Independence Squares Fly-In FAQs

Fly-In Overview

  • Who can attend?
    • Independence Squares welcomes ALL to our inclusive square dance community. The Fly-In includes members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. You don’t have to come with a partner, and anyone can dance either the man’s or woman’s part. The lowest program called will be Social Square Dancing (SSD).
  • Where is the Fly-In?
  • When is the Fly-In?
    • The 2024 Fly-In is a three-day event scheduled from Friday, April 5th to Sunday, April 7th, 2024. This is an annual event! You can find information about future Fly-Ins on the Dance Schedule page of the Independence Squares website.
  • What health and safety measures will be in place during the Fly-In?
    • Independence Squares highly recommends but does not require masking at our events. Face masks will be available at the registration table. Hand sanitizer will be available in each dance hall and at the registration table. We strongly encourage all dancers to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after each tip.
  • How do I register?
  • What is the registration fee?
    • If it is your first time attending Independence Squares’ Fly-In, your registration fee is $90 regardless of when you register. If you have attended our fabulous Fly-In before, the registration rate is $110 if you register before March 5th, 2024, or $125 after March 5th, 2024. Registration fees are non-refundable. If you register and are unable to attend, your registration can be transferred one time only to the 2025 Fly-In.
  • If I cannot register in advance, can I still attend?
    • The Independence Squares strongly encourage all dancers planning to attend the Fly-In to register in advance; however, we do accept walk-ins. You can use cash, check, PayPal, or credit card (through PayPal) to pay the registration fee. Please plan accordingly.
  • What if I cannot attend the entire Fly-In?
    • Special rates will be available if you want to attend only certain portions of the Fly-In.
    • The cost per session to attend Friday evening only, Saturday evening only, or Sunday morning only is $35.
    • Attending Saturday morning and afternoon costs $45.
    • Attending all day on Saturday (morning, afternoon, and evening) costs $80.
      These rates are payable at the registration table. You can use cash, checks, or PayPal to pay the registration fee. We can accept PayPal or a credit card when you register in person, but you must make those types of payments using your cell phone or computer on the Independence Squares website. Please plan accordingly.
  • When is dancing scheduled?
    • Dance sessions are scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning. We anticipate dancing from Friday at 7 pm until Sunday at 1 pm. A full schedule will be announced closer to the Fly-In. Once the schedule is finalized, it will be available on the Independence Squares website and emailed to all registered Fly-In participants. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
  • What levels will be called?
    • All levels, from Social Square Dancing (SSD) to Challenge 2 (C2), will be on the schedule at the Fly-In.
  • Who are our callers?
    • Our callers are Darren Gallina from California, Betsy Gotta from New Jersey, and Bill Harrison from Maryland.
  • What is the theme?
    • The theme is Spin the Windmill at the Moulin Rouge. The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret in Paris that opened in 1889. It is known as the home of the can-can. There will be an optional costume contest on Saturday evening during the IAGSDC Banner Dance. Costumes for this theme can include all things Parisian, cabaret, turn of the century, or anything else fabulous! Please note that some Moulin Rouge-related attire can be quite risque. The Independence Squares request that attendees be thoughtful when selecting costumes, considering that we will be in public spaces at the hotel.
  • What is the basket raffle?
    • The Independence Squares raffle off baskets during each Fly-In to raise money that supports the club. Baskets are created and donated by our wonderful members and other supporters. You can view baskets and buy raffle tickets starting Friday evening. Don’t forget to bring cash to purchase raffle tickets. Drop a raffle ticket (or multiple tickets) in the bag for any basket you hope to win. Winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday evening. You can collect and take home baskets on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win. Want to donate a basket to support the club? Visit this link to sign up to donate a basket.

Dancing

  • What is the memorial tip?
    • A memorial tip is a tradition in gay square dancing where all dancers come together to dance a shared tip in memory of dancers lost in the past year. The memorial tip includes everyone and will be called according to the lowest program for the event.
  • What’s an IAGSDC Banner Dance?
    • The International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC) is the umbrella organization for gay square dancing. The Independence Squares is a member club of IAGSDC. At an IAGSDC Banner Dance, the IAGSDC banner is displayed in recognition of the IAGSDC.
  • What is Social Square Dancing (SSD)?
    • Social Square Dancing is a shorter, easier entry program approved by CALLERLAB to make square dancing more accessible to new dancers. Everyone can enjoy SSD. If you can dance Mainstream, you can dance SSD.

