Dance like no one's watching

MSN between Mr Fox and myself many, many moons ago:

Mr Fox: You'll never be good in salsa.
Me: You know, that's so encouraging. Thanks for letting me know.
Mr Fox: You're not hiao enough lah.

I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted at this point so I did my usual diversionary tactic of changing the topic.

I wonder if it's the experience that comes with age (Gasp!) but sometimes I'm saddened by the changes that happen in me. From being a chirpy, forthcoming girl (who usually says the wrong thing, apologising unabashedly before being forgiven magnanimously by the other party), I've somehow changed into this self-conscious hag who is conscious about not making a mistake, not saying the wrong thing and not stepping on anyone's toes.

And somehow, this translates into my dancing as well.

It's alright when I'm following a partner, feeling free to express myself, styling without abandon even if it sometimes interfere with his lead (oops). But somehow when the lead lets me go or even just stand stock still to encourage me to shine or style, I suddenly feel like I'm floating in space - awkwardly manoeuvring back to a place with gravity.

This happens even despite the tips and encouragement of nice girls, like Danielle and Chantel who try to explain how to signal that the shine movement parts have ended. All these sound well and good in my head. But when it gets to the dance floor...

I think Mr Fox is right. Some girls just show their best side when they know others are watching, and are thus able to play with and have chemistry with the audience.

For ordinary girls like me, this advice might be best:
"Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching."

The heart of the matter, is the matter of the heart. Whether from the lack of self-consciousness (in a good way), the full seizing of the moment, or just simply enjoying the surroundings as it is (with the music, the people and most importantly, the dance partner.) It is setting the heart and body loose to go with the flow.

With that principle in place, I'd guess it's just a matter of modelling and learning the strategies. Now, to get my body to listen to that same maxim... :)

Attitude's Summer Salsa Splash Party

Summer... the beach, clothing to reduce heat... That's precisely the spirit that Attitude Dance Studio (ADS) inculcated in dancers through their Summer Salsa Splash party in Upper Club on 21st June 2008, Sat with allusions to loosened inhibitions.

Sharon Pakir started the ball rolling by a mini-workshop on simple shines for simple partnerworks. With her "guys, appreciate the butt that your partner pops out" and "girls, if he's paying too much attention to you, get really close and in his face" and with their great dance performances that showcases wonderful musicality, it is nothing short of inspiring.

And inspire me it did. For once in a very long time, I'm able to take a deep breath, reminded myself to go slow and be willing to lengthen the beats, and just style and shine with where my heart takes me. I'm sure my dance partner grimaces at my contortions yesterday night but I believe I'll be improving slowly and surely.

The final fun barometer? Instead of doing my usual Cinderella thing, (I have to. :( My work and lifestyle dictates my waking hours...) when I come up for air from dancing, I glanced at the watch on my friend's wrist and gape that it is already after 12mn! In fact, I'm not deterred from the dance floor even when the aircon broke down just before midnight but simply got right back to dancing till the wee hours of 2a.m.

Of all the parties I've attended, ADS' has always been the most inspiring in terms of their performances, choice of music played and funky (and not too difficult) dance themes. I'm so going for the next party they organise. :)