Ethnic Dance Chicago - Virtual Dance Room

Chicago, IL, US

236 members · Public group

Organized by Paul Collins

What we’re about

Ethnic Dance Chicago (EDC) is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community of people who enjoy the dances, music, cuisines and cultures of many countries and ethnic groups from around the world.

As our motto goes, we regard "Dancing As A Second Language".

Ethnic Folk Dance a great social mixer and aerobic workout.
Using the media of ethnic dance and ethnic music, we provide participants with powerful, memorable and enriching experiences and connections that reach far beyond the scope of many other social dance forms and contribute to the creativity, cultural awareness, social and cultural, physical, and personal and professional development of the community.
This group is for lovers of ethnic folk dance and ethnic folk music.

Upcoming events (4+)

See all

Fri, Nov 29, 2024, 8:00 PM CSTMeetup Online in EDC's Virtual Dance Room (VDR) - Fridays & 3rd Saturdays
Color Club, Chicago, IL
Ethnic Dance Chicago / Virtual Dance Room

Meeting online (via Zoom)
Meeting in-person (Color Club, 4146 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60618)
Session Leader: Paul Collins

Watch for In Person Chicago Winter Dance Festival on Fri, 1/5/2024
Watch for In Person 10-Week Dance Class beginning starting 1/12/2024

VDR meets most Fridays (following the in-person DSL Class) and 3rd Saturdays for wonderful evenings of Ethnic Dancing & Conversation !
(Exceptions: Fridays: 1/19, 1/26, 3/22 - Saturday: Sat 1/27)

Fridays: 8:00pm until 11:30pm Central

3rd Saturdays: 8:15pm until 3:00am Central

Zoom Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/8478468139

Register to get Zoom password (required):

Registration: https://virtualdanceroom.net/register-meetup/

Typical Friday schedule (Central Time Zone)

7:00pm - 8:00pm – Dancing as a Second Language Class with Paul Collins

8:00pm – 8:50pm – Set 100 – Programmed & Request Dancing

8:50pm – 9:20pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #1 – Teaching and Review

9:20pm – 9:50pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

9:50pm – 10:20pm – Set 300 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

10:20pm – 11:20pm – Programmed & Request Dancing

11:20pm – 11:30pm – Last Dance Set

11:30pm – until – Post-Dance Discussion

Typical 3rd Saturday schedule (Central Time Zone - no dance teaching)

8:15pm-ish – 3:00am – 30 min sets led by 18-20 dance leaders/musicians

3:00am – until – Post-Dance Discussion

About Friday Guest Hosts (some play live music)
• Each Guest Host has a set to lead a set of 6 dances
• We rotate Guest Hosts, selecting 3 or 4 at a time
• Weekly agendas, playlists on website – https://virtualdanceroom.net
• Guest Host Team – https://www/virtualdanceroom.net/announcement/

3rd Saturday Guest Hosts are a mix of dance leaders and musicians

About the Dance Programs

The diversity of our virtual audience is far beyond our usual local/regional boundaries, so we'll play fun dances from the broader perspective of a global audience

The teaching and review sessions provide opportunities for us to share a wider variety of dances from a diverse group of participants, reaching beyond the limits of our local repertoires.

About Post-Dance Discussions

We'll continue to hold post-dance discussions for those who'd like to

socialize afterwards

This has been almost like going out for coffee, dessert, snacks,

drinks, etc. after dancing...

On occasion, we’ll schedule specialized discussions

Support the Virtual Dance Room

Make A Donation to Support the Virtual Dance Room

While there is no charge to participate, please make a donation to support production of the Virtual Dance Room.

You may donate using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a major credit/debit card or a check via snail mail

Donation Options: https://virtualdanceroom.net/donate/

Thanks for your participation and support!

Virtual Dance Room Website: https://virtualdanceroom.net

EDC/VDR YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ethnicdanceguru/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ethnicdance/

Facebook Discussion Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ethnicdance/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ethnicdanceguru/
Meetup Group: https://4142298.xyz/ethnicdance/

Contact: Paul Collins - [email protected] - (847)-846-8139

Background:

Prior to the pandemic, Ethnic Dance Chicago (EDC) was meeting in-person at the Chicago Latvian Center (now the Color Club) every week with 20-40 participants - many of whom were not Meetup members.

