Connect2Dance.com is coming! Now in beta testing mode at http://connect2dance.com, this new website was designed and developed especially for the dancing community. A million dollar software suite, the site includes all of the features of a social network website such as MySpace.com with the dance partner locating features of sites like dancepartner.com, and the ability to create meet-up groups for those with various dance interests like meetup.com; but unlike the latter two, all of the features of Connect2Dance.com are FREE!

Slated to begin full-scale operations by July 1, 2007, the site is already allowing users to sign up for their own web sites by entering their profiles and any other information they wish to display on their pages. "Their participation will help us in testing and debugging" says Eric Forsman, the man behind the project, "and their input will be invaluable in adding even more features based on their feedback."

The idea to develop the all-inclusive, free site came out of the frustration of so many other sites requiring monthly fees to participate. Dancers want to spend their money dancing, not on supporting websites for which there are other financial models. In the Connect2Dance.com model, the site is supported through its advertisers. "We actually have a unique model", says Mr. Forsman, "which gives our participating advertisers such as venues, studios and clubs some significant opportunities. It is a win-win-win situation".

While there are a number of elements to their financial model, one of the more significant relates to the Meet-Up groups, and venues, dance studios and dance clubs across the country. The site give the opportunity for users to form their own groups of dancers with like interests for monthly "get-togethers". These can be done at the dance related establishments in the local area who have already shown a significant interest in having these groups come to their establishments, and have even offered to provide incentives like discounts on group lessons during the get-together, or to hold special evenings for the groups that include a group lesson and dancing afterwards for a small fee ranging from $10-$15 per attendee.

Some of those establishments have already indicated that they would like to work with and support the website as advertisers to attract the business of the dancers and meet-up groups.