Evolving Nicely

In the last century, the Internationals were making big inroads in the Social Dance scene with entire clubs being founded with the sole intent to pursue the International style of dance. The only problem in the beginning dance clubs with the American style had been in the development of our "better" dancers. The collusion between these good dancers and the dance teachers was "LAGS." Not many people know that it is Latest And Greatest Syndrome. Now you can figure - and it is happening even in the Night Club Salsa scene too.

'Some social dancers think that if we did the dancing

we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."

The peak of the Internationals was right after the last large ballroom to be built in Hawaii opened in the middle nineties. It was also at the height of the Rootzi Tootzis. They were the real exhibition and competition dancers, they danced in Ballrooms. The terms "Junk Dancer and Ala Wai Dancer" arose and the decline of the Internationals began. The Night Club dancers became more closely attached to the American Style of Dance and differentiated themselves in that they did not dance so strictly structured. And they were right. However, they are developing their own rootzi tootzis too. It is a very social and natural evolution.

"Morning Dew" by Melveen Leed

The Social Dance as a class is still a work in process and many are dancing their own way which may be just a trite different from the disciplines. Dancing a Rumba American in Arthur Murray, a box step, Slow, Quick, Quick. Fred Astaire, a box step, Quick, Quick, Slow and breaking on the one. The International breaks on the two, Rock Step (quick,quick) and a Slow Step. How about doing the basic International, and doing the rest American. Cross Body Lead? Easy and the followers on Oahu are the absolute greatest and you are still dancing it quick, quick, slow.

"The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me. ~Donald Trump