With the start of the pandemic we transformed EDC into an online group (The Virtual Dance Room) meeting & dancing online on Zoom and drawing between 90 and 130 participants each Friday (weekly dance) and 3rd Saturday (Global Dance After-Party)

Now that the covid-19 issues are somewhat under control many folks look forward to getting back to in-person dancing.

NOTE: It will take a little time to get used to the different types of ethnic dance and ethnic music, so you're not expected to get everything on your first night - there is a lot to be learned, and in the end it's worth the effort.
1 attendee
Fri, Dec 6, 2024, 8:00 PM CSTMeetup Online in EDC's Virtual Dance Room (VDR) - Fridays & 3rd Saturdays
Color Club, Chicago, IL
Ethnic Dance Chicago / Virtual Dance Room

Meeting online (via Zoom)
Meeting in-person (Color Club, 4146 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60618)
Session Leader: Paul Collins

Watch for In Person Chicago Winter Dance Festival on Fri, 1/5/2024
Watch for In Person 10-Week Dance Class beginning starting 1/12/2024

VDR meets most Fridays (following the in-person DSL Class) and 3rd Saturdays for wonderful evenings of Ethnic Dancing & Conversation !
(Exceptions: Fridays: 1/19, 1/26, 3/22 - Saturday: Sat 1/27)

Fridays: 8:00pm until 11:30pm Central

3rd Saturdays: 8:15pm until 3:00am Central

Zoom Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/8478468139

Register to get Zoom password (required):

Registration: https://virtualdanceroom.net/register-meetup/

Typical Friday schedule (Central Time Zone)

7:00pm - 8:00pm – Dancing as a Second Language Class with Paul Collins

8:00pm – 8:50pm – Set 100 – Programmed & Request Dancing

8:50pm – 9:20pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #1 – Teaching and Review

9:20pm – 9:50pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

9:50pm – 10:20pm – Set 300 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

10:20pm – 11:20pm – Programmed & Request Dancing

11:20pm – 11:30pm – Last Dance Set

11:30pm – until – Post-Dance Discussion

Typical 3rd Saturday schedule (Central Time Zone - no dance teaching)

8:15pm-ish – 3:00am – 30 min sets led by 18-20 dance leaders/musicians

3:00am – until – Post-Dance Discussion

About Friday Guest Hosts (some play live music)
• Each Guest Host has a set to lead a set of 6 dances
• We rotate Guest Hosts, selecting 3 or 4 at a time
• Weekly agendas, playlists on website – https://virtualdanceroom.net
• Guest Host Team – https://www/virtualdanceroom.net/announcement/

3rd Saturday Guest Hosts are a mix of dance leaders and musicians

About the Dance Programs

The diversity of our virtual audience is far beyond our usual local/regional boundaries, so we'll play fun dances from the broader perspective of a global audience

The teaching and review sessions provide opportunities for us to share a wider variety of dances from a diverse group of participants, reaching beyond the limits of our local repertoires.

About Post-Dance Discussions

We'll continue to hold post-dance discussions for those who'd like to

socialize afterwards

This has been almost like going out for coffee, dessert, snacks,

drinks, etc. after dancing...

On occasion, we’ll schedule specialized discussions

Support the Virtual Dance Room

Make A Donation to Support the Virtual Dance Room

While there is no charge to participate, please make a donation to support production of the Virtual Dance Room.

You may donate using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a major credit/debit card or a check via snail mail

Donation Options: https://virtualdanceroom.net/donate/

Thanks for your participation and support!

Virtual Dance Room Website: https://virtualdanceroom.net

EDC/VDR YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ethnicdanceguru/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ethnicdance/

Facebook Discussion Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ethnicdance/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ethnicdanceguru/
Meetup Group: https://4142298.xyz/ethnicdance/

Contact: Paul Collins - [email protected] - (847)-846-8139

Background:

Prior to the pandemic, Ethnic Dance Chicago (EDC) was meeting in-person at the Chicago Latvian Center (now the Color Club) every week with 20-40 participants - many of whom were not Meetup members.

With the start of the pandemic we transformed EDC into an online group (The Virtual Dance Room) meeting & dancing online on Zoom and drawing between 90 and 130 participants each Friday (weekly dance) and 3rd Saturday (Global Dance After-Party)

Now that the covid-19 issues are somewhat under control many folks look forward to getting back to in-person dancing.

