Dance Jargon

So we do have some time to clarify our conversations.

From The Bonehead's Guide to Ballroom Dancing Jargon.
Fads: Careful here, many people will be interested in new steps, patterns and even entire dances for a short period of time. They last longer now because of the amount of money spent on hype. But eventually they peter out, If you like it, enjoy it for as long as it lasts but do not forget your tried and true ones. 

Fallaway: A movement where a couple moves backward in a Promenade Position.
Fellow: The highest level attained in International Style of dance and awarded either in Ballroom or Latin Divisions. 

Figure: an activity in which a set sequence of dance steps is completed. Same as Pattern.
Flamenco: Andulusian folk dance known for heel drumming and castanets. The name dates from the Spanish occupation of Flanders and is recognized as the original Paso Doble.

"Social dancers believe that it may be because of hope that we suffer,

but it is through hope that we will change things."

Floorcraft: The art of dancing without running into somebody. It requires knowledge, not only of where you and your partner will be but also where the other dancers will be in the next pattern.
Follow: The lady partner interprets correctly the particular step or figure that the leader wishes to execute. And most ladies are marvels at it.
Foxtrot: An American Original in 4/4 time, and usually danced smooth and slow. Has three natural step rhythms.

"Social dancers know enough, that they must never attribute to malice

that which can be attributed to stupidity."

 

What we gonna do?

Social or recreational dancing has been our main focus on this island of Oahu for over a century. And it has evolved from the different ethnic types to a rather new style. Most of it had been imported from mainland styles, that came with the new arrivals during and after WWII. It was more formerly introduced in the Sixties by Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association and Wahiawa Ballroom Dance Club. And it took off with a new clubs formed just about every year. Eventually we got the International style of dancing and the Night Club sophisticated dancers, that took many dancers on a higher plane than us ordinary mortals.

“Many social dancers know that it is difficult to say what is 

impossible. The dream of yesterday is the hope of today

 and maybe the reality of tomorrow.”

In the last century social dancers have been somewhat elbowed aside. Dancing "correctly" was emphasized. However most people realize now, that we outnumber them (da bodadem together) two to one. And we have some very good dancers among us. Our social dancing had been meeting amicably on the dance floor with different dance partners and dancing movements that are well known by both partners. Most know each other and feel that they are among friends. Now what are going to do about that?

"Social dancers know that any kine dancin

is bettah than no dance at all."

The American Style of Dance.

USA Dance, is the national governing body for DanceSport (the competitive version of ballroom dancing) in the United States. It is recognized as such by the World DanceSport Federation, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the Amateur Sports Act of the United States Congress. In addition to promoting ballroom dancing as a recreational activity, USA Dance also promotes Dance Sport nationally and internationally. USA Dance organizes and hosts the annual USA Dance National Dance Sport Championships which awards United States National titles and the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the IDSF World Championships . The organization has over 25,000 paying members and claims a "connection and outreach" to an estimated 200,000 dancers.

"Social dancers know that once we choose HOPE,

anything is possible."

The American Style of Dance,  is most prevalent in the United States and Canada, where it's regulated by USA Dance and Canada Dancesport -- the respective national member bodies of the WDSF. It also consists of two categories analogous to the Standard and Latin categories of the International School, respectively called Smooth and Rhythm. The Smooth category consists of only four dances—American Waltz, American Tango, American Foxtrot, and American Viennese Waltz, omitting American Peabody (the American School equivalent to Quickstep)

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Jimmy Borges

The dances selected for competition in the Rhythm category are American Cha Cha Cha, American Rumba, American East Coast Swing, American Bolero, and American Mambo. A "Smooth" or "Rhythm" competition encompasses the dances in the respective category, and a "Nine Dance" competition encompassing all nine of these dances is analogous to the "Ten Dance" competition of the International School.

"Social dancers know that it will cost them nothing to dream

and everything not to."

Dancing Outdoors

Many places all over the world are finding it safer to dance outdoors, weather permitting. On Oahu we are fortunate to have such good weather for dancing outdoors. With masks and a proper social distance we could be dancing Pandemic Free. The natural world doesn't come equipped with deluxe dancing floors, so we must troubleshoot for less-than-ideal dance surfaces. Concrete is nice and smooth for most social dances. Soft grass, on the other hand, absorbs shock, so it's great for young dancers that gotta jump around. And sand could be really fun because you can fall without hurting yourself, and the resistance of the sand will strengthen your muscles. However not for our kind of dancing. 

“The older social dancers think that the greatest act of faith some

days, is to simply get up and face another day.”

