May “Sweet Send-Off” Social Dance

 

Sweet Send-off Dance

It’s time to say “Goodbye” to the season with a Sweet Send-off that’s sure to leave you smiling and dancing all night long! Whether you’re bringing your sweetheart or flying solo, we’ve got a night packed with sweet treats, dance floor fun, and plenty of memorable moments!  The evening will feature special Class Demos, showcasing the fantastic moves from our talented dancers, followed by a Team Match that will keep you on your toes! The music will keep us grooving until 9:45 p.m., with plenty of general dancing in between. So, don’t forget to grab your sweetie for a photo moment and snap a pic to remember the night by!

So grab your sweetie, lace up those sweet dance shoes, and come on over for a few hours of fun and dancing! We can’t wait to sweeten your Saturday night!

Secure your spot now and bring your dance-loving friends!

Details:

  • When: Saturday, May 17th
    • Doors open at 6:45 p.m. (we like to keep it sweet and timely!)
    • Fun kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with the Class Demos and Team Match
    • General Dancing: 7:45–9:45 p.m.
  • Where: Les Passmore – Silver Threads, 286 Hampton Road

Ticket Info:

    • VBDS Members: $10 per person – register here.
    • Non-Members: $12 per person – register here.
    • Tickets available online (sign in and scroll down) or at the door.

April “Spring Garden Party” Social Dance

Spring Garden Party Dance

Step into spring with a night full of blooms, beats, and beautiful moments! Our Spring Garden Party is just around the corner, and we’re inviting YOU to join us for a night of music, fun, and dancing under a canopy of colorful flowers.

Tango, Treats & a Dash of Spring Magic! 

We’ll kick things off with a lively tango workshop by the fabulous Gaetan Rouette at 7:00 p.m. From there, we’ll keep the dance floor warm with general dancing until 9:45 p.m. Between your spins and twirls, be sure to snap a pic at our vibrant, spring-themed photo booth, and enjoy the delicious, seasonal treats we’ll have waiting for you!

Let the Spring Blooms inspire your every step as we celebrate the fresh, energetic vibes of the season.

Special Mixer: Jack & Jill! 

Join in our fun social mixer and team up for a chance to win amazing prizes! Grab a dance partner as we shuffle and sway through this unique, interactive dance game.

Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes and a touch of spring in your outfit – it’s going to be a blooming good time! Secure your spot now and dance into the heart of spring with us!

 Details:

  • When: Saturday, April 19th
    • Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
    • Tango workshop at 7:00 p.m.
    • General Dancing: 7:45–9:45 p.m.
  • Where: Les Passmore – Silver Threads, 286 Hampton Road

Ticket Info:

    • VBDS Members: $10 per person – register here.
    • Non-Members: $12 per person – register here.
    • Tickets available online (sign in and scroll down) or at the door

Click the link here for the suggested guidelines that we ask you to consider as we make strides to ensure that all of our guests have a good time at our monthly social dances.

March “Emerald City” Social Dance

Join us for an evening of fun and dancing at our March 15th “Emerald City” themed social dance!  Wanda will start the evening off with a “Hesitation Waltz” mixer workshop at 7:00 p.m., followed by general dancing from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m.  If you want to join in on the theme and walk down “the yellow brick road” to Emerald City with us – think green and money!

Click the link here for the suggested guidelines that we ask you to consider as we make strides to ensure that all of our guests have a good time at our monthly social dances.

Light refreshments will be served.

When:  Saturday, March 15th.  Workshop @ 7:00 p.m., followed by general dancing from 7:45–9:45 p.m. 

Where:  Les Passmore (Silver Threads), 286 Hampton Road.  Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 

Ticket Information:  Secure your spot now!  Tickets are available online (sign in then scroll down), as well as at the door.  VBDS members $10 per person / non-members $12 per person.

VBDS members can register here.

Non-members can register here.

