Waltz Across Texas... dancing in someone's arms

[mrdreamjeans]

Reading Excessor and Dr Scott's posts about the Square Dancing Convention brought back a lot of wonderful memories. I'm delighted they had such a good time in Phoenix.

I love to country-western dance and have been ballroom dancing since I was three years old. (Thanks Mom:) I even competed in CW dance competitions in the 80s with my dance partner Karina. One year we won second place in the Texas Two-Step Championship.

However, the best part of partner dancing for me has always been that it is a wonderful way to meet nice people. For three or four minutes you share an extended hug, lose yourselves in the music and the creative, romantic steps of the waltz or slow dance or the speed, frenzy and excitement of a barn-burner. You can just feel the thread of energy between you and your partner. I am seldom happier than when I am dancing with a responsive partner and the common thread is a love for the music.

I am a strong lead and live for the perceptive follower who, with a gentle touch of my hand, puts magic in motion. I like making the decisions, but I admire even more the follower who can turn my decisions into fluid, dancing gold:) There is nothing more beautiful than watching a couple spinning and moving gracefully around the floor... in sync with the music and with each other.

The power of music + a handsome partner in your arms = a natural high:) Exhilarating!

(singing) "I'll waltz across Texas with you in my arms." I used to dance 30-40 dances in a row and go home feeling well and truly hugged. Hmmm... I think I shall have to get out and go dancing. Inspiration has struck!

Comments

Can't dance a lick

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

Honestly....I can't even polka.

"What??" you say, "How is this possible? You've been in a ballet! How can a Bear get cast in a classical ballet like 'Nutcracker' and NOT be able to dance?"

Easy. It's cause I Act up a storm and play to the balcony...it's a character part, not dependant on looking 'pretty'. Besides, after 6-8 weeks in rehearsal and enough repitition, a circus bear could do the role.

On the dancefloor, and especially in anything approximating ballroom, I'm utterly hopeless. I can't lead, and I'm too insecure and unpracticed to follow. The best I've ever done is in a low-impact aerobics class, where at one point in the routine, I would link elbows with a person and we'd both spin; I was the only one who could do it well.

This "two step" that y'all mention, tho, sounds...intriguing, if not incredibly intimate. Are you SURE you can do that in public?

Re: Can't dance a lick

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The "two-step" and "foxtrot" are fairly synonymous terms. The difference is really in the style of music each is danced to, with a few variations of the arms.

It's a nice dance to try with a partner new to dancing (or new to you:), as there is a set pattern and rhythm to the dance. With a patient partner even the most rhythm-challenged dancer can usually find some success. As you suggested with your character part in the ballet, repetition is the key.

I was waxing romantic about CW dancing, but the real nice part is the holding someone in your arms, even if the feet aren't successful. I can usually talk someone through a slow two-step, but I also don't care if we mess up. I like the opportunity to meet someone, get to know them and to enjoy the music.

When I've come across a reluctant partner, one who wants to try a dance but is shy about it, I try humor. I say, "Do you want to share a dance?" If the answer is yes, I say in my best Texas redneck voice, "Bubba, here's how you do it. Put your left hand on my shoulder like this, your right hand in my left hand like this, now put your dick up against my right leg and shut up....hehehe.. It is the correct position:)

Even if the dance doesn't work, some times other things do:) Woohoo!

Re: Can't dance a lick

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

Knowing me, my response might be, "Bubba, it might be the correct position, but you've got the wrong guy in the wrong venue. Ask me NICELY and I MIGHT consider that same position in a more private setting." At best, I'd then assume the Sr.Caligula-approved 1-foot-apart rule, which kinda defeats the purpose of a two-step, doesn't it? At worst, you'd find yourself alone on the floor (Question: Has "Put your dick up against my right leg and shut up" actually WORKED since 1982? I'd be appalled at the afrontery....and yes, I know you're kidding. You ARE kidding, right?). Then again, the odds of me even being in a place that features CW dancing are vanishingly slim. (Yeah...I'm a snob. I guess I'm more of a waltz guy)

Still what you say is true: There's nothing like watching two bodies, linked together, gliding accross the floor, sharing a near telepathic melding of mind and motion. The effect is enhanced when the entire room is moving in unison. I have visions of period-piece movies where nearly 100 people are gliding around a ballroom; all feeling the music and NONE bumping into each other! Throw in a touch of gymnastics and you can appreciate why I enjoy watching pairs figure skating.

Re: Can't dance a lick

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I enjoy watching skating too. I was kidding about the instructions, though humor always works as a way of getting my prospective partner to relax. The idea is to have fun:)

The two-step is only one of the dances you might find in a Country-Western setting. My favorite is the Waltz. It is deceptively complicated to do well and I like the challenge.

Since I travel a lot, I've been to most of the Gay & Lesbian CW clubs around the country and it's the nicest group of folks I know. Besides, there's nothing wrong with a bit of flirtatious banter:)... in 1982 or 2004. Some of us are single. LOL!

Re: Can't dance a lick

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

Even we married guys like to flirt.