Oh, I remembered to take a picture of my outfit...
We filled out a couple short questionnaires first, with questions asking why we wanted to take classes, what we wanted to learn, etc. Todd chatted with us for a few minutes when we were done with the forms, taking notes on the things that we said. He said it was so they could get to know us better and help personalize our classes so that we would get the most out of them. Then he let Karrie take over, and we headed to the dance floor.
Right before we entered the room, she told us that the man always escorts the lady onto the dance floor. So Tony offered me his arm and we stepped onto the floor together. She asked us what we wanted to start with and we both just fumbled for an answer. I told her flat-out where I was coming from... I have never, ever danced. (I don't count slow-dancing, because really, that's just hugging and shuffling around a little.) And neither of us have ever taken a class.
She went through a couple short exercises with us, to get us used to some of the movements involved in dance, and then we started with the waltz. She showed Tony his steps first, then showed me mine, then brought us together, having us simply hold hands. Then after we had practiced like that for a while, she taught us about connections. She had us "hold" hands by pressing our palms together, with our fingers pointing straight up, and using the pressure we were putting on each other's hand to take our cues from each other.
Next was the rumba (the "Latin dance of love," she said), which, to my surprise, is the same steps/pattern as the waltz, just to a different rhythm. With the waltz steps under our belt, we caught onto that one pretty quickly. Then she had us work on our "frame"--in other words, actually holding each other instead of just standing palm-to-palm.
We ended with a little bit of salsa. I found myself having more trouble with that one. Not because the steps were necessarily any more complicated, but because we'd spent the entire lesson doing essentially the same movements, and now I had to do something different. That's definitely the one I need to most practice on. Before we left, we set up our next private lesson for Monday.
I was so nervous going into this. I know, I know--I'm lame. What's to be nervous about, right? But, really, I am so uncoordinated, and like I said, I have never EVER danced. I had no idea what to expect, and I had no idea how I would be. I mean, for all I knew, I just wouldn't get it, and would flub the whole thing up. And not that I'm saying I'm a natural or anything, but I think I held my own. Sure, I messed up (yep, stepped on Tony's feet a couple times), but for the most part, I felt like I was getting it. I did well with feeling the rhythm of the music, which makes sense, I guess, given my musical background. It's just a matter of getting my feet and the rest of my body to cooperate.
I pretty much spent the whole time grinning. Partly because I was nervous and self-conscious, which tends to make me giggly and silly. But also because it was just such a blast. It was so fun to be doing this with Tony, both of us total beginners and learning together. And when we finally got to the point where he held me in his arms... I kind of melted a little. I've always imagined ballroom dancing would be such a romantic thing to do... and it was. Even when we screwed up, it was still just SO much fun.
And the best part was that Tony had just as much fun as I did. I mean, fine, this was his idea and it's not like I forced him into it. But to hear him say that he loved it and enjoyed himself... that just made it all so much better. I can't wait for our next lesson. And yes, I am totally going to practice at home in the meantime. Because I'm a cool nerd like that.
2 comments:
Aw, I'm glad it was so much fun. I think I'd be nervous too, having never danced and then doing it in front of Josh and an instructor. I can imagine how self-conscious I'd feel doing something I'd have no clue about.
And I'd probably spend the whole time grinning too. I totally get the silly thing you're talking about. You and me--two peas in a pod.
Eventually you'll have to have someone get some pictures of you guys or something. I bet you look so cute! Oh, and you'll totally get Dancing with the Stars now. Not that there's much to get, but you'll understand the comments from the judges and may even be able to anticipate them.
Ok well, have fun practicing your steps. Oh won't it be cute if Ari wants to get in on the dancing? I can see her standing on Tony's feet as he waltzes her around :)
You go girl! I know how much Dad & I enjoy the merengue lessons we get @ the Poconos! It's alot of fun to do it with the one you love! By the way, your outfit is too cute! :)
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