Before you come to Muse - Logistics

Have you got a way to get to us? Have you got a place to stay? If you requested housing and don’t know your host, we will connect you via email before the event and take a moment on the first night to make sure everybody gets connected. Some good information to have about hosting:

• When are you planning on arriving, and how will you get in?

• Will you have a key of your own?

• Are you coordinating rides?

• Where will you be sleeping and what will you be sleeping on?

• Do you need to bring your own towel?
   

As you are putting together your luggage, make sure you pack:

• A water bottle

• A way to take notes

• Dance shoes and street shoes

• Layers

• An umbrella

• Masks

• Muse merch! Represent!

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You can get around Philly via SEPTA buses, trolleys, or the subway, or by using rideshare services like Lyft or Uber. The closest subway stops to The German Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) are Spring Garden Station on the orange Broad Street Line newly dubbed the "B" (16 minute walk or you can take the 43 bus Eastbound) or the blue Market Frankford Line newly dubbed the "L" (10 minute walk or you can take the 43 bus Westbound). For bus and trolley stops, as well as subway scheduling, we recommend downloading the Transit app or using Apple/Google Maps for the most accurate route information. SEPTA now allows you to tap on/off with your mobile wallet or a credit/debit card across all modes of transportation, but most trains stop running just after midnight.
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Our home base for the weekend is the German Society of Pennsylvania, be sure you check out our venues page to learn more - if you’re not sure, a volunteer can help you find your way around.

 

DON'T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR NEGATIVE COVID TEST WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE BEGINNING OF THE EVENT!​

 

Classes

Take a look at our schedule and our class descriptions.

 

Think about your energy over the course of the day, and plan what you want to take and when. Give yourself some flexibility to shift plans in the moment, but also pick out the things that you absolutely want to prioritize and not miss.

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Our classes are LARGE and the acoustics are challenging - make sure you get there on time, and don’t have conversations on the side.

 

Consider Volunteering! It’s a great way to get to know the event and the people at it. We reimburse you $15 an hour for your time as a thank-you, but the real treasures are the friends you make along the way.

 

Comps

We have competitions for people at all stages of their Blues dancing journey. We value Blues Aesthetic, Partnering, Musicality, and Creativity, and sign-ups are open until October 16th at midnight. You can find out more here!

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Arrival
When you arrive at the event you will need to check in at the registration desk at the front door of the German Society. You will just need to tell the folks at the front door your name and as long as you sent us a negative COVID test you will be allowed to head into the dance. Once you've checked in you can take your personal items down to the Rathskeller or (if they are smaller) directly into the ballroom.
 

At Muse - Etiquette

If you’re new, or just need a refresher, here are some guidelines for having the most fulfilling time at Muse!

 

When you get to the party, don’t be afraid to ask people to dance. Keep an eye on your energy and find a good balance for yourself between old friends and new connections. 

 

• When you ask someone to dance, you can either ask what role they prefer: “Would you like to lead or follow?” Or state your own preference: “Would you like to lead me?”

•  In Blues, it’s customary to dance one song with one partner and then find another partner for the next dance. 

• Blues dances traditionally start in a torso-to-torso close embrace. It’s okay to use your words if you’d rather stick to closed or open position.

• Listen for other people’s consent and comfort, and check in with them yourself. Check out this document from the fusion scene for more insight! 

• You’re always welcome to solo dance!

• Be sure to only offer advice off the dance floor after getting consent unless immediate feedback is necessary to keep yourself or someone else physically safe. 

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At Muse - Self Care

Throughout the weekend, make sure you take care of your body and brain so that you can have the best possible time. Don’t forget to eat, drink, take breaks, and check in with yourself and others about how they’re doing. We’ll have snacks available in the Rathskeller from 10:00pm until 1:00am, this is also where you can find our hydration stations..

 

This year we’ll also have a welcome crew, and boards to help you connect with people for shared meals, adventures, dances, and rides. Feel free to check in with the Welcome Team if you have any questions about the event, or the Philly area. You can also use our handy guide to Getting that Jawn for ideas about where to eat and drink.

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If something doesn’t feel good, if you have questions, comments, concerns etc. you can reach out to the access team. They are here to help you!