You might like to know that it’s like being a member. That’s why we’ve asked them. These questions and answers can give you an idea what dancing and the association means for our members. If you get inspired, be sure to check out the members information page.
Why did you start dancing?
Colin
Two friends of mine, that were already dancing for ~2 years, they told me: Colin, you should really join once. And then I thought at one moment, okay, I’m going to try it. Yeah, since then I’m hooked on dancing!
Myrthe
I went to a music camp in the summer holidays, and they did Argentine Tango. X offered classes, and that’s how I ended up dancing Argentine Tango.
Julia
I originally started dancing to increase my self-confidence.
Why did you choose your dance?
Colin
The friends of mine that got me into dancing were also dancing ballroom.
Armin
Since the first lesson, I just loved it.
What is your favourite aspect of dancing?
Julia
There are many things I like about ballroom dancing, or dancing in general. My favourite thing is how free I feel when I dance. I truly feel like myself when I dance.
Armin
What I most like about Argentine tango is the music. When you hear it for the first time, it’s a bit strange, a bit old, all the vinyl… After you get used to it it’s very beautiful music.
Colin
You have a social part of it, also there’s a competitive side that I really like. Just the combination of nice things that makes the complete package awesome.
Sven
The special interaction that you get from the leading and following, which is something that you never get in any other kind of activity.
What do you do in Blue Suede Shoes?
Myrthe
Well, obviously, dance.
Colin
I was part of the hangout committee that organizes the non-dancing events of the association.
Armin
I usually go to practices, technique lessons, the parties that happen here and there.
Julia
What didn’t I do at Blue Suede Shoes? 😜
I have been a part of many committees, and I’ve also done a board year (board III).
What does the association mean for you?
Sven
To me the association is a group of like-minded people that also enjoy dancing. It’s my largest group of friends that I have.
Colin
Just a lot of fun.
Myrthe
Argentine tango is very community based, and Blue Suede Shoes is a really nice way to get into that community.
Julia
I’ve been a member of Blue Suede Shoes since the start, so seeing the association grow as a community as a community of dancing in Delft has been really fun.
Armin
Dancing extends beyond Delft. What we do here we can take almost everywhere.
What have you been doing during the (first) lockdown?
Julia
I set up a committee called the Corona committee, and we organized online hangouts, technique classes and dance parties.
Myrthe
For me, the motivation comes from actually dancing with other people, so I put my dancing on hold in the lockdown.
Armin
I’ve not done dancing so much and now I can start again with a fresh mind.
Colin
During the lockdown I’ve joined the online technique classes as substitution for real life dancing. We also did some outside trainings; we did game nights.
Sven
I think the most fun activity that we did towards the end was the outdoor lesson where we were quickstep-running through the parks.
Why should people join Blue Suede Shoes?
Julia
With Blue Suede Shoes I truly feel at home. It’s the gateway to the entire dancing community in the Netherlands.
Colin
If you only take dance classes, you are going to miss out on being part of a dance community and Blue Suede Shoes offers that community and that’s a lot of fun.
Armin
If you’re curious about partner dancing, come by, have a look, we’re always open to newcomers. From that point you can see if you want to join.
Sven
If you also like dancing, it’s a really great place to be.
Myrthe
In Blue Suede Shoes you will find individuals who are very willing to help you and give you steps in the right direction. It makes it really easy to get into a dance that is actually quite complicated.
Yeah, go Blue Suede Shoes!
What if I can’t dance?
Julia
Well, no one can dance when they start so that’s not an excuse to not start dancing.
Myrthe
I can’t dance either, I’m really stiff, but that still didn’t hold me back. So just join and you will certainly enjoy it. It’s not about if you immediately can do it, it’s about if you’re having fun.
Armin
Just make sure you have fun and when you have fun, there’s no such thing as mistakes.