Growth in dance, or "A fire has been lit under my posterior"

It was Lindy Focus time, and what a time it was! My Lindy Focus (dance camp) experience encompassed SO much: challenge, hard times, exhilaration, breakdown, amazing dances, convicting classes, growth, and eye-opening learning.

I volunteered again this year, but this time I was in the core group of organizers as the food goddess. Sure, I've cooked for KLX since 2005, which entails 2 meals for 150-200 people, but that didn't fully prepare me for my role at Lindy Focus. If you weren't an instructor, you just tasted a glimpse of the food I was in charge of, namely late-night treats like cookies, breads, cupcakes, and bean dip. I was also charged with making sure the instructors had breakfast and lunch each day, and that Michael and Jaya had food for dinner. By the middle of the event, there was a nice rhythm to my work, and I really enjoyed it; however, I underestimated how taxing the consistent effort would be. It's much different from two big meals, and if I do something like that again, I'll be more prepared. All in all, I tend to enjoy getting myself deep into the event like that, and the teachers let me know it was appreciated (although I am eager to hear more detailed feedback, constructive criticisms, likes and dislikes). But whenever I get that involved in an event, it's hard for me to let it go, even to get to sleep. I definitely should have packed sleeping pills, especially since I slept just a few feet away from the center of operations.

I got to take all of the Level 6 classes, and I was much impressed with them: they didn't let me down. They were consistently ass-kicking or inspiring and always challenging, each in different ways: this is what I prize. Andrew challenged our concept of connection and arm leading; Laura brought us back to the fundamental joy of the whole thing; Gina & Mike challenged our body mechanics and non-verbal communication; Bill pushed our creativity; Mike and Evita worked us like we were professional dancers (ok, they were probably nicer than that). I was definitely convicted in several classes as to how little I wait for a lead lately. Rarely at a lack for some sort of movement, I seem to have forgotten to follow. Luckily I was reminded, not only by exercises in class, but also on Saturday night when my dancing was very present and very awesome. I kept waiting, and my waiting was almost always rewarded. From this experience, I know that I can consistently be a better dancer, that for the most part, it's my choice about how responsive and present I can be, and I want to be that more. The overall classload resembled my best & favorite dance of the weekend, which was with Todd Dewey from Denver. Our dance had so many elements to it - Charleston, lindy hop, ballrooming, footwork, playfulness - and he constantly challenged my ability as a follower and a dancer in about as many ways possible. We both just brought it, and it was completely badass. Jeff Camozzi later told me that he had been talking to someone but found himself unable to continue the conversation while he was watching Todd and me dance. It was one of those rare moments where my dancing was pushed to its limits, challenged as I only dream of being challenged, and I met it with gusto. All that, and there was look of pleasant surprise on his face. That dance is one I'll remember.

Lindy Focus also confirmed what I've been thinking about my own path as a dancer: if I really want to plow ahead in this dance and realize all the potential that I have, I need a partner (or partners - not necessarily exclusive) to work with intensely. There are so many places I could take my dancing - Charleston; balboa; lindy: fast, medium, slow; blues; collegiate shag - I like that sort of traveling. So I am officially in the search for a partner. In the meantime, I'll continue to refine and explore solo movement and choreography, in addition to exploring my own strengths and learning how to capitalize on them. I emerge from the ashes of 2007 with resolve to work towards bettering my dance, both solo and partnered. I am a brave, new Megan.