We must alter our dancing pending on the surface. We still have to plan for the weather. We must establish our own weather-related boundaries. We are not going to dance in the rain, Some younger people might enjoy it, but most of us would rather watch the forecast, and go out on a day that's nicer. The glare of the sun can look great in a lot of photos, and the wind looks really cool moving through loose clothing. Even rain can produce some really fun stuff. We just need to adjust our perspective. Out on the park, we can use the sensation of the wind or the way the birds are singing, to dance in a way we never have before. We just gotta dance.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

If you're dancing in public outdoor spaces, choosing a safe location is crucial, especially in this era of social distancing. You want to avoid as many people as possible. With restaurants and grocery stores closed, many parking lots are completely empty, leaving some great open spaces. Some people also likes to dance in empty parking garages. The smooth concrete floors are ideal for turning,. Beyond practicality, choose a location that inspires you. The greatest thing about dancing outdoors is what the location itself adds to your dancing and we might just like outside spots with a view.

Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Masks, a Revelation.

I had an appointment at the VA, the Handi Van came to pick me up and the driver had his mask on. Everything went nice until it came to light that I did not have my mask on. I quickly ran up back to my apartment to get mine. He picked another lady on the way and she had her mask on. We went through the gates of Tripler and everyone was wearing masks. And when we got to the VA, eveyone was wearing a mask. And a trio of nurses with masks were there as doorkeepers.

"Social dancers believe that in every dark night there has to be,

somewhere, a small light of hope burning that can never be quenched.”

ID, and time of of appointment, no one could get in less the 15 minutes before the appointment. You wait and keep 6 feet apart. Benches with signs, "only one person to a bench." When your time comes and you get inside, you note there are no crowds and no sitting rows of seats inside anymore. There are more questions and everyone is masked, even the police officers. I finally get into section on the second floor and I can hardly recognize anyone because everyone is wearing a mask. In spite of all this everyone seems to be doing their job. They certainly did good job for me. Nice.

"Hanalei Moon" by Loyal Garner 

 

I had to wait for the Handy Van to take me back and the driver was masked. He picked up a lady masked and dropped her off in Pearl City then left me off at Foodland, Millilani. Everyone was masked and seem to respect distance between customers. Getting in line to be checked out had to be six feet apart. The bus back had the Bus driver with a mask and all passengers must have a mask or you cannot get on. Got back home and it was a relief to take my mask off but I find it very understandable. And I am quite sure it may not be too much longer.

"Social dancers don’t let anyone ever dull their sparkle."

Social Media Oahu

The new year is starting off pretty good as far as plans for the future. My social media is morphing very nicely in my old age. My key blogs are Town Dancer, Social Dance Oahu, Dancing Nights and The Bill Board. In addition I am in Facebook and in three Groups. Fam Mart, Oahu Dancers and HBDA group. I am also into Twitter, Tumblr and Word Press. Anyone that cares to join me is welcomed. And the blogs are all with few hits because we have no dancing. Stands to reason.

“Social dancers are optimists. They may be hopers of far-flung hopes,
and the dreamers of improbable dreams.”

 

Facebook has inherited the creative space allowed for Groups. The ordinary Time Line consists of over 500 friends and covers just about everything. But I have three Groups allied with Facebook - Fam Mart which is my personal group, mostly relatives. Oahu Dancers which has to do with social dancing, mainly on Oahu. Then I have been invited to an additional Group, HBDA, where dance begins and they are doing very well with 190 members. Frank Sierra contributes some beautiful dance videos of HBDA Exhibition dances all over this island.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Bruddah Iz

Then I have the experiments, Word Press, Tumblr and Twitter. All three increasing very slowly. I do not have a counter but I will set one up on each when I can find out how to do it. Twitter is just fine for very short communications with the dancing public and you cannot edit very easily. But if you know your way around, if is very useful. Word Press and Tumblr work similarly and I usually copy the bigger data from Word Press to Tumblr and they are very likely to be with different readers.

"Social dancers don’t let anyone ever dull their sparkle."

The New 2021 Clubs?

It won't be too bad, and if we all accept, we will be safer and our fellow dancers will be safer too. And we will do it until we get the all clear, perhaps by year's end. Married couples, people living together or in a serious relationship accepted. Masks will be worn and temperatures of the staff and students will be taken as soon as they enter the building and before they start dancing. Every person must complete a questionnaire to ensure they’re safe to dance. We don't have lobbies so everyone waits outside. The staff and students will be required to wash their hands before and after each lesson.

“Social dancers never lose hope. They believe that storms

make people stronger and never last forever.”

 

 

Additional hand washing stations with touch-free faucets and soap dispensers may be set up. Posted informative signs throughout to remind the staff and students to follow the safety protocols. We will be observing social distancing by spreading out students and their teachers throughout to ensure everyone is at least 6 feet away (and in another room entirely when possible) from other dancers. We must minimize unnecessary touch and personal contact while teaching and dancing.

"Walk With Me Through Paradise" by Melveen Leed

We will have a cleaning and disinfecting schedule. The hall will be thoroughly cleaned throughout the day and common touch points are cleaned at least every 45 minutes. We must eliminated hugs and handshake greetings. Just give a friendly wave hello and good-bye Whether you want to dance at home or in our sanitized dance rooms, we should be here to keep each other safe. We may avoid admitting Trumpanzees. Then too if you want to be safer yet, there will be Zoom.

"Social dancers believe that life can be better when you can dance."