West Coast Swing - Trent Park

**Dizzy** · 27th-March-2007, 11:33 AM

Just wondered if anyone managed to get to Lee and Vanessa's first night teaching WCS in Oakwood last night and what it was like.

I am hoping to venture that way in the next few weeks and wish them all the luck in thier new venture.

**David Bailey** · 27th-March-2007, 12:01 PM

You know, that title could be interpreted in so many different ways...

**Dizzy** · 27th-March-2007, 12:09 PM

Don't Blame me...... I didn't make up the name

**Paul F** · 27th-March-2007, 12:10 PM

I wanted to get up there myself to show my support but in the end went to Esher. It was a really good night.
North London is just so tricky to get to for me unfortunately.

**Lory** · 27th-March-2007, 12:22 PM

I went.

The venue... is dead easy to find, with a nice large, free carpark. Only 5 mins from Jct24 (potters Bar) of the M25
And its nearly opposite Oakwood Underground Station. (on the piccadilly line)

It has a full bar, with very reasonable prices.

A lovely patio, with doors that can open in the summer.

Lots of seating.

At the moment, the floor is small but apparently the whole room is going to have a new wood floor in the next few weeks.

Last night, I heard the lady on the door mention there were 75 people through the door and amazingly, there was practically even gender balance!

I'm not sure how the numbers broke down but I know there were about 10-12 regulars from Twickenham, a small number of Lee's family and friends, some people who travelled down from the midlands, a few people I recognised from Ceroc but the majority seemed to be either total beginner dancers or Salsa dancers.

Both classes concentrated purely on the extreme basics.

It was quite funny, as the Salsa dancers got the foot work fine but did it with complete Salsa style.

I helped a couple of the Salsa guys, (who 'will' be very good.. when they stop holding their hands at my armpit level

) and they in turn, asked me for a Salsa dance later on (just to get their own back

and boy was it fast

)

During the freestyle, we had alsorts going on, Salsa, WCS and at one time, I even saw some people doing line dance practising in one of the corners.

all good fun though!

And lastly the finish time is Midnight, and that's going to be every week.

The major downside for me, was the fact that smoking is allowed in the venue

I was wheezy and coughing by the end of the night... I'd actually completely forgotten how horrible it is!

Roll on July!

**David Bailey** · 27th-March-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lory

I was wheezy and coughing by the end of the night... I'd actually completely forgotten how horrible it is! Roll on July!

That venue's lovely when they open it up in the summer evenings - I've been to BBQs there as well (salsa), they're great

LMC · 27th-March-2007, 12:26 PM

Meeeee. I went.

Yes, I've joined the dark side. If you can't beat them, join them.

You'll have to wait for someone who knows what they are talking about for a sensible review - my prior WCS experience being one weekender workshop at the dawn of time (or thereabouts in terms of my dancing experience).

But FWIW ... Worth every penny of 7 quid

(bargain, I thought it was £10!!!)

Lee's teaching was excellent, and given the 'issues' with the venue (lighting, pillars, etc) was extremely good at making sure everyone could see what was going on. Mostly beginners, so the two classes were beginner - sugar push, left pass and a starter step (if that's the correct term). From my POV as a follower, there were enough leads with some experience in the classes to make it not too frustrating. Not too many women over - think it was only two in the first class, about 6-8 for the second. Quite a lot of people there, and think many of them had previous dance experience of some description as very few seemed truly clueless - just mostly beginner-ish but giving it a damn fine go (like me).

Couldn't stay for the freestyle 'cos no car

- and had to go back into town to get the train out again, grrr. But there were a reasonable number of experienced dancers there and all were very friendly and helpful.

Venue: easy to find, loads of parking. Full bar, plenty of seating. Carpet usefully 1970's patterned so could visualise a slot and see if I ended up back on the hideous swirl that I started on while Lee was going over men's steps and leaving us women to practice on our own. Pillars had excellent compression to send me back down the slot although were otherwise not leading especially well.

Bad points: smoking allowed in bar area. Pillars (crashing into those going back down the slot frustrating). Not enough space - it's a small floor - meaning dancing on carpet and making it difficult to get a long enough slot - hence the pillar crashing. But good that the class was well-attended and I reckon it'll be a bit quieter next week as there were probably a fair few first-timers who were "just curious". Like me - but I'll be back

EDIT: cross-posted with Lory

Mary · 27th-March-2007, 03:50 PM

Sounds like Lee's first night was quite successful, which I am really pleased to hear. The more WCS outlets there are the better, because hopefully the more people who stick at it, then hopefully it will dispel that 'up our own ar*es' cliquey reputaton the WCS devotees have acquired.

