July 18, 2019 & July 20, 2019
Kizomba
Oh how I wish my laptop was working so that I could link video to my new favorite dance. Gurl when I say I gots a new pastime and I’ll be looking for some classes here and there in the states I surely do mean it, wholeheartedly.
Fear of Judgement
If you know me I have a huge fear of choreography it just don’t click with me. I’m more of an improv girl. I just don’t feel choreography. People say it’s muscle memory but as someone who has disassociated with their body for a number of years that 5 6 7 8 boom kat Lorie Ann was serving to the honey bunches of oats made me nervous.
Be lead
Kizomba at least the way our dance class in Paris taught it is led by the man. So I just followed directions. Not how I used to follow directions though afraid to make a mistake. Before leaving for the class I told myself 1. You have rhythm 2. Leave behind that old criticism of self reinforced by other people in the past 3. Just shed 4. Thank you.
With these tenants in tow Karen and Baki introduced me to the dance that brought them together. The room was small, hot, and full of eyes. At times I lowered mine or closed them all together. Either way I allowed the gents to lead me. Both correctly and incorrectly it was nice to be both right and wrong. I will say getting my toe stepped on did not feel good but it was a part of the process as I trampled over a few my damn self.
Baps
I had one partner in particular that I felt close to just innately. Baps. When I heard that I thought of B.A.P.S. the film starring Halle Berry one of my favorite films growing up. The acronym stands for Black American Princess, idk I just felt a piece of home present. And homeboy was wearing yellow, follow the signs.
Dance in between the drops
I made peace with something on the dance floor. Which transitioned into the next night when I invited Baps out to another venue. The instructions we gave weren’t the best so I ended up with another dance partner for the night. Karen’s dance partner the night before. When I tell you that man could dance he kept sweeping my foot and spinning me around then he damn near drop kicked me and had me land on the other knee. Honey when I tell you I was hooting and hollering grinning from ear to ear. Generally I am so afraid of falling but not this night love. Then came the rain. That ain’t stop him he just kindly moved me under the tree covering and continued to dance. By that time it was pouring down a bucket a drop as Pier would say. Still dancing. If you know kizomba you know it’s really sensual. #dryhumpin’intherain.
Checking my phone for Baps. Still dancing.
This new dance partner was trying to collect my phone number but it was raining so hard the rain was pressing random buttons on his phone. Talk about determination.
I have video that I’ll upload soon of the aftermath. My face and clothing are soaked. I think Paris is truthfully trying to capture my heart. Dancing along the Seine river until the rain washes us out. Feeling blessed real blessed.
Thank you. Love you, loving what I am feeling.🦋🖖🏾
