Four Classes

The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.
-- Karl Marx

Wednesday, March 15, 2000
One year ago: Dark City
Two years ago: Number Nine

I'm now taking four dance classes this session. That's more than I've done for a while, but it's good for me to get out and get moving.

I went to my two Tuesday night classes last night: improv, and Hollywood for savoy style dancers. We were in a bigger classroom, with mirrored walls, for the improv class. Watching myself intently didn't throw me off, or freak me out. Viola, our instructor, is good at getting me to focus on style details that make each movement more effective. She'll take a move that everyone already "knows" but in a half-assed way, and break it down to its essence -- then build it up again in a way that makes it our own.

The second class, Hollywood style, is still more difficult for me, but I'll keep plugging away at it.

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Tonight I went to the Century Ballroom, to see if the dance classes I was interested in were going to be held. When I'd talked with Hallie and Lovica last week, upon finding out that the drop-in class had been discontinued, they suggested I could/should sign up for their Lindy 3 class on Wednesdays. When I'd seen email from them saying that the Big Apple class needed more people, I decided to take that class, also. Two classes, then the Wednesday night dance! That means a fun evening for me, and a good workout.

Enough folks turned up for the Big Apple that it would be able to be held. The Big Apple is a jazz dance done in a circle. It's traditionally a "called" dance, but we'll learn a choreographed version first. I was really stretching on some of the steps.

The Lindy 3 class was a bit more frustrating. One of the follows taking the class is blind, which means that Hallie and Lovica have to spend a fair chunk of class time demonstrating the move that's being taught to her physically -- she can't watch them and get it! I was happy with how I did on a spin where the follow kicks to the side, then pulls in her leg to get around. That was a new move for me!

I do find that I have to be patient with myself for most complicated footwork -- I just don't pick it up that quickly, though I'll eventually get it if I keep on trying.

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The dance was fun! Matteo was there. He's originally from Southern California, I think, and has also spent time in the Bay area. He's definitely smooth style, Hollywood style, or "old school" style, but I can usually follow him all right. I did get a rare word of praise when I followed some turn or spin and it worked out "perfect!"

There was a birthday dance for someone I didn't know, and a goodbye dance, also for someone I didn't know. My birthday is on a Tuesday this year, during the film festival. I'll have to make sure to have my birthday dance on the Wednesday after! I haven't had a birthday dance yet, since my birthday always happens during the film festival, and I don't make a big deal of it.

I even enjoyed sitting out a few dances tonight. It was great to look out on the floor and see so many friends, and feel the good energy and excitement in the room.

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Tomorrow morning I'm going in for a root canal, scheduled for the past month. I hope that I'll feel better after it's done! I've been in some pain the last few days, and I'm taking more than the recommended dose of ibuprofen to deal with it. Jack and I are going to Whidbey Island this weekend (my promised getaway weekend from Christmas!) and it would be a real shame if I'm in pain the whole time!