Lee is the perfect ambassador for WCS as he has so much infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail that one just can't help wanting to absorb as much as you can from his teaching. As well as being a world champion and altogether nice guy.

M

**Msfab** · 27th-March-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary

Sounds like Lee's first night was quite successful, which I am really pleased to hear. The more WCS outlets there are the better, because hopefully the more people who stick at it, then hopefully it will dispel that 'up our own ar*es' cliquey reputaton the WCS devotees have acquired.

Very pleased to hear Lee and Vanessa night went well, hope it continues as it started
I decided Id go to Esher for Paul Wardens last class for Ceroc surrey, which had a good turn out and Chocolate

Such a shame it was the last one

But we'll still have him teaching monthly at Bisley!

**David Bailey** · 27th-March-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary

Sounds like Lee's first night was quite successful, which I am really pleased to hear.

Unfortunately, a lot of nights - especially weekly ones - start out with a bang and then struggle at the beginning. Most of them, in fact.

So if there were (say) 75 there on the launch night, there could be just 20 there the following week.

As long as Lee knows and accepts this, hopefully it'll take off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary

The more WCS outlets there are the better, because hopefully the more people who stick at it, then hopefully it will dispel that 'up our own ar*es' cliquey reputaton the WCS devotees have acquired.

Hmmm... If they do have this rep (I don't know if it's justified or not), do you think it's a numbers game? Or is it a default position for the average non-MJ dancer to be snooty? God knows, AT dancers are as bad or worse...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary

Lee is the perfect ambassador for WCS as he has so much infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail that one just can't help wanting to absorb as much as you can from his teaching. As well as being a world champion and altogether nice guy.

You almost make me want to go there myself

**Missy D** · 27th-March-2007, 07:41 PM

I went last night and really enjoyed it - will definately make this a regular thing to go to. Lee teaches really well and is so funny too.

Thankyou to Lory for showing me some of the basics

I didnt stay for the freestyle as i didnt want to pick up bad habits. I noticed when freestyle started the Cerocers and Salsa people started doing their own style dance.

Just wondering now how long i have to learn this dance before I become a 'hotshot'

**Missy D** · 6th-April-2007, 05:40 PM

Just a quick one to say WCS is on this monday despite it being a bank holiday. Hope to see some of you there.

LMC · 10th-April-2007, 11:45 AM

Ache-y knee and hip after Sunday's (excellent) workshops and freestyle

- but I shall be there next Monday

- and now I've got my car back, will be able to stay for the freestyle this time too

**Icey** · 10th-April-2007, 12:36 PM

I will be going ... once I sit my exams

**Missy D** · 23rd-April-2007, 09:03 AM

Cat taught a wonderful lesson last week. I do hope more come and spread the word.

£7 for a 2 hour lesson taught by Lee or Cat and freestyle til midnight what more could you ask for?

**Paul F** · 23rd-April-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy D

Cat taught a wonderful lesson last week. I do hope more come and spread the word.

£7 for a 2 hour lesson taught by Lee or Cat and freestyle til midnight what more could you ask for?

That is a really good deal. I would love to get there but I struggle getting to Twickenham on a Wednesday night. For me to get to North London would be impossible unless I left work early

I've heard really good things about the venue etc.

**Missy D** · 24th-April-2007, 08:08 AM

Really enjoyed WCS last night which was taught by Lee and Vanessa

I now feel I can dance a whole track in freestyle which is great after only having 4 lessons.

I just have to learn how to take the concentration count away from my face.

*onkar* · 24th-April-2007, 08:39 AM

Went along for the 1st time last night.

Venue was excellent, and will be better still when the whole floor gets redone in the next few weeks.

Smoking was a pain, but only have to suffer that for a another couple of months!

Teaching was excellent, and I really enjoyed Lee's style. Very helpful, and I will definitely make the effort to go along in the coming weeks, work permitting.

Will drag along a few more Jivers from Letchworth/St Neots in the coming weeks, who fancy a go.

