As a regular dancer, what can choreographies and flashmobs teach you?
Having recently co-coordinated the Ginga flashmob by World Kizomba Project for the ladies in my community – Team Coast Kenya, I’m reminded of a time when I struggled with certain aspects of social dancing. The days early on when I would watch the followers on the dance floor gracefully spinning and shining, palms curved inward, fingers flexed, toes pointed, all in time with the beat, and I would say to myself, “that’ll be one day”. Well, one day has been a day at a time, a couple of flashmobs, choreographies, multiple classes, workshops, and socials later. I can say that it has gotten easier.
Flashmobs and choreographies require you to tap into your basics because you need to break down the counts to understand the transitions.
Given that learning capabilities are varied, the language has to be simple. You are reminded of your weight placement in your movements, something we as dancers assume most of the time. You are also reminded of your posture. You can now vividly recall your 1st ever basics class. The counting technique. Each week, the simple yet complex aspect of the dance amazes you throughout the process. You also learn to be patient with yourself. You push your being to keep practicing since you don’t want to be the one person lagging.
You realize that you can own your space in the group. You can also own your space with your partner on the dance floor. You can play around while dancing. There is more than one way to execute the one move you know.
Flashmobs force you to face the closeted insecurities you’ve grown to harbor while dancing. It also helps you overcome them.
The fluidity of the process does translate to the dance floor.
I now watch the ladies during social parties, and I can see them incorporating bits and bops into their dancing. I don’t know whether it’s knowingly or unknowingly, but I am glad that you can see them peaking from their shells. Being more expressive.
I encourage you to sign up for the next flashmob, whether it’s a leads-only, followers-only, or a couples flashmob – you’ll be sure to learn & grow from the experience.
