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).
