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Harmony in Motion: Celebrating the Fabulous Community of Rock and Roll Dancers
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Harmony in Motion: Celebrating the Fabulous Community of Rock and Roll Dancers

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Hey there, dance enthusiasts and rock and roll rebels! Today, I’m thrilled to share the joyous tale of our vibrant rock and roll dance community, a tapestry woven with friendship, talent, and the irresistible beat of classic tunes.

From the infectious energy on the dance floor to the heartfelt camaraderie that binds us together, our community is truly something special.

A Community of Fabulous Friends:

In our rock and roll dance community, we’re more than just dance partners; we’re friends who groove together. Whether we’re stepping, spinning, or simply enjoying the music, the bonds we’ve forged go beyond the dance floor.

We support each other’s triumphs and cheer each other on through the highs and lows, creating a network of fabulous friends that make every dance night a celebration.

The Maestros Behind the Magic:

Our dance teachers are the unsung heroes of our rock and roll journey. With a perfect blend of humor and expert instruction, they guide us through intricate routines and inspire us to embrace the rhythm with gusto.

Their dedication and passion infuse our community with the spirit of rock and roll, turning each lesson into a memorable experience.

Decking the Halls in Rock and Roll Style:

One of the highlights of our community calendar is the annual Christmas dance extravaganza.

The hall comes alive with laughter and the sound of jingle bells as we all come together to decorate and transform the space into a rock and roll Christmas wonderland.

It’s not just about tinsel and lights; it’s about infusing the space with the same festive spirit that defines our dance community.

Dancing the Night Away:

And then comes the magical night itself. The Christmas dance is the culmination of our efforts, where the twinkle in our eyes matches the sparkle of the decorations.

We dance the night away, reveling in the joy of movement and the company of our fantastic community.

The laughter, the spins, and the electric energy on the dance floor create memories that linger long after the last note fades away.

Our rock and roll dance community is a vibrant testament to the power of friendship, dance, and celebration.

From our talented teachers to the friends who dance beside us, each person contributes to the magic that is uniquely ours.

As we continue to sway, spin, and shimmy together, we’re not just creating dance routines – we’re crafting a symphony of joy, laughter, and everlasting camaraderie that defines the heart and soul of our fabulous rock and roll family. (mainimagecredit:creativecommons)

a group of people who have decorated a hall for a Christmas dance

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I love dancing, my dance community & my dance teachers!
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I love dancing, my dance community & my dance teachers!

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There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them – Vicki Baum

Dancing: A Personal Journey of Bliss, Health, and Community

As I reflect on my personal journey with dancing, I am overwhelmed by the sheer bliss and joy it has brought into my life. Beyond the mesmerizing movements and enchanting music, dancing has become a catalyst for profound transformations, nurturing my spirit, improving my health, and fostering friendships and a sense of community.

In this blog post, I will share my heartfelt experiences, revealing how dancing has become an integral part of who I am—a source of immense happiness and a beacon of light that radiates through every facet of my existence.

 

Embracing the Bliss of Dance:

From the moment I step onto the dance floor, a wave of sheer bliss washes over me. The music envelopes my soul, guiding my body in fluid movements that feel like an extension of my very being. Dancing allows me to tap into emotions that words cannot adequately express. It’s as if the dance becomes a language of its own—one that speaks directly to my heart. In those moments, I feel alive, liberated, and connected to the deepest parts of myself. Dancing has become my sanctuary, a place where I can let go of inhibitions and let my spirit soar.

Nurturing the Body and Soul:

Beyond the ethereal joy it brings, dancing has also been a profound catalyst for improving my physical and mental well-being. The rhythmic movements and energetic routines have transformed my body, boosting my cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. As I engage in various dance styles, I feel my stamina increase, and my body becomes more resilient. The physical benefits of dancing are undeniable, but it is the effect it has on my soul that truly captivates me.

Dancing is a form of therapy, a conduit for releasing stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. When I dance, I am transported to a state of pure presence, where the worries of the world fade into the background. It is in those moments that I feel a profound sense of inner peace and clarity. Dancing has become my meditation—a moving meditation that allows me to quiet my mind and reconnect with my inner self. The endorphins released during dancing create a natural high, leaving me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the world with renewed vitality.

Building Friendships and Community:

One of the most beautiful aspects of dancing is the way it brings people together, forging connections and creating a vibrant sense of community. Through dance classes and social events, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals who share my passion for movement and music. We dance, laugh, and support one another, creating an environment of acceptance and encouragement.

