I’ve never been much of a dancer unless you count the slow, hands on your partner’s hips (or lower back, if I was feeling bold), awkward circular motion of a junior high dance. So when Jana, our coach surfing host in Cork city, suggested Jackie and I join her for a swing dancing class, I had my apprehensions. I’m going to look like a stumbling fool, or worse, I’ll be embarrassed and red-faced in front of a crowd of foreigners. I thought about faking sickness to avoid this terrible possibility, but hell, stiffen your spine man!
So with a little prodding from Jackie I was convinced to step out of my comfortable shell and try to find a little rhythm in my movements.
When we arrived to the bar where the swing class was taking place, I looked uncertainly at the crowd gathered waiting to dance.
Should I get a drink? Hide in a corner? Go outside and smoke?
None of the above.
Before long, our class instructor had us in a circle and the class began. At first Jackie and I practiced the basic steps together. Then we began changing dance partners and practicing our new moves. Rock step, kick, kick.
I found most of the dancers attending class that night were also beginners, which made me feel better for kicking them in the shins and totally loosing the rhythm at times.
I also told a young woman to spread her legs a little (to make the ‘kick-kick‘ a bit easier). I think it was a bit untoward, but she found it funny. After about a half hour of switching partners and practicing our newly learned steps, we talked with several of the locals and had a free-dance time.
Swing dancing in Cork was one of the experiences that I would never have had if it wasn’t for our decision to couch surf during this trip. Rather than staying in hostels with loads of other travelers, Jackie and I have been able to see places like Cork from a local’s perspective. We’ve also made some great new friends.
Maybe when we get back to the states we’ll even take swing dancing lessons?
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