A Dance of Substance

From "Diary of a Street Dancer"
By Walter Darian, in the 80s.

We called them "classics." Since the turn of the century there were arguably thirteen. To be included in this group. a dance must have lasting appeal. And a dance's Basic step determines whether it will be accepted by the "trendy" public as well the experienced social dancer.

"Gravity is a myth, the earth sucks!"

The great appeal of the Mambo was and is, its Basic Step ... the dancers constantly moving from and returning to the Basic. A sure "kiss of death" for a new dance is one with an uninspiring Basic Step. The Hustle was a good example. When first introduced, it was vastly different from the popular style that followed a year later ... when a "quick" step was added to the Basic. The addition of which, made the dance ... gave it substance!

At present there are five "major" dances popular with the "in crowd" and topping the list is:
The Mambo: Mamboniks are simply driven wild with by its pulsating and exciting rhythms.
The Tango: Danced in your preferred style, Roseland,  International, Cafe or Argentine - is perhaps the most beautiful of all dances. Its music ... intoxicating. If there are violins, guaranteed, her eyes will be closed.
The Foxtrot: Slow and Easy, your arms around your partner, cheek to cheek ... or the faster tempos of Society music is pure delight.
The Lindy: I've said so much about my favorite dance that there is no need to further elaborate. - And there is one more that rounds out the Big Five.

Its exciting, breath-takingly fast and a real crowd pleaser! It is also the most difficult of all American Social Dances. When you are moving at "figure skating" speed ... suddenly stopping short ... turning on-a-dime ... reversing your direction (against the LOD,) the girl responding with a big smile following perfectly, and rewarding you with words like "You're wonderful." I tell you ... that's pleasure.

You guessed it by now, I am referring to another of my favorite dances - the spectacular Peabody! 

When you can do these five dances of substance well, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you can dance with the most sophisticated Social dancers from New York to Florida. No small accomplishment.  *   *   *   *

"Somewhere My Love"   ...   Placido Domingo

Pub's Side Note: Naturally in Hawaii, in the 21st century, we have a different set of dances. Would be interesting to know which ones. I have my top six!