SwingCityBoston Survey Office

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Have you been to the new Swing City Yet? (29 votes)

No, not yet 8 (27%)

No, not planning to 1 (3%)

Yes, On the Re-Opening Night 6 (20%)

Yes, On a preview night 4 (13%)

Yes, twice 7 (24%)

Yes, more than twice 3 (10%)

How did you get there? (25 votes)

Walked 3 (12%)
Comments:

Taxi 0 (0%)
Comments:

Bus 0 (0%)
Comments:

Subway and walked 2 (8%)
Comments:
- The past two I am referring to,not new place.
- 6H3dzT

Subway and cab 0 (0%)
Comments:

Subway and bus 1 (4%)
Comments:
- scuk;

Drove 19 (76%)
Comments:
- Parking can be had, if you're early or sneaky ... I was tardy, so I guess I'll need to be sneaky :)

Other 0 (0%)
Comments:

Where do you live? (26 votes)

In Somerville 6 (23%)

Near Somerville (e.g. Cambridge, Arlington) 5 (19%)

Boston 3 (11%)

Inside Rt. 128 3 (11%)

South Shore 3 (11%)

North of 128 1 (3%)

West of 128 4 (15%)

Rhode Island 1 (3%)

New Hampshire/Maine 0 (0%)

New England/NY 0 (0%)

Beyond.../visiting 0 (0%)

Did you have trouble getting to Swing City? (25 votes)

No. Got there okay. 19 (76%)
Comments:
- Easy to find

Got lost, but now I know. 4 (16%)
Comments:
- Got lost walking to the one in Newton.

Had trouble getting transportation. 0 (0%)
Comments:

My GPS got me there, but it was confusing. 0 (0%)
Comments:

I used the directions on the website successfully 2 (8%)
Comments:

Did you come with others? (26 votes)

By myself 17 (65%)

With a date 6 (23%)

With a group 3 (11%)

Brought my students 0 (0%)

What "level" dancer are you? (29 votes)

New/first time 5 (17%)

Novice 2 (6%)

Dance 2-4 times/month 7 (24%)

Dance more than 4 times/month 14 (48%)

Semi-retired from dancing 1 (3%)

Did you used to come to Swing City at the older locations? (28 votes)

Yes, Mostly Bishop Mackenzie 8 (28%)

Yes, Mostly Huron Ave. 5 (17%)

Yes, both 15 (53%)

How did you like the place? Dance floor: (25 votes)

Liked it 14 (56%)
Comments:
- But it is considerably smaller than Newton.
- I loved the Huron Ave. location. The floor was incredible.

Liked it but some issues (please comment) 7 (28%)
Comments:
- sticky floor...
- The floor was a bit funky-but as I am not Fred Astaire-no big deal.
- Dance floor was very sticky. Hard to turn and spin
- still has some slick spots and some sticky spots, but was better last week than the first dance
- the floor got sticky toward the middle of the evening
- Initially the portion of the dance floor I started dancing on was very slippery to sueded soles but extremely sticky to rubber soles. But that was just one spot, other spots were sticky even to the suede sole, and left black stuff in the suede. Floor might be ok for hard leather soles.
- Mackenzie: no "not dancing at the moment but still want to be in the same room" space around the outside edge of the floor, no "lobby" to chill/chat in between dances & while cooling off. Huron ave had all of that, so does the current location

Disliked it (please comment) 4 (16%)
Comments:
- There is plenty of space to dance but the floor was very sticky and stuck to the bottom of my suede dancing shoes. It was difficult to spin. I hope that you can find a way to really clean the floor and not apply wax.
- sticky floor. most important part to me. If floor not good, don't really care about parking, location, bar, ambiance, band...
- wanted the floor to be less sticky..there,s nothing like a fast floor to keep happy feet happy.
- It is so sticky I was afraid I would tear my ACL - I love to dance but not if I'm going to get injuried

Floor stickiness concerns: (24 votes)

Didn't notice 8 (33%)
Comments:

Didn't care 4 (16%)
Comments:
- Which place had the sticky floor? I've got different shoes, my black-and-white blyers can be TOO slippery on some floors (Dance complex studio 2... just about killed myself lol). I didn't notice. :)

