Here there everywhere nowhere

May 11, 2006

Intermediate with Sally

R-R hold
1,2,3,5,6,7 open break and exchange places via L side followed by hook turn with L-R high (something like LA-fied version of Evelyn)
1,2,3,5,6,7 R-R hat for follower while getting into CBL position and connect L-L in front – lead follower into 1 1/2 clockwise traveling turn
1,2,3,5,6,7 Sombrero-finish-like start (preferably with R-R underneath L-L at the start) and into CBL position – connect with L-R in front and lead 1 1/2 clockwise turn ending in a wrap
1,2,3,5,6,7 bring follower forward and across to left side and lead follower into backwards spin using L-R for leading the spin (leader stays facing the same direction the whole time) – offer R at R waist to attempt to reconnect R-R if follower is not too disoriented
1,2,3,5,6,7 open break and toss R-R outwards (to R) and reconnect R-L – lead follower forward and into full traveling counterclockwise turn with R-L low for a wrap – switch to L-L at the last moment
1,2,3,5,6,7 lead follower forward on 1 and back on 2 while leading to help turn follower 1/2 clockwise on 2,3 while leader also turns 1/2 clockwise and reconnect with R-R at leader’s R waist – lead follower forward and into free 1 1/2 counterclockwise traveling turn ending in closed hold (or at least R hand solidly on middle of follower’s back) in CBL position
1,2,3,5,6,7 lead follower forward on 1 while moving towards follower – turn around as a unit 1/2 counterclockwise on 3 and finish with simple CBL finish

It sounded like Sally is planning on dividing the intermediate class during the first hour with the more difficult class being a by-invitation-only type of class. I wasn’t completely sure when this new arrangement will start but it sounded like it’ll happen soon – possibly even next week.

Possibly because I opted to do warm-up on my own somewhat hidden from the class, Sally joked that maybe I should lead the cool-down one of these days. I don’t think I’m ready for giving instructions and leading anything like it would mean I won’t be able to have an exercise at as high intensity as I feel like.

I wasn't watching the warmup today, but I am guessing that the body movement part was omitted as it was last week.

The club was much cooler than last night, and music was to my liking. Julian the Duke’s compilation CD was used heavily; I think at least 3 tracks were used from it including you-know-which. Chris, who was more involved at the DJ booth tonight, made some nice selections. I only cringed once - when a Cha Cha Cha track was speeded up abruptly after the start of the song. Vishal stopped by at one point to compliment Chris for his DJ work while imploring me to go easy on “Mambo” tomorrow.

There was a rare on-1 dancing sighting on the dance floor. Possibility of on-2 class was briefly discussed.

Dancing was fine. I thought I was under scrutiny because of the comment from October but maybe I was imagining it. I'm spending about half the time working on basics and recently learned or adapted techniques. For better or worse, it's still mostly practice practice practice. Speaking of practice, the most interesting dance was with an improver (but with experience in other dances incl. Tango) with sound timing and definite tension and with whom I was able to lead pretty much all moves I know (including some moves that people with years of experience don't get).

There were more talks about the trip to the Rocket - this time with Cyrille. For the outgoing trip, we may have two drivers and no passengers - it seems a little excessive. Some will be in London at the start of the day (and some at the end as well).

Two more days before the break…