moving from a center
i went to contact on thurs night at the dance exchange. it was great because we had a number of new people there, always nice. one woman in particular really interested me. at first i felt like she didn’t seem too familiar with contact, and that may have been true, but after watching her even for a little while, i began to see that she was clearly an excellent dancer. it was just so apparent in how she held herself, placed her feet, kept her head and neck and shoulders free. but most of all her center was clearly incredibly strong, so that where and how she gave her weight always came across very clearly. and even more important, her whole body moved as an integrated unit rather than as separate parts–shoulders, hips, etc. i’m embarassed to say that while i’ve heard of that concept–the whole body being integrated–i really didn’t get it till then. of course i didn’t see her move individually, and maybe it isn’t as apparent in regular dance–maybe that type of thing is clearer with contact.
it was very cool and impressive and i instantly started feeling intimidated. i suddenly saw how i don’t move like that, how my shoulders often are at odds w/ the rest of my body, and how i often translate “flow” and “release” as floppiness and lack of a strong center. but it’s all information, and good to have. as they say, identifying the problem is the first (and often the biggest) step towards changing it!
i was at least glad to realize, after later talking w/ her, that she’s one of the better known dancers in DC–this is what she does, and has been doing, for forever, probably. and she was also incredibly friendly, which was so great and such a bonus.
speaking of contact, next month is the spring east coast jam, at claymont court in west virginia. it’s great fun, with tons of dancing, great nature, and amazing vegetarian food. plus terrific people and an extremely relaxed atmosphere. i can’t recommend it enough!
