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| - I came here for the first time on a Tuesday night to learn the East Cost Swing. I was filled with trepidation. I found it hard to imagine how one could learn an entire dance in thirty minute's time, and then be expected to swing around the dance floor with swing savvy partners.
There are two types of people in the dancing world: those that can and those that can't. When you possess a natural rhythm, you can always improvise if you know what an eight count is. If you have no rhythm, no amount of improvisation will make you or your partner look good.
FatCat is one of those places where novice and expert come together for a swingin' good time.
Among the many other styles of dance classes offered here, ranging from 5-7 dollars a night, Tuesday night is Swing dancing night.
My partner and I arrived at 7:30PM. The ballroom was filled with about 150 people. A male and female instructor came out in the middle of our circle and began the instruction with the simple art of bouncing from one foot to the other, stepping back, triple stepping to the left and right. Once we had the steps down, turns were implemented, then came the twirls, and I marveled at how easy it was. As we were encouraged to practice with a partner, the large circle of swinging hopefuls rotated after each new step learned. This increased the anxiety level for me, as I had to get to know a new dance partner every minute. However, the upside of this is that each new partner taught me something new, and I learned for the first time how to let somebody lead.
Gentle hint for the men out there: The pressure is on you. You have to know how to lead the woman. If she doesn't know what she's doing, like I did, you need to know how to guide and coach her through the steps. (Which worked wonders for me)
There was such an eclectic mix of people there. Young and old, as well as varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Within a half hour, the instructor felt we were ready to embrace the dance floor. The invitation was open to seek out a new partner, or find our old one amidst the sweating bodies.
The music makes you feel like you are on the set of "Swing Kids," the jazz is two and three-step, which gives you no other choice than to wear yourself out. In the crowd you will spy guys and gals dressed in jazzy clothes, swinging around the dance floor. It is great entertainment, great exercise, and such a fun date!
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