Why Dance?

*note: I started writing this on Saturday, May 1st, so all the references to "yesterday" mean on Friday. =)

I had two wonderful dance experiences yesterday, which led me to think, What is it about dancing that is so special? Why do I have to dance?

I think if I had to sum it all up in one word, it would be: connection

Yesterday in my Dance in Culture in Latin America class we were learning brazilian samba for carnaval, which consisted essentially of circle dancing like everybody used to do in high school. Except that in this case there were specific steps we were doing with our feet, from slow steps on the strong beats to syncopated and fast. Then we added in lots -- and I mean *lots*-- of hips. Teehehe! It was hilarious because it's not like this is a dance class, per se. It's a class that people take because they need to complete a GER (general education requirement... I fall into that category...) or because they're interested in Latin American studies, but not because they are exceptional dancers. Oh yeah, and the best part is that one person goes into the center of the circle to have a little solo time, and then they choose somebody to switch with by bumping belly buttons with them! Hahahhahaaaa!! So, I was in a circle with four guys and two other girls, and everybody was a little embarassed because, well, it was like high school dance except that we didn't really know who these other people were, and our loopy teacher was shouting above the music to move our hips, and we were supposed to bump belly buttons, and well, who wouldn't be slightly embarassed? But then somebody starting clapping and I started yipping and yelling and then everybody got really into it! It was so hilarious and so great to get that communal feeling and bonding. But that wasn't the wonderful dance moment that I was talking about... that moment came afterwards, when we shifted from brazilian samba to a dance called Bloco Africano.

Bloco Africano is a type of dance done to African drumming, also during the carnaval season in Brazil. It's done in lines and you do very basic movements with your feet and your arms, and it seems very simple but I *felt* it. I'm not sure if I can explain it.... the whole foot on the floor, the simplicity of the steps and motions and the beat of the drums... it was like I was shifted into this different state of mind, not really focused on anything but just feeling this deep connection with the ground and the earth and God, and it was so wonderful!

It was a feeling that I don't typically get when I dance at Jammix and the like, although I absolutely cherish that kind of dancing because of the connection that I get with my partner. I'd have to say, that that is really what cuts it for me. That's why it's so much fun to be in Social Dance I with Bea and Maria and all of these people who are just starting out-- I don't have to concentrate on the moves (even though I am learning how to lead, which takes a very different kind of skill than following) so I can just help the girls to feel like they are learning and to have a good time. I"ve also been spending quite a bit of time as a follow since the past several classes we have had an excess of boys. We're doing waltz now (both cross-step and rotary) and so I am comfortable with the follow and lead roles and I don't mind "being a girl" as I tell the guys in the class. (Yes, I am such a girl, and it is a good thing! Yeah... inside joke...) It's nice to dance with the guys here too, especially today (now it is Tuesday, see "note" above) when we just started the rotary waltz. We were rotating partners and I was just about to move on to the next girl when I saw this guy standing to the side, again, looking miffed and frustrated. So I decided I would be follow for him and we danced through three partner rotations. It was so great to see him go from "no, I really really suck at this" to "hey, thanks, I think I sorta get it!" and his body language from disillusioned and annoyed and frustrated to upbeat and determined to get it. Yay!!

Anyways, back to Friday and my second awesome dance experience. Friday night the Cardinal Whirlwinds had a performance at the Friday Night Waltz in Redwood City. The music was insanely fast for some reason, and the floor was incredibly slippery, and I had forgotten my dance shoes so I was borrowing Caitlin's (who was calling) but they were just slightly too big for me, but it was still an *awesome* performance. I love the Whirlwinds! The group is such high energy, and very spirited, and it is so much fun to get the audience to clap along and whoop with us. Yay!

Anyways, the super fun dance moment was later that night when there was general dancing. They played the Congress of Vienna, and Ed asked me to dance with him. Ed I know from freshman year when I was this bubbly little thing jumping all over the place (hey, I know what you're thinking-- but I think I've mellowed out at least a little bit!) and Ed was in maybe his 2nd year of graduate school. I can't remember what department he is in... maybe comp sci? Anyways, Ed is now quite an accomplished dancer, a part of Danse Libre, and super fun to dance with. He also is funny because he's a very mellow guy and so it's a bit of a contrast when we dance. =P Anyways, he asked me to dance the Congress of Vienna, and I graciously accepted and was led out to the dance floor. We started the dance simply enough, of course in left waltz as opposed to right waltz, to spice things up a bit. Then, hehehee... then, Ed started dancing tango with me! Mind you, the Congress of Vienna was still going on, and everybody around us was spinning and waltzing, but Ed was leading me in ochos and spins and dips and everything was still very in time with the music. It was absolutely marvelous! I would have been cracking up the entire time, but you know, tango is a very serious dance, so I managed to contain myself most of the time to a mere smirk. =P That has to be the funnest Congress of Vienna I have ever danced! Tee hee! And then for all the other dances that we did throughout the night, Ed would put some tango into it, or just completely ignore whatever type of music it was and do tango anyways. Maybe he was in a tango mood. Hehehe... whatever it was, it was sooooo much fun!!

I am really looking forward to Big Dance. The theme is Superdance and everybody is supposed to dress up as superheros. I don't know what I will dress up as... I was thinking Rainbow Brite (hey, she was definitely my childhood hero) or She-Ra (if only I saved the costume that I had when I was four...). Well, I guess we'll see! It's next weekend, May 14-15 from 9pm to 6am. I am more than excited for it! Especially since Bea and Maria are really really getting into it to. Ahh, I love dance!!

Okay, this was my post on dance! What about you, what do you love about dance, or any other activity that makes you tick?