The Dallas Swing Dance Society upcoming events

DSDS April Workshop (04/11/2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topics for the month of April are Balboa & "steal" dancing.

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (04/11/2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS April Workshop (04/18/2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topics for the month of April are Balboa & "steal" dancing.

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (04/18/2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS April Workshop (04/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topics for the month of April are Balboa & "steal" dancing.

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (04/25/2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS May Workshop (05/09/2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of May is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (05/09/2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS May Workshop (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of May is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (05/16/2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS May Workshop (05/23/2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of May is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (05/23/2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS June Workshop (06/13/2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of June is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (06/13/2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS June Workshop (06/20/2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of June is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (06/20/2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS June Workshop (06/27/2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of June is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (06/27/2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS July Workshop (07/11/2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of July is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (07/11/2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

Big D Lindy 2026 (07/17/2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We're bringing back our annual workshop with amazing instructors:

Anthony Chen & Irina Amzashvili, Laura Glaess, and Josue Romero & Shannon Jabs - Allen!

There are 2.5 tracks (due to previous feedback and space limitations, we are limiting the number of people in the level-tested tracks). The top track will consist of one hour sessions with each pair of instructors (3 hours total).

The weekend kicks off with a DJed Friday night dance, and the Saturday night dance will feature Sassafras Swing Set!

Friday night will be at Sons of Hermann Hall. (There is another event happening downstairs, so please be courteous.) Level testing will be Friday from 7:30pm - 8:30pm. Level testing is required for the top two tracks.

Classes start at 10am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday at Sammons Center for the Arts.

The Saturday night dance with Sassafras Swing Set will be at the Sammons Center for the Arts.

Please register in advance for discounted prices. (Each tier of passes comes with different levels of swag. Please watch for more details!)

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

We will have shelves available to store shoes and bags.

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top strongly encouraged.

Weekend Passes will be limited to the first 105 people.

Your registration will be cancelled if not paid within 15 minutes!!!

One unique email per registration!!!

DSDS July Workshop (07/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of July is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (07/25/2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS August Workshop (08/08/2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of August is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (08/08/2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS August Workshop (08/15/2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of August is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (08/15/2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS August Workshop (08/22/2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of August is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (08/22/2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS September Workshop (09/12/2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of September is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (09/12/2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS September Workshop (09/19/2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of September is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (09/19/2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS September Workshop (09/26/2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of September is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (09/26/2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS October Workshop (10/10/2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of October is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (10/10/2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS October Workshop (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of October is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (10/17/2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS October Workshop (10/24/2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of October is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (10/24/2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS November Workshop (11/14/2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of November is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (11/14/2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS November Workshop (11/21/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of November is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (11/21/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS November Workshop (11/28/2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of November is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (11/28/2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS December Workshop (12/12/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of December is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (12/12/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.

DSDS December Workshop (12/19/2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The workshop topic for the month of December is TBD (To Be Determined). Please watch this space and our Facebook page for an update soon!

Workshops are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The cutoff time to join is 6:15pm, and entry to the lesson will not be allowed after this time.

Cost: $5 for members, $9 for non-members

BYOWB: There is a water fountain near the restrooms. We suggest bringing a resealable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the night.

Wear shoes you can move in comfortably.

Let's dance!

DSDS Saturday Dances (12/19/2026)

Sun, 20 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Saturday dances start with a 6ct basic lesson at 8pm, followed by social dancing from 9pm until 11:30pm.

*Wear comfortable dance shoes!

Cost: $14 for non-members, $10 for members

BYOWB: Bring Your Own Water Bottle! Resealable lid/top are strongly encouraged.