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A novice's night out
Right at the door, a friendly volunteer greeted my friend and me on our first visit to Dance Friday. She got us oriented and wished us a good time.
The varied crowd showed that this was not some exclusive scene reserved for those who look the part. In everything from T-shirts and gym shorts to office and tie-dye wear, people in their 20s to their 50s - even some kids - were dancing away.
The volunteer DJ delivered. An absolutely danceable, eclectic set that spanned hip-hop, Top 40, jazz, new age, funk, world music, and more kept nearly everyone moving all night.
Along with the usual hip-swayers and arm-swingers, others were gracefully and extravagantly moving about. Adults occasionally skipped by, like children. A duo tumbled in slow motion across the floor. One man spent most of the evening just stretching. People were dancing any way they wanted, and no one was judging them. The atmosphere was comfortable and inspiring. I danced my heart out and left eager to visit the other free-form dances.
During my tour, I discovered more than just a few new dance steps. Moving freely, uncramped by a crowded dance floor or others' expectations, is cathartic. I showed up to more than one dance with fatigue, a bad attitude, and painfully tense shoulders. Inevitably, I would leave beaming and loose, as did most everyone else.
I found that the dances are like a town gathering. They all include time for introductions and announcements so you get to know who is there and what events are coming up. After just a few dances, friendly folks were greeting me by name. I was part of this small dance community.
- D.T.
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