Upcoming Competitions

60th UBC Gala Ball

The 60th UBC Gala Ball will be held on March 21st and 22nd, 2025 at the AMS Student Nest and will host the 2025 CCC Qualifiers, as well as Senior V Pro-Am, and many other syllabus events. Visit their website for more information:
60th UBC Gala Ball

67th Canadian Closed Championships

Island Fantasy Ball and DanceSport BC jointly present the 67th Canadian Closed Championships, taking place on April 26th & 27th, 2025 in Nanaimo, BC and offering two days of spectacular Ballroom and Latin dancing with competitors vying for Canadian Championship titles for 2025! Visit the IFB website for more information, event tickets (on sale through Port Theatre) and competitor registration:
Island Fantasy Ball

Classes and Workshops – Winter/Spring Schedule March, April 2025

Classes and workshops starting in March & April have been posted to our calendar and are open for registration. Workshops are open to both regular members and those with free, non-member accounts. Regular (paid) membership is required to register for classes.

If you experience any problems registering for classes or renewing or setting up a new membership, please email: classes@vbds.org for assistance.

Classes and Workshops quick links:

 

Classes and Workshops – full descriptions

Newcomer 2 Part 2

Over the course of six Monday evenings, Victor will build on the six dances taught in the Newcomer Part 1 series. New figures will be introduced to Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive, while continuing to develop proper technique and transitioning between couple positions. As always, the emphasis is on fun and dancing as one. For more info and to register, click here.

Pre-Bronze March 2025

Over the course of six Mondays, Victor will build on the six dances taught in the Level 3 Intermediate Part 2 class. New figures will be introduced to Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive, while continuing to develop proper technique and transitioning between couple positions. As always, the emphasis is on fun and dancing as one. For more info and to register, click here.

Intermediate 1

Over the course of four one hour classes, Victor will build on the six dances taught in the Level 2 Newcomer class, introducing new figures to the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Jive. Expect a fun, supportive atmosphere while learning basic movements and footwork. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, transitioning between couple positions, and dancing as one. Enjoy the experience of moving together with a partner, with the focus always on fun and unity in dance. For more info and to register, click here.

Pre-Bronze 2

Ready to sway, float, cha-cha, and twist? Our 4 week Monday night Pre-Bronze Ballroom and Latin Dance classes are perfect for those who’ve mastered the basics and are eager to expand their repertoire. Expect to build on your foundation with more complex steps and combinations, refine your technique and improve your posture, and explore advanced variations of familiar dances. New figures will be introduced to Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Jive, with a focus on proper technique and transitioning between couple positions. For more info and to register, click here.

Bronze Quickstep

In this six week course of one hour classes Wanda will cover Bronze level syllabus figures in Quickstep. Wednesday nights February 19 th – March 26 th. Appropriate for students who have completed a Pre-Bronze course as well as any one with previous experience who may want a review and brush up. For more info and to register, click here.

Bronze Tango

In this six week course of one hour classes on Wednesday nights, Wanda will cover Bronze level syllabus figures in Tango. Appropriate for students who have completed a Pre-Bronze course as well as any one with previous experience who may want a review and brush up. Here’s an opportunity to continue developing the style and technique of this lively and fun dance!
For more info and to register, click here.

Newcomer 4

This six week set of 1.5 hour classes Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, February 20th to March 27th is Part 4 of the Newcomer Series. Wanda will build on the six dances taught in Newcomer 3, introducing new syllabus figures in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Jive. More info / registration can be found here.

Intermediate 1

In this six week set of Intermediate classes on Thursday evenings, April 3rd to May 29th, Wanda will build on the six dances taught in the Newcomer Series 1 – 4. New syllabus figures in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Jive will be introduced. Continuing to develop partnering & connection, lead & follow, rhythm & musicality, the character of each dance evolves! Join us for a session of fun, fitness and socializing in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. More info / registration can be found here.

Bronze 4

In this six week set of 1.5 hour classes Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, March 6th to April 10th
Victor will teach Bronze syllabus figures in Waltz, Quickstep, Rumba, Jive, and Samba. This class is designed to help you excel and enjoy the dance journey with precision and style. More info / registration can be found here.