NOTE: It will take a little time to get used to the different types of ethnic dance and ethnic music, so you're not expected to get everything on your first night - there is a lot to be learned, and in the end it's worth the effort.
1 attendee
Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 8:00 PM CSTMeetup Online in EDC's Virtual Dance Room (VDR) - Fridays & 3rd Saturdays
Color Club, Chicago, IL
Ethnic Dance Chicago / Virtual Dance Room

Meeting online (via Zoom)
Meeting in-person (Color Club, 4146 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60618)
Session Leader: Paul Collins

Watch for In Person Chicago Winter Dance Festival on Fri, 1/5/2024
Watch for In Person 10-Week Dance Class beginning starting 1/12/2024

VDR meets most Fridays (following the in-person DSL Class) and 3rd Saturdays for wonderful evenings of Ethnic Dancing & Conversation !
(Exceptions: Fridays: 1/19, 1/26, 3/22 - Saturday: Sat 1/27)

Fridays: 8:00pm until 11:30pm Central

3rd Saturdays: 8:15pm until 3:00am Central

Zoom Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/8478468139

Register to get Zoom password (required):

Registration: https://virtualdanceroom.net/register-meetup/

Typical Friday schedule (Central Time Zone)

7:00pm - 8:00pm – Dancing as a Second Language Class with Paul Collins

8:00pm – 8:50pm – Set 100 – Programmed & Request Dancing

8:50pm – 9:20pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #1 – Teaching and Review

9:20pm – 9:50pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

9:50pm – 10:20pm – Set 300 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

10:20pm – 11:20pm – Programmed & Request Dancing

11:20pm – 11:30pm – Last Dance Set

11:30pm – until – Post-Dance Discussion

Typical 3rd Saturday schedule (Central Time Zone - no dance teaching)

8:15pm-ish – 3:00am – 30 min sets led by 18-20 dance leaders/musicians

3:00am – until – Post-Dance Discussion

About Friday Guest Hosts (some play live music)
• Each Guest Host has a set to lead a set of 6 dances
• We rotate Guest Hosts, selecting 3 or 4 at a time
• Weekly agendas, playlists on website – https://virtualdanceroom.net
• Guest Host Team – https://www/virtualdanceroom.net/announcement/

3rd Saturday Guest Hosts are a mix of dance leaders and musicians

About the Dance Programs

The diversity of our virtual audience is far beyond our usual local/regional boundaries, so we'll play fun dances from the broader perspective of a global audience

The teaching and review sessions provide opportunities for us to share a wider variety of dances from a diverse group of participants, reaching beyond the limits of our local repertoires.

About Post-Dance Discussions

We'll continue to hold post-dance discussions for those who'd like to

socialize afterwards

This has been almost like going out for coffee, dessert, snacks,

drinks, etc. after dancing...

On occasion, we’ll schedule specialized discussions

Support the Virtual Dance Room

Make A Donation to Support the Virtual Dance Room

While there is no charge to participate, please make a donation to support production of the Virtual Dance Room.

You may donate using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a major credit/debit card or a check via snail mail

Donation Options: https://virtualdanceroom.net/donate/

Thanks for your participation and support!

Virtual Dance Room Website: https://virtualdanceroom.net

EDC/VDR YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ethnicdanceguru/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ethnicdance/

Facebook Discussion Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ethnicdance/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ethnicdanceguru/
Meetup Group: https://4142298.xyz/ethnicdance/

Contact: Paul Collins - [email protected] - (847)-846-8139

Background:

Prior to the pandemic, Ethnic Dance Chicago (EDC) was meeting in-person at the Chicago Latvian Center (now the Color Club) every week with 20-40 participants - many of whom were not Meetup members.

With the start of the pandemic we transformed EDC into an online group (The Virtual Dance Room) meeting & dancing online on Zoom and drawing between 90 and 130 participants each Friday (weekly dance) and 3rd Saturday (Global Dance After-Party)

Now that the covid-19 issues are somewhat under control many folks look forward to getting back to in-person dancing.