It affected my dancing. 10 (41%)
Comments:
- See above comment
- I'm a leader and I was able to deal with the stickiness of the floor but it affects the followers much more than the leaders.
- Seemed to be less sticky the second time I went than the first.
- Not sure if this contributes to the sticky floor, but I heard the mens bathroom had liguid on the floor which was sticky. I don't know if there was a small leak or not but perhaps this traveled out to the dance floor. Unfortunately this is very bad for dance shoes.
- It was not fun to dance on and restricted the freedom of movement and choice of moves. Especially since there was so much variability in stickiness. One friend said they strained a groin muscle because of the floor. If there were no other choices I'd get hard sole shoes, but since there's plenty of other dances (Lindy and otherwise, Swing City is my last choice at the moment.
- makes me look for other venues with nicer floors

I won't come back until I hear it's resolved. 2 (8%)
Comments:
- If I am twirled, foot moves and shoe doesn't. Causes blisters w/foot rubbing against shoe. Cuts into activities for next few days. Not worth it. If can't spin, can't dance.

How did you like the lighting? (24 votes)

It was nice 24 (100%)
Comments:
- Please do not have more moving lights than you had.
- Liked the colors overall, but there were tiny green spotlights that seemed to always be at eye level when I was facing any of the walls? A little blinding.
- Again, better last week than the first dance when it was way too bright. Even during the lesson the lights don't have to be turned up all the way.
- the whole roomwas great except for the floor.. made a mess of the bottoms of my dance shoes
- didn't notice so I assume I thought it was nice - definately not too bright
- The lighting is fine, with or without additions - Boston Swing Coop uses 4 8" colored LED-driven lights at their events, but they don't really need to

Too dark 0 (0%)
Comments:

Too bright 0 (0%)
Comments:

Too colorful 0 (0%)
Comments:

Not colorful enough 0 (0%)
Comments:

Prefier more moving lights 0 (0%)
Comments:

How about the bar? (26 votes)

Prefer free tap water only. 5 (19%)
Comments:
- Bottled water is terrible for the environment; free tap water should be an option.

I buy only bottled water 6 (23%)
Comments:
- People who come to drink aren't there to dance
- ialways by water 2 0r 3 bottles preferred cold..and an occassional soda

I buy a drink or two 6 (23%)
Comments:
- Swing dancers are notoriously cheap. I appreciate the tactful way you ask people to buy drinks and tip. I don't drink alcohol, but tip $1 for my soda or water.

Drinking is essential 2 (7%)
Comments:

Don't care 7 (26%)
Comments:
- I am an ex-boozer,so Bar not for me. But I realize how important the bar revenues are;so I buy a few bottled waters and drinks for any ladies who I dance with ( just to be polite and help the Bar=no ulterior motives).
- "Don't care" isn't really right, because I'm aware that the bar income supports the rent... sometimes I buy water, sometimes I buy a drink, but I've determined (the hard way, off course - a follower, not me) that just a bit of booze really throws off one's balance. With that in mind, the more non-alcoholic choices the bar has, the better ... but I'll prolly stick with water for the most part

How much do you spend at the bar? (28 votes)

zero, can't afford 4 (14%)
Comments:

zero, don't need anything 7 (25%)
Comments:

$1-$2 2 (7%)
Comments:

$2-$5 8 (28%)
Comments:
- always tip too
- 2 to 4 waters, depending on how much dancing I'm doing (fast music == good == more dancing) & how long I stay

$5-$10 5 (17%)
Comments:

$10-$20 1 (3%)
Comments:

I'm buying rounds 1 (3%)
Comments:
- I also ask the other women w/lady I dance with if they want a drink. Again, I realize the importance of cash-flow in venue. And I am fortunate in that I do ok for myself financially.

What should the bar expect from the patrons? (23 votes)

There should be no expectation, I pay enough cover. 11 (47%)
Comments:
- I was at both Swing City and the Watertown dance (same night) last Friday, and at both locations women complained about the drinking. I only drink water, and simply will not buy an alcoholic beverage when I come to dance. Charge more cover if needed.