Onkar

LMC · 24th-April-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missy D

Really enjoyed WCS last night which was taught by Lee and Vanessa

Lee is a superb teacher and

for having a bit of a go at people about getting there on time so the first lesson can start on time.

Quote:

I now feel I can dance a whole track in freestyle which is great after only having 4 lessons.

Me too

(altho' one of my 4 was Cat's workshop, so you're ahead of me

). Something "clicked" for me last night, thanks to help from two leads particularly for good advice

Definitely a step-change up (there is no "down" from the basement) - I feel like a beginner now, rather than "clueless".

Quote:

I just have to learn how to take the concentration count away from my face.

I think I might have managed to smile at the same time as dancing and counting at a couple of points during the evening.

And-a, one, two, many-lots, one-lots, many-many, many-lots-lots-lots ... and-a ...

27th-March-2007, 11:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dizzy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Harrow, London Posts: 1,759 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 933	West Coast Swing - Trent Park Just wondered if anyone managed to get to Lee and Vanessa's first night teaching WCS in Oakwood last night and what it was like. I am hoping to venture that way in the next few weeks and wish them all the luck in thier new venture. __________________ Never cry over spilt milk.......... It could've been vodka !!!! I'm not burning the candle at both ends.........I've doused it in petrol and put a lighter to it!!

27th-March-2007, 12:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
David Bailey Formerly known as DavidJames Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Norf Lundin Posts: 14,350 Status: Yes Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 8 Rep.: 3872	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood You know, that title could be interpreted in so many different ways... __________________ Jivetango Godfather Inventor of the Masterclass Baboon-worrier extraordinaire

27th-March-2007, 12:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dizzy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Harrow, London Posts: 1,759 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 933	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Don't Blame me...... I didn't make up the name __________________ Never cry over spilt milk.......... It could've been vodka !!!! I'm not burning the candle at both ends.........I've doused it in petrol and put a lighter to it!!

27th-March-2007, 12:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Paul F Teacher Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Surrey, UK Posts: 2,258 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 889	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood I wanted to get up there myself to show my support but in the end went to Esher. It was a really good night. North London is just so tricky to get to for me unfortunately. __________________ More than Moves

27th-March-2007, 12:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lory Forum Bombshell - Our Queen! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North London Posts: 7,071 Status: No Status Blog Entries: 2 Rep Power: 6 Rep.: 3070	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood I went. The venue... is dead easy to find, with a nice large, free carpark. Only 5 mins from Jct24 (potters Bar) of the M25 And its nearly opposite Oakwood Underground Station. (on the piccadilly line) It has a full bar, with very reasonable prices. A lovely patio, with doors that can open in the summer. Lots of seating. At the moment, the floor is small but apparently the whole room is going to have a new wood floor in the next few weeks. Last night, I heard the lady on the door mention there were 75 people through the door and amazingly, there was practically even gender balance! I'm not sure how the numbers broke down but I know there were about 10-12 regulars from Twickenham, a small number of Lee's family and friends, some people who travelled down from the midlands, a few people I recognised from Ceroc but the majority seemed to be either total beginner dancers or Salsa dancers. Both classes concentrated purely on the extreme basics. It was quite funny, as the Salsa dancers got the foot work fine but did it with complete Salsa style. I helped a couple of the Salsa guys, (who 'will' be very good.. when they stop holding their hands at my armpit level ) and they in turn, asked me for a Salsa dance later on (just to get their own back and boy was it fast ) During the freestyle, we had alsorts going on, Salsa, WCS and at one time, I even saw some people doing line dance practising in one of the corners. all good fun though! And lastly the finish time is Midnight, and that's going to be every week. The major downside for me, was the fact that smoking is allowed in the venue I was wheezy and coughing by the end of the night... I'd actually completely forgotten how horrible it is! Roll on July! __________________ "If you're going to do something tonight, that you know you'll be sorry for in the morning, plan a lie in." Lorraine Last edited by Lory; 27th-March-2007 at 12:26 PM.

