愛跳 swing 的朋友們應該都有聽過世界各地的各種 "camp" - 其中最有名的應該是瑞典的 Herrang。但是除了上課 + social 的 dance camp 之外,個大都市所舉辦的 Lindy Exchange 也很值得參加。所謂的 Lindy Exchange 就像是學生交換一樣,由某個都市中的舞者們聚集起來,共同邀請其他地方的舞者來做客。Exchange 到底有些什麼節目,去住在 host 家又是怎麼回事呢?願聞其詳的話點一下 "Read More" 噢~
Swing-dance lovers are probably no strangers to the myriad of camps which happen all around the world (the most famous of which is probably Herrang.) But other than camps which typically comprise of classes + socials, exchanges held by various cities are also quite worth your while. A lindy exchange is kind of like a student exchange, where dancers in a city get together and welcome dancers from out of town. For more on what happens at an exchange, and hosting etc., click on "Read More" :)
Swing-dance lovers are probably no strangers to the myriad of camps which happen all around the world (the most famous of which is probably Herrang.) But other than camps which typically comprise of classes + socials, exchanges held by various cities are also quite worth your while. A lindy exchange is kind of like a student exchange, where dancers in a city get together and welcome dancers from out of town. For more on what happens at an exchange, and hosting etc., click on "Read More" :)
Exchange 跟 camp 最大的差別在於:
The Main Differences Between Exchange and Camp:
- Exchange 通常會設法為外來的舞者提供一個當地的 "host",讓外地來的舞者們可以跟當地的舞者一起住,不但節省開銷也給大家一個更深度互動的機會。
- Exchange 通常沒有課程:白天安排的活動偏向吃喝玩樂之類,晚上則是 social。
The Main Differences Between Exchange and Camp:
- Exchanges normally try to provide a local "host" who can provide accommodation for visiting guests. It saves money and gives dancers an opportunity to get to know each other even better.
- Exchanges normally don't have classes. Instead there are cultural and sightseeing activities during the day and socials in the evenings.
Exchange 會有什麼活動呢?
以某方面來說 Exchange 有點像旅行團,所以常見的活動跟遊客的活動差不多(只是你同團的都會是 dancer~)。常見的活動有:
What sort of activities are there in an Exchange?
In some ways exchanges are like a tour group (except your fellow tourists are all dancers). Common activities are therefore oriented in that direction, and often include:
以某方面來說 Exchange 有點像旅行團,所以常見的活動跟遊客的活動差不多(只是你同團的都會是 dancer~)。常見的活動有:
- 導覽旅遊:通常至少會有一個 city tour,有時候有一兩個不同的(一個步行,一個騎腳踏車,一個逛舊貨市場之類)
- 文化相關活動:比方說去慕尼黑的 exchange 會去啤酒節喝啤酒,去愛丁堡的 exchange 會教你蘇格蘭的傳統民俗舞
- Social dance:不管怎麼樣,重頭戲都是每晚的 social,有時只有一個 dance,有時候有一個主要的 dance 還有一個深夜的 blues party(我的最愛)。
- 戶外跳舞:很多的 exchange 會趁機會在公園或是戶外空間辦 social,讓本地人也有機會認識一下當地的 exchange。
- 其他:有一次有免費的按摩(爽),也有過一起吃飯的安排,也聽說過有 exchange 安排高空飛人的馬戲團課程,所以都有可能!
What sort of activities are there in an Exchange?
In some ways exchanges are like a tour group (except your fellow tourists are all dancers). Common activities are therefore oriented in that direction, and often include:
- City tours: sometimes one, sometimes a few (for instance, walking tour, biking tour, market tour etc.)
- Cultural activities: in Munich, the exchange takes you to Oktoberfest (beer fest, in case if you didn't know). In Edinburgh you get to try Scottish traditional dance.
- Socials: the all important social dance! Sometimes it's just one big party every evening. Sometimes there's late night blues or afternoon dances.
- Outdoor socials: a common feature is to dance somewhere outside to introduce the local population to swing.
- Others: I've been to exchanges that offered free massages, and ones that organized a group meal. I've heard of exchanges that take you to circus school. The possibilities are endless.
現在針對安全性來討論一下 Host 這個概念:
一個女性的台灣友人最近獨身去參加慕尼黑的 Exchange,本來安排的 host 是女生,後來卻臨時更改成男生。她問我說這樣安全嗎?其實世界上沒有一定安全的東西,但是基本上來講 hosting 是很安全的。我之所以這麼說有幾個理由:
Is hosting safe?
