Suburban Showcase
Hyatt Regency in Lisle, IL (1400 Corporetum Dr)
Sunday February 15th
Start time: TBD. First heat anticipated to start between 10-11am. Will be updated here when set. Instructors will be available for warm ups 30 minutes prior to first heat start.
Dinner theme: Alice in Wonderland
End time: usually between 8-9pm
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Attire: Ballroom attire for dancers (see more info below), business to cocktail for daytime spectators, cocktail to formal for evening. Please note: showcase is a formal event. Casual attire such as jeans, sweats, shorts, etc are not appropriate attire in the ballroom for dancers or spectators. BALLROOM IS KEPT COOL FOR DANCERS. BRING A JACKET OR SWEATER FOR BETWEEN DANCES-SPECTATORS SHOULD BRING ONE AS WELL.
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Spectator tickets: We have 2 full day tickets remaining (meals included) $175/ticket
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Format:
Closed heats will be in level order: Newcomer, Associate Bronze, Full Bronze, Silver and above, followed by open heats. This will repeat for smooth and then rhythm. Speciality heats will likely follow or be mixed in with rhythm. All around generally takes place between smooth and rhythm, club 3 dances are generally at the end. ​The ballroom will close for 60-90 minutes after the last student heat to set the ballroom for the evening. Please take all your belongings with you at this time (they can be placed in the dressing rooms). Use this time to change into your dinner outfit and chat with your fellow students in the lobby area.
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Food service. Your own snacks and beverages are generally fine to have during the day. A lunch buffet will be served (usually a tex Mex or sandwich bar). Plated meals (chicken) will be served for dinner. Cash bar available in the evening.
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PLEASE NOTE: The franchisees/staff will be on the dance floor and unavailable to help with costumes, take pictures or video. Please ask a fellow student if you would like help recording or with costume changes.
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Costume changes: When you are done dancing one style, go ahead and change into your next costume- do not wait for the scheduled break if you have time to do it before. Scheduled breaks are designed for those who do not have time to change/use the restroom otherwise because they are on the floor continuously. By utilizing these areas when you have time in your dance schedule it helps us avoid lines and crowding for those who do not. Please be courteous in your use of space and do not leave your items laying around in the way of others.
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Getting on/off the floor: You will be provided with a heat sheet that lists your dances for the day. If you are dancing with a partner who is coming off the floor with another student please walk directly toward them to meet up. This helps us to keep the day moving efficiently and avoid wasting time between heats.
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Planning your showcase attire:
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GENTLEMEN:
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SMOOTH:
Dress slacks (with belt if you have belt loops on your pants), solid colored long sleeve button up shirt (black or white is common), tie. Optional vest. Jackets are NOT recommended unless you own one specifically made for ballroom dancing. Tail suits are not for American style dancing. Ballroom shoes with socks to match shoes and/or pants. An undershirt can help with sweat absorption. Plastic collar stays are useful for keeping your collar looking its best.
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RHYTHM, CLUB/SWING, LATIN:
Dress slacks (with belt if you have belt loops on your pants), short or long sleeve button up shirt with collar. No tie.
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DINNER:
Formal attire or dress in theme (Alice in Wonderland). Dress slacks (with belt if you have belt loops on your pants), long sleeve button up shirt, tie. Vest and/or jackets encouraged. Ballroom shoes with socks to match shoes and/or pants.
GENERAL TIPS FOR GENTLEMEN: An undershirt can help with sweat absorption. Plastic collar stays are useful for keeping your collar looking its best. Don't forget cufflinks if your shirt requires them. Shoelaces break- always keep an extra pair in your dance bag. The day WILL get sweaty- we highly recommend a fresh outfit for dinner as opposed to reusing the same pieces you were wearing while dancing. A comb, a towel for wiping sweat, deodorant and breath mints are always good to have on hand. Many people find it convenient to bring their own refillable water bottle.
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A gentlemen's dressing room is available off the lobby area. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN HANGERS.
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LADIES:
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SMOOTH:
Mid-calf to ankle (preferred) length dress or skirt with blouse. Smooth (closed toe) ballroom shoes if you have them. Open toe shoes are preferable over "practice" shoes.
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RHYTHM, CLUB/SWING, LATIN:
Mid-thigh to knee length dress or skirt with blouse. Open toe shoes preferable over closed toe.
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DINNER:
Formal attire or dress in theme (Alice in Wonderland). Dresses (any length), formal jumpers or pantsuits are appropriate. The day WILL get sweaty. We highly recommend having a completely fresh outfit for dinner and not planning to reuse pieces from the dance portion of the day.
HAIR/MAKEUP:
Short hair should be styled nicely. Long hair should be smoothed down and pulled back into a style that will not be in your face or hit your partner (no high pony). Use gel/hairspray to tame flyaways and keep things in place all day. FULL makeup encouraged. Just like an actor wears makeup on the stage, this is PERFORMANCE makeup-not everyday or evening wear. The goal is for your makeup to look nice from 20 feet away, not up close.
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General:
Plan your undergarments appropriately. Bras should be covered. Nude colored sheer to waist hosiery gives a smooth overall look and is enhanced further by layering professional tan colored fishnets overtop. Over hosiery add a pair of solid color full coverage briefs. Do NOT use nude colored briefs. Black or outfit matching is best. Skirts lift when spinning so these are for coverage and nude colored coverage doesn't look like coverage. Make sure you are secure in all your items. If you're worried about straps falling down it will affect your dancing. Bring items with you for hair and makeup touch ups. Safety pins, needle and thread, dress tape, deodorant and extra hosiery are all helpful to have on hand. Many people find it convenient to bring their own refillable water bottle. BRING A SWEATER OR JACKET. You will be cold when not dancing. The ballroom is kept cool for the comfort of those dancing a lot.
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A ladies dressing area is available inside of the ladies restroom. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN HANGERS.