Des Moines Social Dance
Des Moines Social Dance Community
The Des Moines Social Dance group on Facebook serves as a vibrant, not-for-profit community hub for dancers across Central Iowa. Its core mission is to promote Central Iowa’s diverse social dance communities by providing a central space for everyone to hear about upcoming social dances and engage with other dancers in Central Iowa. This unique focus, which embraces all styles and venues rather than just one, sets it apart in the local dance scene.
The community thrives on a flat, volunteer-led structure, where numerous dedicated individuals coordinate efforts without a hierarchical management. This collaborative spirit is reflected in how the group operates.
Family-Friendly Environment
The Des Moines Social Dance community is deeply committed to offering family-friendly dances. This is primarily achieved through careful curation of playlists, ensuring the music is entirely free from explicit content, including explicit language and sexual themes. Beyond music, the group fosters a welcoming atmosphere through its discussion of social dance etiquette and adherence to a code of conduct at all events, which promotes a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of personal characteristics. While there aren’t specific activities for children beyond the music selection, the overall emphasis is on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for dancers of all ages.
The Facebook Group: A Hub for Connection
The Facebook group is the primary avenue for communication and connection within the Des Moines social dance scene. Community members can expect to be consistently kept in the loop about upcoming dance events. The group facilitates the sharing of opportunities through a mix of first and third-party posts. All posts are reviewed by admins and moderators before approval to ensure relevance and prevent spam. This open, yet curated, approach balances uplifting other communities by promoting their events while being an example of a well-managed and supportive community. The Des Moines Social Dance group specifically welcomes and actively promotes all social dance styles, including less common or emerging ones, reinforcing its commitment to the full spectrum of Central Iowa’s diverse dance scene.
Community-Hosted Dances
Beyond serving as an information hub, “community leaders” within the Des Moines Social Dance group occasionally host FREE social dances. These events are designed to be a safe space for new and advanced dancers of all ages. They typically run from 6 to 9 PM, with the first hour (6 to 7 PM) dedicated to a beginner-friendly lesson. The goal of these lessons is to get people up and running with a new dance style, providing a friendly introduction that promotes social interaction. The remaining two hours are dedicated to social dancing, allowing participants to practice their new skills and engage with other dancers. During these lessons, dance partners rotate to ensure everyone gets a chance to learn with different dancers. The discussion of social dance etiquette and the code of conduct at these events further ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all.
Seasonal Event Schedule
The group’s own organized events happen seasonally, taking the summers off. For the upcoming season, dances are slated to occur on the first Friday of every month from September to December, and February to May. While the lessons are free, it’s noted that special events occasionally charge a cover, and the lesson would always be included in that cover.
Tips for Dancers
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping onto the dance floor, here are some essential tips for enjoying the Des Moines social dance scene:
- Comfort is Key: Wear comfortable, clean attire that allows for movement. Think breathable fabrics and shoes that you can dance in for extended periods. “Appropriate for a family-friendly setting” is also a good guideline.
- Embrace Rotation: Don’t be shy about dancing with different partners. Many social dance events, especially those with lessons, encourage partner rotation. This is a fantastic way to learn, improve, and meet new people.
- Ask to Dance: It’s completely acceptable and encouraged to ask someone to dance, regardless of their skill level or yours. A simple “Would you like to dance?” is perfect.
- Respect Boundaries: Always be mindful of your partner’s comfort and personal space. Follow the lead of the person initiating the dance or leading a specific step.
- Hydrate! Dancing is exercise! Bring water or be mindful of staying hydrated, especially during longer social dance sessions.
- Have Fun: The most important rule of social dancing is to enjoy yourself and the community. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on the joy of movement and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a partner? No! Dance partners often rotate during lessons so that everyone can get a chance to learn with another dancer. During the social dance portion, it is highly encouraged to dance with others, so you’ll easily find partners.
- What should I wear? Something comfortable, clean, and appropriate for a family-friendly setting. Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are usually best.
- How much do lessons cost? Lessons hosted by the Des Moines Social Dance community leaders are typically free! However, special events organized by the group may occasionally charge a cover, and the lesson would always be included with that cover.