How do I get an event started that's not in the guide?

[spashche]

Hey guys,

I'm a second year burner and am interested in getting an event going on the playa. I'd love to have had it put in the guidebook, but I didn't know if I'd get time off from work until this past weekend and so I didn't want to submit something and have it work out. Now, I'm definitely going and want to teach all of BRC some salsa rueda/casino (a super communal version of salsa that comes from Cuba). From my experience last year, it seems like it's not well known at BMan unlike other salsas despite it being a very expressive team effort kind of dance, so I was hoping to introduce it to the playa a little but.

However, I really know nothing about how to start an event. The good news is that my camp (Freestyle Palace) is on the Esplanade so there is more traffic to spread the news, but unless a spontaneous salsa lesson breaks out, it's hard to imagine getting enough people together.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could do this?

Thanks in advance!

[Fan C]

Put a note up at playa info.

Put a big ass sign out front of your camp.

Tell all your neighbors.

Bring a megaphone, tell everyone.

[trilobyte]

Enter it into the playa events calendar now. It'll be in the electronic version that many people download via smartphone apps, as well as the version available at Playa Info.

Alternatively, you could just not give a fuck about the guide. Honestly, more than 90% of the events that happen at Burning Man ARE NOT IN IT and are completely and utterly awesome. Being in the book, or in the electronic version of the guide are not required to either have a great event or to draw a crowd.

Put a sign in front of your camp, or spend a little time telling your neighbors.

[Lonesomebri]

It would be interesting, and impossible, to see how an event placed in the playa guide, and only relying on that, fared in attendance, versus one that is hyped and pushed street level when it is happening, and left out of the guide. As for myself, I used to take note of events in the playa guide, would head to them, then end up at some place along the way involved in something happening in my face. Wear a sandwich board displaying your dance instruction event to some sound camp and show them what they could have at ____camp at ____time and date.

[FIGJAM]

Take a boom box out to the man, yell "Salsa lessons", and start dancing.

Teach people as they show interest.

If you're really good, you may wind up in the Guinness book!!!

[Captain Goddammit]

No one gives a crap about the guide.
Big signs are one of the better ways to get the word out, also go to BMIR and do a "commercial" spot.

[Ratty]

The only book I refer to out there is the 'Do NOT go near this camp' edition.

[spashche]

Thanks so much for all the insight. I remember from last year, that pretty much anything is possible. The problem for me is that it's not that simple. To learn something, you kinda have to be there as it starts and with dance, you can't have people coming in and out or you miss the foundation of the rhythm you're building upon. I bet if I just started doing salsa I'd get people to come, but what about someone who wanders on with a group of 5 or so wants to join? Do we go back to zero... rinse and repeat? That's what's hard about spontaneity here and I have a hard time figuring out how to get 20+ people in one spot at a specific time without the guide's help. I'll definitely try neighboring camps and stuff though. Hope it works!

See you guys there?!?

[AfricanFire]

A big sign (give me a break - you're on the Esplanade!) "Salsa class - 2pm Friday. Be prompt!". Those who are really into it will make the point of coming by. If a group wanders in late it is up to you how to handle them. Can they catch up quickly? Let them join. Not going to work? Apologize and continue. You're over-thinking this.