27th-March-2007, 12:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
LMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the corner Posts: 4,508 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4 Rep.: 2319	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Meeeee. I went. Yes, I've joined the dark side. If you can't beat them, join them. You'll have to wait for someone who knows what they are talking about for a sensible review - my prior WCS experience being one weekender workshop at the dawn of time (or thereabouts in terms of my dancing experience). But FWIW ... Worth every penny of 7 quid (bargain, I thought it was £10!!!) Lee's teaching was excellent, and given the 'issues' with the venue (lighting, pillars, etc) was extremely good at making sure everyone could see what was going on. Mostly beginners, so the two classes were beginner - sugar push, left pass and a starter step (if that's the correct term). From my POV as a follower, there were enough leads with some experience in the classes to make it not too frustrating. Not too many women over - think it was only two in the first class, about 6-8 for the second. Quite a lot of people there, and think many of them had previous dance experience of some description as very few seemed truly clueless - just mostly beginner-ish but giving it a damn fine go (like me). Couldn't stay for the freestyle 'cos no car - and had to go back into town to get the train out again, grrr. But there were a reasonable number of experienced dancers there and all were very friendly and helpful. Venue: easy to find, loads of parking. Full bar, plenty of seating. Carpet usefully 1970's patterned so could visualise a slot and see if I ended up back on the hideous swirl that I started on while Lee was going over men's steps and leaving us women to practice on our own. Pillars had excellent compression to send me back down the slot although were otherwise not leading especially well. Bad points: smoking allowed in bar area. Pillars (crashing into those going back down the slot frustrating). Not enough space - it's a small floor - meaning dancing on carpet and making it difficult to get a long enough slot - hence the pillar crashing. But good that the class was well-attended and I reckon it'll be a bit quieter next week as there were probably a fair few first-timers who were "just curious". Like me - but I'll be back EDIT: cross-posted with Lory

27th-March-2007, 03:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mary Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: West London Posts: 1,555 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 533	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Sounds like Lee's first night was quite successful, which I am really pleased to hear. The more WCS outlets there are the better, because hopefully the more people who stick at it, then hopefully it will dispel that 'up our own ar*es' cliquey reputaton the WCS devotees have acquired. Lee is the perfect ambassador for WCS as he has so much infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail that one just can't help wanting to absorb as much as you can from his teaching. As well as being a world champion and altogether nice guy. M

27th-March-2007, 07:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Missy D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: N3 Posts: 3,612 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood I went last night and really enjoyed it - will definately make this a regular thing to go to. Lee teaches really well and is so funny too. Thankyou to Lory for showing me some of the basics I didnt stay for the freestyle as i didnt want to pick up bad habits. I noticed when freestyle started the Cerocers and Salsa people started doing their own style dance. Just wondering now how long i have to learn this dance before I become a 'hotshot'

6th-April-2007, 05:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
Missy D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: N3 Posts: 3,612 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Just a quick one to say WCS is on this monday despite it being a bank holiday. Hope to see some of you there.

10th-April-2007, 11:45 AM	#13 (permalink)
LMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the corner Posts: 4,508 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4 Rep.: 2319	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Ache-y knee and hip after Sunday's (excellent) workshops and freestyle - but I shall be there next Monday - and now I've got my car back, will be able to stay for the freestyle this time too

10th-April-2007, 12:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
Icey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Back from exam limbo Posts: 1,329 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 655	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood I will be going ... once I sit my exams __________________ I'm afraid so ... I'm an accountant. Just because it does up does not mean it fits!

23rd-April-2007, 09:03 AM	#15 (permalink)
Missy D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: N3 Posts: 3,612 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Cat taught a wonderful lesson last week. I do hope more come and spread the word. £7 for a 2 hour lesson taught by Lee or Cat and freestyle til midnight what more could you ask for?

24th-April-2007, 08:08 AM	#17 (permalink)
Missy D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: N3 Posts: 3,612 Status: No Status Rep Power: 4	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Really enjoyed WCS last night which was taught by Lee and Vanessa I now feel I can dance a whole track in freestyle which is great after only having 4 lessons. I just have to learn how to take the concentration count away from my face.

24th-April-2007, 08:39 AM	#18 (permalink)
onkar Commercial Operator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cambridge Posts: 176 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 100	Re: Hot Swing in Oakwood Went along for the 1st time last night. Venue was excellent, and will be better still when the whole floor gets redone in the next few weeks. Smoking was a pain, but only have to suffer that for a another couple of months! Teaching was excellent, and I really enjoyed Lee's style. Very helpful, and I will definitely make the effort to go along in the coming weeks, work permitting. Will drag along a few more Jivers from Letchworth/St Neots in the coming weeks, who fancy a go. Onkar