Bronze 5

A six week set of 1.5 hour classes Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, April 17th to May 22nd
Take your dancing to the next level with our advanced ballroom and Latin dance classes, perfect for Bronze level dancers looking to refine their technique and expand their repertoire. Expect advanced technique training, complex figure combinations, musicality and expression workshops, and competition-level choreography. Victor will review Bronze syllabus figures from Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive. This class is designed to help you excel and enjoy the dance journey with precision and style. More info / registration can be found here.

Newcomer 2

This six week set of 1 hour classes Saturdays 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM is Part 2 of the Newcomer Series. Wanda will build on the six dances taught in Newcomer 1, introducing new syllabus figures in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Jive. Continuing to develop partnering & connection, footwork & rhythm, we explore the unique character of each dance! Join us for a session of fun, fitness and socializing in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Immediately following the class is a practice session to continue honing your skills. More info / registration can be found here.

Newcomer 3

This seven week set of 1 hour classes Saturdays 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM April 5th to May 31st is Part 3 of the Newcomer Series. Wanda will build on the six dances taught in Newcomer 1 & 2, introducing new syllabus figures in Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Jive. Continuing to develop partnering & connection, footwork & rhythm, the character of each dance begins to emerge! Join us for a session of fun, fitness and socializing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. More info / registration can be found here.

Newcomer 1

VBDS will host Newcomer 1 classes with Victor on Friday evenings from February 28th to April 4th. This is a six-week series and will cover Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive. More info / registration class here.

Partnership and Connections in Latin Dances with Gaétan Rouette

Gaétan returns for more high level instruction in Partnership and Connections in Latin Dances. These workshops will run on Sundays, 10:00 – 11:30, February 23rd, March 9th, 26th from 10:00 – 11:30 at Les Passmore. For more info and to register click here.

The Specific Principles of the Foxtrot with Gaétan Rouette

Workshop will cover the technical information and exercises required to achieve better movement throughout basics and more advanced figures of the Foxtrot, with Demonstration and Practical Exercises. We will receive new information and the latest trend covering Rise and Fall, the benefits of Sways and a better use of timing and phrasing. For more info and to register click here

Classes and Workshops – Winter Schedule 2025

Please click here for our latest classes and workshops list.

Social Dance Guidelines

VBDS Social Dances –  Suggested Guidelines

 

What are social dances?  The word “social” is in the name of our monthly dances for a reason.  Unlike classes and weekly practices (where the focus may be more on improving your dancing, perhaps with a dedicated partner), the goal of our monthly social dances is to create an opportunity to socialize while dancing.

One long-time problem we encounter at dance events is that there has almost always been an imbalance between the number of follows and leads in attendance.  We want to find ways to ensure that everyone has a good time at our monthly dances and has the opportunity to dance.  At the Board level, we continue to try to find ways to improve our social dances.  However, some of the answer lies in the membership of the club as a whole, starting with awareness of the problem, followed by a collaborative solution.

With a goal to increasing awareness of the social aspect of ballroom dancing at our dances, and in the hopes of improving the dance experience for all guests, the following guidelines are suggested for VBDS social dances:

  • We kindly request that all leads (even if attending as a couple), ask at least two solo follows to dance during the evening.  This requires acceptance by follow partners as well that they will give up two dances through the evening (a chance to socialize a bit or grab a drink/snack).   This will help to address this imbalance without putting the majority of the responsibility on only one or two “volunteer” leads for the entire evening.
  • We will have two tables reserved for solo dancers (follows and leads). We hope that this will make it easier to know who may be looking to be asked to dance.
  • Both leads and follows are encouraged to ask other solo dancers to dance. 
  • The skill level of each dancer should not matter, as the focus is on socializing and having fun.  
  • It is an accepted dance etiquette tenet that asking someone to dance is not an opportunity to correct or coach your partner, especially if unsolicited.

In order to facilitate a socializing-centric approach at our dances, we will continue to have mixer-style workshops at the beginning of the evening, and will also have a second mixer dance somewhere in the evening’s program (circle Merengue mixer, Waltz taxi dance mixer, etc.), which can help to break the ice and make it easier to ask someone new to dance.

