was unanticipated and quite remarkable. I was there by chance. Candi had been caught up in world events and was delayed in Portugal, Guy needed a dance dolly, and so it seemed, I fitted the bill.
Coming to a club on its opening night as the female teacher was a complete gift. No time to think, just turn up and work with one of the most gifted teachers in the area.
How could I say no?
Donning stage clothes and make up I arrived at the appointed hour and had a ball...
12 May 2010
3 May 2010
Giving good dance..
La Dulce has started an interesting dialogue about giving good dance; it's useful, meaningful and good. We should thank her.
We recently were out dancing together at my local venue. I entered the milonga, it was quiet, the door man was totally unknown to me, we paid and went in. There was no welcome. It was as if I was a stranger. You pay your money, you take your seat.
The ambience of the evening was poor. There were harsh electric lamps on the tables, the floor was large and good to dance on, but it was bereft of dancers. I enjoy space, and the thought of people being able to observe me doesn't inhibit me
I was waved at by one of my friends and I went and joined them. Shoes and coats were slung on the backs of the chairs and there was water and glasses on the tables. No nibbles or juice, there was a cafe a flight of stairs away.
The DJ was on a stage, the teachers were to the right of the entrance door, separated from the public by an expanse of floor and the desk where you paid your fee.
The music was good, but I felt that at times the dancers inhibited by the space. There was little mingling between the tables so the opportunity to catch someone for a dance had to be marked by crossing the floor rather than a chance conversation leading to a dance. The visiting teachers gave a performance. I felt annoyed that there was so little stage management. No raising of the lights so we could clearly see the awesome performance. They were remarkable dancers and a real pleasure to watch. I felt that if the organisers themselves felt inspired by the ambience they had created, I would be truly amazed.
I danced with two people all evening. They were good friends and a pleasure to dance with. But one of whom I had come with so I could have saved a tenner, the petrol money and the driving time and danced with him at home. I had some stimulating conversations too, but I felt let down, as thought the night had been not been carefully put together or cared for. For dancers who had travelled there was little welcome, and I felt sorry for them that they had exerted the time and trouble. I stayed until 1am then left after greeting the organisers on my way out and saying goodbye.
The following evening we went to Cambridge where for £2 more I was welcomed with a room to change, a fine buffet and a decorated room with people who greeted me and invited me to dance. I was enchanted. I left at 4am
We recently were out dancing together at my local venue. I entered the milonga, it was quiet, the door man was totally unknown to me, we paid and went in. There was no welcome. It was as if I was a stranger. You pay your money, you take your seat.
The ambience of the evening was poor. There were harsh electric lamps on the tables, the floor was large and good to dance on, but it was bereft of dancers. I enjoy space, and the thought of people being able to observe me doesn't inhibit me
I was waved at by one of my friends and I went and joined them. Shoes and coats were slung on the backs of the chairs and there was water and glasses on the tables. No nibbles or juice, there was a cafe a flight of stairs away.
The DJ was on a stage, the teachers were to the right of the entrance door, separated from the public by an expanse of floor and the desk where you paid your fee.
The music was good, but I felt that at times the dancers inhibited by the space. There was little mingling between the tables so the opportunity to catch someone for a dance had to be marked by crossing the floor rather than a chance conversation leading to a dance. The visiting teachers gave a performance. I felt annoyed that there was so little stage management. No raising of the lights so we could clearly see the awesome performance. They were remarkable dancers and a real pleasure to watch. I felt that if the organisers themselves felt inspired by the ambience they had created, I would be truly amazed.
I danced with two people all evening. They were good friends and a pleasure to dance with. But one of whom I had come with so I could have saved a tenner, the petrol money and the driving time and danced with him at home. I had some stimulating conversations too, but I felt let down, as thought the night had been not been carefully put together or cared for. For dancers who had travelled there was little welcome, and I felt sorry for them that they had exerted the time and trouble. I stayed until 1am then left after greeting the organisers on my way out and saying goodbye.
The following evening we went to Cambridge where for £2 more I was welcomed with a room to change, a fine buffet and a decorated room with people who greeted me and invited me to dance. I was enchanted. I left at 4am
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