Pre-Party
Intermediate Level
Going deeper — techniques and nuances for experienced dancers
A social gathering or warm-up session before the main event — where the night begins and the social energy starts building.
Intermediate focus
Use the pre-party to reconnect with friends from other scenes, meet new arrivals, and get a feel for the music and floor. Dance, but conserve energy — the main event is the marathon, and the pre-party is the warm-up. It's also a great time to scope out the class schedule and plan your congress strategy.
Tips
- •The pre-party is the best time to find your congress buddy — someone at a similar level who you can navigate the event with.
- •Dress comfortably for the pre-party. Save your best outfit for the main event socials.
- •If a congress has a pre-party class or warm-up session, take it. Moving your body before the night loosens you up physically and socially.
Common mistakes
- •Skipping the pre-party and arriving at the main event cold, without any social warmup
- •Going too hard at the pre-party and being exhausted for the main event
- •Treating the pre-party as unimportant — it's often where the best connections begin
Practice drill
For your next event with a pre-party, set a goal: arrive within the first hour, dance with at least three people, and have a conversation with someone you've never met. Note how this changes your experience at the main event compared to arriving cold.