PeekabooNWA

Step One for a Great Date Night: Dance!

Posted on 30. Aug, 2009 by admin in Chasing Date Night

I met my husband on a dance floor. Or rather, right next to it. He spent half the evening asking me to dance, and the other half showing me his moves. He made wild promises of wining and dining and everlasting love. Something like that. He understood that girls like to dance. And it worked. Eighteen years later, we’re still together. You’d think with that start we’d still be dancing at least once in a while. Unless you’re married. Then you know better.

We haven’t been dancing in ages. (Unless you count me begging and then dragging him to the dance floor of some charity event. And I don’t.) I feel cheated. Everyone knows girls like to dance, but guess what, guys? Women like to dance too. And it wouldn’t kill you to do it once in a while. It might put us in a very good mood.

Over the years, I’ve heard all the excuses. He doesn’t feel like it, doesn’t know this song, or needs another beer. But I think the real issue is a fear of looking stupid on the dance floor. Here’s the thing: everybody looks a little stupid dancing (especially people who think they look cool). You’ll feel a lot better about hitting the hardwoods if you know a few steps. I’m talking about real dances, not that old John Travolta boogie or Madonna Vogue you bust out at every wedding.

Learning structured dances will certainly boost your confidence, and may just twirl some romance back into your date nights.

Places to Take Dance Lessons in NWA:

• Salsa and Swing – Teatro Scarpino offers dances and lessons most Fridays. Check the calendar at www.scarpino.com or call 479-409-3772.

• Country – The Country Dance Club of Springdale provides instruction and dancing at various locations around NWA. Find out the schedule at www.countrydanceclub.com

• Ballroom – Dance and Swing in Rogers offers group instruction of a different class each month. Learn the basic steps and rhythm of the Foxtrot, Mambo, Tango, and more. Check out www.danceandswing.biz.

And ladies, if your potential dance partner needs convincing, enroll yourself in belly dancing lessons at the Jones Center, or drop in on a few Zumba classes at your favorite gym. Promise to show off your moves, but only if he shows you his!

Lela Davidson is a freelance writer living in Northwest Arkansas. She has tried every single one of these dance styles and still feels most comfortable with the John Travolta boogie. She accepts date night ideas at ldavidson98@gmail.com. Read more at www.afterthebubbly.com.