Dance Question: Need shooting advice soon!

[ProwlingTiger]

Long story short, I'm roped into shooting a local dance. Purely candids, nothing professional or for profit. This is outside of my arena, however I've done this once for them before. I'm shooting purely with my 10D and my Speedlite, no external flash system. I don't have the best lens, I use the one they typically provide, as they have another photographer (It's sorta my school deal.)

Here's a pic I took at homecoming. And the exif details. Can someone tell me if I'm doing something wrong? I know what I'd look for, but I have not altered any of these pictures before....and they're not expecting much (believe me.) Hence the reason I'm not exactly using my best gear (I'm also involved as a student).

shutter speed: 1/60
f-stop: 3.5
aperture: 3.5
focal length: 20mm (I'm shooting with a 35mm today...I know *cringe*)

That said, any pointers on what I can do to work with what I have?

 

[Ryan1524]

You can handle this two ways: Freeze the motion, or capture the motion. I think it'd be pretty hard to freeze the motion unless you fire a long burst...and then you might have to battle the light in this case. If you choose to capture the motion, you can use the low light to your advantage.

This isn't the best, but I'm thinking something along these lines.

If you're just doing candids: Drag the shutter, loewr the flash power. And fire away. These should give a decently balanced shot without making the background all dark. The fastest lens you can find is best - maybe rent.

ie.

 

[ProwlingTiger]

Yeah...my running joke is that it's not a dance, as much as it is a social gathering. More candids than action by far. I'll try that then. The sample was in really low light with a horrible ceiling to bounce light off of. But I have a working idea and I think if I can just get the light lowered enough I could get some good ones.

 

[Ryan1524]

The last two shots above was in a nightclub, so the lighting was practically near-zero, except for the occasional coloured effects. So in a school dance, it should be fine - similar conditions I'm guessing. Basically, don't rely on their light, control yours.

 

[cosmokanga2]

To create a neat effect with motion, shoot a longer exposure 1/5 or so and use the flash on rear or curtain. This will create blurred motion, but "flash freeze" the subjects. Can look cool if done right.