MADjam - The Mid Atlantic Dance Jam

DC's WEST COAST SWING & HUSTLE DANCE WEEKEND!

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Brief History of the MADjam

MADjam will continue at the Sheraton Premiere through 2010. This is one of the largest and nicest convention hotels in the DC area and makes an perfect venue for this fast growing event. Expect record turnouts and more smooth running weekends!

MADjam was conceived during the summer of 2002. Interest in West Coast Swing and Hustle dancing in DC and the surrounding communities had grown significantly throughout the previous decade. After working behind the scenes at many major Mid Atlantic area dance events, several dancers with some prior event production experience decided to create a new event with new goals and new enthusiasm. We enlisted many dance pros, volunteers and dance enthusiasts to help us plan and pull off that first event. The goals set during 2003 are still a fundamental part of each MADjam weekend. We offer our community and visitors an event that features a broad variety of pros from around the country. We hire a diverse panel of judges that ensures fair contests. We maintain a strict schedule and deliver everything we promise. Taking good care of the staff and every guest is our top priority

The first year’s goal was to create a single day, mega event that included all the best elements of a weekend long event. Especially important was finding a large enough location and one that would accommodate an all night party. In March of 2003, the first MADjam held at the Promenade Dancesport facility in Baltimore brought together over 500 dancers for a truly spectacular debut. That year featured 14 workshops, 2 levels of swing and hustle jack & Jill contests and a very exciting open showcase division. Workshops began at 10am and the diehards at the late night party were still dancing as the sun rose the next morning. It was a success by every measure. One of the most popular features was the free midnight buffet, which fueled the party after midnight hours. It's a feature we've kept over the years.

In March of 2004, MADjam moved to the Ramada Inn in New Carrollton, MD to accommodate a larger crowd and many more out-of town dancers. Dance Jam Productions provided sound systems and beautiful dance floors in all 3 ballrooms. MADjam joined other well respected national competitions as member of the World Swing Dance Council and the USA Swingnet. The weekend long schedule allowed additional contest divisions, more prize money and a greater variety of workshops. Hand Dancers were invited to the 2004 MADjam with their own divisions. Just Dance Swing, Sophisticated Jack & Jill and Pro/Am divisions were popular new additions in 2004. The attendance topped 580 and the contest entries quadrupled from the first year.

In 2005 MADjam grew by leaps and bounds. It moved to the Sheraton National in Arlington. The hotel sold out and over 850 dancers turned out that weekend. Thursday's welcome party saw a crowd of 250+. Many dancers from out of town arrived early and people were still dancing at 6am. Contest entries went up over 50% and a $10,000 prize package was offered. Invitational Jack & Jill contests for swing and hustle were big crowd pleasers. The pro staff expanded to include nearly 50 of the nations top swing, hustle and hand dance experts. Once again, the dedicated event staff and volunteers were able to keep us on schedule and everything ran smoothly during the weekend.

In 2006 MADjam was among the 5 largest swing dance conventions hosted that year. Over 1250 dancers attended and Sheraton Premiere was completely sold out. 623 Competitors from 45 states and Canada competed. Novice swing J&J was the largest division with 110 entries. The late night social dance parties were easily the best dancing the DC area has ever seen. The 24' video projection wall displayed real time contest data and live feeds from several cameras.

2007 MADjam was attended by more than 1400 different dancers. There were almost 800 contest entries. Jack & Jill divisions were huge with over 450 total entries. The Hustle divisions were the largest of any contest anywhere. The total number of west coast swing contest entries made MADjam 2007 the largest in the east. All 43 workshops and every contest started on time, as advertised. It was truly an amazing weekend.

We look forward to seeing you at the next MADjam weekend!

Sincerely,
Dave Moldover
Event Director