12 of 15

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

east and west coast swings, etc. It was a wonderful night out of dancing and I spent my whole week looking forward to it.

At one point, one of the teaching assistants needed a partner to practice with. I had the free time on the afternoon each week that he also needed, and I proceeded to embark on a creative self-expression that will never cease to excite me. If I arrived early enough, I was blessed with the opportunity to watch private lessons in international dance - some so advanced I knew they competed around the country.

I learned some basic international dance steps in the waltz and the Argentine tango - but what I learned even more significantly were some advanced techniques. Dance isn't just moving the feet in the right order. It is also moving them to produce both flowing and exact movement. It is not essential to do either to enjoy ballroom dancing. Those who compete, must. But those who simply want to socialize in dance, to be able to just be out on the dance floor and know what comes next.... well, that is such progress for a wallflower!

When done properly, the connection between partners in ballroom dance is at times just ever so light a touch between fingers - to a firm grasp at the waist or shoulder, with both leaning in such a way that it would seem they would topple over. Toes pointed, heads turned away and leaning, hands and arms outstretched... oh, how the hair would rise on my arms when I'd watch our dance instructor perform a step to perfection with his partner.

Dancing, like so many art forms and methods of self-expression, allows the mind and body to do what they were meant to do - move in harmony with their surroundings.

I still have two left feet. I've just learned to let them do what they will...

... the dance....

Learn more about this author, Louweeze.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Dance as a universal art?
We want to hear your view. Write now!