Club Switching

And Multiple Club Memberships.

by Randy Matsumoto, Renton Village

With the new year coming into better focus, we have some dance clubs that still find it difficult to accept that their members like to try other clubs. Many express anger, pout, scream disloyalty or display some other negative emotion in their attempt to prevent this practice. Usually the biggest clubs with the “de jure” group of rule makers will be the most narrow minded.

"Life is a one way street. No matter how many detours you take,

none of them lead back."

They often try to make people feel guilty. But if people are into dancing long enough, the practice of going to another dance club is inevitable. This has existed whenever there have been choices. This practice should not be taken as personal failure or with feelings that the dancers are ungrateful.

If, however, one is losing members on a more permanent basis, it is imperative that corrective measures take place. In some cases of the “de facto” rule makers, liars and seat controllers (Creative Researchers And Producers) it is very difficult. This does not include punishment for anyone. It does include giving the ordinary everyday dancers more to make the club more attractive.

"You May Be Right" by Billy Joel

Dancers going from club to club should be looked upon as a healthy outgrowth as they gain more confidence, skill and independence in their love of dancing. Rather than becoming upset, the top brass should concentrate on ways to keep their members with them most of the time. If the idea of the revolving door is acknowledged, everyone will benefit as long as new dancers are coming in some door.

Getting more dancers in that door is an area that needs much improvement and is greatly neglected. Look at the clubs now that have no classes for beginners at all. Fortunately, many clubs are including Bolero, Salsa, Bachata, Night Club 2 Step, Mambo and Hustle, all of them, dances excluded in the International curriculum. And the DJs are finding music that is "classic music," not just a metronome. (but you can dance Rumba to it.)

"Once Upon A Time" by  Rochell & the Candles

While fair competition is good there is also much to be gained from cooperation specially among the smaller clubs. This, specially, since there are a few that are holding on by a hair. Whatever, dancers have an absolute right to feel free to go where they please and spend their money and time as they see fit without having to justify this to anyone. They should not have an assumed obligation to support anyone and should not be made to feel guilty or fear criticism.  This includes the night clubbing part of the action too. *  *  *  *