How to Identify the Right Community for You | Part 1

DANCE-VENTURES
Line Dancing Party PAUSED

We regret to inform you that the Line Dancing Party originally scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at our Guelph studio has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. We understand this may be disappointing and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Waiting List and Future Events:

To ensure you're among the first to know about rescheduled dates and upcoming line dancing events, we invite you to join our waiting list. By signing up, you'll receive timely updates and priority access to future sessions.​

Click below to join the Waiting List:

We appreciate your understanding and enthusiasm for dance. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to dancing with you soon!
Now, let's dive into today's main story...

DANCE-VENTURES
Finding Your Perfect Community: A 3-Part Journey

My apologies for being away for a month or so. I discovered that I do enjoy writing our FDComm newsletter, and I did miss it.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on choosing the right community for you! Over the next three weeks, we'll walk you through everything you need to know:

Part 1 (Today): Identifying exceptional instructors and what to look for during your first visit
Part 2: Understanding community dynamics, costs, and commitment levels
Part 3: Your 60-day trial roadmap and decision-making framework

Let's start with the most crucial element: the people who'll guide your journey.

The 5 Qualities of Exceptional Community Leaders

After years of being both student and instructor, I've discovered what transforms a good teacher into a transformative community leader. Here's your evaluation checklist:

1. Passion & Authenticity

What to look for: Does their enthusiasm feel genuine or performative? Watch how they interact before and after class—not just during.

Green flags:

• They remember students' names and progress | cheat code: Name tags

• Their energy remains consistent throughout the session

• They share their own struggles and victories

Questions to ask: "What brought you to this practice?" "What keeps you teaching?"

2. Mastery & Humility

What to look for: Technical expertise balanced with openness to questions and different approaches.

Green flags:

• They credit their own teachers and influences

• They say "I don't know, let me find out" when stumped

• They demonstrate multiple ways to achieve the same result

Red flag: Anyone who claims “their way is the only way”

3. Empathy & Communication

What to look for: How they handle struggling students reveals everything.

Green flags:

• They offer modifications without being asked

• They use inclusive language ("when you're ready" vs. "by now you should")

• They check in with quiet students

Red flags: 
Notice: How they respond when anyone struggles (not just you); or
Watch: How they handle questions from various skill levels; or
Things to naturally observe: Their reaction when equipment fails or music stops

4. Creativity & Flexibility

What to look for: Adaptability when things don't go as planned.

Green flags:

• They adjust difficulty based on the room's energy

• They incorporate student suggestions

• They find multiple ways to explain concepts

Real example: Last week, our instructor compared salsa timing to making coffee—weird? Yes. Effective? Absolutely!

5. Lifelong Learning & Resilience

What to look for: Growth mindset in action.

Green flags:

• They attend other instructors' classes

• They acknowledge when they make mistakes

• They share what they're currently learning

Key insight: The best instructors are still students themselves.

Your First Visit Checklist

Before you go:

• Check their social media for community culture clues

• Read their cancellation/refund policy

• Note accessibility features if needed

What to bring:

• Water bottle

• Comfortable clothes (layers recommended!)

• Notebook for observations | optional

• Open mind, realistic expectations

During your visit, observe:

• How are newcomers welcomed?

• How do experienced members treat beginners?

• Is there pressure to sign up immediately?

• Do people socialize after, or rush out?

After your visit, reflect:

• Did you feel seen and valued?

• Could you imagine returning weekly?

• Did the instructor's style match your learning needs?

• Was the difficulty level appropriate with room to grow?

The 3-Community Rule: Shop Around Before You Settle

Think of it like dating—you wouldn't marry the first person who's nice to you, right? Maybe, but that is another subject for another day.

Here's my tested approach: Visit at least three different communities before committing, even if the first one feels amazing. Why? Because without comparison, you can't distinguish between "thank goodness I found something" and "this is genuinely right for me."

Here's your sampling strategy:

Community search 1: Your "Safe Choice" 
Start with what feels most comfortable. If you're interested in salsa, visit an established salsa studio with good reviews. This gives you a baseline—what does "standard good" feel like?