Types of Dance Sessions

  • Why do some sessions on the schedule have extra modifiers?
    • During the Fly-In, varied types of sessions are offered to give dancers different experiences. These sessions are indicated by modifiers such as DBD, TNP, etc. For example, a session may be listed as Plus DBD or Advanced TNP. If you need clarification on what a modifier means, you can reference the Fly-In FAQ on the website, the schedule FAQ posted outside the dance halls, or ask a fellow dancer at the Fly-In. Please note that not all modifications listed on the website FAQ will be scheduled at the event. Please consult the schedule, when available, for information about the sessions offered at this year’s Fly-In.
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled Dance By Definition (DBD)?
    • Dance by Definition is dancing according to the definition approved by CALLERLAB. Callers challenge dancers by calling creatively in ways that require dancers to actively think about the definition of each call rather than move on instinct. Dancing by Definition can add more variety, excitement, and challenge to a program without requiring dancers to learn more than the calls they already know.
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled Take No Prisoners (TNP)?
    • Take No Prisoners means a fast-paced, challenging session where, no matter what, the caller keeps calling, and it’s up to the dancers to keep up. 
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled Hot Hash?
    • Hot Hash is a patter call where the tempo of the calling is done at a fast pace, and dancers go from one move to another without pauses.
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled Kaleidoscope?
    • Kaleidoscope dancing includes 32 dancers functioning as part of one large square made up of 4 concentric squares. Dancers in outside squares stand immediately behind dancers in inside squares.
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled Hex?
    • Hex dancing features six couples arranged in a hexagon rather than the traditional four couples arranged in a square. All the calls remain the same, but the movements are shifted to accommodate the two extra couples.
  • What does it mean if a session is labeled a workshop?
    • Workshops are intended to help dancers learn new things and practice their skills. If a session is labeled a workshop, dancers should be familiar with the listed program. If it has an additional modification, you need to know the standard program but do not need to be familiar with the modification. For example, if a session is labeled Plus DBD Workshop, attending dancers should be able to dance at least Plus but do not need experience with DBD.
  • What does it mean if a tip is called All Skate?
    • All Skate tips include all dancers who want to participate. The callers will gauge the level of the floor as needed and call to the lowest level present. All Skate means everyone can dance.

Venue

  • How many dance halls will there be?
    • There will be two halls on Friday and Sunday, at least three on Saturday, and one giant hall for the Banner Dance on Saturday evening.
  • Where are the dance halls?
    • The main dance halls will be located in the University Ballroom, on the first floor to the left of the lobby. That space will be used throughout the entire weekend. The Princeton rooms on the second floor (immediately up the stairs or to the left of the elevator) will be used as additional dance halls during the day on Saturday. Expect to move between the first and second floors as needed between programs on Saturday. Stairs and an elevator are available just off the hotel’s main lobby.
  • What is the dance surface?
    • We will be dancing on carpet during the Fly-In. Please come prepared. Some dancers choose to use dance socks over their sneakers to make it easier to turn on carpeted floors. If desired, you can purchase dance socks ahead of the Fly-In from The Happy Dancing Company or other retailers.
  • Where is the registration table?
    • The registration table will be outside the University Ballroom on the hotel’s first floor. To reach the check-in table, turn left after entering the hotel through the main entrance and walk through the lobby to the next room over. You will see the registration table when you reach the large space outside the University Ballroom.
  • Where are the baskets for the basket raffle?
    • Baskets for the basket raffle will be displayed in the large space outside the University Ballroom on the first floor. This space is to the left of the main lobby from the main entrance.
  • Are there gender-inclusive restrooms?
    • Unfortunately, there are no gender-inclusive restrooms available at this venue.
  • Where can I eat in the area?
    • Independence Squares has compiled a list of local restaurants that you can access here and that will also be available at the registration table. There are also restaurants in the hotel. See the Hotel Restaurants website for details.
  • Where can I get my morning caffeine?
    • The hotel will offer a free coffee and tea bar each morning during breakfast hours. The coffee and tea bar is just inside the entrance to the hotel restaurant, off of the main lobby. You do not need to be eating at the restaurant to get coffee or tea. Please note that Independence Squares is not responsible for the coffee and tea bar. Please contact the hotel with any questions or concerns regarding it.

