deodorant and breath fresheners.
Bring a towel and extra shirts to change into.

Asking For a Dance

Excuse yourself if necessary and ask the person to dance.
A woman who feels uneasy asking a man to dance should stand near the dance floor and smile while moving to the music.

Declining a Dance

Always thank them for asking.
If tired, offer to dance later. It is impolite to then dance with someone else.
If you never want to dance with a person, politely but firmly tell them why. You may be doing them a favor by letting them know.
If you don’t feel like dancing at all, don’t stand near the floor. If you came to talk with friends, do it away from the dance floor.

Teaching While Dancing

Unless asked to do so, DO NOT DO IT.

Dance Level

Dance at your partner’s level. If you are unfamiliar with your partner, start basic and work up. The goal is for both individuals to have fun, not outdo each other.

Crowded Dance

Dance to fit the conditions. Show concern for others. Crowded floors require controlled moves and small steps, especially back steps.
Leaders must be aware of who is in your space. The leader is responsible to place the follower into safe space.

Personal Space

While the man normally leads, usually the woman determines how close you dance.

After a Song

Etiquette dictates that the leader escorts the follower off the floor. Sometimes this means you miss a chance to ask a specific person for the next dance, but that is the price for good manners.