Lindy Basic

My imagination makes me human and makes me a fool; it gives me all the world and exiles me from it.
-- Ursula K. Le Guin

Thursday, November 19, 1998
One year ago: Spinning

A year ago I was struggling with intermediate East coast swing. At least I can spin much more easily now! But going back to learn the lead's part in Lindy hop (usually danced by a guy) is a good experience. It reminds me what it was like to be just starting out! A valuable lesson for anyone. I feel comfortable and in control when I'm dancing the follow's part; as a lead it's like I'm learning to drive a stick shift, jerking and stuttering. There are many things to pay attention to at once!

In dance class tonight, we put the pieces together to actually do a Lindy basic. The other students don't yet realize that they will be working on this crucial pattern for months to come! It's like that game, simple to learn the rudiments, difficult to master. The hall was permeated with a burnt odor, because they turned the heat on for the first time since last April, and the dust that was in the system was immolated. So much for being smoke-free! But next time (it won't be for two weeks because of Thanksgiving) will be fine, I'm sure.

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I'm gleeful and excited, since Jack says it's OK with his parents if I come home with him for Thanksgiving. I don't know exactly when we'll be leaving. Next Wednesday evening, perhaps? They live in Eastern Washington, where I've never been, despite living here for ten years.

I'm so easily pleased!

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The web page for Swing Out Northwest has been updated, with many new details on the workshop, classes, facilities, etc. This is the dance workshop I'll be going to between Christmas and New Year's Day. We've started getting email, too, with notes on ridesharing, and tasks that need doing.

So now I have something else to look forward to, and imagine, and fantasize about! I'll need to buy more dancing shoes, and folding paper fans. I'd like to find some that I could have custom printed! I'd give them away to the other dance campers. The location looks beautiful. I've been over there a few times, but I've never stayed overnight.