The Wxyz Presents the Second Bollywood Dance Party

After phenomenal success last November, Bollywood Dance Party sponsored by HSBC returns to Aloft Dulles on March 26th. The core concept of Bollywood Dance Party is that ultimately dance is celebration. In today's hectic lifestyle, everyone occasionally suffers from stress or fatigue. The trick is to let them go at least temporarily and embrace the joy that music and dance brings naturally. BDP reflects a celebration of life among the people of India. Dance steps are drawn as much from Bollywood and South Indian movies as they are from lifestyles of common people. They capture the spirit of dance as an expression of joy—farmers celebrating a harvest season, families dancing at weddings, expressions of happiness at common festivals and events in different parts of India. BDP is also an avenue to let go of your cares and concerns as you celebrate life. The beauty of music and dance creates magic and "perfect moments" strung together. So what are you waiting for? Come and dance with us! Aaja Nachle!

Spring Forward as Daylight Saving Returns

(March 14, 2010) On Sunday, thanks to daylight saving time, we are all due to lose precious time as we set our clocks forward an hour. Of course this is annoying on a number of levels -- who wants a shorter weekend? Some researchers also believe that there is emerging scientific evidence that the effects of daylight saving can change our natural rhythms. Some also claim an increase in traffic accidents and workplace injuries immediately following Sunday when the clock springs forward an hour. Others may say in disdain, "Come on, it's only an hour!" Whichever side of this debate you may be on, daylight saving is back!

As with the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano or the blossoming of cherry trees in Washington, D.C., Americans anticipate this springtime ritual each year -- turning their clocks ahead one hour. Beyond the annoyance of losing an hour of sleep each spring, experts also say moving clocks ahead may leave people drowsy. The time switch makes it harder for many to rise in the morning, lessening the ability to stay alert and increasing the chance of accidents during morning commutes. This may all be attributed to sleep loss and adjustments the body's own clock has yet to fully make to a new schedule.

There is no doubt, however, that daylight saving signals the arrival of spring and we get to enjoy that extra hour of sunlight in the evening. In fact for most of its life, daylight saving time was implemented to reduce energy consumption. Some may look forward to firing up the barbecue after a long day at work or sitting outside on your deck before the sun goes down. We can't help but wonder though ... if on Monday, there will be an increase in consumption of a very popular commodity - coffee.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Wxyz

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

At Aloft Dulles, we continue this tradition of St. Patrick's Day festivity by inviting you to our Wxyz for $1 green beer and other select brews. We are featuring DJ music throughout the evening and signature cocktails will be available at our Wxyz Lounge. So if you're planning to paint the town green this St. Patrick's Day, bring your family, friends and colleagues for some green beer and fun at the Aloft Dulles!

Mama's Black Sheep - Back by Popular Demand

Much to the delight of local fans, the popular band, Mama's Black Sheep will be returning to the Wxyz Lounge on Thursday, April 8th to promote their latest album. This will be the D.C. area's release party for this up and coming local band. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an evening of eclectic live music and fun entertainment.

We welcomed many from the Dulles community to the last concert and hope to see many more new faces at our upcoming event. For a preview of what's to come, click on the video below.