| Bellingham Honky Tonk Social Club event, photo and associated article by Eli Voorhies |
Our arms start from the back because they were once wings. —Martha Graham
It’s thrilling — and intimidating, for me — to venture into an unfamiliar dance scene. Thanks to Heather Haugland’s invitation, I was able to do just that in Bellingham this past Saturday, with her Honky Tonk Social Club. Now, I’m somewhat familiar with Bham’s scene, given I’ve been before and this is the second time in the past few months I’ve gotten to teach and DJ there. It’s still new enough for me, however, that it evokes anxious, as well as eager, anticipation.
Sharing the common language of dance means having the opportunity to freely communicate and deeply connect (though we may barely speak) with people we’ve never met. That’s the thrilling part, like this Instagram post from the app DanceLib:
Funny how a stranger can turn into your favorite partner on the floor…
And then just become a memory.
But that groove? That timing?
Still lives somewhere in you.
Not all dances get an encore but the good ones never leave your system.
The intimidating part generally stems from an overactive ego, or a too-active focus on myself. Will they like me? Will my dancing be enough? As someone wise once told me, when nervous, remember the magic formula: Oxygen + Anxiety = Excitement! I often remind students of this, as it really works for me, both on the dance floor and off. Taking a few deep breaths can help improve my perspective almost instantaneously. Plus, it allows me to refocus from my own small self to sense the energy in the room and, ultimately, to connect in partnership. When I listen and am attentive to my partner, we can begin building trust as we embark on the sublime act of dance.
Challenge yourself by visiting a new dance scene or taking a novel class, such as those listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan
P.S. Find @honkytonksocialclub on Instagram or email Heather to get on her list. Also see this great April 7 article (in which I’m quoted!) on the Bellingham scene by Eli Voorhies.