I should spend <$5 3 (13%)
Comments:
- As partons we aren't aware of the breakdown. Ie, if Swing City is getting a great deal pending bar purchases, perhaps signage to that effect on the way in would at least make us aware of it. If Swing City is not getting a great deal ... :-D I'm a working professional, so I can deal with it, but I can see cover charge + expected bar tab being high for students. SC seems to draw a good student/younger dancer crowd, I'd hope costs wouldn't get so high as to turn them off from coming out.

I should spend about $5 6 (26%)
Comments:
- Dancers are famous for not drinking much alcohol. It increases the sweat. That's why public places all stopped hosting this type of dancing decades ago. There used to be 5 - 6 venues around Boston in the 90's. All gone cause of the lack of drinking from serious dancers. Meat market dancers using dancing to meet someone buy more drinks. Dancers who also drink went out in the 40's. Nature of the beast. This crowd dances. My partner and I drink and dance cause we're older from the swing dancing/public bar scene of the 90's.

I should spend $5-$10 2 (8%)
Comments:

I should spend $10 or more 1 (4%)
Comments:
- Plus,all should be reminded to tip the Bartender!!!!!!!!!!

How was the ventilation/AC? (23 votes)

Good 11 (47%)
Comments:
- Good for now, will probably need to be turned up very soon with summer coming in.

Acceptable 8 (34%)
Comments:
- I dance too hard anyway, that's an issue with my dance style that I'm working on :)

It needs work 4 (17%)
Comments:
- Cooler please.
- Sucks! The A/C seems to come from the side floor vents, which are covered by chairs. It gets too hot too fast. Not good.
- the floor might be less sticky if the ac was on to keep the moisture down in the room..

How was the sound? (24 votes)

Too loud 5 (20%)
Comments:
- Piped in music played when band taking break is pretty loud.

Just right 19 (79%)
Comments:
- The sound was great. I have found recently that many places play the music too loud, so I either wear ear plugs or leave early. So I was very surprised the music was just right. Please keep the volume not to loud. Thanks.
- Ryles is generally WAY too loud, SC varies. I shouldn't be deaf, ears ringing, or hearing-fatigued when I leave a place. My SPL sound meter was less than $30 at BestBuy in the car audio section. I never remember to bring it places, although I've been tempted :)

Too soft 0 (0%)
Comments:

Did you like the hall in general? (23 votes)

Yes, best yet 9 (39%)
Comments:
- too far from plymouth
- This location is more convenient for me than the Newton location, but they've all been acceptable. I like the BIG dance space at this venue... Salsa events should take note, they're always way too packed for the available dance space. Swing City has always had large venues.

Yes, it's okay 14 (60%)
Comments:
- Not great, dance floor is small.
- floor, floor, floor.

It needs work 0 (0%)
Comments:

Lessons: a hot topic. Did you take the lesson? (24 votes)

Yes, learned something 5 (20%)
Comments:

Yes, was helping others 6 (25%)
Comments:
- always help out..but don,t usually takethe lesson unless trhey need leaders..or i see someone struggling ..late lesson people..
- Love the lessons :) Sometimes it's easy for me (dancing 9 years) to get distracted during the quick-quick-slow part of the lesson, but after that it's really fun to meet new people and help ease them into dancing. It's my responsibility as an experienced lead to show up for the lesson, and it's a lot of fun anyway .. and once in a while I learn something too :)

No, too beginner-level 1 (4%)
Comments:

No, didn't feel comfortable 0 (0%)
Comments:

No, came after but would have 1 (4%)
Comments:

No, came after just to dance. 11 (45%)
Comments:

If you took the lesson, what were your thoughts? (11 votes)

Too easy 5 (45%)
Comments:

Just right 4 (36%)
Comments:
- a great beginner lesson last wk by tony & aurelie..if the lessons is too complicated a lesson { beg.} just doesn,t work.. to discouraging to new beginners
- I've been dancing so long it's tough to know how a new person interprets the lesson, but they seem fine to me.

