Happiness Is
09.08.07

In other lifetimes, I've been many things, but dancing and helping others enjoy West Coast Swing may be some of the most rewarding activities I've ever done. I have a business that keeps me occupied and pays the bills, so it wasn't like I was jones-ing for more to do and more money to make by becoming a dance instructor.
 
My partner is a teacher and has made a lifelong contribution to our community in that fashion. I have always resisted the urge to teach as just not "my cup of tea" When I decided it was time to move away from the politics of the dance community, I reassessed my thinking on this and decided to pursue the skills to help others.
 
Three years later, we have a steady stream of students. More important, these students are showing up for dances and showing that they are grasping many of the concepts we are teaching in Swing. LA Style WCS is taught through a structured process and thorough curriculum that spends more time on the techniques to make the student become a dancer. This can be tougher for some to start as the instruction shys away from pattern orientation and relies on teaching your body where it needs to go in order for the feet to follow.
 
Now, we are beginning to see the fruit of those efforts. Friday's at Goldcoast has always been my favorite dance night and with so many of you coming out and joining us there, it just simply can't get any sweeter. Beth and I are both proud of your efforts and so happy to participate in your discovery of the fun and camaraderie to be had in dancing.
 
What you are going tio find as you take in more and more nights of dancing is that the community generally feels the same way. Just as with any other village, you run into a bad apple or two. These are people who just don't get that the fun and enjoyment to be had with a TEAM has to begin with the creation of that TEAM. They might consider themselves better dancers than the rest of us mortals. You might too. However, dancers dance! Seems simple, but if you are not willing to dance with others, the bar is somewhere over there and have a couple for me while you are there.
 
Now that we have those people off doing something else, you are going to improve and become better and better as long as you keep dancing. When I started out, I had the same issues with lack of confidence, lack of skills and lack of intelligence....uh....that last one may just belong to me...
 
The people around me were supportive and helped as much as they could to encourage my efforts. They did not forget where they came from and I have not forgotten either. That is one of the main reasons to get involved in instructing on my part.
 
As far away as it may seem to you now, don't forget these times and the feelings you have. It will become a time when it is your turn to encourage and support a newbie on his/her way to becoming a dancer. If we help them grow by this nurturing, we will all give back to the community and make our village a bigger happier place to live in.