Four plus three at the SOS

March 2, 2008

After picking up Steph, Liam and Cyrille between 6 and 6:30, we proceeded down to London via the usual M11 route. The traffic was one of the most annoying I have seen, and there were more than usual number of inconsiderate or incompetent drivers on the road. I only managed to park the car around 8:10.

Dinner was fish and chips for the boys. Steph decided on chips after we were about half done with the fish and chips. Liam decided to tackle another burger on top of his fish and chips. We managed to leave the eatery around 8:40.

There was a venue change. Groan. It was the South side tonight. I thought it was very unfortunate especially given that this was Steph’s first time at SOS. I was expecting the worst, but after 15 minutes or so I decided that it might end okay.

I think the reason why it was okay was because there were plenty of people who seemed perfectly happy to dance on the carpet. I myself ended up dancing more often on the carpet than on the wood floor portion. Only one partner of mine was insistent on dancing on the wood floor all night.

From Cambridge, Richard, Mark and Jane also made it.

The music was very schizophrenic. There was one particular song, which I found incredibly boring – one of the worst songs I ever danced to at SOS. The voice sounded like Oscar D’Leon, and it came on two songs before the first Bachata. But then again, there were some songs I really enjoyed hearing later on – especially the series of 50s-60s sounding songs including La-La-La by Jose Curbelo and Donde Estabas Tu by Tito Rodriguez. There was another not-so-good stretch later, but it was followed by another nice sets of songs to the end. Song selections included Esa Mujer (Tony Vega), Avisale A Mi Contrario (Tito Rodriguez – I seem to be hearing this quite often lately at SOS and elsewhere), Fragile (or something close to it), Trip to Mamboland (Latin Giants of Jazz), Noche De Salsa (Louie Ramirez), Musica Ligera (Toque D’ Keda).

A thought. It’s nicer to dance with someone who’s not great and know it compared to someone who’s not great but doesn’t know it. Not exactly a revelation, but then same can be said about it's nicer to dance with someone who looks happy dancing with you than some who looks miserable.

Another thought. Liam says a lot of outrageous, insensitive, unfair, narrow-minded, un-PC things. But he is very entertaining.

Cyrille has a very chaotic and uncertain schedule before his departure - some serious decisions to be made soon. He is going to be so preoccupied; it could get pretty nutty. Then again, once he's moved he won't have to deal with all those costly and time-consuming weekend trips so often.

Steph was popular today. I think she had more than a few admirers as well as some who wanted her as a dance partner – presumably for shows, competitions, practice, whatever. Needless to say, she liked SOS. What can I say? I told you so?

Exchange of the day.

Random to Steph - "You were beautiful to watch. Are you from Thailand?"

Me, interrupting - "Thank you. I’m from America. She’s from Germany."

So, what's next? Swan jokes? A guffaw? You know who you are.

All in seriousness, I expect there is at least 50% chance that I'll receive something like this in near future. [disclaimer: plagiarism alert!] Anyone want to take a small wager?

Your blog is being talked about quite a bit at SOS. Unfortunately for you, it's not for the best of reasons. People find your dancing very amusing and "weird" has been used by a lot of girls I have spoken to. You lack basic rhythm and there is zero engagement with any of your partners. Your taste in music is awful; your music is a guarantee to cause migraine and is a sure-cure for insomnia. You seem to have a belief that your ability is more advanced than it actually is. I appreciate you have serious character flaws and personality disorders as some people no doubt alluded, and the sort of the sort of stuff you write on your blog really isn't going to help you. I suggest you stop writing about other people and try and engage with people face to face. Try and ask for feedback from those you dance with as well. I'll be happy to discuss this further with you on fakeemail@hotmail.com.

Why? Because there are all kinds of people out there. Have you seen some of the UK forums out there? Cambridge is not unique. London no doubt can be provincial.

By the way for those who were thinking about SOS next week. They'll be back on the North side, but they will have an "international" showcase also. They also announced Shaan as one of new rotating DJs.