Too hard 2 (18%)
Comments:
- I am at intermediate level;but found it difficult w/the lessons. I would try to explain to partner;but maybe not enough time=or too much "clatter" from folks talking. Plus, not all rotated,and was alone too much. So I come when lessons are over at this point.
- Teaching tripple step to novices is too much for them to grasp in a 1 hour group lesson. They should teach step-touch, step-touch, rock step. I think the new people will pick it up much faster. Only my opinion.

If you took the lesson, did you find it entertaining? (10 votes)

YEs, was fun and exciting 7 (70%)
Comments:
- tony & aurelie mix in enough music with their lesson so it connects the dance to the lesson
- I've known a lot of the current set of instructors around Boston for some years now - they all have different styles, but everyone makes it fun and easy, I like the way it's done.

It was "okay". 2 (20%)
Comments:
- I found some of Todd's statements very offensive, like about feeling like 'gagging' if you got an unattractive partner. Also he sexualized things and tried to be cute in ways that were just offensive to me, my husband, and other friends that came with us.

The instructors were not vey exciting. 1 (10%)
Comments:

Will you be coming back? (Please comment) (23 votes)

Yes, regularly 13 (56%)
Comments:
- But I will also be going to the other Friday dances. With three dances, not everyone is in one location--and that sucks! The dance in Watertown was poorly attended, and I can't imagine they broke even. Apparently the crowd arrived when people left your place to try out the other. Once again, it sucks to have so many competing dances, and I wish that you would lead the three groups to have a truce--alternate dates, or something.
- Cannot wait!!!
- depends on flooring actions
- There are now no fewer than 3 places to swing in Boston on Friday, it's tough to decide. Boston Swing Coop is smaller, but I have more regular friends there, even if they seem to prefer a more blue-sy style, whereas I love Jump swing lol. I've been trying to alternate between SC & BSC ... we'll see how it goes, I've not tried the 3rd place yet

Yes, occasionally 9 (39%)
Comments:
- gas prices make it to expensive to go every friday 90miles roundtrip
- Yes, maybe if I like the band. Or if I hear the floor is fixed.

Rarely 1 (4%)
Comments:

Not planning to. 0 (0%)
Comments:

How did you hear about Swing City? (28 votes)

Swing City email list 10 (35%)
Comments:

I'm a regular 11 (39%)
Comments:
- on the dance net

The Globe 0 (0%)
Comments:

Swing City Website 0 (0%)
Comments:

Google/Yahoo 0 (0%)
Comments:

Somerville Journal 1 (3%)
Comments:

An online event guide or other email list 0 (0%)
Comments:

Flyer 0 (0%)
Comments:

Word of mouth 1 (3%)
Comments:
- Partner on email list.

Swing dance instructor 1 (3%)
Comments:
- I took lessons in Boston at BCAE. And both Gayle Gardner and Kevin Ring espoused the benefits/fun,etc...of Swing City after every lesson ( I am going back a few years here). They talk up Swing City like you have no idea-which I think is great.

Other (please comment) 1 (3%)
Comments:
- havetodance.com

More than two of the above 3 (10%)
Comments:
- Semi-regular from all three locations since 1998-1999, no idea how I first heard of it. First lessons with Dancing Feats, I imagine I learned of it there.

Overal rating: (23 votes)

5 stars 8 (34%)
Comments:
- Nice people all w/good intentions. From person at door to anyone I would ask questions;all have positive,upbeat(no pun intended) attitudes. And this love of Swing Dancing is obvious by all assistance kindly offered and rendered.
- avoid bands that dont play well to the dancers. the last band to play the last nite in newton, does not play well to dancers. ask djs to play more popular new and old swing music. too much really old obscure swing music has been played in the past. play some cds from the bands that visit swing city. city rithym orchestra for example.

4 stars 7 (30%)
Comments:
- I really like this comment page. But, what a lot of work for you sorting out all this info. Thanks...

3 stars 5 (21%)
Comments:
- overal...1 star on the floor..wish there was more balboa music..from dj...

2 stars 2 (8%)
Comments:
- floor issue - main issue

1 star 0 (0%)
Comments:

no stars 1 (4%)
Comments:
- Floor. Without floor, no point. Sorry to be so hard on that subject. Try going over to Moseley's who has a professional ballroom floor. You'll be shocked. You can't have their floor though without rebuilding. It's spring loaded - empty underneath. Not laid onto concrete. Go to restrooms underneath and you'll hear the dancing above. They just have stinky music. Crazy. Best floor in history of Boston ballroom, wasted!

