Move Across the River 2009

Move Across the River 2009 was a blast and a whirlwind – two days (Friday and Saturday), four classes, and three dances means coming home very tired and a little sore! In the last forty-eight hours we’ve taken classes in Chicago Jitterbug, Arkansas Street Swing, St. Louis Imperial Swing, and Carolina Shag and from some great instructors. I think one of the most valuable things that came out of the weekend was a realization about my own learning style and how to get the most out of these group sessions.

The thing to remember – I discovered – is that the instructors are teaching a routine and (unless you’re planning on doing a routine yourself) you’ll probably seldom use the moves in the same order as they’re being taught. So, the point is to learn the moves themselves as individual units and not worry so much about the transitions.

Secondly, there are going to be some instructors you don’t gel with. That’s okay – it’s no big deal, you don’t have to be in tune with everyone who teaches at every event you attend. For me it’s a lot better to bail on a session than to stand around getting frustrated. Sometimes I can even pick up a move or two from the sideline when the pressure is off.

We came away with something called an Illusion Turn, A Man’s and Woman’s Neck Wrap, and a Belly Rub from the Carolina Shag – all of which we’re working on perfecting so that we can work them into our various swings.