Before you come to Muse - Logistics

Have you got a way to get to us? Have you got a place to stay? If you signed up for 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?
   

You can get around Philly by public transit using SEPTA buses, trolleys, or subway, or use rideshare services like Lyft or Uber. The closest subway stops to The German Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) are Spring Garden Station on the Broad Street Line (16 minute walk or you can take the 43 bus Eastbound) or the Market Frankford Line (10 minute walk or you can take the 43 bus Westbound). There are many bus lines in our vicinity, the 43 is great for going East/West and the 45, 47, and 57 are great for going North/South. You can find the best public transit route using Google Maps. SEPTA fare is $2.50 in cash or you can pay by credit card.
 

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!
   

We’re at several different venues this year, so make sure you check out our venues page - 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! Submit your proof here: https://forms.gle/Y2rFTPcVanaxtsCR6

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Before you come to Muse - Mindset

Who are you excited to see? Who are you excited to dance with? What are your goals for the weekend? 

 

Especially if you’re a first time attendee, some advance mental preparation can make your weekend a much happier time. Reach out to other people who are going, make some dinner plans, think about anything you especially want to make time for.

 

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.

 

One way to make the most out of your weekend is to set some learning, dance, and social priorities for yourself, so if your brain is too tired to know what’s going on, you already have a structure in place to help you decide!

 

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.
 

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 open.

• 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. 

 

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

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. 

 

• Eat - find out where you can get things around the venues, snacks will be served at the dances from 10pm until 12:30pm or whenever we run out 

• Hydrate - you can find water in the basement of the GSP in the Rathskeller or at water fountains in our other venues

• Take breaks - even in class, it’s ok to sit and take notes, stretch, etc.

• Take time to warm up and cool down your body - swing your arms and legs, raise or calm your heart rate, take some deep breaths

• Check in with yourself - how am I doing? What do I need? (Is it a snack? Is it a moment away from people? Is it a nap?)

• Check in with your buddies, and let them check on you

• Sleep!
   

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!