Have you been to the new Swing City Yet? (29 votes)
No, not yet	8 (27%)
No, not planning to	1 (3%)
Yes, On the Re-Opening Night	6 (20%)
Yes, On a preview night	4 (13%)
Yes, twice	7 (24%)
Yes, more than twice	3 (10%)
How did you get there? (25 votes)
Walked	3 (12%) Comments:
Taxi	0 (0%) Comments:
Bus	0 (0%) Comments:
Subway and walked	2 (8%) Comments: - The past two I am referring to,not new place. - 6H3dzT
Subway and cab	0 (0%) Comments:
Subway and bus	1 (4%) Comments: - scuk;
Drove	19 (76%) Comments: - Parking can be had, if you're early or sneaky ... I was tardy, so I guess I'll need to be sneaky :)
Other	0 (0%) Comments:
Where do you live? (26 votes)
In Somerville	6 (23%)
Near Somerville (e.g. Cambridge, Arlington)	5 (19%)
Boston	3 (11%)
Inside Rt. 128	3 (11%)
South Shore	3 (11%)
North of 128	1 (3%)
West of 128	4 (15%)
Rhode Island	1 (3%)
New Hampshire/Maine	0 (0%)
New England/NY	0 (0%)
Beyond.../visiting	0 (0%)
Did you have trouble getting to Swing City? (25 votes)
No. Got there okay.	19 (76%) Comments: - Easy to find
Got lost, but now I know.	4 (16%) Comments: - Got lost walking to the one in Newton.
Had trouble getting transportation.	0 (0%) Comments:
My GPS got me there, but it was confusing.	0 (0%) Comments:
I used the directions on the website successfully	2 (8%) Comments:
Did you come with others? (26 votes)
By myself	17 (65%)
With a date	6 (23%)
With a group	3 (11%)
Brought my students	0 (0%)
What "level" dancer are you? (29 votes)
New/first time	5 (17%)
Novice	2 (6%)
Dance 2-4 times/month	7 (24%)
Dance more than 4 times/month	14 (48%)
Semi-retired from dancing	1 (3%)
Did you used to come to Swing City at the older locations? (28 votes)
Yes, Mostly Bishop Mackenzie	8 (28%)
Yes, Mostly Huron Ave.	5 (17%)
Yes, both	15 (53%)
How did you like the place? Dance floor: (25 votes)
Liked it	14 (56%) Comments: - But it is considerably smaller than Newton. - I loved the Huron Ave. location. The floor was incredible.
Liked it but some issues (please comment)	7 (28%) Comments: - sticky floor... - The floor was a bit funky-but as I am not Fred Astaire-no big deal. - Dance floor was very sticky. Hard to turn and spin - still has some slick spots and some sticky spots, but was better last week than the first dance - the floor got sticky toward the middle of the evening - Initially the portion of the dance floor I started dancing on was very slippery to sueded soles but extremely sticky to rubber soles. But that was just one spot, other spots were sticky even to the suede sole, and left black stuff in the suede. Floor might be ok for hard leather soles. - Mackenzie: no "not dancing at the moment but still want to be in the same room" space around the outside edge of the floor, no "lobby" to chill/chat in between dances & while cooling off. Huron ave had all of that, so does the current location
Disliked it (please comment)	4 (16%) Comments: - There is plenty of space to dance but the floor was very sticky and stuck to the bottom of my suede dancing shoes. It was difficult to spin. I hope that you can find a way to really clean the floor and not apply wax. - sticky floor. most important part to me. If floor not good, don't really care about parking, location, bar, ambiance, band... - wanted the floor to be less sticky..there,s nothing like a fast floor to keep happy feet happy. - It is so sticky I was afraid I would tear my ACL - I love to dance but not if I'm going to get injuried
Floor stickiness concerns: (24 votes)
Didn't notice	8 (33%) Comments:
Didn't care	4 (16%) Comments: - Which place had the sticky floor? I've got different shoes, my black-and-white blyers can be TOO slippery on some floors (Dance complex studio 2... just about killed myself lol). I didn't notice. :)
It affected my dancing.	10 (41%) Comments: - See above comment - I'm a leader and I was able to deal with the stickiness of the floor but it affects the followers much more than the leaders. - Seemed to be less sticky the second time I went than the first. - Not sure if this contributes to the sticky floor, but I heard the mens bathroom had liguid on the floor which was sticky. I don't know if there was a small leak or not but perhaps this traveled out to the dance floor. Unfortunately this is very bad for dance shoes. - It was not fun to dance on and restricted the freedom of movement and choice of moves. Especially since there was so much variability in stickiness. One friend said they strained a groin muscle because of the floor. If there were no other choices I'd get hard sole shoes, but since there's plenty of other dances (Lindy and otherwise, Swing City is my last choice at the moment. - makes me look for other venues with nicer floors
