The Outdoor Dance Dilemma: The Benefits & Drawbacks of Dancing at Royal City Park

THE ROYAL CITY PARK - GUELPH, ONTARIO
PROS | Why the move to St. George Square

Pros for dancing at the Royal City Park

1. Free Admission: Enjoy dancing without any cost, making it an accessible option for everyone.

2. Wooden Dance Floor: Experience a superior dance surface that enhances comfort and movement.

3. Largest Shelter Gazebo: Dance under the largest gazebo in Southern Ontario, providing ample space and protection from the elements.

4. Scenic Venue: Dance amidst the beauty of a lush park by the Eramosa River, offering a picturesque backdrop.

5. River Walks: Take leisurely walks along the scenic Eramosa River, perfect for a relaxing break between dances.

6. Family-Friendly: The park features a kids' play area, making it a great spot for families.

7. Convenient Dining Options: Numerous fast food outlets are nearby, offering quick and easy meal options.

8. Nearby Ice Cream Shop and Canoeing on the river: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to a close-by ice cream shop.

Pros for dancing at St George Square

1. Positive Community Impact: Encourages a vibrant atmosphere in the downtown core, fostering positive change through dance.

2. Electrical Power: Access to electricity for powering music equipment ensures a seamless dance experience.

3. Extended Dancing Hours: Security allows dancing comfortably until 10 pm, providing a safe and enjoyable environment.

4. Enhanced Safety: Provides a safer walk for students to their vehicles, enhancing overall security.

5. Dinner and Dance Options: Abundant sit-down dining experiences in downtown Guelph offer great opportunities for dinner and dance evenings.

6. Outdoor Dining: Several restaurants offer outdoor dining areas, creating a charming setting for an al fresco dinner.

7. Exploration Opportunities: Discover and explore the diverse shopping and cultural experiences in downtown Guelph.

8. No Noise Issues: The location is accommodating of noise levels, allowing for a lively dance atmosphere.

9. Proximity to Studio: Just a 2-minute walk to the studio, making it easy to transport equipment to the venue.

10. Weather Flexibility: If the weather turns bad, dancing can quickly be moved to the studio, just a 2-minute walk away.

11. Convenient Transportation: Only a 2-minute walk to the Guelph Central bus terminal, providing easy bus connections to all parts of Guelph.

12. Ice Cream Nearby: Enjoy a sweet treat with 2 to 3 stores offering ice cream close by.

THE ROYAL CITY PARK - GUELPH, ONTARIO
CONS | Why the move to St. George Square

Cons for dancing at St George Square

1. Not Free: There may be costs associated with using the downtown location, unlike the free admission at Royal City Park.

2. Lack of Wooden Dance Floor: The concrete surface is less ideal for dancing, potentially causing discomfort or knee issues over time. To mitigate this, we use duct tape to make spinning smoother on the concrete.

3. Homelessness Issues: Although the city has moved the 'Tent City' out of the downtown square, homelessness remains a visible and pressing issue in the area.

4. New Location Transition: After 20 years at Royal City Park, it will take time for the community to learn about and adjust to the new downtown location.

5. Missing Scenic Elements: Unlike the picturesque park setting with trees and grass, the downtown area lacks natural beauty and spaces for barefoot walks.

Cons of Dancing at Royal City Park

1. Limited Space: The gazebo can only comfortably accommodate 15 dance couples. Beyond this number, it becomes challenging to find enough space for dancing.

2. No Electricity for Lighting: The gazebo lacks electricity, resulting in no lights after dark. It gets dark around 9:00 pm in June and July, and around 8:00 pm in August, making it difficult to dance in near darkness.

3. No Power for Music Equipment: The absence of electricity means there's no power source for music equipment, necessitating the use of a battery-powered stereo with a long-lasting battery.

4. Safety Concerns: Security is an issue, especially for female dancers walking to their cars in the dark, raising concerns about safety.

5. Homelessness Issues: The gazebo is sometimes used as overnight shelter by homeless individuals, requiring intervention to clear the space for dancing.

6. Cleaning and Setup Challenges: The gazebo, being a free public space, is often used for various activities like drumming, hula hoops, concerts, birthday parties, and picnics. This necessitates moving heavy picnic tables and cleaning up, which can be a hassle.

7. Noise Complaints: The gazebo's location across the river from a neighborhood has led to noise complaints in the past.

8. Limited Dining Options: There is only one sit-down dining option available nearby, limiting meal choices.

9. Distance from Studio: The park is a 10-minute drive from our dance studio, which can be inconvenient for transporting equipment and participants.

10. Limited Public Transport: The area is served by only one bus route, making it less accessible by public transportation.

HAPPY FATHER’S DANCE-DAY
Coupon Expires Sunday, June 16th ‘24

OUTDOOR - DANCE-VENTURES
Where ELSE Can I Dance Outdoors This Summer?

The Flying Dance Festival (FDFest) 2024

New This Year: Bachata/Kizomba Social from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Schedule:
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Dance Workshops (2 Dance Floors)
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Performances
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Live Salsa Music & Social Dancing (Inside Mill)
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Bachata & Kizomba Social Dancing (Outside Mill)

INTRODUCTORY DANCE LESSONS WEEKLY • TUESDAY & THURSDAY EVENINGS
Moonlight Dancing | June 2024