Example: The well-known downtown studio with the professional website and clear pricing.

Community search 2: Your "Stretch Choice" 
Push slightly beyond familiar territory. If Community 1 was formal, try somewhere more casual. If it was youth-oriented, find an all-ages spot. This reveals your preferences through contrast.

Example: That community center class with mixed ages, or the Latin social club that teaches on the side.

Community 3: Your "Wild Card" 
Go completely different. Try another dance style, a different neighborhood, or an alternative teaching method (online, outdoor, cultural center). This often produces surprising insights about what actually matters to you.

Example: West Coast Swing instead of Salsa, or that Cuban-style social dance group that meets in the park.

The magic happens in comparison: Maybe Community 1's structure felt reassuring until you experienced Community 2's spontaneity. Perhaps Community 3's outdoor sessions revealed you actually hate dancing in studios. You can't know your preferences until you experience the alternatives.

Pro tip: Document each visit immediately. Create a voice memo in your car or jot quick impressions in your phone. After three visits, patterns emerge: "I keep mentioning how much I liked when instructors knew names" or "I felt most comfortable where people dressed casually."

This isn't about finding perfection—it's about making an informed choice you won't second-guess later.

Join Us for a Pressure-Free Experience

Curious about Flying Dance Community? We offer:

Your First Visit is Always Free No credit card required, no pushy sales pitch—just pure dance joy.

The our "Four-week Pass Test Drive" Try the different instructors and dance styles

This Week's Schedule for Newcomers:

• Tuesday 7pm: Absolute Beginners Salsa (no partner needed!)

• Wednesday 6:30pm: Community Meet & Greet (free snacks!)

• Sunday 2pm: Open Practice with Instructor Support | Sunday Salsa Practica

Reserve Your First Class

Practice Opportunities This Week

For Current Members:

Friday Night Salsa Fix (FNSF) - Guelph Studio Start your weekend with energy! 8-11pm, all levels welcome

Sunday Salsa Practice (SSP) - Relaxed & Refined No loud music, just focused practice. 2-5pm, bimonthly

Saturday Night Salsa Fix (SNSF) - Milton Location Can't make Friday? Join our monthly Milton gathering!

Coming Up Next Time: Part 2

We've covered how to identify great instructors and navigate your first visits. But what about the community itself? Next Tuesday, we'll decode:

• The 4 types of community cultures (and which suits your personality)

• Real cost breakdowns: membership vs. drop-in economics

• Time commitment realities nobody talks about

• How to spot toxic positivity vs. genuine support

• The "Community Dating Period": setting boundaries while exploring

Plus, I'll share my embarrassing story about joining the wrong community for all the right reasons—and what it taught me about trusting your gut.

Tiny homework: This week, observe one community you're already part of (work, gym, book club). What makes you stay or consider leaving? These insights will unlock next week's content in powerful ways.

THAT'S THE HEART OF IT!

Remember, finding your community isn't about perfection—it's about connection. The right instructor doesn't just teach you moves; they help you discover capabilities you didn't know existed.

Keep exploring, keep questioning, and always, keep moving forward!

P.S. Reply and tell me: What's the most important quality YOU look for in an instructor? Your insights might feature in Part 3!

♥️ Looking forward to our next connection in your inbox!

DANCE-VENTURES With The FDComm
Practice your NEW dancing skills, Meet NEW people!

Practice, Practice, Practice, and Let’s Help Perfect Your New Dance Skill

Friday Night Salsa Fix (FNSF) in Guelph - Start off your weekend every week with a smile. Weekly

Sunday Salsa Practice (SSP) - A more laid-back setting, perfect for refining techniques and enjoying a relaxing afternoon of dance - no flashing lights, or loud music. Bi-Monthly

Saturday Night Salsa Fix (SNSF) in Milton - If you can’t make it out on a Friday night, join us on Saturday evening as we dance, connect, and enjoy the energy of our vibrant dance community. Monthly