January 30, 2003
The politics of dancing...
I can’t dance very well. I don’t think I’m alone.
I think some people are either born with rhythm and a certain grace or they’re not.
When I was little, I loved the ballet. By the time I was 10 and my chest was already a ‘C’ cup, I gave it up. Dream as much as I want, but I was never meant to be a prima ballerina.
During high school, my friends and I would only dance when we were drinking and ONLY with each other. We would blast “Situation” on the radio and dance on top of coffee tables.
In my 20’s, I grew out of it completely. When most people my age were listening to dance and hip-hop, I was listening to The BoDean’s and John Hiatt. I passed up that dance craze and learned to love the Pub life instead.
My only exposure now to dancing is at the occasional wedding that I attend. I always have to be a wee tipsy and it has to be a good song.
I feel embarrassed when I dance. I think that everyone is looking at me and thinking, “God, she has no rhythm – what is she doing?” When I look around me, I feel slightly better, because I think, “God, most of them can’t dance either!” Sometimes, I even feel a bit embarrassed for others.
Several years ago, when my friend S got married, he danced his first dance with his wife, G. A tango came on and they danced like a professional couple. He was a graphic artist and she was a beautician. All the guests stared in awe. We had no idea that S could even move his feet. The 2nd song was a salsa and again, they killed. Afterwards we asked S how he learned it – he said that G asked if he’d go to lessons and he said sure. He loved them. After the first set was over, they signed up for more. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
My favorite Aunt & Uncle dance beautifully together. It is wonderful to watch how well they compliment each others movements. They do all kinds of dancing and never seem to tire of it. When they slow dance, you can see how much love they have for each other.
I will admit, when T and I went to some weddings last year, it was really cool to dance with his arms around me.
So Saturday night, my fella and I were out with some of his family that was in town visiting. We went to Carol's - a local bar that is known for country music. All that know me, KNOW that I don't do country. It's just not my thing. However, this bar is fun and quite honestly, the house band they have is actually quite good.
When T got up to dance with his sister, his cousin M said, "Let's not let them show us up". I was terrified. I told M I couldn't dance and I tried to resist. He simply wouldn't take no for an answer. He said "Don't worry, just follow me and move". YIKES!!
I know that every person in there was watching and saying, "Look at that handsome guy and that dork girl". I'm sure they wondered what the hell kind of dancing I was doing. Honestly, I was wondering what the hell kind of dancing I was doing.
I'm not ready to trade my bar stool in for dancing shoes. Especially cowboy boots.
But you know what? I had fun.
Perhaps I might even have to give ballet another shot. They do make better sports bra's now.
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