It's that time again: a new session of partner dance classes is starting up next month on Bowen Island, and everyone is invited. As usual, there are two dance genres on offer. This time they are Country two-step and West-Coast Swing. Both are for beginners, and beyond. No dance background is needed.
And here are 10 reasons to accept the invitation:
#1 Show off your cowboy boots
Boots not required, of course, but they do add to the flair on the floor. Country two-step is a "travelling dance" that is usually (but not always) danced to country music. If you can walk, you can Country two-step.
#2 Look good for your friends
West-Coast Swing is a "slot dance" that gets you out on the dance floor looking smooth and stylish to a really wide range of music, great for the first-time partner dancer. West-Coast is one of several swing-type dances. If you enjoyed the big-band sounds at last summer's Steamship Days, you'll enjoy swing dancing.
#3 (a) If you're a dance leader, enjoy getting your own way No questions asked.
#3 (b) If you're a dance follower, enjoy watching him think he's getting his own way
Enough said
#4 No partner? No problem
Dancing on Bowen is not a couples sport. Singles have been signing up for our partner dance classes all along, and it's amazing how often the number of leaders matches the number of followers. In a pinch, our teacher fills in as leader or follower, whichever is needed.
#5 Pump up your heart, build up your bones
It's easy on the joints, but a real workout, even for the abs all the class-time laughs will tighten that area right up.
#6 Pump up your spirit
Rough day on the job? An hour or two on the dance floor will turn your day around and put the spring back in your step.
#7 It's way more fun than hitting the gym
Dancing is both cardio and weight-bearing exercise without all the grunts and groans.
#8 Kick-start your brain by learning something new
You could work on a crossword or sudoku and, when it's all over, it's all over. Or you could learn a new dance step that you'll have forever. Your neural pathways will thank you, and so will future dance partners.
#9 Laugh lines are cool
Not only are Bowen dancers a friendly bunch but we love to laugh. I think that's really what brings our dance teacher extraordinaire, Pamela Podmoroff, back each season.
#10 Opportunities to practise your dance moves abound
Last summer, it was the Dock Dance, Steamship Days, Bowfest, and any number of weddings and parties with some kind of dance floor. On top of that, throughout the year, dancers drop in at Collins Hall on Friday evenings for casual dance socials. There we practise the moves we can remember and make up some of our own (sorry, teacher Pamela).
And so there you have it: 10 reasons to sign up for dance classes.
For more information on Country two-step and West-Coast Swing classes for beginners and beyond, please call the Bowen Island Community Recreation Office at 604-947-2216.
Don't wait too long to sign up classes start on April 8.
