Dawn Xiana Moon: Melodic folk pop infused with passion and honesty. From Chicago.

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Wednesday, April 21, 2004

De la danse swing et l'évasion

During the last months, lindy hop has become more than just fun--it's a way to unwind, to de-stress. But I wonder sometimes if I use dancing as an escape, especially when I'm feeling down; I don't have to think about my problems, I can just savor a good connection. Especially in blues, where as a follow you literally don't have to think about anything. The dance doesn't work if you're not relaxed. So after a few moments, you start to do exactly that. I'm also working on a theory that part of the reason swing dancers love dancing (especially in the case of blues) so much is the close connection; it seems like one way of fulfilling the human need for touch and affection that we don't always get in other avenues. And dancers--of all forms--are like theatre kids, and even more so, groups that tend to be freer with touch than the average person.

I've been mulling over these thoughts for the couple of days. Going to an exchange--or any similar out-of-town event--is a chance to get away, not to reflect but to forget. You're busy busy busy, constantly meeting new people, and then hanging out with those people, people who often aren't a part of your everyday life. Not that it has to be a form of escapism, but it can be. And it was this weekend (I was at a series of balboa workshops, blues-ing at the late nights, and lindy bombed a club at Central Michigan University). It's probably also the main part of the reason I want to go to the Toronto Lindy Exchange in a week and half. I realized Sunday at Re:fresh, a laid-back monthly service at church, that I've been avoiding some things that hurt too much to think about; of course I felt fine, because I was trying not to deal with situations. Too bad God won't allow me to run forever. Though I guess there's little to deal with per se--after all, what exactly can I do?--I suppose the problem is more along the lines of allowing (or not allowing) myself to feel.

I wonder too if lately I've been posting too much, too personally. Maybe I should just stick to essays on word etymlogies and results from online quizzes.

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