And one-two-three

[gurdymonkey]

A number of years ago Gaius and I attended a Regency ball at Darkover Con. I did great at the set dances but quickly discovered that I had no clue how to waltz, much less follow a partner's lead.

Last night at the urging of my friend Merrin, I sucked up the nerve to attend Friday Night Waltz at the Oakland Veteran's Hall. (Yes, I know it was Saturday, but they do Friday's in the South Bay and I understand the Veteran's Hall is a new venue. Whatever.)

Despite a long, proud and distinguished career as an insecure wall flower, I survived the 2 hour beginner's class, several waltzes during the dance sets afterward and even did a little swing dancing.  I got dizzy a lot, particularly when dancing with Merrin's nine year old son, Aidan. I  did better with partners who could lead with authority and I was counting like mad throughout. Merrin scolded me for not finding a partner for the second Congress of Vienna set, but sitting out to watch helped me get a better handle on the choreography.

So, the question remains, dare I dig out my Regency for Gaskell's, next weekend?

Comments

[xrian.livejournal.com]

I've never been to a Gaskell's, but I know some of the folks who run it, and it seems to be a friendly and accepting place. Hilary of Serendip and my "other Laurel" Michaela de Neuville (who you may have met at Twelfth Night) are among them.

Don't be afraid to tell your waltzing partner that you get dizzy easily and will likely need to stand quietly for a few moments when the dance is over to get your balance back. I take medication that makes it _incredibly_ easy for me to get dizzy, and the vast majority of the dance partners I've mentioned it to have been quite happy to provide a steadying hand when I need it. (Or to dance in a straight line part of the time rather than always round and round.)

Ballet dancers avoid dizziness by "spotting" -- keeping their eyes fixed on one point for as long as possible during turns, then snapping their heads around to fix on the same point again. It doesn't work well for me, but it does help a lot of people.

One thought at a time, grasshopper

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

FNW is definitely friendly and accepting. Everyone I danced with was very kind and forgiving of my mistakes, in some cases, downright protective.

One poor man said, "So, what do you do for a living?" and all I could do was stare fixedly and desperately at his shirt buttons. Fortunately, he interpreted this - and my death grip - as meaning "Sorry, mate, one two three I've got FAR too much to think about one two three just now to make small talk with you one two three."

It'll get easier. I have a learning curve to deal with. It'll suck less and be even more fun when I don't have to think about where to put my feet every single second.

[kass-rants.livejournal.com]

Yes yes YES!!!

So proud of you.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Geez, why? I didn't do anything except not kill anyone on the dance floor.

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

Cannot go nextr week but hyave been dying to go to Gaskell's. I would cheerfully do a couple sewing nights to make a dress and go with you. If stuff with Boy worked out, Bobert has expressed an interest too, but is reluctant to have me make him clothes in case he doesn't go more than once. I may ask a couple of the big guys I know if they have "gold key" they'd share for this.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Well,their website says the dress code is semi-formal and it does not have to be period, so jacket and tie would be fine. If Robert decides he wants to go with something period later, he has that option.

The June 9 ball does not appear to conflict with much on the WK calendar unless Mists Games is on your slate.