Last night I went to my very first adult Irish dance lesson. I didn't know what to expect really except the fact that I would be sore in the morning (as prophesied by a friend). I knew that other moms couldn't make it until the next week but a 16 year old would be in the class that evening - just what my 40 something year old ego needed. So I was very happy when another 40 something mom showed up and equally glad that someone other than our owner would be teaching us. Some how that made us a little more confident that our teacher would be laughing with us instead of laughing at us - however the laughing was to come in the form of the senior dancers peeking into our studio as they passed by en route to the water fountain. After a few gentle warm ups the fun began. We started out with the same basic steps that the 5 year olds learned - 3s, Hop, Toe, Step and 7s. It was simple enough and soon the three of us were dancing across the floor. Then, Eileen started increasing the music speed until it was "normal" and asked us to dance around the perimeter of the studio. It was at this point I was sorry I didn't invest in that oxygen tank like I wanted to and the crutches I noticed in the office suddenly looked appealing. The other mom said at one point she had a whole new respect for her son and I had to agree.
As I crawled - I mean walked into the house my daughter (who has not been thrilled about the idea of me dancing) came running to me asking how the class was and wanting to see what I learned. So I began to demonstrate Hop, Toe, Step only to be told I was doing it all wrong and she began to show me how to do it correctly. Everyone's a critic aren't they? Of course I had to let her know that I was complimented on my turn out - something that's been nagging her and that quickly shut her up. It didn't take long, however, for rigor mortis to set in and even though I did some post dance stretching it was becoming apparent that I was going to need a strong dose of Ben Gay, Tired Old Ass Soak (yes there's a product called that sold through a mail order catalog), Bushmills or all of the above. I settled for the Ben Gay and a big glass of water. After whining a bit on Facebook and Twitter I decided it was time for bed but was seriously dreading what the morning would bring. To my surprise I wasn't as sore as I thought I'd be and I am looking forward to the next class but not the mirrors in the studio that make me look fat. It's the mirrors right - not the x amount of pounds I've gained (all of which I found on the dance floor Monday night) since the last time I took dance classes.
All kidding aside Irish dance is a great workout, challenging dance style and a good time for all ages. For all those reasons I'm looking forward to going back to the next class but will look into that oxygen tank just to be safe! Til next time - Slainte!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Dancin' Days Are Here Again
Wednesday evening I'm sitting in the lobby of our Irish dance studio talking with a friend when our teacher comes up to me:
"Can you be here Tuesday at 6pm to help fit shoes on our new beginner class?"
I'm one of Shoe Committee Chairpeople so of course I said yes. Then she added with smile,
"We're starting an adult beginner dance class Monday night"
Stunned I replied "Which Monday night?"
"This Monday night at 8pm."
Apparently she started to spread the world and a few adults came forward saying they would do it. It just so happened that the friend I was talking to at the time was one of the adult dancers who talked me into this in the first place and overheard the whole conversation. A coinkydink? I think not. So now panic has set in......I haven't had a formal dance lesson in years and I'm a little nervous. Of course what I need to do is not take myself so seriously after all I'm not planning to compete. This is just for fun right? Of course it is. I'm also hoping taking lessons is going to help me coach my daughter - who is not amused by this in the least! She's afraid I'm going to start feising. Of course a friend of mine took great pleasuring in messing her yesterday telling her that I was looking at the Cleveland feis and how we could have matching solo dresses. She just groaned and rolled her eyes. I have a feeling though that I'm going to be the one groaning after class Monday night! I'll let you know as soon as I get out of the oxygen tent...Til next time! Slainte!
"Can you be here Tuesday at 6pm to help fit shoes on our new beginner class?"
I'm one of Shoe Committee Chairpeople so of course I said yes. Then she added with smile,
"We're starting an adult beginner dance class Monday night"
Stunned I replied "Which Monday night?"
"This Monday night at 8pm."
Apparently she started to spread the world and a few adults came forward saying they would do it. It just so happened that the friend I was talking to at the time was one of the adult dancers who talked me into this in the first place and overheard the whole conversation. A coinkydink? I think not. So now panic has set in......I haven't had a formal dance lesson in years and I'm a little nervous. Of course what I need to do is not take myself so seriously after all I'm not planning to compete. This is just for fun right? Of course it is. I'm also hoping taking lessons is going to help me coach my daughter - who is not amused by this in the least! She's afraid I'm going to start feising. Of course a friend of mine took great pleasuring in messing her yesterday telling her that I was looking at the Cleveland feis and how we could have matching solo dresses. She just groaned and rolled her eyes. I have a feeling though that I'm going to be the one groaning after class Monday night! I'll let you know as soon as I get out of the oxygen tent...Til next time! Slainte!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
North Coast Feis 2012
I know it seems a little strange to be talking about a feis that was just held a month ago and is still a year away but the planning for the 2012 North Coast feis has begun! Since I was nominated Corresponding Secretary at last night's meeting - I thought I would take my job seriously and correspond updates as the year goes on. I came into the feis committee late last year so this will be an interesting experience seeing how a feis is put together from start to finish. I won't bore you with every little detail but somethings are worth sharing.
Format: The feis will remain a one day feis (Saturday) and will maintain the same cap of 850.
Payment: The suggestion was made to accept online payments only next year.
Judges/Musicians: The committee is considering eliminating 2 musicians in order to afford inviting an overseas judge - possibly Ireland.
Stages: Last year's stages were the minimum size allowed and were deemed too small. They will enlarged for the 2012 feis. The possibility of moving the stages to the perimeter of floor and having the camping area in the middle was discussed. This would help to keep the music from "bleeding" through from another stage.
Venue: The feis will remain at the I-X Center for next year.
Cost: There was some discussion of raising the price of the competitions and possibly going to an admission charge rather than a family fee. Nothing was decided.
Overall comments from various message boards and the FeisWorx survey were positive with a few concerns here and there - mostly about the size of the stages and conditions of the parking lots at the hotel and venue. So there you have it! Our meetings are held monthly and I'll update this blog as the year goes on and more information becomes available. Til next time - Slainte!
Format: The feis will remain a one day feis (Saturday) and will maintain the same cap of 850.
Payment: The suggestion was made to accept online payments only next year.
Judges/Musicians: The committee is considering eliminating 2 musicians in order to afford inviting an overseas judge - possibly Ireland.
Stages: Last year's stages were the minimum size allowed and were deemed too small. They will enlarged for the 2012 feis. The possibility of moving the stages to the perimeter of floor and having the camping area in the middle was discussed. This would help to keep the music from "bleeding" through from another stage.
Venue: The feis will remain at the I-X Center for next year.
Cost: There was some discussion of raising the price of the competitions and possibly going to an admission charge rather than a family fee. Nothing was decided.
Overall comments from various message boards and the FeisWorx survey were positive with a few concerns here and there - mostly about the size of the stages and conditions of the parking lots at the hotel and venue. So there you have it! Our meetings are held monthly and I'll update this blog as the year goes on and more information becomes available. Til next time - Slainte!
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