« Red Scarf | Main | Play with Me! »
December 21, 2005
Swing Kid
I finally got myself started on going back to swing dancing. They have lessons and open dance at the U of M Union building every Wednesday. Tonight's lesson was taught by Erin Morris, a friend of ours that we know through the dojo. (Her dad used to work out there.) Her mother, Laura was there too.
I thought that I'd be huffing and puffing since I hadn't danced in years since the Velvet Lounge in Pontiac closed down some years ago. But it wasn't as intense a work out as I thought it would be. That's the difference between dancing here and dancing at the Velvet Lounge. At the VL, I'd have to do a couple of dances just to warm up and limber up my feet. But here, I didn't need a warm up at all. The music there isn't as good; they don't play a whole lot of new swing music. In fact, they didn't play any at all tonight.
As soon as I got there, I saw one of the guys that used to do karate with me, Anthony. He quit because he'd tried to move out to California, but I guess things fell through, so he moved back to A2. I was pleasantly surprised to find that he's a very talented dancer! I thought he'd be kind of awkward, since he's not as talented at karate. But he's a very strong lead and knows his steps. He tried to teach me Lindy Hop, but I think I'm intimidated because it's confusing to me. I'm going to have to go on a night when they teach Lindy. I guess he used to compete--he said he's danced for about 6 years or so. I only danced seriously for about 2. I have to say that Anthony was definitely the strongest (and best) lead there, tonight.
Anyway, I also saw Don's old roomie, Ian, there. His wife Katherine wasn't there because she started a new job as a nurse practitioner, so I guess she didn't feel like going out. I wish I could get Don out there, but he refuses to learn how to dance. Too feminine for him, I guess!
I had a couple dances with Erin and one with Laura. They're pretty good leads too. I'm always amazed at how UNBELIEVABLY talented Erin is as a dancer. She's like the professionals you see in all those music videos. She can do just about ANYTHING! I sat a few songs out just to watch her. I was in awe.
I'm going to try to get there more often next year. I'll be switching between that and karate on Wednesdays. Maybe two nights each. I'll see how it all works out.
Posted by Amy at December 21, 2005 11:23 PM