Second Swing Dance Lesson...

2008-10-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Second swing dance lesson consisted of a review of the two types of steps discussed from the first lesson (one step and triple step). I was surprised to discover that I remembered the moves. I also incorporated a combination of both in and outside spins with my partner. Although I'm feeling comfortable with the movements, I have this feeling that I'm only scraping the tip of the iceberg. After the review, we discussed the differences between East and West Coast Swing, the Sugar Push and the Cha Cha (only after the lesson did I discover it was related to Swing Dancing).

A difference between east and west coast swing dances essentially a slotted dance vs. a non-slotted dance. It’s interesting to discover the why in east and west coast swing. After this brief lesson, we went through the slotted dance called the Sugar Push.

In an effort to accommodate my partner's desire to learn some other dances outside of swing dancing... the instructor also showed us the Cha Cha which is a style that can be found in dances pertaining to Latin and Country music. Although I was hesitant at first, Amanda (our dance instructor) indicated that the techniques found in these dance styles would benefit my Swing Dancing. How could I say "No" considering I was out gunned and I had the resident expert essentially telling me... "Trust me... it will be good for you".

Like good students, we turned in our homework. The homework consisted of questions that provide the dance studio and the instructor with the information to identify and categorize me as a newcomer. Using this information will accurately identify my interest and customize a teaching regimen that is both engaging and effective to my learning. "We not only produce our identities through the practices we engage in, but we also define ourselves through the practices we do not engage in."(Wenger, 1998)

Bibliography

Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of practice : learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge, U.K. ; New York, N.Y.: Cambridge University Press.

First Swing Dance Lesson...

2008-10-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, I attended and completed my first swing dance class with my wife Kathi. It was really very nice and we had a fun evening. I learned quite a bit more than I expected and feel as though I've taken that first step as a Legitimate Peripheral Participant in the Community of Swing Dancing.

Walking into my dance appointment I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although somewhat apprehensive towards what I may expect, I went forward to determine to pay careful attention to all the emotions that this new experience may provide me. We walked into a building full of music and the sounds of people receiving dance instructions. I was surprised of the variety of people, age groups and dance styles being taught all at the same time. There was also a smell of people in the room, similar to what you would find in an empty aerobics room with all the people gone. Not an unpleasant smell, but one you would recognize if you’ve ever been active for an extended period of time.

We checked in to the front desk made my dance lesson payment and was introduced to our dance instructor Amanda. An athletic and energetic young lady that who walked us (my wife and I) through the facility (ballrooms, restrooms ,etc.) and provide us with a brief history of the business and its desire to provide us with more than just dance lessons, but an opportunity to join a community. As you may have guessed I was happy to hear that… since that was exactly my purpose. Next we took a little time to talk about what dances we plan to pursue. I indicated that my primary focus was Swing Dancing. She agreed and provided us with a brief history of Swing Dance, and proceeded to move her body gracefully to provide us examples of swing movements. I was very interested… Her movements reminded me of my martial arts training and the fluidity of mind and body. Very cool.

Before we stepped onto the dance floor she provided us with a description of our surroundings, what to expect and what tools (shoes) were needed to perform the appropriate movements. Dancing shoes are not required; any pair of walking shoes would be fine as long as they didn’t stick to the wood floor (i.e. new basketball shoes). Amanda also explained the function of the room we were in, “lanes” on the dance floor and some impressive swing dance terminology. I was tempted to start taking pictures and recording video and audio… but ,

* We were about ready to start our Swing dancing instruction and
* I didn’t want to be too much of a nerd with technology.

With the language, history and orientation to the resources of the community, I definitely felt like a new comer to the Swing Dancing Community. However, my in instructor Amanda (instructor) made us feel welcomed and started us with the basic one-step feet movements. The best way to describe a one-step movement in swing is move your left foot to the left , shift your weight to the left, then shift your wait to your right foot, move your left foot behind you, shift it your weight to left/back foot, shift your weight back to your right foot, then start from the beginning. Each movement has a number associated with it or it can be called out using a combination of words, left-right-back-right, or “slow”, ”quick”. Once we gained some proficiency with the movement of our feet, we began incorporating our hands (holding each other’s hands as we face one another) in the movements and basic spins.

The first hands and spins learned that evening were called outside and inside spins. These movements required me to keep my feet moving with the music, move my hands appropriately to signal my partner’s next movement and execute the move. Our instructor, provided us with the word combinations and audio cues to keep us in dancing sync and I notice she slowly started to take away those cues once be became more proficient. She also required feedback from us on the level of instruction as well as its pace. If she felt that we needed some additional instruction, she would fill the role of “lead” and “follow”, to provide us an observational perspective of our movements. She noticed that we were picking up some of the moves rather quickly so she moved us on to some additional steps and movements. The last half of the lesson provided some more advanced movement. These movements consisted of a triple step foot movement (similar to the one step, but with one step the left), a little confusing but once you see it… it makes sense. With this more advanced step you can incorporate the same spins initially used for the one step. The last hand move was and an arm slide behind the back. In this movement, it is my job (as the lead) to lift both hands up (holding my partners), as my hands come down, my right hand goes behind my partner’s back and my left hand (still holding my partners) behind my head. At the appropriate time our hands separate and our arms slide and my right hand hands-off my partner’s hand to my left… in doing so, my partner can then spin to the outside (or inside).

It was definitely challenging and I found the experience very rewarding. I was definitely out of my comfort zone and felt frustration, determination, joy, amazement, and a little embarrassed (when I made a mistake). It was awkward at first… but with some encouragement from our instructor we were able to move quickly through the lesson. Overall a great experience. At the end of our lesson, Amanda spent some time with us to review what was taught, requested feedback on our experience and an invitation to join their Dance Community. As indicated previously, we learned some basic swing dance movements. Kath and I felt we were proficient enough to retain and practice the Swing Dance moves at home (which we did the following evening). We indicated to her that we enjoyed learning from here and we were looking forward to our next dance lesson, Thursday of the same week. In return, she provided us with a packet that included a letter from the Director/Instructor describing the vision of the dance studio, activity schedule of weekly events, Goal sheet, Dance benefit Survey and a description of course eleven (11). Last but not least, we were asked to join their community. Given my time constrains and monetary requirement to participate… I did not rule out the possibility.

So, we scheduled the next lesson (October 16th) and walked away with some homework. Over all, I was very happy for the overall experience, spent time with my wife, and learned something new.

Swing Dancing as a Community of Practice

2008-10-04T21:25:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

This is a blog for me to chronicle my beginnings in the Swing Dancing Community. It is my hope that this blog will help me better understand the terminology and concepts pertaining to Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger). In this case, it is the community of Swing Dancing.

Here are a few things I looked up to understand this new community.

I'm looking forward to learning and joining in the fun.