What am I dancing?

By Ron Misaki, Manoa.

Running around here and there, getting into the wrong clubs by mistake, I wonder what the young are doing. Perhaps, someone in the know can enlighten the rest of us.

"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it is a comfort to go hand in hand."

They seem to have some sort of the old disco, dancing apart style. They may call it partner dancing but it sure ain't. Each one does their own thing and it seems as if they do some prescribed tricks, the dance has a name. However, it does look to me like a likely good first step if you enjoy the movement to music and would like to be a dancer in that environment.

The second most logical step would be to get into line dancing. You can learn short routines, with the natural music of most of the ballroom and perimeter dances. You do not have to have a partner and you can learn most of the beginning line dances in a very short time. Beside learning the rhythm of the different dances, you will develop your own styling too no matter who you try to mimick. And line dancing seems to kmow no age differences.

"Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley

From there it is only a hop, skip and jump to real Partner Dancing and it is recommended to the over thirty. This is where men learn to lead and women to follow. Not only that but to see and understand the equality, in the differences. Well, maybe not. I tnink most women can outdance men simply because they must learn to follow. At least when you get past the beginner's stage.

There are over 500 documented step patterns in every dance. The syllabi of the American, Country and International have each about 50 in their Bronze, Silver and Gold Divisions. So there are literally hundreds of simpler, more basic movements that can be learned easily (without a professional dance teacher.)  You can also lead and follow much easier and will be moving to music in a manner which is more like Da Reel Teeng.

Once you get past that stage you can be ready to decide if you wish to go into competition dancing. It is wide open for those that can develop the discipline. It is just not the same fun anymore and you will have a different goal.

Pub's Side Note: Yes, I have heard of a new dance blog but I do not know where it is. Perhaps they would like to exchange links. I am willing to help.