I won't come back until I hear it's resolved.	2 (8%) Comments: - If I am twirled, foot moves and shoe doesn't. Causes blisters w/foot rubbing against shoe. Cuts into activities for next few days. Not worth it. If can't spin, can't dance.
How did you like the lighting? (24 votes)
It was nice	24 (100%) Comments: - Please do not have more moving lights than you had. - Liked the colors overall, but there were tiny green spotlights that seemed to always be at eye level when I was facing any of the walls? A little blinding. - Again, better last week than the first dance when it was way too bright. Even during the lesson the lights don't have to be turned up all the way. - the whole roomwas great except for the floor.. made a mess of the bottoms of my dance shoes - didn't notice so I assume I thought it was nice - definately not too bright - The lighting is fine, with or without additions - Boston Swing Coop uses 4 8" colored LED-driven lights at their events, but they don't really need to
Too dark	0 (0%) Comments:
Too bright	0 (0%) Comments:
Too colorful	0 (0%) Comments:
Not colorful enough	0 (0%) Comments:
Prefier more moving lights	0 (0%) Comments:
How about the bar? (26 votes)
Prefer free tap water only.	5 (19%) Comments: - Bottled water is terrible for the environment; free tap water should be an option.
I buy only bottled water	6 (23%) Comments: - People who come to drink aren't there to dance - ialways by water 2 0r 3 bottles preferred cold..and an occassional soda
I buy a drink or two	6 (23%) Comments: - Swing dancers are notoriously cheap. I appreciate the tactful way you ask people to buy drinks and tip. I don't drink alcohol, but tip $1 for my soda or water.
Drinking is essential	2 (7%) Comments:
Don't care	7 (26%) Comments: - I am an ex-boozer,so Bar not for me. But I realize how important the bar revenues are;so I buy a few bottled waters and drinks for any ladies who I dance with ( just to be polite and help the Bar=no ulterior motives). - "Don't care" isn't really right, because I'm aware that the bar income supports the rent... sometimes I buy water, sometimes I buy a drink, but I've determined (the hard way, off course - a follower, not me) that just a bit of booze really throws off one's balance. With that in mind, the more non-alcoholic choices the bar has, the better ... but I'll prolly stick with water for the most part
How much do you spend at the bar? (28 votes)
zero, can't afford	4 (14%) Comments:
zero, don't need anything	7 (25%) Comments:
$1-$2	2 (7%) Comments:
$2-$5	8 (28%) Comments: - always tip too - 2 to 4 waters, depending on how much dancing I'm doing (fast music == good == more dancing) & how long I stay
$5-$10	5 (17%) Comments:
$10-$20	1 (3%) Comments:
I'm buying rounds	1 (3%) Comments: - I also ask the other women w/lady I dance with if they want a drink. Again, I realize the importance of cash-flow in venue. And I am fortunate in that I do ok for myself financially.
What should the bar expect from the patrons? (23 votes)
There should be no expectation, I pay enough cover.	11 (47%) Comments: - I was at both Swing City and the Watertown dance (same night) last Friday, and at both locations women complained about the drinking. I only drink water, and simply will not buy an alcoholic beverage when I come to dance. Charge more cover if needed.
I should spend <$5	3 (13%) Comments: - As partons we aren't aware of the breakdown. Ie, if Swing City is getting a great deal pending bar purchases, perhaps signage to that effect on the way in would at least make us aware of it. If Swing City is not getting a great deal ... :-D I'm a working professional, so I can deal with it, but I can see cover charge + expected bar tab being high for students. SC seems to draw a good student/younger dancer crowd, I'd hope costs wouldn't get so high as to turn them off from coming out.