Recently a female friend was going alone to Munich Lindy Exchange. Her host was originally female, but some last minute changes meant that she was going to be hosted by a man (gasp!). Her non-dancing friends expressed some doubts, and she asked me if being hosted by a man she's never met was safe. Firstly, nothing is safe for sure. But basically hosting is safe. I say this for the following reasons:
一個女性的台灣友人最近獨身去參加慕尼黑的 Exchange,本來安排的 host 是女生,後來卻臨時更改成男生。她問我說這樣安全嗎?其實世界上沒有一定安全的東西,但是基本上來講 hosting 是很安全的。我之所以這麼說有幾個理由:
- Exchange 中的 host 都是當地的舞者,透過活動的主辦單位被分發將寄宿的客人 (guest)。換句話說,這些 host 都是當地的舞者,而且通常跟主辦單位認識。沒有一個主辦單位會瘋狂到讓完全陌生的人,或是人格有問題的人當 host,所以這可以說是一個篩選的機制。
- Host 與 guest 的配對有明確的記錄,主辦單位清楚地知道你的 host 是誰。如果你失蹤了,或是被 host 非禮了,或是你的東西在 host 家中不翼而飛了,那第一個被調查的一定就是你的 host 囉。這種情況下做壞事幾乎沒有可能逃過,所以不用太顧慮這種可能性。何況讓你住在家裡的 host 本身也是承擔著風險。誰知道你是不是小偷呢?
- Lindy Exchange 這種活動已經有滿久的傳統了。我學舞超過十年,參加過多個 exchange 以及 camp,從來沒有聽過 host 欺負 guest 的傳言。
Is hosting safe?
Recently a female friend was going alone to Munich Lindy Exchange. Her host was originally female, but some last minute changes meant that she was going to be hosted by a man (gasp!). Her non-dancing friends expressed some doubts, and she asked me if being hosted by a man she's never met was safe. Firstly, nothing is safe for sure. But basically hosting is safe. I say this for the following reasons:
- Exchange hosts are normally local dancers who are assigned "guests" by organizers. In other words, the hosts are known to the organizers, and organizers are not silly enough to let strangers or creeps host any guests. This is a very important pre-selection process.
- The organizers know who's hosting who. If you vanish, are harassed, or if your possessions vanish in the host's home, your host will definitely have to answer some awkward questions. This makes it unlikely that your host would attempt to take advantage of you. Furthermore, by taking you in, the host allows a stranger into his/her home and bears equal risk.
- Lindy Exchanges are a pretty longstanding tradition in the community. I started dancing over ten years ago and have attended many camps and exchanges. I've never heard of hosts taking advantages of their guests (or vice versa). The community is in a way a self-policing entity. Any serious misdemeanours is sure to be known far and wide due to the propensity of people to gossip, and anyone who abuses the position of host or guest is likely to be ostracized.
現在討論一下 Host 與 Guest 的角色:
以我個人的意見來說 host 基本上是聖人(願意讓外地來的陌生人隨便無償的住進家中)。我在愛丁堡的時候曾經當過 host,也曾經多次以 guest 的身份參加其他的 exchange。以下是針對這兩個身份的一點建議。
Now Let's talk about Hosting and Guesting:
In my personal opinion hosts are basically saints. I've been a host and a guest, and these are some thoughts on both roles (not much more than common sense, really).
以我個人的意見來說 host 基本上是聖人(願意讓外地來的陌生人隨便無償的住進家中)。我在愛丁堡的時候曾經當過 host,也曾經多次以 guest 的身份參加其他的 exchange。以下是針對這兩個身份的一點建議。
Now Let's talk about Hosting and Guesting:
In my personal opinion hosts are basically saints. I've been a host and a guest, and these are some thoughts on both roles (not much more than common sense, really).
如果你是 Guest:
如果你是 Host:
- 不要期望你的 host 全程陪同或是接送。Host 們一般都是正常的上班族。雖然你去參加 exchange 的時間是你的度假時間,但是 host 有可能需要工作或是花時間陪家人等,所以不太可能陪你進進出出,帶你到處去玩(exchange 自然會安排吃喝玩樂的行程),或是從機場/火車站接送你。
- 獨立的 guest 最受歡迎。雖然 host 通常可以推薦一些景點,或是告訴你怎麼坐公車去市中心,但是作為一個 guest,能夠越不麻煩你的 host 越好。這樣任何 host 可以給你的幫助都會是一個小小的 bonus,而如果 host 生活繁忙無暇照顧你的話,你也不會不知如何是好。
- 帶個伴手禮是基本的禮儀。這種伴手禮不需要是昂貴的東西,但是能夠表達一點點心意。
- 能夠幫上忙的地方就幫忙:住在別人家裡的時候最好拿出你最拿手的乖寶寶技巧,能夠幫忙的家事就幫忙做。我通常至少會洗碗以及整理一下廚房廁所。就算不幫別人打掃千萬也不要讓別人幫你打掃!牢記一下,host 不是你媽媽,不會心甘情願地替你顧家!
