Hyperreal

Went to Route 66 last night in Edinburgh. and had a really fun time.

It’s only my second time there – the first one was the Christmas party, and I know that quite a few people who would have gone, but are away at the moment – so I don’t really know yet how typical last night was.

Music-wise, I think I have a better memory of the Xmas party… I found it difficult to really get into the music last night. Though that might have been a people thing… Last month I think there were more people who knew me there, and so I was being asked to dance more than I was last night. Ultimately once I start dancing, I’m enjoying dancing, and the actual music matters less.

But there were a good number of songs that I did really enjoy both dancing and listening to.

It’s the people who make the night though… There’s some fab dancers, and some fab people there. (Some are even both!)

As I’ve said before, when I’m dancing with someone really good, my standard of dancing also tends to improve. (Or at least appears to!) So I had some amazing dances last night. Right from the start, my first or second dance was a real cracker… Not every dance went perfectly though… Can think of one where my partner and I were messing about just a bit too much, which left the dance in tatters, but we were having fun.

Quite a lot of the girls there like to play a lot – very different from your standard Ceroc night. As a result there was lots of stealing the lead and leading me into moves that I hadn’t considered. I’m all for girls doing their own thing, but I think there’s a limit I could reach on how much of this I like… Being led into an alternative cool move once or twice is nice, but much more and I think it could begin to feel a bit patronising…

I really enjoyed a lot of the dances where I got to play around a bit though. I’m not good at wiggles and stuff like that, but with the slower music and a good follow I had the chance to try some moves I haven’t done in a long while, or even ever before – either ones I’ve seen, or just made up on the spot…

Another highlight was when one partner decided she wanted to lead for a bit… I haven’t been following much lately so I’m unbelievably bad. I haven’t used this term recently, but it really was carnage on the dance-floor. Think I need some practice!

There were quite a few dancers there doing other dance styles – in particular West Coast Swing. It still intrigues me, but I’m still not sure about it… Have to give it another try though… In fact, I’d love to be able to dance every dance style there is, but obviously that’s not possible. One at a time would be the best bet, and Tango looks the most attractive at the moment, though it’s also one of the hardest… Don’t know what to do, so I’ll probably just do nothing. It’d help if I knew of more options in Glasgow…

Overall I enjoyed the night… I think I’ll enjoy it a whole lot more as I get more comfortable with slower dancing, and get to know more of the regulars. Unfortunately it’s difficult for me to get over to Edinburgh as much as I’d like, so I don’t know if I’ll becoming a regular soon…

Thanks to everyone I met and danced with… Hope my attempts at slower dancing gave some enjoyment to my partners.

Met a (ex-)forumite who I didn’t expect to see. Nice to see him again since I got to know him a bit after Musselburgh.

The other person I was especially happy to see was the person who gave me a lift over to Edinburgh and back. She was visiting from France for just the weekend I think. When I was learning she was one of my favourite local dancers. Thanks for the lift and for the dances – it was lovely to dance with you again.

Also got to thank the (compared with me!) old-timer for supplying the relative beginner at Route 66 the necessary chocolate. Cheers! Promise you a dance soon! (As soon as my following gets better!)