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Housing/Hosting Etiquette
If you are a first-time traveller, a first-time host, or a veteran exchanger, below are some important tips about being a guest or a host. Crash-n-Freeloading at a dancer's place is one of the most memorable parts of a dance weekend and can lead to lifelong freindships. Hope the info below helps you out.


Guest Dancers Recommendations
(Out-of-towners)
Contact your host as soon as you've been notified by the Housing Coordinator. Right away, exchange basic information:

• Full Name
• Cell Phone #
• City/State Coming From
• Special Needs (bed/couch/floor)
• Guest Requests To Stay With
• Day/Time Arriving
• Day/Time Leaving
• Smoker/ Non-Smoker (Assumed)
• Special Transportation Needs (airport pickups)
• Have Car? And Willing to Drive Guests? YES/NO
• Pets Allergies?
• You Are A Late Niter

Guests/Dancers ASSumptions: Expect to be given a 3' x 6' floorspace and a bathroom. Anything after that is a bonus!

What to bring. - Ask your host what is necessary to bring (towel, pillows, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc). Some hosts can provide a bed or couch and some only have floorspace on their hardwood floors - and we mean HARD wood floors.
Sleeping Space - Your host is responsible for providing sleeping space and bathroom arrangements only. Meals/transportation are your responsibility.
Meals - You are on your own most of the time. Ask you host for local's choices for restaurants. Don't raid the fridge.
Transportation. Usually your host might be the one who will transport you to and from events but that isn't always the case. Check with your host to see if they'll be able to drive you to & from the airport and/or the events. If they can't, get in touch with the fellow guests and make arrangements that way. It's nice to offer whoever is driving you around some gas money.
• Make your "getting ready" time as short as possible. Nobody likes being late for classes or an event because someone needed a larger amount of time to make themselves prettied-up. If you are sharing a bathroom with the host and/or other hostees, try and do as much of your routine outside of the bathroom as possible so that other folks can use the shower, etc.
Always let your host know what your plans are and where to find you. It keeps them from stressing. They usually feel somewhat responsible for you and want to make sure you are safe, therefore eveyone is having a good time.
Try to bring or do something for your host to express your gratitude. It is not necessary but it is a nice thing to do and a positive hosting experiences makes it much easier for us to get volunteers to host again for future events. Some suggestions: A meal (lunch/dinner). A thank-you card. A gift certificate from your favorite national bookstore/music chain. A mix CD with some of your favorite songs. Do laundry/dishes/clean. Backrub.

Host Recommendations
(Local Dancers)
Contact your guests as soon as you've been notified by the Housing Coordinator. Right away, give your Guest Dancers your basic information:

• Full Name
• Mailing Address (so they can print directions, input GPS, etc)
• Cell Phone & Home Number
• Have any Pets in House
• Basic Policies Regarding: smoking, late night, quiet times, showers, house keys, ride-shares, pick-ups/drop-offs, sleeping arrangements, food, off-limits areas in house, etc

Hosting ASSumptions: Guest Dancers only expect a 3' x 6' floorspace and a bathroom. Let them know if you provide anything more. Most Dancers are used to traveling and they are happy with a floor and a bathroom.

WHAT DO THEY BRING: Let them know what they need to bring. (towel, pillows, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.).
MEALS: Dancers will take care of their own meals most likely. Have a list of local restaurants for them to go to. If possible, it is nice to have some munchy-stuff around.
HOME COOKING: No need to make a full home-cooked meal since the times they ALL will be actually in the house at the same time may be rare. But quick fingers food are great. More calories the btter.
DRIVE TIME: Let them know to what extent you can drive them around throughout the weekend. If necessary, if you are an event promoter/worker, have them contact others to arrange rides.
PRIMPING SCHEDULE: If you are driving, let them exactly when you plan on leaving. No point in anyone being cranky about being late to classes/events if they didn't know.
• GROUP MEALS: Check with other locals and/or the Housing Coordinators and see if there are any group lunches/dinners that your guests might enjoy.
STAY IN CONTACT: Always let your guests know what your plans are and where to find you. It keeps them from stressing. They are alone in your city and will be looking for you as soon as a problem arises.
KEYS/ACCESS TO HOUSE: Some dancers leave the dance early, some stay until daylight - Let your guests know your policy on the keys or access to your house. Some hosts give them a key and let the dancers come & go as they please. Some may have stricter restrictions. Let them know!


Thank You,
~ DCB Event Staff