Since so many of you have been asking how things work at international WCS events, this article will give you an overview of what to expect and how to make the most of them.
There are plenty of WCS events held all over the world; in fact, you can attend one almost every weekend. We also have one here in Prague, Prague Alchemy Swing, which we are proud to organize. Generally, there are three types: social events, which typically include workshops and parties; registry events, which are approved by the WSDC (World Swing Dance Council) and feature competitions in addition to the above; and trial events, which operate in the same way as registered events. However, most trials are being held for the first time and are seeking to obtain registered status. The following description will focus primarily on WSDC events, but it generally applies to unregistered and trial events as well.
How do you even find out if an event is happening? You can find the most comprehensive list of events on the weekenders.dance and Your Dance Buddy websites, where you can then choose what interests you most based on your own criteria. You’ll also find links to the websites and Facebook events for those activities. There, you can typically find information about registration, instructors, the exact location, and everything else. When choosing an event, you can consider factors such as transportation options, accommodation options, the group attending, or, later on, perhaps your favorite instructors.
Registration usually opens about six months in advance, but it depends on the specific event. It’s a good idea to follow the official Facebook event, where all the information is posted as it becomes available. For smaller events, you need to sign up early, as many of them sell out quickly. Generally, it’s better to sign up as a pair, because for individuals, there’s usually a waiting list where leaders and followers are paired up as they sign up, to keep the event more or less balanced. For leaders, this isn't usually much of a problem, but for single followers, the waiting list can sometimes be quite long.
Generally speaking, there are two basic types of passes. A Full Pass / Workshop Pass, which, as the name suggests, includes access to workshops with instructors plus parties, and the Party Pass, which includes only parties. Both options typically include access to competitions. Party passes typically allow for a bit more sleep, socializing, and perhaps exploring the city where the event is taking place. Full passes, on the other hand, are packed with new information thanks to the workshops, so it depends on what suits you best. It’s also often possible to participate in additional, intensive workshops, which require separate registration and are frequently held before the main event or during breaks in the schedule. Plus, there’s often a pre-party the night before the event starts, where you can come and dance - even if that means arriving a day early.
When registering, you must also select the level you wish to enter. Typically, the organizers describe each level in such a way that anyone entering it is expected to possess certain skills; for some levels, they also require a specific number of points earned in competitions within a specified division. If you don’t meet these requirements for any reason but would like to move up to a higher level, most events hold what are called “auditions”, where you’ll dance with others who want to reach the same level as you. The instructors will then determine who is suitable for that level. Did the audition not work out for you, but would you still like to move up to a higher level? Don’t worry - these events usually include a “crying office” later on, where you typically get to dance directly with one of the instructors, allowing your skills to be assessed not only “from the outside” but also “from within the dance partnership.” If auditions stress you out, you aren’t competing, or you simply didn’t perform as well as you thought you could, then this may be the perfect solution for you.
We use different levels in our courses than those listed for the event, so please pay close attention to the level descriptions. For example, just because you are in a WCS III+IV course does not necessarily mean - and in most cases will not mean - that you should select levels 3 and 4 for the WSDC-registry event.
Please trust the organizers and the teachers in charge of the level selection. If you sign up for the wrong level, it could mean that someone who should be in that level won’t be able to get in, even after an audition, perhaps because there’s no room left. In another scenario, while it won’t “cost anyone else a spot at their level,” you won’t enjoy it as much either, and you might also end up being one of the people the others won’t be able to practice with. If you're not sure about your level, you can always ask your instructors or sign up for a lower level and try to move up to a higher one through auditions.
Then there are the workshops themselves. There may be a varying number of them over the weekend, some tailored to your specific level and others open to everyone, known as “all-level” workshops. They usually last an hour, and partners rotate during the lessons, just as they do in our courses. Don’t forget to check in advance when the auditions or your first workshops start, and arrive well in advance so you have time to register for the event. There are usually a lot of people at registration right before the start of the first workshop. Plan ahead so you’ll have plenty of time to get everything done. At some events, auditions are even mandatory, so it’s a good idea to check that as well.
So, what about the competitions? They usually take place on Saturday afternoons and last until the evening. They’re held in a “Jack’n’Jill” format, with competitions in various categories determined by the WSDC divisions. If you’ve never competed before and would like to give it a try, then the Newcomers or Novice divisions are for you. Even if you don’t want to compete, you’re welcome to watch, whether it’s the early rounds or the finals. There may be other types of competitions at the event as well, such as strictly, all-European, switch, etc. Maybe we’ll write about how WCS competitions work at some other time.
The last thing you’re sure to encounter at international events are pro-shows, which usually take place around midnight at the party and feature teaching couples performances. Just like the competitions, these can be a great spectacle to watch live and are definitely worth it - unless, of course, you’d rather use that time to get some sleep before the party. 😉 As for the party, there are also several different approaches. We’re usually all excited about social dancing, but sometimes the dance floor gets pretty crowded. For some people, it makes more sense to arrive at the party very early or, conversely, later, when there aren’t as many people on the dance floor. At parties, just like at workshops, it’s a good idea to bring a snack with you. You probably won’t need it every time, but it’s better to be prepared.
In any case, enjoy the event as much as possible, and don’t forget that even when you’re dancing, you still need to eat and sleep. You’ll gradually figure out which events you enjoy the most and how to plan your schedule so you can fit in everything you want to do. We look forward to seeing you at many of them!