- Don't expect to be accompanied and/or picked-up. Hosts are normal working folk. You might be on holiday, but your host will likely have other demands on his/her time. The exchange provides activities so you don't need to look to your host to entertain you. It's also unlikely that they'd pick you up or drop you off from the airport/train station, so don't expect that as a given.
- As a guest, the more independent you are, the better. Most host can recommend places to go and see, or tell you how to get to city centre. But it's best if you are prepared to go about things as if you were travelling solo. That way any help comes as a little bonus, and no help at all (if your host is super busy) is not going to put you out.
- Bringing a little gift is a good idea just to show your appreciation. Doesn't have to be expensive.
- Help out when you can: be better than you are at home. If you can help out around the house, do. Never expect your host to pick up after you (your host is not your mother). If you can go the extra mile and do dishes or clean the kitchen, that's even better.
如果你是 Host:
- 稍微為了你的 guest 提升一下家裡的清潔度只有好處沒有壞處。
- 如果可以準備一張怎麼從機場/火車站抵達你家的地圖,還有一張如何從家裡抵達市中心的地圖,那 guest 大多的問題就已經擺平了。
- 家裡多放一些麵包茶水牛奶等等東西,更是個體貼的好主人 ^-^
- Upping the standard of cleanliness can only be a good thing.
- If you can prep a map and some notes on how to get to/from your place to city centre/airport/train station, your guest will be so appreciative.
- A little bit of food/tea/coffee at home to share with your guests makes you a superstar.
參加 Exchange 最大的好處就是能夠充分的認識一個都市以及一群人,因為參加 camp 的時候所有的時間不是在上課就是在跳舞,其實很難有機會去當地的景點等等。如果愛跳舞也愛旅遊的話,那參加 exchange 是個很好的選擇。我最近去參加過都柏林與愛丁堡的 exchange,去年則是去慕尼黑。這三個我都很推薦。其中都柏林要注意的是愛爾蘭開銷滿高,吃吃喝喝下來費用可觀。愛丁堡的 exchange 超級貼心,幾乎每個 social 都有提供免費茶水果汁食物。慕尼黑則是舞技水平高,而且每年都安排在啤酒節的時候,是個很有特色的活動 ^-^ 以後想要旅遊的時候可以考慮與 lindy exchange 合併,絕對比當個單純的背包客還要有趣噢~
The best thing about exchanges is the chance to get to know a city and the people there. During camps, almost all free time is taken up with dancing, and it's hard to get out and see places. If you love dancing and love traveling, exchanges are a great idea. Recently I was in Dublin and Edinburgh. Last year I went to Munich. I would recommend all three. Of these, Dublin as a city I found slightly pricey. The Edinburgh exchange was ver nice and thoughtfully put together (free massages! free food and drink at almost every dance!). The Munich exchange is great because it coincides with Oktoberfest (so much to see!). If you're travelling in the future, consider combining it with an exchange :) I think it's much more fun than just being a tourist!
The best thing about exchanges is the chance to get to know a city and the people there. During camps, almost all free time is taken up with dancing, and it's hard to get out and see places. If you love dancing and love traveling, exchanges are a great idea. Recently I was in Dublin and Edinburgh. Last year I went to Munich. I would recommend all three. Of these, Dublin as a city I found slightly pricey. The Edinburgh exchange was ver nice and thoughtfully put together (free massages! free food and drink at almost every dance!). The Munich exchange is great because it coincides with Oktoberfest (so much to see!). If you're travelling in the future, consider combining it with an exchange :) I think it's much more fun than just being a tourist!
如果對 lindy exchange 有什麼問題的話都可以留言問我噢 :) 也歡迎你推薦你最喜歡的 exchange。 Feel free to ask any questions you have about lindy exchanges in the comments. Also feel free to recommend your favourite exchange :) 我的 Pinkoi 設計館 / My Pinkoi Shop:Kiss & Tell Vintage 我的 Facebook 粉絲頁 / My Facebook Page:Kiss & Tell Vintage |