Okay, so last night was just one of the coolest experiences we've had in a long time. I was invited (Dennis came also) to the studio for "NewSome TwoSome"—part of the regular Friday night studio party experience (still general dancing in between) where select students do something new in a performance setting with each other or with one of the instructors—just the two of them on the dance floor. Mr. Baeten invited me so we could have a "dress rehearsal" of sorts with our routine in front of the group (each time I dance it in front of new people, it's a different dynamic for me), but I was also excited to be invited to come early and watch actual students strut their stuff.
What an incredible group of people! First of all, they certainly don't seem like students—such poise, such confidence; such wonderful dancing! There were students of all ages and levels (like the two "young at heart" dancers, right, who carpool from Columbia City to dance and have taken lessons for years). Everyone dances differently—there's many skill levels, but they all seem to switch partners seamlessly with such ease and move into each change in the music with such grace and boldness—dancing to everything from the Bolero to the Fox Trot to the Waltz; Lindy, Cha Cha, Rumba, Tango, Swing; the list goes on and on. I was dizzy just watching everyone.And what a warm, supportive group of people—even though my heart was racing, my hands were fidgeting, and I felt like I could run out to the parking lot and throw up before it became my turn to perform; they continued to put me at ease. People came over and introduced themselves, asked about my experience, offered words of wisdom and encouragement, compared dresses and accessory tips—and when we finally did hit the floor (next to last), they cheered, whistled and clapped loudly at all the right places; making me feel for just a minute like I was worthy to be in the same room with them. It was very special to be given the opportunity to perform in front of such a gracious audience.
After that personal high and adrenalin rush, just when you thought it couldn't get any cooler, the last number was a formation routine, done to ACDC's "All Night Long." Eight couples took the floor to perform (here's the finale shot). OMG! If you don't understand how dancing can make you feel after seeing something like this; I don't know what WOULD make you feel it. It's been wonderful to re-awaken that feeling in me. We left on such a high for many reasons; two hours on a Friday night at Arthur Murray Fort Wayne definitely shook "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" all night long!
