Support Your Local Dance Studio

We went to the practice session a the Dale City Rec Center on Sunday afternoon. We hadn't been able to go as much as we like lately. The Redskins' games keep getting in the way. The game Sunday was in Seattle so we recorded it and watched it later. We won; Go 'Skins!

We had heard that there is a new manager at the Rec Center who is looking hard at attendance to see what programs can be cut. We went Sunday not only because we need the practice, but also hoping they don't cut the practice session. It is good to have somewhere to practice that is larger than our living room. Latin and Swing steps are fine, but there isn't enough room for moving dances.

On Monday night we had our regular lesson with Richard. We didn't learn any new steps; we just reviewed a couple that we have been working on. Richard generally puts on a couple of songs that we warm up with. Then he asks if we have any questions about the steps we are learning. We have a new step called the Cha-Cha Circles that's a real challenge. First of all, it's an 8 measure step. Doris says that I have trouble with anything that counts past 4. It also needs an assertive lead from the gentleman. I'm still trying to get my footwork down, so I am having trouble with the lead. I can't figure out what to do with my hands until after my feet know the step.

The other dance we worked on is the Samba. We're still on the first half of the Bronze syllabus with the Samba. We went over the Promanade Conversa and the Reverse Conversa. We're still trying to get the basic movements down. Samba has a lot of Latin motion. I'm not sure I'll ever get it right. Or, if I get it right, I'll probably throw my back out. Anyway the lessons with Richard are always a lot of fun and he's patient with us.

Halloween Weekend

We started the weekend on Friday night, joining our friends at Studio One for a Halloween party. I dusted off my 1970's leisure suite and Doris had a new "cat suit" for the occasion. I think the addition of the wig really set off the leisure suit.

On Saturday, we went to another Halloween Dance at the Elk's Lodge. There are a great group of folks at the lodge, many of whom can really shake a leg. Dinner was at 7:00 and dancing started at 8:30. The band was named Napoli and played very well.

Sunday, we went up to Heritage Hunt to meet friends at the clubhouse for a practice session from 4:00 to 6:00. There were just 4 couples on the floor so there was plenty of room.

Monday, we took off from work to watch the Redskins lose to the Steelers. They should have a rule that they have to win at every home game. It's a lot more fun that way. This was our first night game. It started at 8:30 and we got home about 1:45 this morning.

I took the day off from work today to go vote. According to the Washington Post, Obama is going to win. In 16 of the last 17 presidential elections, the incumbent party kept the White House when the Redskins won their final home game before the election. Hail to the Redskins!

Ouch, That One Hurt

We had a good time dancing over the weekend. Friday we went to the practice dance party at Studio One. There was a pretty good crowd, but there were more ladies in attendance than gentlemen. On nights like that I make sure I dance with my regular partner each kind of dance at least once. I also try to dance with each lady during the evening. I've gone alone to dances before and know that it is a lot more fun if everyone gets to dance. That's one of the good things about Studio One. The regulars all seem to realize this and try to make sure that dancers who come as a single get to dance too.

Saturday, we went to hear Helmut Licht at the Elks Lodge. Helmut's band always puts on a good performance and we really enjoy their music. The Elk's were having an Oktoberfest Dance so we got to practice our Polka along with the regular Ballroom Dances. We sat with a group we know from the O Club, had a nice dinner and a lot of dancing.

What hurt was the Redskins game yesterday. The only precision on the field was provided by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team at half time. The Redskins have a bad habit of coming back from winning against a tough team only to lose against a lesser ranked team. I hope that Coach Zorn can turn them around. There was that one incredible play that had everyone in the stands looking at each other saying "What the heck just happened?". I didn't figure it out until I read the paper this morning. The Redskins Quarterback tried to pass; the ball was batted out of the air by the Rams; a Redskins Guard caught it and tried to run with it; he got tackled and fumbled it; the Rams picked the ball up and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. All I knew at the time was the ball was snapped, something happened around the line of scrimmage; and the Rams were running it into the endzone right below us.

Double Header

Friday night we did a double header. We went first to the Officer's Club on Ft Belvoir to enjoy their seafood buffet and music by Special Delivery. We were seated at a table close to the dance floor so we didn't have to go far when some good dancing music was played. After that we went to Studio One for the Friday night practice. There's always a good selection of dance music there. We were also treated to an exhibition of the samba routine that Laurie and Richard have put together for the showcase a Lioudmila's this weekend.

We slept well Friday night after dancing for the better part of 4 hours.

Valentines Dances

We did get some dancing in for Valentines Day. On the 14th we went to the Officer's Club at Ft. Belvoir. They had an ensamble with a singer, a keyboard player, and a drummer. We went with Janet and Jeff and another couple who are friends of theirs. The O Club has a pretty good dance floor and a variety of local bands play there. We generally go to their Wednesday night dances. The crowd there is generally older, but most of them know the at least the fundementals of dance.

Last night, we went to the Valentines Day dance at Studio One. Richard told everyone to where something red that everyone could see. Red undies didn't count. We had a pretty good crowd and everyone brought a dish, so there was lots to eat, too. Richard was in fine form and did the Samba with a couple of different ladies. He can really get that latin motion going.


Tonight, we are going to the Candy Factory. They had scheduled their Valentines Day dance last weekend, but got snowed out. They had a dance last Valentines Day and it was a lot of fun. They have a CD player and the regular dance instructor plays DJ. She has a good selection of dance music and the crowd there is a mix of experienced and novice dancers.

Monday Night Lesson

We took our regular Monday night lesson from Richard at Studio One last night. I am getting better at keeping the timing on the Back Spot Turn with Reverse and Roll Underarm turns. It seem counter-intuitive, but adding the turns seems to make all the difference in getting the time right when going into that last chasse.

Also on the Cha-Cha, we started work on the Cross Over and Break, not to be confused with the Cross Over Break. You do a Cross Over Break as part of the Cross Over and Break. This is one where we need a real slow Cha-Cha.

On the Foxtrot, Richard made a correction on our Adlib Right. You are supposed to step, brush, step, and then pivot to the right. I was turning right as part of the brush step, which doesn't give my partner a good lead and looks weird.

We also started a new step in the Foxtrot, the Promenade Twist. I have to remember to twist with the right heel and the left ball of foot and Doris has to remember to lead with her right shoulder.

Friday Night at Studio One

Last night we danced at Studio One in Alexandria, Virginia. They have a practice session for students and guests that goes from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. There is no lesson, just folks getting together to dance. There was a pretty good crowd. Some new faces and a lot of regulars.

We enjoy dancing at dance studios. People do more than the "high school prom sway". They understand line of dance and have at least a little skill at floor craft. There are dancers of different levels, from beginners to people who have been taking lessons for years. For a gentleman, an excellent way to test your lead is to dance with more than one lady.