[Sheepman]

I don't think FoxyFunsters arithmetic quite works, don't forget there a lots of other costs that go with those extra punters coming throught the door, presumably the accommodation being the biggest one.

My guesstimate would be that it makes a difference to a maximum of 10% of the total crowd, so the CBA analysis is still on the plus side, (if the cost is £5000.)

Personally, it does makes a difference. As these are people that I want to be taught and inspired by, and learn from their example. Their performances do also make the cabarets a "must see."

The thing is, the bar has now been raised to this standard, the Southport weekenders have a standard to keep up to, it's hard to see these events lowering their standards. And the 10% of customers booking because of the stars are probably those that feel they have less to learn from the other teachers, because they have seen them so often, and they've achieved a high standard of dancing themselves. The fact that there is a large pool of good dancers at these events is in itself an attraction to others.

I think another advantage of doing this is that a mini course of lessons in a particular style can be taught through the weekend, allowing some rapid progression for some, and attract others that otherwise wouldn't attend lessons. Of course this can also be done by our regular teachers, but doesn't have the same appeal to me.

It's not just a case of how good the teaching is, there is also the novelty factor. For example, I think that Amir is one of the best teachers around, but I wouldn't especially pay to see him at a weekender, as I can get lessons with him every week. I'd certainly be there to see him doing a cabaret spot though.

Having just had a brilliant wekend at Camber, without doing a single lesson, (where there were excellent teachers that have inspired me over the years.) I can see that both types of weekender could successfully exist. There are plenty of other factors affecting my decision to attend.

Greg