Big Friday bash before Blackpool

January 27, 2006

Johnny & Serap level IV

1,2,3,5,6,7 basic and lead follower into hammerlock position by leading her into a stationary clockwise turn with L-R high
1,2,3,5,6,7 open break and L-R goes over leader’s head as follower is brought forward along her line while leader is essentially facing away from the line – then lead follower straight forward along her line on 5 and have the L hand run along the line of her arms (esp. her L arm from shoulder onwards) to prevent any turn from the follower and reach an extended position on 8 with partners looking at each other
1,2,3,5,6,7 bring follower forward and connect R-R at shoulder level into reverse cross body position then lead follower into 1 1/2 clockwise turn with L-L low and R-R high so that follower is placed into another hammerlock position (this time L-L is behind follower’s R waist)
1,2,3,5,6,7 open break and follower is turned around on 3 with R-R high and over her head into cross body position – then lead follower into a traveling 1 1/2 counterclockwise turn with L-L low again and R-R high initially and over follower’s head to land on follower’s L shoulder while leader positions himself slightly to right (and behind of course) of follower
1,2,3,5,6,7 bring follower back and around (counterclockwise) while letting go R-R and change to R-L by 3/4, then lead follower forward along her new line and into a free traveling turn (1 1/2 counterclockwise) with optional leader’s turn (clockwise)

The beginning of the evening started out very unpromising with a very large number of "suggles" enjoying a birthday bash. The dance floor was very crowded from the outset, and the music was wretched for the first couple of hours. I thought it would be just another one of experimental/improvisational dancing nights. However as the evening progressed, my improvisations became better and more interesting (now if I could remember some of the things I did!). More interesting new moves can be discovered when dancing with reliable partner with emphasis of spontaneity - too bad I'm still not quite at a point where I could do this freely and endlessly with the most reliable dance partners. Things improved dramatically after around midnight and some very good dancing was observed as many good dancers stayed late. Perhaps this was in preparation for late night dancing to be had at Brit Salsafest. I had a few "in-the-zone" types of dances (mostly somber in nature), which I enjoyed greatly. I think my shines made a big impression (hopefully good) on some people.