Accommodation

  • What is the room rate?
    • The room rate is $135 per night plus tax and applies up to three days before and three days after the Fly-In. There are a limited number of rooms available at this rate and discounted rooms will not be available after March 1, 2024.
  • How do I reserve a room?
    • Book your room using the group rate for the Fly-In at this link. Please note that as of 30 January 2024, the hotel no longer has rooms with king-size beds available. If you encounter any issues making a room reservation, Independence Squares requests that you contact the registrar, Ron Rumble, at ronrumble@gmail.com rather than the hotel for support. We are here to help you!
  • What is the cancellation policy for hotel rooms?
    • You can cancel a hotel room without penalty up to forty-eight hours before arrival. Any cancellations made within forty-eight hours of arrival or no-shows will incur a charge of one room night plus tax. Subsequent nights will be canceled automatically without additional charges.
  • What is the hotel’s incidentals policy?
    • The hotel requires that all guests provide a credit or debit card at check-in in case of incidentals. The card will be authorized in the amount of $250 for the entire stay. The funds will be released at check-out. Funds will be returned to credit cards within 2-3 business days or to debit cards within 5-7 business days. Please contact the hotel with any questions or concerns regarding the incidentals policy.
  • What amenities does the hotel have?
    • The hotel features a range of amenities, which you can find on the hotel website. Please note that Independence Squares is not responsible for these amenities. Please consult the hotel website for the most accurate information and contact the hotel with any questions or concerns.
  • When is check-in/check-out?
    • Standard check-in and check-out times for the hotel are listed as 3:00 pm check-in and 12:00 pm check-out. Please note that the check-out time is earlier than the end of dancing on Sunday, so be prepared to vacate your room before heading to the dance hall unless you have made arrangements with the hotel for a late check-out. A $75 late departure fee will be charged to any room vacated after 12:00 pm unless the hotel previously approved a late check-out. An unapproved late check-out after 3:00 pm is subject to a charge equal to the published non-discounted nightly room rate. The hotel determines check-in and check-out times. Please contact the hotel with any questions or concerns regarding check-in and check-out times.
  • How can I find a roommate?
    • Please email the registrar, Ron Rumble, at ronrumble@gmail.com if you want to share a hotel room with another attendee during the Fly-In.

Transportation

  • Which airports are nearby?
    • There are many airports in the region. Philadelphia International Airport is about a 40-minute drive to the hotel. Newark Liberty International Airport is about an hour away, and LaGuardia and JFK are about two hours away.
  • How do I get to the hotel by car?
    • You can get Google Maps directions to the hotel using this link.
    • If you are coming north on I-95, keep left to merge onto I-295 E, and then follow signs for exit 5A for US-1 N towards Trenton. Take the next exit from US-1 and turn right on Oxford Valley Rd. In 0.6 miles, just past Commerce Blvd, turn left into the Oxford Valley Plaza. Immediately turn right, and the hotel will be on your left.
    • If you are coming south on I-95 from New York, take exit 7A to merge onto I-195 W towards Trenton. In 3.2 miles, keep left to continue on NJ-29 N, then follow signs to merge onto US-1 towards Morrisville. Take the exit for Oxford Valley Rd and turn left. In 0.6 miles, just past Commerce Blvd, turn left into the Oxford Valley Plaza. Immediately turn right, and the hotel will be on your left.
  • Where can I park?
    • There is a small parking lot in the front of the hotel and a much larger lot behind the hotel. Entering the hotel through the back entrance requires a hotel key. We recommend dancers staying at the hotel park use the parking lot behind the hotel to avoid overfilling the small front lot.
  • Are there charging stations for electric vehicles?
    • There are no charging stations for electric vehicles at the hotel. The closest charging station is 0.5 miles away at the AAA Club Alliance at 516 N Oxford Valley Road. 
  • How can I get to the hotel using public transit?
    • Those coming from Philly can take the Regional Rail Trenton Line to Trenton Transit Center. If you are coming from New York, you can take the Northeast Corridor Rail Line to Trenton Transit Center. 
    • From Trenton Transit Center, take SEPTA’s 127 bus towards Oxford Valley Mall and get off at Oxford Valley Rd and S Bucks Rd. Walk east on S Bucks Town Rd, and the hotel will be on your left. Alternatively, a rideshare from Trenton Transit Center to the hotel takes around 15 minutes. (Note that the 127 bus does not run on Sundays, so please plan accordingly.)
    • Alternately, those coming from Philly can take the Regional Rail West Trenton Line. The closest stop to the hotel is Woodbourne. However, there is no public transit between Woodbourne and the hotel. A rideshare between the two locations takes about 6 minutes.