NOTE: It will take a little time to get used to the different types of ethnic dance and ethnic music, so you're not expected to get everything on your first night - there is a lot to be learned, and in the end it's worth the effort.
1 attendee
Fri, Dec 20, 2024, 8:00 PM CSTMeetup Online in EDC's Virtual Dance Room (VDR) - Fridays & 3rd Saturdays
Color Club, Chicago, IL
Ethnic Dance Chicago / Virtual Dance Room

Meeting online (via Zoom)
Meeting in-person (Color Club, 4146 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60618)
Session Leader: Paul Collins

Watch for In Person Chicago Winter Dance Festival on Fri, 1/5/2024
Watch for In Person 10-Week Dance Class beginning starting 1/12/2024

VDR meets most Fridays (following the in-person DSL Class) and 3rd Saturdays for wonderful evenings of Ethnic Dancing & Conversation !
(Exceptions: Fridays: 1/19, 1/26, 3/22 - Saturday: Sat 1/27)

Fridays: 8:00pm until 11:30pm Central

3rd Saturdays: 8:15pm until 3:00am Central

Zoom Meeting URL: https://zoom.us/j/8478468139

Register to get Zoom password (required):

Registration: https://virtualdanceroom.net/register-meetup/

Typical Friday schedule (Central Time Zone)

7:00pm - 8:00pm – Dancing as a Second Language Class with Paul Collins

8:00pm – 8:50pm – Set 100 – Programmed & Request Dancing

8:50pm – 9:20pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #1 – Teaching and Review

9:20pm – 9:50pm – Set 200 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

9:50pm – 10:20pm – Set 300 – Guest Host #2 – Teaching and Review

10:20pm – 11:20pm – Programmed & Request Dancing

11:20pm – 11:30pm – Last Dance Set

11:30pm – until – Post-Dance Discussion

Typical 3rd Saturday schedule (Central Time Zone - no dance teaching)

8:15pm-ish – 3:00am – 30 min sets led by 18-20 dance leaders/musicians

3:00am – until – Post-Dance Discussion

About Friday Guest Hosts (some play live music)
• Each Guest Host has a set to lead a set of 6 dances
• We rotate Guest Hosts, selecting 3 or 4 at a time
• Weekly agendas, playlists on website – https://virtualdanceroom.net
• Guest Host Team – https://www/virtualdanceroom.net/announcement/

3rd Saturday Guest Hosts are a mix of dance leaders and musicians

About the Dance Programs

The diversity of our virtual audience is far beyond our usual local/regional boundaries, so we'll play fun dances from the broader perspective of a global audience

The teaching and review sessions provide opportunities for us to share a wider variety of dances from a diverse group of participants, reaching beyond the limits of our local repertoires.

About Post-Dance Discussions

We'll continue to hold post-dance discussions for those who'd like to

socialize afterwards

This has been almost like going out for coffee, dessert, snacks,

drinks, etc. after dancing...

On occasion, we’ll schedule specialized discussions

Support the Virtual Dance Room

Make A Donation to Support the Virtual Dance Room

While there is no charge to participate, please make a donation to support production of the Virtual Dance Room.

You may donate using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a major credit/debit card or a check via snail mail

Donation Options: https://virtualdanceroom.net/donate/

Thanks for your participation and support!

Virtual Dance Room Website: https://virtualdanceroom.net

EDC/VDR YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ethnicdanceguru/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ethnicdance/

Facebook Discussion Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ethnicdance/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ethnicdanceguru/
Meetup Group: https://4142298.xyz/ethnicdance/

Contact: Paul Collins - [email protected] - (847)-846-8139

Background:

Prior to the pandemic, Ethnic Dance Chicago (EDC) was meeting in-person at the Chicago Latvian Center (now the Color Club) every week with 20-40 participants - many of whom were not Meetup members.

With the start of the pandemic we transformed EDC into an online group (The Virtual Dance Room) meeting & dancing online on Zoom and drawing between 90 and 130 participants each Friday (weekly dance) and 3rd Saturday (Global Dance After-Party)

Now that the covid-19 issues are somewhat under control many folks look forward to getting back to in-person dancing.

NOTE: It will take a little time to get used to the different types of ethnic dance and ethnic music, so you're not expected to get everything on your first night - there is a lot to be learned, and in the end it's worth the effort.
1 attendee