Imagine the waltz. Are you picturing prim-looking men and women dancing politely to chamber music? Many balk at the idea of such classic ballroom forms of dance because of stereotyped perceptions. One local dance enthusiast is on a mission to change that.
"As instructors, we are always looking for ways to make what we do more accessible and better communicated," explains Lilli Ann Carey, the bright and enthusiastic woman behind Dance For Joy!, a company that instructs and promotes partner dances.
"Well, and of course, fun!"
Carey's latest idea was to use an unusual new analogy to teach her summer beginning class: Race Car Waltz.
"When we approach learning dance, we have trouble with our expectations and ideals," Carey explains. She felt that by correlating dancing with driving, another learned skill, the experience would seem less intimidating. "As instructors, if we can associate something that students truly know with something that they aren't so sure of, we have a better chance of introducing [them] to something that is truly fun and delightful."
Taking the driving analogy to Europe sprung from Carey's desire to make the class seem like a summer vacation, and to introduce some varied styles of waltz and music. She creates the illusion of traveling to Ireland, France, Germany and Italy by playing songs that evoke a distinctly foreign flair.
"We know that one of the reasons that people choose not to dance is fear - fear of looking awkward and goofing up," said Carey. Creating a relaxing environment and utilizing a familiar analogy allow students to forget their inhibitions, and focus on the dancing.
"I think most of our students discover something in our classes that they may have only had a glimmer of before: dancing is not hard, even for beginners, and not being perfect is not a hindrance to having fun."
The class, held at the Swedish Cultural Center at 1920 Dexter Ave. N.,is put on by both Dance for Joy! and the Northwest Dance Network, a nonprofit organization seeking to create a larger Northwest community through dance. In addition to teaching classes and workshops of various dance styles, the two companies stage large-scale local events, such as the annual Evening in Vienna Ball and the first ever Ragtime Ball, scheduled for February.
Many people seeking out dance classes are of the Baby Boomer generation, exploring new hobbies to fill their increasing spare time. Don Morgan, director of NDN, said, "They've worked on their career and family, and now they have some time for themselves."
"They are the people who have seen their parents, and likely their grandparents, dance together," explains Carey, "but came of age when dancing changed to a more free form. And although we use dancing as almost the epitome of fun and joy in advertising media, the reality has almost eluded our generation."
Now many are discovering that dance is a great way to stay active, learn something new and expand one's social sphere.
"The great thing about dancing is that it's a life skill," Carey said. "We can dance as long as we can walk. It keeps us moving and it gives us touch, expression and huge smiles. It's good for our hearts in more ways than one."
And Carey remains confident that there is a style of dance for everyone: "I don't know anyone that actually has two left feet.
"What I ultimately hope they get," Carey explains, "is a great first experience so that they continue, because the benefits are pretty impressive. Most of our dancers find a new confidence in their body, many welcoming new acquaintances, a healthful noncompetitive activity and a whole lot of joy. The laugh-out-loud kind. And don't we need that?"
For more information on Dance for Joy!, Northwest Dance Network and the events they promote, visit www.danceforjoy.biz or www.nwdance.net
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