DC Dance Collective

This weekend, against my better judgement, I joined in with Kadriene’s Video Choreography Class to learn the dance moves to Beyonce’s new single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”.  Yes, I did! Shocked myself. The weekend Video Choreography classes are new and were initiated to help raise money for the DC Dance Collective’s SOS (Save Our Studio) Fund.

If you’re one of the few people in the world who has yet to see the video please check it out below courtesy of YouTube:

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Now, Imagine me busting the moves….. A brief history. Upon seeing the premier of this video. I immediately thought this looks familiar. It wasn’t until my friend MSJ and I were having a chat and he pulled up a oldie but goodie video of 3 older Caucasian women circa 1965 doing a dance choreographed by Bob Fosse.

Walking it Out Bob Fosse Style

And it hit me! I’d seen the video over a year an half ago when I was searching for video’s on how to do the ‘Walk It Out’ dance. Well the late Bob Fosse has inspired many greats and I don’t think he’s getting the credit he deserves. To see what I mean check out this video of Fosse circa 1974 performing “A Snake in the Grass”

Bob Fosse in “A Snake in the Grass” from the movie A Little Prince

hmmm…remind you of anyone?!? Totally blew my mind…but that’s another blog posting.

Back to class. Now Saturday, I was joined by a group of friends who were celebrating a birthday and decided to surprise the B’day girl with 1.5 hours of booty shaking Beyonce style. Kadriene, who by the way is an Amazing instructor (precise, thorough, and just plain great), kicked off with her usual 10-15 minute warm up and dove straight into the first steps of the choreography.  Ok, I can handle it:  make your hand heavy and sway your hips for 8 counts in an exaggerated motion. Next up: hop-step out, kick, left leg out, hands on but and shake, shake, skake-shake-shake….All good until the music came on and the tempo…well, it’s fast. Needless to say we were all looking a bit like Video Girl rejects….Some more moves and then the infamous twirl your torso and drop it down to the floor (One leg bent, the other extended) that Beyonce so elegantly performs.

I’ll spare you the details…but folks it is why I presume Bey has “A Ring On It” and I don’t.   Though, all jokes aside, besides the fact that I’m not naturally gifted in dance (only a hard worker) that class kicked my butt! Beyonce’s Choreographer, Back-up Dancers, and of course Beyonce are all in great shape and if I don’t become a famous, brilliant dancer by the end of 12to28 at the very least I’d like to be in pristine physical condition.

Admittedly, my performance in Day 2 was an inch better (let’s say I could kick at the appropriate times) and I was able to convince a friend of mind to join me.  And I had fun!  (Everybody, present had a good time!) All in all, I’m learning to put aside the embarassment of not being a great dancer immediately, trusting myself and letting it all hang out (well, at least slowly but surely).

And so it begins! It’s a few weeks since 12to28 kicked off. I had a great day of Dance (cardio funk workout) in the morning, Work in the evening (I gotta raise some more money!) and Dinner at night with friends. You’ll notice that my Journey dates have a changed a bit. Notably, I’ll be based in Washington, DC for a few months mainly working and saving up some extra cash before I cross the seas.

Secondly, this gives me a bit of space and time to build a base (and my confidence!) This is a daunting challenge, ya’ll. So, I’m enrolled in Acting 1/Realism class at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Which I absolutely love! (Although the class has too many people in it (25?) and I selfishly find myself impatiently waiting for my turn.) It was a tough decision as I was juggling between the Little Theatre and downtown DC’s Theatre Lab class with Deidre Starns (a Howard University drama professor and noted Thespian). Ultimately, I chose this one because of the early focus on each participant selecting, perfecting and performing a monologue which will be subsequently taped by a professional videographer and plastered on DVD. (Yes, you may look forward to my world premier in a month or so when I upload my performance on the website……)I also liked that the Lil’ Theatre was open to drop in’s on the first class to get an idea of the pace/temp. Theatre Lab, promptly said no to this request….sigh. Perhaps, next time I’ll be able to switch it up.

And then there is: Dance. I fortunately lucked up on a Work Exchange Program at the DC Dance Collective which allows me a free dance class for every 2 hours I volunteer! I’ve been volunteering so far one night a week for four hours, and my classes of choice are Hawaiian Hula and Turkish Belly Dancing. But Im getting that itch to hop in on a Tap Dancing Class…..DC Dance Collective is a small, privately owned Dance Collective with 3 studios and I enjoy the relaxed, come as you are (and Dance!) atmosphere. In fact, the Mission of DC Dance Collective reads as follows:

The Mission of DC Dance Collective is to make dance available to everyone, regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, or artistic or cultural background, and to establish a studio atmosphere in which students and instructors have artistic choices, share in the artistic process, and learn the value of artistic expression.

I love it!

I’m realizing that my goals are ambitious. They always are. While initially I thought I would be actively engaging in all 3 (Poetry, Theatre and Dance) PTD, every week, I’ve realized that in the early months of 12to28 I have to slow down and ENJOY and focus on what I can focus on without overwhelming myself. But don’t fret Poetry will be infused ever so gently in the coming weeks….I have a few things/people up my sleeve.

Finally, my internet capabilities are limited and I’m working out a routine to post a minimum of twice weekly. So thanks for being patient while I work this all out and find my groove and THANKS for joining me on this journey!