Anything pertaining specifically to Beantown is highlighted, to make it easier if you have already read our general FAQ. Are you an International or Full-Time teacher that has more specific questions? Click here What is it? This is a retreat for 7 - 12 dance teachers &/or organizers from around the world to get together and spend 4 days trading dance techniques, teaching techniques, organizing techniques, and more. Everyone will have approximately 1 hour to teach the rest of the group something unique and important to them, as well as get to take 6-11 classes from the other participants, share in discussions, make action plans, enjoy other fun things, and participate in the Beantown Dance Camp. Can I still come if I don't teach or organize events? Yes! Of the 7-12 people, we expect there to be space for 1-2 aspiring teachers/organizers. (more about level of attendees below) Is it part of the Beantown Dance Camp? Yes & No. We are in coordination with the Beantown organizers and we are working with them so that both the Teachers Retreat and Beantown benefit by joining together. We will be on the Beantown campus, eating with the Beantown attendees, dancing with them at night, and possibly joining in occasional Beantown Dance Camp classes (assuming we aren't hurting the L/F balance). Your housing and food will be paid to and handled by the Beantown organizers. Joining the night dances & joining their classes is included free of charge when attending the Dance Retreat. Thank you Aurelie & Tony! Most of the classes & activities will be in our own dance space on the same campus but separate from the Beantown Dance Camp classes. We might have a few classes mix in with Beantown attendees/teachers, but this is not guaranteed. Your tuition for the Dance Retreat will be paid to The Dance Retreat, not Beantown. What will we do during the retreat? Besides each of us teaching 1 hour (approx) of our most unique or valuable information to the others, and taking the other 6 - 11 unique & valuable classes... all sorts of stuff! Each year tends to have it's own unique flavor and this year will definitely be no exception. Click Here to see some of the other things we will do. What will the schedule look like? Click here for an example schedule that uses classes from past Retreats to give you an idea of what the weekend will look like. The classes will be different than the ones listed because the topics will be relating to each participants areas of expertise. Still, this is a good representation of what the schedule might look like. Why do I have to apply? The application process allows us to have a group of possible attendees to choose from (who have already confirmed their interest and ability to afford the retreat). From these possible attendees, we want to make sure: 1. you will be with peers that can provide you with loads of valuable information. 2. you have valuable information to share as well. 3. there is some variety in areas of expertise. Should I apply even if I can't attend The Beantown Retreat? Yes! We recommend you fill out this general application now so we can give you suggestions on what you can do to increase your chances of being accepted when it comes time to apply for a specific retreat. This often means we will talk to you about your class ideas and help guide you to make your classes as interesting as possible for all the other teachers. This process can also be very valuable even if you never attend a retreat. What level/style of teacher/organizer do I need to be to apply? Each year the level changes depending on the people applying. In 2008, everyone involved was either a full-time dance teacher or full-time organizer. In 2007 we held 2 events during which 10 dancers were full-time, 6 were part-time, 3 had been dancing 8+ years, & 2 had been dancing less than 3 years. Most of our participants are Lindy Hop & Blues dancers. Still, we are very open to other dance styles as well, we just don't advertise to them as much. The main thing we need to make sure of is that you will be able to participate in most of the classes without anyone feeling out of place. This must be examined on a year to year and personal basis. We encourage everyone interested to apply as we might start up different levels of retreats (or even different styles) if there is enough interest. I am not sure if I have anything to contribute to the retreat group. Should I even try? Definitely, some of the most memorable classes have come from people who initially thought they wouldn't have anything to contribute. (Nearly everyone feels this way.) Everyone has something to contribute, sometimes it is just hard to see your own talents. Ask some other people you trust, what they think you could contribute. Think outside of the box. If you are interested, we will also continue to help you figure this out. Only 12 can go! How can I increase my odds of being accepted for this and future years? Every person that wants to come probably has something wonderful to offer, and unfortunately, we have to limit the number of attendees. To increase your odds of being accepted for this or future years:
I have friends that would be interested in this. Can I tell them about it? Definitely! There are plenty of people we would like to tell but we have lost their email or don't know how to contact them. We would appreciate the help. In fact, we will pay you for your referrals that attend! When will I know if I made it? Last year, it took about one month to have a final list. This year we will try to have the final attendees decided by May 14th, or sooner. This will give you at least 6 weeks to prepare your travel arrangements (We fly a lot and will happily help people find cheap flights). When I get there, what should I expect? "Expect your life as you know it to be pleasantly and necessarily challenged... Expect to get very little sleep, yet still feel energized. Expect to tighten friendships and meet new people who share the same passion. Expect to be sad to go home." Amy McIntire, West Virginia What if I can't afford it? Apply now anyway and on the last question of the application mark the answer, "Want to attend, might not be able to afford it." If we feel you are a good fit for the retreat, we will do our best to find a way to help you afford it. Why the Palm Trees? The campus we are staying at is walking distance from the beach and although the campus doesn't have palm trees, this website background shows the weather exactly as we have experienced Beantown over the last two years, perfection! |