Leveled, Concept-Based Workshops
Swingtacular has become A LOT of amazing things at this point, but the whole reason we wanted to organize a full weekend WCS convention in the first place was to create a unique, and profoundly meaningful learning experience. Our standard workshop at Swingtacular is anything but standard. Unless otherwise specified, all workshops are leveled and concept-based.
NO PATTERNS ALLOWED (unless being utilized to deliver a concept, of course). Workshops will predominantly focus on general understanding of concepts relevant to improving WCS, as well as providing specific tools/drills to apply said concepts to your body/movement. This creates opportunities for every workshop to positively impact the students’ entire experience dancing/learning WCS, rather than just learning a few new steps/moves. Both components have a meaningful place in learning WCS, but with Swingtacular having one of the greatest ensemble of WCS teachers ever assembled, we wanted to present an opportunity for monumentally positive shifts in how our attendees experience WCS in every workshop throughout the entire weekend. Creating clear and varied levels for the workshops also ensures the highest hit rate probability of creating those special “Eureka!” moments for students, as the teachers are better able to hit students right in their experiential wheelhouse.
There are many mixed opinions on creating and enforcing levels within an event’s workshop structure. There are the distinct advantages of learning with a group that has a smaller range in experience and skill level. There are more similar goals within the student group that the teacher is able to focus on and help that group make the most progress that they possibly can. Swingtacular wants to take advantage of this while still being as inclusive as possible. To do this, we have continued to make adjustments based on people's experiences each year, and this year is no different. Here are a couple of things we are focusing on this year to facilitate the most positive learning experience possible:
NO PATTERNS ALLOWED (unless being utilized to deliver a concept, of course). Workshops will predominantly focus on general understanding of concepts relevant to improving WCS, as well as providing specific tools/drills to apply said concepts to your body/movement. This creates opportunities for every workshop to positively impact the students’ entire experience dancing/learning WCS, rather than just learning a few new steps/moves. Both components have a meaningful place in learning WCS, but with Swingtacular having one of the greatest ensemble of WCS teachers ever assembled, we wanted to present an opportunity for monumentally positive shifts in how our attendees experience WCS in every workshop throughout the entire weekend. Creating clear and varied levels for the workshops also ensures the highest hit rate probability of creating those special “Eureka!” moments for students, as the teachers are better able to hit students right in their experiential wheelhouse.
There are many mixed opinions on creating and enforcing levels within an event’s workshop structure. There are the distinct advantages of learning with a group that has a smaller range in experience and skill level. There are more similar goals within the student group that the teacher is able to focus on and help that group make the most progress that they possibly can. Swingtacular wants to take advantage of this while still being as inclusive as possible. To do this, we have continued to make adjustments based on people's experiences each year, and this year is no different. Here are a couple of things we are focusing on this year to facilitate the most positive learning experience possible:
Workshop Levels/QualificationsWe use WSDC points as an immediate reference point to the level of material that will be taught, corresponding appropriately to the level of the students. Competitive points are obviously not a perfect system for gauging experience level, but it is a helpful starting point for general correlation.
Level 1 / Beginner - No points in Novice or above Level 2- Any number Novice points or above Level 3- Any number Intermediate points or above Level 4- Any number Advanced points or above Level 5- All Star/Champions points or above ONLY 
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Workshop ExpectationsEveryone will have the same color wristbands. There will not be anyone at the door telling students that they aren’t allowed in because they aren't at the appropriate level, because they won't be able to tell. We are going off of the honor system.
If you aren't confident that you qualify for the class, and can be a qualified partner for those you are rotating to and from, you always have the option to take the class with one partner, and not rotate. You also always have the option to sit and simply audit the class, and take notes. We have amazing instructors lined up for this weekend. Please take every opportunity that you can to soak up as much knowledge as you possibly can. This is meant to be a learning experience that keeps you occupied until at least Swingtacular next year. 
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