On an early march evening at Atlas42 in Richmond, VA, we found ourselves immersed in the muffled, but vibrant sounds* of the Crain Brothers band. The air buzzed with energy, and the music, mostly a blend of classic rock, filled the smooth concrete dance floor. But amidst the rhythm and revelry, a question kept popping up: "Can you dance to that?"
Our response? A resounding, "Watch!"
.jpg)
It's a question we've heard countless times, often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or a skeptical glance. And it’s a challenge we absolutely adore. Because what we've discovered is that the partnered dance style we've cultivated, a beautiful blend of 6-count and 8-count rhythms influenced by Lindy Hop, Balboa, East & West Coast Swing, Bop, Carolina Shag and others, is remarkably adaptable.
We've learned to listen deeply to the music, to feel the nuances of the rhythm and the emotions woven into the melody. Whether it's a slow, soulful ballad or a high-energy, foot-stomping tune, we find a way to connect, to move in harmony with the music and with each other.
What makes it possible?
Musicality:
It's about more than just steps. It's about understanding the music's structure, its peaks and valleys, and letting that guide our movement.
Connection:
Partner dancing is a conversation, a dialogue between two people. It's about feeling your partner's energy and responding in real-time.
Adaptability:
We've learned to be flexible, to adjust our style and tempo to match the music. We don't force the music into a box; we let it inspire us.
Joy:
Most importantly we have fun. The joy of dancing to live music and adapting to the music is a large part of the fun.
It's a beautiful thing to witness the surprise and delight on people's faces when they see us dancing to music they thought was "undanceable." It's a reminder that dance is a universal language, a way to express ourselves and connect with others, regardless of the music's genre or tempo.
So, the next time someone asks, "Can you dance to that?" we'll simply smile and say, "Watch!" Because the answer is almost always, "Yes, we can." And we'll be having a blast doing it.
Call to Action:
Have you ever danced to unexpected music? Share your experiences in the comments below!
What is your favorite genre to dance to?
Happy Dancing!
* Sadly, the sound quality forced us to leave after the first set. The venue's PA system was simply too small, leading to excessive volume levels that quickly became distorted and unpleasant. What began as a promising performance deteriorated into an audio nightmare by the end.
No comments:
Post a Comment