The Blessing of a Perfect Bachata Social
It’s not every day you find yourself in a Bachata social where every dance is a joy, where each partner is a delight and you can’t believe your good fortune. Recently, I had one of those rare, cherishable nights and it was nothing short of magic.
Embracing the Familiar and the Unfamiliar
The evening began as most do. I gravitated towards familiar partners, the ones I knew would provide a secure, enjoyable dance. As the night wore on, however, I found myself dancing with a couple of leads I hadn’t danced with before. One I had danced with just once, and the other was a complete stranger, who had been turned down by the dancer sitting next to me.
Finding Respect on the Dance Floor
You might think that dancing with unfamiliar partners would be a recipe for disaster, but surprisingly, it was the complete opposite. These new leads were incredibly careful, watchful, and responsive. Despite not being seasoned dancers, their respect for the dance and for me as a partner was evident. For once, I was not slammed into others, walked into, or gripped unmercifully.
Appreciating Every Dance and Every Dancer
I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciated every single dancer that night. It was a refreshing change from the routine experiences of being knocked about or yanked out of a turn. The appreciation I felt was not simply for the leads who were considerate, but also for the fact that the floor, despite being crowded, managed to maintain a level of order and civility.
The Bliss of Predictable Peace
As the night continued, the peaceful and respectful atmosphere persisted. It was as though I was part of a dance utopia, where everyone was there to simply enjoy the dance, respect each other’s space, and create a harmonious environment. It was truly a night to remember.
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Hope for the Future
That evening left me with a sense of hope and anticipation. If a night like this could happen once, it could surely happen again. However, it also made me reflect on the fact that this should be the norm, rather than the exception. We all play a part in creating the dance experience. A harmonious dance floor requires both leads and follows to be respectful, aware, and considerate.
Creating a Better Dance Community
This experience has reaffirmed my belief in the power of communication and mutual respect in Bachata. It’s shown me that when we approach each dance with the right attitude, we can truly transform our dance experience.
In conclusion, that unexpected night of perfect dances was a reminder that the dance floor is a place of connection, respect, and joy. It is our responsibility as dancers to create an environment where everyone feels safe and appreciated. Here’s to more nights of blissful dances!
