Workmanship and transcendence

I went out dancing last night again with two groups of people: my partner-dance friends and my jump-around friends. Jumping around was great. It doesn't take me long anymore to get into it, and I just do it, feel the music and dance. Then I danced some partner dances. Jive, more jive and a west coast swing. They were very conscious dances for me. I'm still working on my form, and trying to be a good follow. My brain is still very much engaged. It was only on the second dance that I experienced a few moments of actual freedom where I was just dancing, not thinking about dancing. Those moments brought me back to dancing with Alon and his brother, how with them it was so easy to simply DANCE. To forget about the moves and just let yourself feel it. Those were the moments of pure joy - of transcendence, rather than a rigorous workmanship of "step, step, step."

However, getting there takes some time and effort. In order to transcend in regular dancing, I've taken 10+ years of dance class and danced since I was a child. I've worked to overcome inhibitions on the dance floor and to learn how to feel and work with the music. And with partner dances, I really only have a year of technique under my belt. When the moves become part of my subconscious, then I believe I'll be able to transcend more than work.

This reminds me of some theory from sports and education. In gymnastics coaching we learned about "overlearning": where you practice a certain move or response until it becomes instinctual. In partner dances, I still need to over-learn some of the basics so that I fall into step no matter what. And from education, I recall the idea of automating intellectual processes. When we first learn a new mental technique it takes effort to use it. We use conscious mental powers to apply it. After some time and effort, however, it becomes an automatic process. Our subconscious takes care of it, freeing our mental power to concentrate on other activities - in this case, experiencing the sheer joy of dance.

Technocrap

I went out dancing on Friday night with quite a group of friends. We had planned on the Gator with its great live music and grimy ambiance. However, the Gator was mysteriously shut down for 4 days, so we had to go elsewhere. Our gathering-place was Flashbacks, a club I'd successfully avoided so far. However, the dance floor was empty so we were able to enjoy ourselves. Almost. It was techno night, so all the songs had - yes - a techno beat. I don't know quite what it is about the electronic pulse of techno that I find so soul-destroying, but I am now committed in my intense dislike of it. Because in spite of what people say, the "beat" of techno does not make me want to dance. Its boring, repetitive omnipresence actually kills my creativity. My body forgets how to move. It carries absolutely no inspiration for me. So I danced, because I wanted to, but not because the music facilitated it.

Next time: do not go on techno night!!!

Another perfectly described moment

Even though I love to go out dancing, this is so me:
http://www.xkcd.com/238/

Also: this is my 100th post! Wow ... that's quite exciting.