West Coast Swing in Orange County

After talking to Ras#2 this afternoon, I was reminded that I was missing our High Desert Swing Dance, Christmas dance. A bit bummed and overwhelmed with travel, I got busy making Star Wars Creepy Crawlers and a Snoopy Gingerbread House with my grandson. I’m not sure whether we got more candy ON the house or IN his tummy! The Creepy Crawlers are stuck to the wall and the Gingerbread House is now a centerpiece. After cleaning up that mess, I realized it was only 5:30 and the Wizard of OZ had just come on the telly. That meant he was occupied for the next few hours and then it was bedtime.

Yes, I hit the Internet, I figured if our Christmas dance was tonight, that somewhere in Orange County,  some other club must be holding their dance tonight, too. Bingo! Orange County West Coast Swing Dance Club, dance 8:00-12:00. I coerced my Lindy Hopping daughter to join me and we headed out the door.

Now, I have traveled quite a bit and I have been to quite a few dance venues. What you never know is just what you are getting yourself into. Will there be many dancers? Will the music be good? What is the experience level? Will anyone dance with me? Will they dance with me more than once? What is the dress code? All of these things always run through my mind. And more often than not, there is no need to be concerned. I almost always have a great time!

Tonight was no exception. The OCSDC was very friendly and inviting. We met some really great dancers and very nice people. I can hardly wait to go back another time.

It is really important when you go to a “new” place,  to allow yourself to be accessible and available to dance. You need to show enthusiasm and willingness. When you are in a new venue, if you put on your shoes and sit in the corner, chances are that you will be sitting there all night. If you are not asked to dance after one or two dances, then just get brave and do the asking yourself.  Chances are you will be escorted to the dance floor. I was fortunate, tonight to be asked to dance as soon as I put on my shoes.

Now,  West Coast Swing is not my best dance, and these guys in the OC are pros, so I was a bit nervous.  Luckily, once my feet started moving I began to relax…. a bit, anyway. Mike was a terrific leader and led me through moves I never even knew I could do. Needless to say, any trepidation that I might have had was gone. Once I got out on the dance floor, I rarely left.  It was great fun and judging from my aching feet, I know that I had terrific time. My daughter and I danced all night long. I can hardly wait to go back. The OC Swing Dance Club is top notch.

Going to new places, meeting new people and even running in to some that you have met at other various dance venues is just another one of those bonuses you receive by inviting dance into your life, heart and soul. Thank you Orange County West Coast Swing Dance Club for a truly wonderful evening of dance!

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