(no subject)
We filled in for D&T today. It was a huge class, and what a blast!
We taught them the usual, plus an easy dip at the end. Thankfully, we've been honing our skills and the rhythm of the class was perfect. Everyone was ready and stoked to learn the "Extra" dip at the end. It was awesome to watch everyone try it out, cracking up and having a ball.
Afterwards, we had a hard time leaving because everyone wanted to talk to us, with eager questions about tuck-turns and aerials (we did a short demo to get people excited for Lindy Hop).
Downstairs, one of our students bought us a delicious slice of cake and asked how he could learn to dance like we do.
My favorite part of this is seeing people's eyes light up, and I remember the first time I came to the Merc. I was 15, and I had to come up with a solo for a swing number in a musical revue. I remember walking into this packed room full of dancing people, with a live band, and I thought, "Why have I never seen this before?" I was hooked. Utterly. I begged my mom every Sunday night, "Please, can I get a ride to the Merc? Please?"
How many extra chores did I do for the chance to dance on Sundays?
How many hours have I spent there?
It may sound lame, but when I was deciding to move back here after NY, the Merc was a huge factor. Tonight, I remembered why. There is nothing in the world like a room full of people excited to dance, and hungry. That hunger is what we live for, and why we learn. That hunger, unquenchable, is what we come back for again and again.
We couldn't stay for the dance, but judging by the enthusiasm of these students, I would bet it was an awesome night. A night to leave you wanting more.
We taught them the usual, plus an easy dip at the end. Thankfully, we've been honing our skills and the rhythm of the class was perfect. Everyone was ready and stoked to learn the "Extra" dip at the end. It was awesome to watch everyone try it out, cracking up and having a ball.
Afterwards, we had a hard time leaving because everyone wanted to talk to us, with eager questions about tuck-turns and aerials (we did a short demo to get people excited for Lindy Hop).
Downstairs, one of our students bought us a delicious slice of cake and asked how he could learn to dance like we do.
My favorite part of this is seeing people's eyes light up, and I remember the first time I came to the Merc. I was 15, and I had to come up with a solo for a swing number in a musical revue. I remember walking into this packed room full of dancing people, with a live band, and I thought, "Why have I never seen this before?" I was hooked. Utterly. I begged my mom every Sunday night, "Please, can I get a ride to the Merc? Please?"
How many extra chores did I do for the chance to dance on Sundays?
How many hours have I spent there?
It may sound lame, but when I was deciding to move back here after NY, the Merc was a huge factor. Tonight, I remembered why. There is nothing in the world like a room full of people excited to dance, and hungry. That hunger is what we live for, and why we learn. That hunger, unquenchable, is what we come back for again and again.
We couldn't stay for the dance, but judging by the enthusiasm of these students, I would bet it was an awesome night. A night to leave you wanting more.