What: On July 8, 1776, John Nixon read the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Join us for this patriotic theme dance party at House of Dance.   This dance will feature a variety of music and will include several patriotic tunes.  We encourage you to wear some red, white & blue, but it is certainly not required.

After the dance ends at 9:15 we will head over to the Collier Home for an “After-party” where we will have food, fellowship, and fun.

Please read this entire notice and pay attention that you must:

• Sign up in advance for this dance.  Students and parents need to sign up.  I need to make sure that we have enough attendees to be able to pay the venue rental, and we also have a maximum number we cannot exceed.
• Be on time.  Please do not sign up for this dance unless you can be on time.
• Please carefully read the dress code and etiquette guidelines below.
• Participate in the dance lesson that begins at 7pm, and most importantly…
• Come prepared to dance the night away with old and new friends, have a good attitude and do your best!

When:  Saturday, July 8th, from 7pm-9:15 pm.  Please arrive at 6:45 to check in and take pics.

Where: House of Dance: 3007 Bunsen Ave Ste E, Ventura, CA https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/

Cost: $15 per student/grad, includes a 30 minute Samba lesson at the beginning from 7:00-7:30, taught by Patricia Monico.  Parent chaperones are free and are also welcome to join the dance lesson.

Payment: Payment in advance is very helpful (Zelle preferred), but not required.  You can pay with cash when you arrive.  To pay in advance send $ to Bonnie Adair via Zelle 805-504-6457 / bonnieadair@verizon.net  or meet up with me in person to give me cash/check ahead of time, or mail a check to: Bonnie Adair 174 Granada Street, Camarillo, CA 93010  You can send it to me via Paypal as well https://paypal.me/bonniemaeadair?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US  Please make sure that you say you are sending $ to friends and family, not paying for a service.

Who: ACHEV members 6^th Grade and up, ACHEV parents, and ACHEV graduates/alumni are also welcome.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to join in the dancing.  *Please do not bring younger siblings to this dance.  Babes in arms OK.

Guests:  Yes, please!   ACHEV members are encouraged to invite guests 6th grade and up to this dance.  Clear all guests through Bonnie Adair bonnieadair@verizon.net and make sure they are on the sign up sheet.  Most importantly, be sure that they are familiar with the dress code and etiquette (below).

Chaperones: Each student under 18 must have a parent chaperone.  You may have another parent chaperone in your place.  Chaperones are responsible for the behavior and safety of their children for the duration of the event.

Schedule:

• 6:45 Begin arriving/check in at the front, take some photos
• 7:00-7:30 Lesson: Samba
• 7:30-9:15 Dancing:  There will be a variety of music, including some line/group dances
• 9:15-9:30 Clean up and head over to the Collier Home for the after party.

What to Bring:

• Water bottles.  This helps reduce costs and waste.   We will have cups and water available for refilling your water bottles, or in case someone forgets theirs.
• An extra pair of shoes in case your dress shoes become uncomfortable.    You will not be allowed to go barefoot or socks only.

Dress Code:

We do not want to have to send anyone home, so please, follow the dress code carefully.  If you are having trouble, reach out and ask questions or ask to borrow something.  Carefully read the dress code here in pdf form: ACHEV Dress Code for Dances In General  

Here are a few things I want to clarify/highlight:

• No Jeans/T-Shirts.  Boys need to wear slacks and a collared shirt (long or short sleeve, dress or polo).
• Skirts need to touch the top of the knee regardless of leggings underneath.
• If a skirt has slits (front back or sides) the slits can not rise above the length it would need to be to touch the top of the knee.  Regardless of leggings underneath.  You can pin or do a temporary stitch on a skirt with slits that are too high.
• If you have a sheer/see-through top, there needs to be straps underneath that are at least one inch wide.

Basic Dance Etiquette.  Please go over this with your dancers:

For Boys:

• Ask a variety of girls to dance.  They are waiting for you to ask.
• You may be nervous asking a girl to dance. That is ok. She is probably nervous waiting to be asked.
• Offer her your hand or your arm and escort her onto the dance floor
• When the dance is over, escort her off the floor and thank her for the dance.

For Girls:

• If a boy asks you to dance, graciously accept his offer unless you need to rest or take a breather, in which case you may say “no thank you”.  If you decline an offer to dance, you will rest for the duration of that song.
• If you stand with your friends in a closed circle, it is hard and nerve wracking for a boy to ask you to dance. Make yourself available by opening up your circle.

For Both:

• Every dance has first time attendees. Make an effort to reach out to them and include them in your conversations.
• Not everyone knows how to dance…that is ok. Everyone has to begin sometime.  Fortunately, at this dance, everyone will get a cha cha lesson to help you get started.
• A Sadie Hawkins dance is when a girl can ask a boy to dance.  The boys are to do the asking unless we announce a Sadie Hawkins dance.
• If you decline an offer to dance, that means you will be sitting out for the entire dance.
• It is okay to sit out for a dance, but remember, we are here to dance.  This is a special occasion, and the primary activity will be dancing.  After the dance at 9:15, we will head over to the after party for more fun.

How to Sign up:  Click Here for sign up sheet