Lexington, Kentucky is smack dab in the middle of horse country; the long legged beauties that live here reside in stables that are grander than my home. There's definitely money in them thar rollin hills; check out this hotel that looks like a castle.These horses wear blankets when it’s cold, and as my dad said, probably have servants who bring their oats on silver platters. I guess when you are capable of bringing home a million bucks you deserve your fancy breakfast.
On to why I’m talking so much about KY; Gary and I and my parents attended a very special swing dance very close to Lexington, Kentucky in High Bridge. It’s an historic spot; a railroad trestle spans a deep gorge with a sparkling river running underneath. At the top of a nearby hill is a park named High Bridge. In that park is an old dance pavilion with a wood floor. I won’t spend a lot of time describing because I know Gary will. J We had a blast. The MetroGnomes played (cute name), and they were great. Fab singer too. We danced a few hours. The Ky Hepcats Swing Club put on the event.
There were a few excellent dancers there. Mostly the good ones were older. Of the young people, only one man was, in my opinion, good. He definitely had it going on; he knew all the moves and was very slinky and smooth. He adjusted his obvious talent to whoever he was dancing with. The other twenties somethings were good in that they knew many moves, but oftentimes were jerky. I think of this, because if my arm were yanked out of my socket the way some of the young men were doing to their partners I would feel pain for a week. (NOTE: I don’t just think younger dancers are all moves…sometimesprofessionals look (to me) to be to be all technique and no soul.)
So I was ruminating about that on the way home; we passed lots of fancy horse stables, and I saw babies cavorting next to their mothers. The moms moved with grace; rippling muscles and a smooth gate. The colts and fillies hopped and skipped, sometimes their legs going every which way. Lots of energy, but no grace.
Gary asked me later on that night if I wished we’d started dancing earlier. Sometimes I do. It would be nice to be able to dance and not think about injuries the way I have to now. But as an optimist, here is how I mostly see it. First, I believe you come to things when the time is right. I don’t know if I would have had the discipline when I was younger to learn, nor the time. The work position I had ten years ago was stressful, and we had a huge yard and house to maintain.
Additionally, as I have grown older I’ve acquired more patience. Some. Bottom line, at this point in my life I’m willing to spend time on technique to get it right. And, although my body is creakier than it used to be, I know how to use it in a way I didn’t when I was younger. Also, I like myself now. And I don’t care as much what people think. That makes a difference when you are doing something in a public venue; at least it does for me.
Finally, I like having a steady dance partner. I understand some people think dancing with many people improves skills. Perhaps. I get that it would improve your skill in adapting to others, but if you only plan on dancing with one person, why would that matter? Gary and I want to get good…with each other. And what we have together dancing is very special, and of course, unique.
Which brings me to something else I noticed watching the horses in the fields, and also during the Kentucky derby. Racehorses have a special pal; a buddy they practice with and accompany them to races. Interesting.
In conclusion, although I wish my knees wouldn’t hurt, I’m glad to be where I am in my dancing. I’m happy I have finally acquired the patience I need to spend time getting it right. I’m comfortable with my body. I don’t worry too much about the critiques of others. And most of all, I’m happy I have a steady guy to dance with.
The band starts up. They move to the floor. They catch the beat…and….they’re off!!!!!
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