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.
Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
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
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
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Why "ikigai" "dance"?
Life is a dance and dance is life. One cannot dance without being alive and one cannot live without dancing. I'm not limiting myself to the strict dance styles of partner dance, or even freestyle, but expanding the word choice of dance to cover all poetry in motion. One only needs to look to see the rhythms that play out around and within us from the sound of water or wind to the music that our bodies make - the pulsing of blood to the drum beat of the heart. And what better way to describe life's dance than "ikigai" that something which makes life worth living. So, this is an all encompassing blog, sharing my observations and ranging from religion/spirituality and poetry to cooking, dance and other passions. There is a definite bias to dance in all, I admit and forewarn.
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