Week 34.

I have only been able to figure out that this week 34 by taking the number of completed terms (3) and multiplying by the weeks in each term (11) and adding one for the first week of the new term. I was good at math - can you tell.

Wow 34 weeks of dancing - that means I started nearly a year ago! This term I will be doing Variety level 3 - in which there are 4 styles taught on odd weeks and a different 4 on even weeks. I wonder why they call it "variety" - more like confusion. You just finish learning one step and then you practice a new step in a different style.

I will give you an example - this week we were introduced to Gafieira (had to check the spelling on that one *thanks Chris*). As with all of the steps we learn it looks fantastic when danced by instructors but we have to start with the basic steps. Starting on the left foot, step 1-2 on the spot. Slide the left foot forward and along the floor on 3-4. Step 1-2 on right and left. Slide back 3-4 on the right. Start over. The steps are very basic but there is a temptation to break into a hip action similar to Lambada. Corolyn was quick to correct this. We practiced back and forth on the spot and then tried travelling forwards and then backwards. I am not sure why the guys have to practice travelling backwards - I tried it in other steps at dance parties and it always results in collisions.

I had just started to get the hang of the basic Gafieria step when we switched to another style - and guess what - it was Lambada. Only seconds before I had persuaded my hips not to move and we progress to a step where they have to move!! It was more difficult than making the transition from the bike to the run leg in a triathalon. My Lambada style lacked that wonderful fluid motion that annoyingly comes as second nature to most of the opposite sex but I struggle to attain. It was frustrating, as I had made special effort to dance Lambada at the parties and practice around the house. Fortunately my partner was very understanding and gave me plenty of encouragement. Hint to the girls - a few kind words to your partner can boost confidence, reported to be a key ingredient found in good dancers.

Steve.