“Do people usually come in pairs to Charlar?”
I’ve gotten this question from a lot of people, perhaps because some are hesitant to show up by themselves. Most of our members come by themselves, but ready to meet people. It’s almost better that way, in that people don’t pair up and just talk to the people they know. Anyone who has been can tell you that it’s a comfortable environment where you can turn to anyone at the table and start jabbering away.
“Is there a fee for Charlar Chicago?”
I am happy to say that presently there is no fee beyond the cost of an event. You will only be responsible for the cost of whatever you order, the ticket for the show, etc. For outings such as Salsa with Chicago Dance, there is no cost to anyone whatsoever as it is sponsored by the city.
“How would you describe the skill level?”
The skill level varies. We have a few members who haven’t studied Spanish since high school, and a few people who are just trying something new. We also have some native speakers and bilingual teachers. The rest of us fall somewhere in between. I took a couple years in high school and then majored in Spanish at Ohio University. I would not consider myself close to being 100% fluent, but I do feel comfortable having a conversation with a native speaker. Whatever your level, you will find that the other members are encouraging and supportive. In any case, even if you are just learning, it is good to come and listen to train your ear for hearing Spanish.
“What is the age range like?”
This is probably the most commonly asked question. It is hard to describe the age range of the group, and it also varies depending on the event. I am 31 which is probably right in the middle. The scatterplot would usually show an equal number of 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and a few 50+.