It’s the homeschooled version of a homecoming. I had a lovely time with this beauty beforehand getting ready, drinking tea, and singing.
And you can always count on these guys for a crazy time.
Snowcoming
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Category Archives: Dancing
Teaching Swing
I started swing dancing when I was eight years old. I remember the first time I went to the swing club here in town. I wore my fanciest outfit, curled my hair and put on my magnet butterfly earrings. I was going to a ball like a princess. Of course I was completely overdressed and the youngest one on the dance floor. I entered the rotation and oddly enough wasn’t shy. I wasn’t really a shy kid, but I was afraid of new things. My fear never held me back, but I would obsess a bit too much about trying something new. I didn’t like unfamiliar places or meeting “non-homeschoolers”. I didn’t know how to act around “other people”. But dancing was different. It allowed me to connect with people in a chill, interactive, focused way. That first time I went, I got asked to dance by a stranger and I couldn’t have been more happy.
As I grew up, I continued to go dancing. As I think back on it, I think dancing was essential to my social maturity especially where guys are concerned. Dancing with guys made it possible for me to get familiar with guys. Learning to dance is more than just learning to dance. When you dance, you learn how to make small talk and interact physically in a totally unawkward way with the opposite gender. Dancing teaches you self-confidence, respect, and team work. Because of its social vibe, I would recommend swing dancing to anyone.
Seven years later, I taught my first swing dancing class. This year last semester I started a beginners swing class at the co-op I go to. More learning for me. I had to learn how to teach. I had to make a syllabus, plan lessons, get songs, work out the social issues between students, figure out how to teach high-schoolers rhythm and frame. And in that process, I became a better dancer myself. I originally was just going to teach for the fall semester, but all the students wanted another semester. Lindy it is, folks! I can’t wait. Over part of last semester and Christmas break, I learned over fifteen new moves.
I also taught my first private swing lesson to two middle-aged couples. Teaching dancing to teenagers is a lot different than teaching married older couples. A lot different. It’s hard having authority with your elders. It’s an interesting balance of respect and command.
Teaching swing and dancing are some of my favorite parts of the week and it has taught me so many things. I wouldn’t give it up.
So go learn some moves. Go have a ball.
USO Swing Dance
Two weekends ago was full of fun. It started off with a girl I’d never met spending the night at my house. Why? Well, I’m going to Hawaii in 12 days now, and I’ll be traveling with this girl, Kara, to visit another one of my friends, Joanna. I know, confusing and random. But aren’t all the best things? Anyway, Kara and I hit it off from the start. I love it when that happens. We three will have quite the time!
Saturday was very eventful. The main event was a USO swing dance at Memorial Hall, but much had to get done before that. 9am Kara and I drove to WalMart to pick up the necessities of breakfast: coffee and bacon. 9:45am we met up with the USO group for a brunch. Homemade espressos were made and consumed. They were fabulous. 11:30am we all went thrift shopping to find navy blue pants to complete an outfit for the evening dance. We also had to get some milk so we got regular as well as chocolate; we wouldn’t want to be racist. 1:15pm we returned home and made lunch. 1:30pm I finally got to play the much talked about game, Bang! 2:45pm lunch was served. 3:30pm everyone dressed up 1940’s style, and we took a few hurried photos. 4:30pm more Bang! 6:00pm the big group went to pick up Joanna at the bus stop since she was just coming back from a trip. Kara and I had brought her dress, shoes, make-up, curling iron and hat. So when she arrived, we rushed into the community bathroom to get her ready for the dance.
7:15pm we were off and arrived just 30mins after the doors opened and just in time for the music. Because the party doesn’t start until we walk in.
Let me just say, I love Memorial Hall. It’s beautiful. And having everyone dressed in vintage attire and with retro hairstyles was fabulous. The dance floor was packed. And I mean packed. I haven’t been so tightly surrounded since I was riding the Beijing subways. And that’s saying a lot. After the first two dances, I stopped apologizing for stepping on people’s shoes. My black suede dancing shoes were very scuffed by the end of the night. But, you know, I really didn’t mind the crowds. It was something new. And yet so classic a feeling as well. The people, the building, and the live band really made the whole experience thrilling.
At one point, the band played a polka. Bad idea with the number of couples. Let’s just say I barely made it out alive. And to conclude, here are some words of wisdom: avoid dancing closely to girls with tall skinny heels. It hurts when they step on you.
Independence Celebration
It’s that time of the year. The time for fireworks! It’s that time when we lay outside looking up at the array of falling lights and listening to the ground shaking bangs and booms. I love fireworks. They never cease to amaze me.
This year, my neighborhood fireworks show was even better than years previously because of the joy that a good coterie can bring. It was an incredible night.
It took many trips to and from the house to get all the necessities to watch the fireworks (i.e. blankets, tarp, music), which only added to the comedy of the whole thing.
The fireworks themselves didn’t disappoint, but we still felt the need to commentate, rate, and name them. There was a very fantastic “hipster” firework.
After the show, we all danced to classic Frank Sinatra and smooth Michael Bublé because what’s a good time without dancing? I’ve actually been able to dance lindy-hop with several people since they have learned. It makes me happy. Then late night walks over bridges, throwing pebbles in the pond, and — at home — cheese cake, tea, and Psych waiting for us. All in all, a fine night.
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Spring Formal
And another occasion to get classy: Hallstrom’s spring formal. Apparently the theme was “A Night of Enchantment” — an intriguing theme choice, but who am I to judge this dance? I merely noticed how much of a homeschool event this was. Thursday night, ends at 10:30pm, sibling photo shoots beforehand, big deal about seniors, songs from who knows how long ago, about twenty parents sniping from all corners — you get the picture. Actually, speaking of parents, mine decided it would be funny to show up. Yeah… That was so funny. But the people were great. We did our best to party like it was a Friday night.
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