I have the best dance teachers; from the moment I joined the class I realised I was in the absolute right place with the best teachers. They teach with humour and passion, they have supported me from the very beginning when I struggled to pick up some of the moves, especially the spinning in Rock & Roll and through to where I am at now, a gosh-darned good dancer! I will be forever indebted to them for their valuable teaching, care and friendship.

dance teacher quote

The friendships I have formed through dancing go beyond the dance floor—they have become an integral part of my life. We celebrate each other’s achievements, inspire one another to push our limits, and provide a support system that extends far beyond the realm of dancing. The dance community has taught me the power of diversity and acceptance, as people from different backgrounds and walks of life come together, united by their love for dance. In this community, I have found a place where I truly belong, where I can express myself freely, and where I have witnessed the transformative power of dance firsthand.

Dancing has become my lifeline, a source of boundless joy, improved health, and a deep sense of community. Through its enchanting movements and captivating melodies, dancing has touched my spirit, invigorated my body, and brought incredible individuals into my life. It has become a personal journey of self-discovery, self-expression, and personal growth. If you are seeking a path to happiness, vitality, and connection, I urge you to embrace the bliss and joy of dancing. Step onto the dance floor, surrender to the music, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic that dancing can bring into your life.

image credit:nubuworks

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And it’s 2023!
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And it’s 2023!

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Happy New Year! 🎊💃🥂🕛🎇

I spent NYE dancing and managed to last the distance until midnight! It was a long haul!😂

The last hour was tough and a few of my friends bailed before the midnight hour! My partner is always really keen to make it to midnight on New Year’s and I was determined to not just make it, but still be dancing and laughing all the way. I guess for sure it’s a sign of getting older that staying out late is not so appealing. Usually we hang around dancing for a good couple of hours, then leave on a high note.

I love dancing with my partner, we have a great rhythm and sync really well with our dance moves and we are just so comfortable dancing with each other. Rock & Roll and Jive are our favourite styles. But we also love the slower waltzes and shmoozy dance tunes. Progressive dances are always a hoot as well, especially now that we actually know all the steps to them and no longer step on or crash into other dancers!

They have progressives and line dancing when the band take their breaks. I love watching the line dances, but I’m not that adept at them (yet!). I did jump in on the Chilli ChaCha and the Fireball, I had most of the steps, but still managed to turn the wrong way now & again. There was a lovely lady in front letting me know which way to turn and when to wiggle in the ChaCha!! Her wiggle was awesome, mine was way more awkward, but still it was fun!

Then they put on Nutbush City Limits just before midnight, it’s a real Aussie dance routine, the minute the opening bars start playing literally everyone will jump on the dance floor and join in (check out the link if you are not familiar with it). It’s great fun and was the perfect song and dance routine to end the year before wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

I sometimes wonder why it’s so important to wait for the clock to tick over to the new year. However, I will say I did feel quite emotional this time and also quite hopeful that 2023 will be a gentler year for everyone. I wish you a happy, healthy, fulfilling and kind 2023!

 

 

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Dancing makes my spirit sing!
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Dancing makes my spirit sing!

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Dancing!

I love dancing, it makes me happy. It’s a great way to socialize and catch up with friends and it’s also a good workout! I started dancing four years ago after years of thinking it was something I would not enjoy. I never felt particularly coordinated and at weddings and suchlike I always stumbled around and stepped on my partners feet. 😂

I joined a jazz ballet class when I was in my teens, I think I lasted all of one class! I was too shy, could not follow the moves easily and all the other girls seemed to float like fairies through the various moves. So I quit. Fortunately, over the years I have become less of a quitter when I try something new and different.

When I realized I might actually like to learn dancing, I thought I’d try out rock & roll and jive dancing (although since then I have picked up the walz, evening three-step and some progressive dances to add to my repertoire). The classes go in 6 week rotations, with a beginners class then the improvers/advanced class afterwards. When I started it was beginner’s jive. I’m glad that was the case as rock & roll was a lot harder to learn with all the spinning around. I think it took around 4 months for me to stop losing my balance when spinning and another year or so to feel like I was a competent dancer.

I know a lot of people join dance classes and then leave early on when they struggle to learn the steps or dance in time with the beat. Others are too shy (like I was) to join a dance class or think they have to have a partner to join. You don’t. Most of these classes give you the opportunity to dance with everyone, so you are never left on the outside looking in.

However, I and many others have found a partner at dance class. I met my partner 3 years ago, I’d been going for a year and he joined two years prior. That’s the joy of meeting someone at class – you both have at least one thing in common and as you get older it is more difficult to find common ground/interests with potential partners.

My partner does not want to feature in any of my blog posts and that’s fine, this is my interest. I love writing and sharing thoughts and ideas with people and he’s been learning a musical instrument. It’s lovely to have something in common and also lovely to have something that is uniquely our own pursuit.

couple at a dance
from the back so he can remain anonymous!

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