Jenny Bond

Good point that the process may be different UK vs US. And I suspect it is possible if the agency he talked to maybe had a different process than the one quoted. I know there are all types of scam employment places for different industries so it stands to reason they have them for dance as well. I was fortunate to be with a group to dance and had a partner any time I wanted. But my next sailing will be solo with my daughter so it would be nice to have a host to dance with. But I am not above just getting on the floor if a song I love comes on and doing the ballroom steps on my own since we practice like that in class anyway.

Agree. Dancers come in all shapes and sizes and one of the best dancers in our group wore hiking pants a few nights (yes, on the proper Queens Room dance floor). But she is a lovely lady, good conversationalist, and excellent dancer. She was on vacation, she was having fun, and was good company so I didn't really care what she was wearing. She was definitely having a better time than those sitting on their bums grumbling about her pants.

Absolutely no idea. I am only relaying what a member of my dance group told me about his own experience when attempting to get a position. And I don't know him very well so can't speak to how accurate his experience was.

I was on a recent TA and we learned something interesting about dance hosts. Apparently, in order to get a paying gig as a dance host, the dancer is expected to book at least four different cruises/voyages paid for with their own money and no discount. They then have to volunteer to be dance hosts every night of that cruise and after four of them, if they get good reviews, they might get offered a paid position. They essentially have to foot the bill for their own audition. This was relayed to us as we were traveling with a large group of ballroom dancers and one of the gentlemen had looked into getting a job as a dance host on cruise ships and that is what was explained to them when they inquired about the process. I have not personally looked into the process but this is what we were told by the man who did look into it as a retirement job. Not sure how many dancers can afford to do that just to get offered a position. Might explain the lack of large numbers of them. On the recent TA I was on the dance floor was absolutely packed every night. There were two hosts (husband and wife) but they were disembarking the same time I was.

I shall be on the August 18th sailing from NYC to Southampton. I am an "intermediate" ballroom dancer. (Bronze). I am fairly good at my level when it comes to class and executing a syllabus routine we are learning that I "know". However, "social" dancing (ballroom) where I have to follow a lead and do not know what is coming next is a struggle for me as I find it difficult to understand what the gentleman is trying to communicate if they are not at a level much higher than I am. And even then sometimes if they are a higher level, I can't "get" the nuance of their lead because I am not as practiced with more advanced leads. I just booked two "classes" with my instructor/coach last night for social dancing practice to prepare for the crossing. This means instead of regular class, we are going to attend one of the schools dance parties together and practice "just dancing" so I have to learn better how to follow a lead when there is no set routine or syllabus. I must tell you that in class last night (bronze level) there were so many mistakes and oops moments and our instructors favourite thing to say as we switch partners is "apologize to each other before we start". If you are on my sailing and watch me with my coach you will see me mess up a bazillion times, often to the point where we have to stop and reset and I will be laughing and rolling my eyes at myself. Bless his heart, he has the patience of a saint to dance with me some days I think. All that to say this: I am traveling solo and while I am sure I will have a few evening dances with my coach or other students (we are in a group) I am also more than happy to dance with any gentleman of any level who would like. We can box step around. We can sway. We can do whatever. I just like listening to the music and moving my body. Also, in my school, we train both sides (lead and follow) so I am not a strong leader but can lead some things like a simple fox trot or waltz. I just have to reset my brain to be on the opposite side. Often we have ladies who practice together so I am quite comfortable dancing with ladies as well. Sometimes I attend classes to just practice the lead. If you like to dance, you will always be welcome with me whatever your level or preference (lead or follow). If you took the rumba lesson earlier in the day and just want to basic step around the floor, I am happy to do that. Just bring your smile and have some fun. Real dancers love to dance and are not snobby about it 🙂

I'll be "solo-ish". I am traveling with a group from my dance school and have a room mate that I have met once and don't know well. I'll be spending some time with the school for practice and I believe we have dinner together in the evening seating wise but outside that, I am on my own.

This is wonderful! I am going to research it. I was originally planning a Japan cruise only but this would be even better to "make up" for ruining their Alaska cruise all those years ago!

Wait. Is there a Japan to Alaska voyage?!?!? I owe my parents an Alaskan Cruise as they canceled theirs to be here when my daughter was born. My daughter is now 19 and wants to go to Japan for her 21 bday. It would be too neat to be able to take us all to Alaska then to Japan on the same trip!