A BDT member list will be present on a sign-in table. Members should check off their names as they come in. Non-members are discouraged; however, on limited occassions, a member may bring a partner (just one) who is not a member. The member should write the non-member's name on the sign-in sheet next to the member's name. It will not be possible for a non-member to join BDT at this practice session.
BDT members pay $5 per person (no matter whether they stay 15 minutes or 2 hours) to be deposited in a cigar box (or similar) at the sign-in table. Guests (see above) are $10 per person. Dancers should come prepared to pay with correct change, or a check (made out to BDT). There will be no cash box present.
A BDT representative will be persent with the authority to resolve any issues that may arise. Please refer any questions to this representative.
Practice time will be divided into two roughly one hour sessions (actually, the second 'hour' is only 50 minutes). BDT will provide a CD with a rotation of the five smooth dances. This CD will be played for the first hour. After the first hour, requests will be played on a first-come-first-serve basis. Whenever, the Requests List is exhausted, the first-hour CD will again be played.
Requests will be handled by a Requests List sign-up sheet. Individuals may sign-up first-come-first-server, no reservations, on this sheet. During the second hour, request may be played in the order they were signed-up. Individuals making requests need to be prepared to provide the requested music on a medium where it can be readily played without loss of practice time, and they need to be prepared to administer to its being played when their turn comes, or forfeit their position. Requests should be reasonably consistent with the general theme of the practice and of general interest, i.e., dances of a traveling nature that require a large floor for practice.
Anyone can dance to any music played with the understanding that the outside lanes must be kept open for traveling dancers. Slower dancers need to be aware of faster dancers and allow space for passing on the outside. From time to time, during the request hour, an individual needing to practice a routine may request that during their requested music (one song) they have sole access to up to one-half of the floor. During such requests, anyone can dance on the remaining floor.
BDT will supply BDT's Fender sound system which will accept input from an external CD player, MP3 player, or iPod. Participants supplying their own music (as requests) must either supply the music on a CD or provide their own MP3 player or iPod.
NO SMOKING! NO ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES! Soft drinks, water, and food will be allowed provided the individual bringing in such ensures that all trash is properly disposed of and that any resulting mess is properly cleaned up.
Dress is casual. Shoes must be such as to not damage the floor or leave black marks.
Practice will end 10 minutes prior to the second hour so that everyone can pack up and be out by scheduled end of the practice session. Participants need to be sure that the place is left the way they found it.