I had the pleasure of meeting quite a character over the last few weeks’ by the name of Bruce Patterson. A Vietnam Veteran and retired Marine, He spends his spare time dancing up a storm at the beach. I date a certain bass player and that’s how I met Bruce, at one of snookum’s shows. He is every bit the old fashioned gentleman who loves to have a good time and dance to music that has a real audible beat!

While at the shows Mr. Bruce has been kind enough to share his stories with me and tell me all about dancing,  and given me a copy of his personal opinion piece on the art of dancing which I present to you, in parts, here. I hope you enjoy reading his thoughts as much as I did.

The Art of Dance: Part 1

By Bruce Patterson

Ballroom Philosophy:

The mission of  the gentleman is to SHOWCASE the lady...He is to lead her through the moves that bring  attention to the lady, not himself...It should be obvious to any onlooker that the style of dance presented by the gentleman is that he is symbolically  spoiling the lady, pampering the lady, worshiping the lady, placing the lady on a pedestal, and treating her like a princess...he should NEVER lead himself into any component that would have him turn his back on the lady at any time during the dance...any of the gentleman’s personal style movements should bring attention to the lady not himself...

Ballroom dancing is a PARTNERSHIP in which a couple works together, via leading and following, to accomplish their special goal of having FUN....

Basics:

Each dance has its own “basic” movement. The “basic” must be learned FIRST, and then practiced. Then movements can be added, such as an underarm turn, reverse underarm turn, cross-over break, and more. All Social/Fun dancing is easy to learn, yet it does take a lot of practice.

Terminology of the Three “Levels” of Dance Technicality:

Bronze [beginner]

Sliver [intermediate] most are actually easier than bronze

Gold [advanced and complicated individual moves/components---not really a “level”]

These “levels” should not be used by anyone who is a beginner and only interested in the Social/Fun style of dancing.

The Three Ballroom Dancing Styles

1. Social/Fun

2. Exhibition/Memorized Choreography

3. Competition/ Extended Rehearsal

There are also variable types of people who like to do various types and styles of dances and movements. The person’s ego, attitude, and size can greatly vary what the person does.

Dance Timing

Waltzes are 3/4, all others are 4/4. Beats per minute (BPM) vary with various dance music, and even vary with the dance type, from slow to fast.

What do you think?  

If you would like to meet Mr. Bruce or dance with him and the gang come out to Goodtime Charley’s at Broadway at the Beach on Wednesday and Saturday nights to hear Tripod and you are sure to have a great time!

Stay tuned for part 2 and check out the Conway Journal on Facebook for more local news and stories....