The past few weeks have been INSANE, with work piling up and up and up. I hope to get the hang of things soon, and realize that it's just part of getting used to the job.

Last weekend I went to a swing night! No, not the "swingers" night you'd see on the O.C., but swing dancing! My superboyfriend (SBf) enjoys swing dancing, and he took me out with some of his friends to one of their special events (of which I can't remember the name of). It was out by Ossington and Bloor, in what looked like an old converted chapel. Nonetheless, when we walked in I saw a group of guys very well dressed in black suits, white ties and top hats -- It was the swing band! They were warming up for the night. There was a beginner's dance that was just finishing up when we walked in. Once that was complete, everyone started entering the main hall.

The main hall room looked like an old gymnasium, with barely functional plastic ceiling fans, inaccessible windows and hardwood floor paneling. The band got right on and started playing almost immediately. Apparently this was a very busy night because there was a live band. I couldn't see this being nearly as great an experience without the vivacity of a live band -- Of course, I may be just a *bit* biased!

Diversity Dancing
There were so many different types of people there. Whether it be white, asian or latino, old and young, gay or straight, this place had almost everything. It was kind of like a club called El Convento Rico, but gone swing rather than latino. Although there were clearly gay people in the building, the sight of 2 gay guys dancing still did turn heads.. But I guess that's to be expected unfortunately. Still, it was quite accepting (at least tolerant) of everyone.

The music was GREAT. They played the catalogue of swing songs that I knew (i.e. the top 40 of swing), including Jump Jive and Wail, which was amazing to watch! The dynamic between the partners was electric; when 2 people were swing dancing, they knew each other's moves and it was like they were connected. Incredible. I also liked how people changed partners quite frequently, often asking people sitting down if they'd like to dance. You'd think that they'd be a big awkward at first, but most of the time they danced like they knew each other!

One of the main reasons why were there was because my SBf was performing. He and a friend choreographed a 3 minute piece to a swing tune called "trucking". It was great because everyone crowded around in giant 1/2 circle to watch them perform! It was also someone's bday, and for a duration of a song the woman danced with a slew of guys, one after another. There was a connection knowing which guy would be next in the sea of people, so no one would step on each other's toes (no pun intended). She must have dance with at least 7-8 guys in that one song!

Oh, I also got to meet one of my SBf's ex-boyfriends. That was fun indeed :). It was great to put a name to the face now at least to one of his exes. His ex also introduced me to his new bf, which I spoke a fair amount with because he chose not to dance as well. It was also funny because I found that this ex was totally looking me up and making and assessment, and dare I say perhaps an ounce of jealousy? :)

You're all wondering, did I dance? Some of you may know that I do like to dance at clubs (whenever I can actually go), but this time I passed on the opportunity. I guess I didn't feel comfortable yet (i.e. dancing with another guy in a public space and dancing to a type of dance I've never danced to), but perhaps in the future I will. It was just more fascinating watching all these people enjoy this night out and observing a new sub-culture to me. Plus, I was great watching my SBf dance with all his swing friends!

Take care,

RE

"Jack and Jill went up the hill to get a pail
Jill stayed up, she wants to learn how to jive and wail!!!"