Hyperreal

Tuesday… JJ’s…

We had the same guest teacher(s) as last Wednesday, so I didn’t want to miss this class night. But I did managed to miss the start of it anyway… I was running late heading home from work and the underground was off. Fortunately it was back on 10 minutes or so later, and I was maybe only half an hour or so late…

I got there in time for the end of the beginner’s class… It’s cool the way our teacher uses a move or moves from the first class and then complicates them for the intermediates later.

So, the arm-jive swizzle became the Granada Mangle (I thought this move was just the mangle?); and the first move push-spin became the first move elbow-hook (arm hook?). The third move, I don’t know if it had a proper name, as it was just a return, male turn and comb.

Here are the moves…

• I’m not going to try to describe the mangle here, as it’s way too complicated, and I’ve got it written down elsewhere. But it’s just a fancy way of getting into a basket-style hug (though a different arm is upper-most) with the girl in front by taking both your arms over her head.
• First move elbow hook. Starts as first move. On the swing out (making sure to step back on right!!!) bring right arm around girl’s back to hook onto her elbow which should be accessible as you’ve made sure to lead that arm back far enough with your left arm. Let go left and lead her back into a clockwise turn from her elbow; turn clockwise to watch her go round; and as she comes to face and you both step back, your hand will slide down her arm to end up in a R-R handhold.
• comb thingy. Return the lady, after she’s back to face, don’t step back, but keep arms high and increase tension to make sure girl also stays in; turn clockwise, watching elbow (try to keep it in front of your face); then comb. Step back and take spare hand for mangle.

I liked all the moves, but I’m still finding the mangle a challenge to do comfortably. I must be doing it mostly-right as I was getting (mostly) appreciative words from my partners during the class. I think part of the problem is I need to be closer in when taking the arms over – especially the second one. Not sure.

The elbow hook was a bit tricky at first until I figured out I needed to step back on the right or else neither of my arms were long enough to get the girl “hooked”. It’s one I’ll want to try again, but I didn’t have the confidence to try it during freestyle, despite, again, appreciative comments during the class. I’ll maybe try it tomorrow night.

The comb thing I found difficult at first – but just with my turning. Was wobbling all over the place. :? That took a bit to bring under control. Didn’t try it during the freestyle at all – probably because I never do combs. Well… almost never…

I don’t know what was wrong with me during the freestyle, but I never really felt I got into “the zone”. Had some really great dances, but even those should have been better, and, I think, would have been better back on Saturday at the party. Are these the post-party blues?

Was really getting tired towards the end, and it did show in my lead – I could see it, and at least one partner noticed it.

Music-wise, found myself dancing to quite a few tracks that were a bit beyond my interpretative skills. There were some nice ones with interesting changes of tempo that I always like, plus I got to dance to “Call on Me” for the first time that I recall.

I was actually disappointed that Madison Blues didn’t have the normal false ending – especially as I’d been coaching my partner all through the dance to be prepared for it!

Quite a few songs were totally new to me, which presented its own challenge. Overall, a good mix.

Not my best night though… Hopefully tomorrow will be better… I’m bringing a friend along, so that will be interesting in itself.

Cheers to our teachers and all the dancers. Sorry to those I danced with… hope to do better next time.