Dancing at the 201

Over the last year or so we’ve been learning to dance. Waltz, East Coast Swing, and Two Step are a few we’ve dabbled in. It started with a trip to the local American Legion, Club 201. Certain nights of the week they focus on a particular dance style, and for a nominal fee, you show up, get an hour of instruction, and then the floor opens up for practice and socializing. Music is usually provided by a DJ, or sometimes a band on the weekends. There’s almost always a good turn out. 

And it’s a hoot. On our first visit, we met an Irish couple who really knew how to do it. Johnna danced with the gentleman some, learned a few things. I danced with his wife, who showed me some of the basics. And though she didn’t say much, what she did say was in a lovely Northern Irish lilt, the sound of which lightened my steps. Immediately I figured out I knew basically nothing. Which could have been disheartening but wasn’t – it just piqued my interest more. What she did tell me, in no uncertain terms, was that the man has to lead. The woman follows the man’s lead. And there lies the rub.

The man must learn the steps and moves so he is able to lead. And in addition, keep it in his head what is coming next. So, not only does the man have to know where he and his partner are within the dance, he has to initiate where you’re going. No slacking. Having always been a bit of a slacker, I was at an immediate disadvantage. Also, before I go too far down the rabbit hole in the wrong direction, the correct term for a dance couple is not man and woman, but leader and follower. Still, at American Legion Post 201, generally the man is expected to lead. And it is these expectations that both curse and inspire. 

After several visits to the Legion, we agreed that further lessons were needed, more one on one instruction. So every other Tuesday that’s what we’ve been doing, with another couple who are friends of ours and at a similar novice level. The four of us meet in our instructor’s basement, and we get an hour of personal instruction. And it’s helping. We’re making progress. I’m becoming slightly proficient at the waltz, and east coast swing. West coast swing still eludes me. I dig it, but it’s just too fast. For now.

Practice is another discipline that’s not been my strong point over the years. Had I but been willing to practice, I’m sure I would have been a better guitar player, tennis player, writer, friend, husband, father. Significant other. The list goes on. But I also believe that it’s never too late to get started. So I am practicing dancing, and reaping the rewards, such as they are.

It is undeniably exercise. At the end of a lesson I am winded. Sometimes at the end of a song I am winded. But less so now than a month ago. And what I never would have imagined is how it seems to be improving my mental acuity. When I mentioned this to our instructor, she informed me it was common knowledge in the medical, scientific, and dance communities.  

Intrigued, I investigated a little further. In a landmark study by The New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that regular dancing improved one’s cognitive functions more than any other physical activity. 76% of those studied showed marked improvement dancing. Reading was second at 47%. Golf was 0%. 

So there’s that. Also, the social aspect. Dance seems to cross all boundaries. There are ninety year olds (really) at 201, and twenty year olds. Light skinned people and dark. Gay and straight. Almost everyone appears happy to be there, dancing. There are some really really good dancers, and most are glad to help anyone who shows an interest. Take them for a quick spin, show them the steps. Nudge them up to the next level. Nothing like a semi successful dance with a good dancer to boost the ego, realize that hey, it’s possible, I might can do this after all.

What I think we’re finding, Johnna and I, is that dancing is something to be shared. We’re both new at it, equally bad and equally excellent. Criticism gets us nowhere. Judgment the same. The progress is made in learning it together, and we’re bonding over that. Learning a new skill, exercising our bodies, exercising our brains. Getting better together. And remembering to have fun. Because having fun is way underestimated as a life skill.