I should spend about $5	6 (26%) Comments: - Dancers are famous for not drinking much alcohol. It increases the sweat. That's why public places all stopped hosting this type of dancing decades ago. There used to be 5 - 6 venues around Boston in the 90's. All gone cause of the lack of drinking from serious dancers. Meat market dancers using dancing to meet someone buy more drinks. Dancers who also drink went out in the 40's. Nature of the beast. This crowd dances. My partner and I drink and dance cause we're older from the swing dancing/public bar scene of the 90's.
I should spend $5-$10	2 (8%) Comments:
I should spend $10 or more	1 (4%) Comments: - Plus,all should be reminded to tip the Bartender!!!!!!!!!!
How was the ventilation/AC? (23 votes)
Good	11 (47%) Comments: - Good for now, will probably need to be turned up very soon with summer coming in.
Acceptable	8 (34%) Comments: - I dance too hard anyway, that's an issue with my dance style that I'm working on :)
It needs work	4 (17%) Comments: - Cooler please. - Sucks! The A/C seems to come from the side floor vents, which are covered by chairs. It gets too hot too fast. Not good. - the floor might be less sticky if the ac was on to keep the moisture down in the room..
How was the sound? (24 votes)
Too loud	5 (20%) Comments: - Piped in music played when band taking break is pretty loud.
Just right	19 (79%) Comments: - The sound was great. I have found recently that many places play the music too loud, so I either wear ear plugs or leave early. So I was very surprised the music was just right. Please keep the volume not to loud. Thanks. - Ryles is generally WAY too loud, SC varies. I shouldn't be deaf, ears ringing, or hearing-fatigued when I leave a place. My SPL sound meter was less than $30 at BestBuy in the car audio section. I never remember to bring it places, although I've been tempted :)
Too soft	0 (0%) Comments:
Did you like the hall in general? (23 votes)
Yes, best yet	9 (39%) Comments: - too far from plymouth - This location is more convenient for me than the Newton location, but they've all been acceptable. I like the BIG dance space at this venue... Salsa events should take note, they're always way too packed for the available dance space. Swing City has always had large venues.
Yes, it's okay	14 (60%) Comments: - Not great, dance floor is small. - floor, floor, floor.
It needs work	0 (0%) Comments:
Lessons: a hot topic. Did you take the lesson? (24 votes)
Yes, learned something	5 (20%) Comments:
Yes, was helping others	6 (25%) Comments: - always help out..but don,t usually takethe lesson unless trhey need leaders..or i see someone struggling ..late lesson people.. - Love the lessons :) Sometimes it's easy for me (dancing 9 years) to get distracted during the quick-quick-slow part of the lesson, but after that it's really fun to meet new people and help ease them into dancing. It's my responsibility as an experienced lead to show up for the lesson, and it's a lot of fun anyway .. and once in a while I learn something too :)
No, too beginner-level	1 (4%) Comments:
No, didn't feel comfortable	0 (0%) Comments:
No, came after but would have	1 (4%) Comments:
No, came after just to dance.	11 (45%) Comments:
If you took the lesson, what were your thoughts? (11 votes)
Too easy	5 (45%) Comments:
Just right	4 (36%) Comments: - a great beginner lesson last wk by tony & aurelie..if the lessons is too complicated a lesson { beg.} just doesn,t work.. to discouraging to new beginners - I've been dancing so long it's tough to know how a new person interprets the lesson, but they seem fine to me.
Too hard	2 (18%) Comments: - I am at intermediate level;but found it difficult w/the lessons. I would try to explain to partner;but maybe not enough time=or too much "clatter" from folks talking. Plus, not all rotated,and was alone too much. So I come when lessons are over at this point. - Teaching tripple step to novices is too much for them to grasp in a 1 hour group lesson. They should teach step-touch, step-touch, rock step. I think the new people will pick it up much faster. Only my opinion.
