Social? Yes,

By Astrid Chan, Niu Valley
The bad part even in free style dancing is that too many dancers look like they have been "taught" how to move. Too many teach where the music is secondary if at all considered. That has been the biggest defect in most of our excellent dance teachers on Oahu. They may not be perfect but most will agree that they really know their stuff, they are good.

"To dance is to set your heart free."

They learn to teach primary movements according to the syllabus first and then perhaps a little music appreciation. Whereas street dancers learn the music and the rhythm first, learn to love it and only then do they learn to move to that music. There is a big, big difference in looks and the appreciation of dance in the results. And many are able to move into the different phases when the mood hits them.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

I began to dance intermittently, thirty years ago, (street dancing.) Then about twenty years ago, after a pleasant divorce, I began to take dance classes at a professional dance studio, I learned to dance plenty of steps the way I was taught but in trying to imitate my teachers I looked like I was stumbling through the tulips. Several years later I drifted away from them and phased back to club dancing with live bands and I consider myself back in the swing of things.

"I'll Remember You" by Jimmy Borges

I have learned a lot, good and bad and will continue learning. I have the full knowledge that I will never be a top dancer good enough to do exhibitions. But let me tell you, I and all my partners have more fun than a barrel of monkeys just listening and dancing to "our music." Isn't that what it is really all about? * * *

"Social dancers honestly believe that it is way more fun to dance crazy

than it is to dance cool."