Opening the Mixer to the General Public

[Harneet Kaur]

Hey dancers! I was just curious what the general consensus is to opening up mixers to the general public (limiting this amount of course). Would people be interested in the idea or turn it down? Does this exist already at any comps? Of course the mixer should still be focused on the teams, show order, etc, but wondered if having some additional local faces there, network with people, and just mixing things up would be of any interest.

Thoughts??

 

[JimmyJatt463]

I think it's a cool idea but personally feel the mixer should be for competing teams only. I feel a mixer should be an event, as you said, only focused on the teams and show order. It should be the event for dancers to meet other dancers and connect with people they normally wouldn't meet.
I understand organisers could make a little more money by selling tickets to a mixer but the competition and after party are specifically designed to do that. Ultimately it's a matter of making money. Organisers have to decide if they want to prioritise the experience for the teams or make a little more money on the side.

 

[Basim]

The mixer should stay for teams - really it's the only event where the teams get an opportunity to interact and meet people from other teams in a "fun" environment.

I'd say leave the after-party open to whoever wants to come. Some competitions give teams like wristbands or something to identify whose part of the team - then give "priority" access to the after-party (i.e. the teams don't have to wait in line/it's of no cost/etc).

Just remember that as an organizer, you're providing these "perks" for teams because they are part of the entertainment (part of the reason you have an audience to begin with).

My two cents,

~ Basim