If you took the lesson, did you find it entertaining? (10 votes)
YEs, was fun and exciting	7 (70%) Comments: - tony & aurelie mix in enough music with their lesson so it connects the dance to the lesson - I've known a lot of the current set of instructors around Boston for some years now - they all have different styles, but everyone makes it fun and easy, I like the way it's done.
It was "okay".	2 (20%) Comments: - I found some of Todd's statements very offensive, like about feeling like 'gagging' if you got an unattractive partner. Also he sexualized things and tried to be cute in ways that were just offensive to me, my husband, and other friends that came with us.
The instructors were not vey exciting.	1 (10%) Comments:
Will you be coming back? (Please comment) (23 votes)
Yes, regularly	13 (56%) Comments: - But I will also be going to the other Friday dances. With three dances, not everyone is in one location--and that sucks! The dance in Watertown was poorly attended, and I can't imagine they broke even. Apparently the crowd arrived when people left your place to try out the other. Once again, it sucks to have so many competing dances, and I wish that you would lead the three groups to have a truce--alternate dates, or something. - Cannot wait!!! - depends on flooring actions - There are now no fewer than 3 places to swing in Boston on Friday, it's tough to decide. Boston Swing Coop is smaller, but I have more regular friends there, even if they seem to prefer a more blue-sy style, whereas I love Jump swing lol. I've been trying to alternate between SC & BSC ... we'll see how it goes, I've not tried the 3rd place yet
Yes, occasionally	9 (39%) Comments: - gas prices make it to expensive to go every friday 90miles roundtrip - Yes, maybe if I like the band. Or if I hear the floor is fixed.
Rarely	1 (4%) Comments:
Not planning to.	0 (0%) Comments:
How did you hear about Swing City? (28 votes)
Swing City email list	10 (35%) Comments:
I'm a regular	11 (39%) Comments: - on the dance net
The Globe	0 (0%) Comments:
Swing City Website	0 (0%) Comments:
Google/Yahoo	0 (0%) Comments:
Somerville Journal	1 (3%) Comments:
An online event guide or other email list	0 (0%) Comments:
Flyer	0 (0%) Comments:
Word of mouth	1 (3%) Comments: - Partner on email list.
Swing dance instructor	1 (3%) Comments: - I took lessons in Boston at BCAE. And both Gayle Gardner and Kevin Ring espoused the benefits/fun,etc...of Swing City after every lesson ( I am going back a few years here). They talk up Swing City like you have no idea-which I think is great.
Other (please comment)	1 (3%) Comments: - havetodance.com
More than two of the above	3 (10%) Comments: - Semi-regular from all three locations since 1998-1999, no idea how I first heard of it. First lessons with Dancing Feats, I imagine I learned of it there.
Overal rating: (23 votes)
5 stars	8 (34%) Comments: - Nice people all w/good intentions. From person at door to anyone I would ask questions;all have positive,upbeat(no pun intended) attitudes. And this love of Swing Dancing is obvious by all assistance kindly offered and rendered. - avoid bands that dont play well to the dancers. the last band to play the last nite in newton, does not play well to dancers. ask djs to play more popular new and old swing music. too much really old obscure swing music has been played in the past. play some cds from the bands that visit swing city. city rithym orchestra for example.
4 stars	7 (30%) Comments: - I really like this comment page. But, what a lot of work for you sorting out all this info. Thanks...
3 stars	5 (21%) Comments: - overal...1 star on the floor..wish there was more balboa music..from dj...
2 stars	2 (8%) Comments: - floor issue - main issue
1 star	0 (0%) Comments:
no stars	1 (4%) Comments: - Floor. Without floor, no point. Sorry to be so hard on that subject. Try going over to Moseley's who has a professional ballroom floor. You'll be shocked. You can't have their floor though without rebuilding. It's spring loaded - empty underneath. Not laid onto concrete. Go to restrooms underneath and you'll hear the dancing above. They just have stinky music. Crazy. Best floor in history of Boston ballroom, wasted!