It can feel intimidating to ask someone new to dance (especially as a new dancer), but with increasing awareness of what social dances are, together with implementation of more mixers in the evening’s program, over time it does get easier.

We hope all dancers will help us as a club and be part of the solution to making our monthly social dances enjoyable and successful for all guests.

Thank you.
Diane Duruisseau
President

 

General Ballroom Dance Etiquette:

 

Below are a few more general ballroom dance etiquette guidelines to be considered at all VBDS events – dances, practices, etc.

Above all …. Kindness

The nature of partner dancing is that it is social, so knowing and applying these measures of kindness will enhance the dancing experience for all.

Scents

Ballroom dancing is close contact activity, not just with your dancing partner, but with others. In public spaces and many workplaces, scented products are mostly unwelcome.  Please be considerate of others.

Follows can ask leads and leads can ask follows

Asking another person to dance has absolutely no hidden agenda attached other than to dance one dance.  Follows can ask leads, and leads can ask follows. Ballroom dancing is a social activity, so it is customary to dance with people who have no partner and attend our dances (including practices).  Dancing with someone other than a regular partner can lead to a better understanding of the dancing, whether as a lead or a follow, and besides sharing is a very good social experience.  At the end of the dance, thank your partner.  Leads, remember to escort your dance partner to their chair at the end of the dance.  The most practical way to do this is to offer your arm.

Line of dance

During dances that follow the line of dance (all of the standard dances, Samba and Paso Doble), less experienced dancers should stay near the middle of the floor, keeping the outside open to dancers having more flight in their steps. This may be counter-intuitive to beginner dancers who likely keep to the outside for a fast exit off the dance floor at the first sign of trouble.

Collisions on dance floor

Collisions are inevitable and are ‘no-fault’.  Each couple apologizing is the polite thing to do.  Dance floors will get crowded, whether it is a practice or a social dance, and when it is crowded it is the best time to make your steps a bit more compact and work on floor craft.  The long routines learned in classes or being worked on for competitions will be quite difficult on a crowded floor. 

Bad harmony

Practicing dance steps can be a challenge and often times couples may disagree.  The bad harmony between dancers can make others feel uncomfortable.  If it is a bad day where things just don’t seem to be working out, be considerate of others with the tone and volume of your voice. 

Respect the dance floor

Wear dance shoes or clean shoes that are used specifically for dancing and not those you have just worn to the dance. Use the outer perimeter of the dance floor to get around in the ballroom rather than transiting across the floor.  Do not block the flow of dance to engage in conversation with your partner or others; move off the floor and stand in the seating on the very outer perimeter.

Other Dancing Opportunities

Read more

Dance Competition Update

 

Snowball Classic 2024

 

Snowball 2024

“World Class International couples from Poland, Italy and Denmark will be joining Canadian DanceSport athletes at this year’s event, and excellent show dance performances are scheduled for each evening.
 
Tickets are now on sale through Simple Tix at this link https://dancesportbc.simpletix.ca/  
 
Guests of the SnowBall Classic will be offered a special room rate of $149 CAD per night, plus applicable taxes, for standard king or room with 2 double beds with complimentary parking.  Reserve your rooms before October 29, 2024 at this link https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.62148.html?groupId=4J5TB0B4 
 
Competitor’s registration at O2CM https://register.o2cm.com/?event=SNO  Entry deadline is October 17, 2024.  
 
A limited number of competitor passes at $75 for the full weekend will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Competitor passes will only be offered to competitors who have entered and paid their entry fees.“
Download the brochure here.

 

Vancouver Challenge Cup 2025

 

 

The dates for the 11th Anniversary of this annual two-day competition in Vancouver have been announced.  Mark your calendars for the weekend of February 1st and 2nd, 2025.  More details to follow on their website:  http://vancouverchallengecup.com/

VBDS LIbrary of Instructional DVDs

Our library of instructional DVDs at all levels is now available. The titles and contact info for our Video Librarian have been posted under “Membership” in the main menu, and are available HERE.