Dance Trinity

Partner dance is typically a conversation between two people in the musical and movement language of a particular dance style. That's where it stays for many, just like the everyday conversations that you might have with colleagues and acquaintances throughout your day. However, it can be much much more.
Trust is the key to getting the most of any endeavor, and that applies to dancing. It is only when truly letting go that one can be immersed in the river of musical emotion and motion, whether it be raging rapids or a gentle stream. Here there isn't necessarily a "specific dance style" but one of soul connection. Two bodies and the music being one together, music and souls transmuted into trinity, three yet one. It is a heavenly feeling and I encourage everyone to work on joining me in enjoying the same.
To start the Trinity trail get ready to move beyond the basics by practicing so that you can do the foundational steps and moves in your sleep. Spend time listening to the music so that you can be musical, such as knowing where the breaks are. Then when you are dancing and a familiar song comes on you can match what you do to the music and your partner. Finally, when these foundational elements can be done without thinking one can let go. This is not the only way to achieve the bliss of the dance trinity, but this is a journey that anyone can follow.

The Comunity of Tai Chi

I’ve been doing Tai Chi - Yang style - since June and have been told that I should stick with it for at least a year before I decide whether or not it is for me. There is a set of 128 moves that one does continuously when doing Tai Chi. I am somewhere in the 30s range and can do about the first 20 or so at home before I start forgetting what the next move should be. It is a great feeling when something flows and one feels the body relaxed or relaxing. I recommend Tai Chi as a great altermative to sitting meditation for those who find it difficult to "sit and empty ones mind"...Tai Chi also has many health benefits that people talk about, and I just read this article in the NY Times on how it eases fibromylagia at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/health/19taichi.html
I was attracted to the Tai Chi mindful practice of moving meditation because the foundation of this practice is based on community. I also like that it is a volunteer run organization and that monies from lesson fees and fund raising go to charities and fixed expenses like studio space and not for instructors or staff.
Tai Chi is also way of living, and I enjoy it as the people really make an effort to get to know each other and in this hectic fast paced world it is a refreshing change to be able to put on the brakes.
I know not much about has been said about Tai Chi so you can learn more about it at http://www.taoist.org/content/standard.asp

La Rumba No by Los Van Van - dj vs live band - and other ramblings

It has been way too long and I've missed so many oppportunities to share. It is a matter of getting into a new rhythmn, adding this blog to my daily pattern...

I discovered a great song at the Oasis last night - La Rumba No. This song is from a 2009 CD called arrasando by the group Los Van Van and can be heard on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3C9EpmC6S4 . So what makes it a great song? La Rumba No has a great clear beat, danceable by almost anyone. Secondly it has an additional piquancy, with the arrangement mixed a little. There are some songs where the band will be creative and change things up so often that only the most advanced/creative of dancers can be with/in the music. There are others where the arrangement is like deeply worn ruts on a dirt track. This song finds just the right balance in my opinion and will be enjoyed by both the advanced dancer who likes cuban salsa as well as those just starting their dance journeys. This brings to mind the difference between dj'd and live music.

When I go to a dance there are many times I feel that a good dj is a 1000 times better than a live band. Last Saturday I was entertained by the band "Grupo Calle Uno" based out of Rochester. A band that played covers of the most popular latin songs heard in the clubs, with few oringinal numbers and not enough playing time. This band took three long breaks, plus seemed to need a long discussion each time before playing the next song. Come on! Is this band practice or a gig? On the other hand I went to Taughannock Falls State Park yesterday evening and heard the "Caribe Jazz All Stars". Great danceable music, with many originals. In fact I like their latest CD - not their older ones so be careful - called "Jorge T Cuevas and the Caribe Jazz All Stars" which can be bought at http://www.jorgevisions.com/store.htm

black eye bean curry?

When I cook I use recipes as a guideline. I take the inspiration provided and make it my own. Just one ingredient can transform a dish. I made black eye bean curry today. It was good, then thought of adding tamarind sauce and wow! Nice tang on the palate! Too often we stop before taking that additional step that would lead us to transforming experiences. Maybe we should all try going beyond the usual more often. Anyway abbreviated bean recipe follows:

Soak a cup of beans, and then pressure cook until melting soft. In a pan heat oil and then add mustard and curry leaves. Add jeera/cumin seed and cook. Add a little fenugeek, but don't cook long. Add onion and fry, together with black pepper, chili powder, turmeric. Then add tomato and garlic and cook. Add pressure cooked beans and mix. The dish is done. Can be had as is or add the tamarind for that tang!