We had a great turn-out last night, Thursday, June 2, at the monthly dance. The lesson — taught by guest pro Taletha Jouzdani — had 33 people in it, and the head count for the dance was 71. That’s by my count; the club manager says it’s even higher. Either way it was a great turn-out and everyone had a great time. And the bartenders are muy impressivo‘ed by our tipping habits.
And the WCS Barn Dance went off better than expected. I think now that we’ve got it down, it will turn into a fun ice-breaker.
next dance: Thursday, July 7th
Just thought I’d make a comment about dance space. Yes, the dance floor was crowded. The fun of dancing in a bar is the imperfections of the conditions. But I think because we’re in Texas we simply assume there’s lots of space everywhere. Whereas what you saw last night (and at the May dance, too), is much more indicative of the amount of space each couple has on a packed dance floor in, say NYC or SF or London.
Better dancers don’t need more space — they make the space they have look like it’s more than enough.
Leaders: please try not to use your Follower as a human shield or as a mechanism for asserting territorial dominance! You’ll do better to dance a little bit more New York style, which means a larger percentage of closed position moves and holding a shorter arm (your elbow closer to your body than usual). And less California-style moves of widening the slot; keep it tight and your legs together. That alone is usually good enough for 10-20 more people on the floor.
Followers: as for “keep your legs together” — cough, cough — really, need I say more? If your Leader isn’t sure how to manage in a restricted space, you too can shorten your arm. And don’t let him give you double-triple-backflip turns on the anchor; just sink down and absorb the energy with a hand on his body (“for balance”) and he’ll get the hint. And watch the rondés!