by Laura Burlton/flickr
George Bernard Shaw is credited with having said:
Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.
I don’t have any idea of the context in which he made such a statement, and I must admit that I’ve never thought of him in association with dancing, but I’ve always loved his way with words and I’m in absolutely agreement with this particular sentiment. I’ve also come to the conclusion that I do not dance enough. Furthermore, I believe very few people do.
Think about it.
When was the last time you really danced?
And I’m not talking about the horizontal kind.
I’m also not talking about the kind that involves going to an overcrowded club and simultaneously attempting to avoid injury by less graceful comrades, keep your clothes in the same place they were when you stood still in front of the mirror to determine what kind of underwear you’d be able to wear, prevent that 20 dollar libation from spilling, and gyrate your hips in time with a beat that is quickly convincing you to make mad love with a bottle of Excedrin.
I’m talking about the kind of dance that makes So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars so popular, the kind where two people really connect with each other, the kind that requires you to look up and into a partner’s eyes rather than at your feet or into the middle distance.
That’s the kind of dancing I want to do.
When was the last time you did that?
Carrie
/ May 4, 2010Although I’ve never done it myself, my birth dad told me he used to do it. I asked him what it was, and he tried to explain it to me. He said he stopped back in the ’80′s. Not sure why, he never did tell me.
.-= Carrie ´s last blog ..This is truly frightening… =-.
emmajames
/ May 10, 2010Carrie: Oohhhhh, I’m so intrigued! I wanna know the story! Of course, I imagine it to be full of drama and romance and it probably was something as simple as a bum knee. *sigh*
Jenn
/ May 4, 2010You know me, swing dancing is my passion, my pleasure, one of my favorite hobbies and it requires everything you just mentioned. Whether it’s fast or slow, the swing dance is a language all its own. And when you find the perfect partner… it really can be as good as the horizontal version.
emmajames
/ May 10, 2010Jenn: Ah, yes, the perfect partner. Still searching for that…
Rebecca
/ May 6, 2010My hubby and I took two-step lessons last year. So much fun. We didn’t experience the magical, graceful, connection I had hoped for – you know the kind of connection that some couples have on the dance floor that when you see them you can’t stop watching them because they look so so so amazing together … we were more like the clumsy goofy couple stepping on each others feet the entire time. But we laughed about it and that light-hearted connection was probably more important for us at the time! And I still laugh about it.
My favorite dance to watch is the Tango. The dance of the heart. Oh, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Beautiful isn’t it?!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..project 365. 117:124. =-.
emmajames
/ May 10, 2010Rebecca: Oh, I love that you laughed together. I truly find that to be one of the most romantic things a couple can do together, so congrats!! And yes, the tango rocks! The whole time I was writing this post, I kept thinking about the tango. That, and The Thomas Crown Affaire…
Alana
/ May 6, 2010Ohhhh…not enough. I do not dance enough. I’ve even had therapists tell me so.
And I LOVE the GBS quote. Absolutely, completely true.
.-= Alana´s last blog ..Wishes =-.
emmajames
/ May 10, 2010Alana: Heel that knee and get your dance shoes on, my friend!
molly
/ May 10, 2010I absolutely love and miss dancing. I took lessons and was in dance groups for years. Recently I’ve been determined to sign up for dance classes again when I have a little extra money. I must do that soon!
emmajames
/ May 10, 2010Molly: I’m holding you to that! I expect to hear about it before the year is out, miss molly!!
Carrie
/ May 15, 2010Actually, I’m not sure why Dad stopped. (You know, I could ask my uncles…)
His back was always bad–maybe he put it out while dancing?
Anyway, I still remember Dad trying to explain dirty dancing to me, and it was confusing. So I said, “So, it’s like having sex standing up?” And he said matter-of-factly, “Yes, it’s like having sex standing up.” (He wasn’t afraid to be honest! LOL)
.-= Carrie´s last blog ..What’s Your Blog’s Personality? =-.
emmajames
/ May 17, 2010Carrie: Your dad sounds like an utter delight! Thanks for sharing the moment.
whollyjeanne
/ May 15, 2010first, let me tell you (again) that i really like this new theme. it’s interesting, easy to read, and colorful. yep, i’m liking it.
now about dancing . . . this fun post reminds me of a question we asked the adults when i was a teenager. remind me to tell you one day. right now, i don’t need anything else to raise my bp.
you know, i signed up for an “interpretative dance” class about 7 years ago and was flabbergasted when i went the first day only to find that the INTERPRETATIVE dance class was all about learning choreography. the instructor chose the music, choreographed the dance, and taught it to us.
i dropped out after the first class.
and i don’t think i was missed.
.-= whollyjeanne´s last blog ..when we gather around the campfire =-.
emmajames
/ May 17, 2010Jeanne: Oh my goodness, you always have me on the edge of my seat, wanting to hear more. Can’t WAIT to hear the whole story! And thanks for feedback on design. I truly appreciate it.