#497

Dance class number 2 was last night. We spent a big part of the evening reviewing the foxtrot and rumba, then learned the waltz and the cha-cha (nope, no swing yet). We all probably would have done better at the waltz if the guys were more comfortable with “steering.” There were more than a few collisions on the dance floor. With each dance, we switch up partners to get practice dancing with different people. In theory, I can appreciate that, but for some reason almost all of the men in the class are at least 6 inches taller than me. By the time I’m done dancing, my arms are shaky from holding them up over my head and my hips are sore from trying to match their long strides with my short legs. She also makes the women dance with their eyes closed part of the time so that we HAVE to rely on the men leading. That’s incredibly hard to do! I need to get some shoes I don’t care about too, since I left last night with some footprints on them. One woman forgot to bring a change of shoes and couldn’t dance in her sandals, so she was dancing barefoot. Brave lady!

The cha-cha threw almost all of us. Going in a box was easy, but trying to do the progressive step, which is all in one line was more than my poor brain could handle. It doesn’t help that the instructor is calling out the steps for the men “Forward rock, right, left, right” and I’m having to do the opposite. It was the aural version of patting your head and rubbing your tummy. Also? I seriously need help remembering my left from my right apparently. The classes are held in the lobby of a public library, which is still open during the first hour. We had a HUGE audience sitting outside watching us trip all over each other.

Still, tons of fun. We’re definitely going to have to do better about practicing at home. I wish we had a larger space for it. Although, one of Shannon’s partners complimented him on how well he leads because she realized he’d taken them in a full turn and she’d never noticed it, so maybe the small space is more helpful than not.

It’s been a fun challenge to find music to use at home. I’m not sure I have anything to cha-cha to, which means my next iTunes purchases will be a little odd. Anyone out there with more social dance experience, song recommendations are REALLY welcome! Lurlene used the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” for us to cha-cha to and while I appreciate the really clear, slower rhythm, I hate that song and I’ve been humming it all day.

Next week, she’s either teaching us to tango or swing. She hadn’t decided which last night. I’m sorry I don’t have any way to get pictures for you all. They would certainly be good for a laugh.