Ballroom Dance
June 5, 2009
Writing about ballroom dance is irresistible to me. Many years ago my parents met in a dance hall called the Intercolonial in Roxbury Massachusetts. I’ve know how to waltz since I was six and took lessons in my parents’ living room. We learned the fox trot, the waltz, the Irish “jive” from the best teachers, my parents. I always wanted a “man who could dance” as a partner.
I was devastated when I got to college and realized that my family’s tradition of dropping whatever we were doing to waltz to whatever “great” song came on the nine hour long “Irish Hour” wasn’t normal. I have such fond memories of attending Irish fundraisers and dancing with my family.
I am happy to report that my fiance is a dancer and although I am not certain where he learned, I suspect that it was from his parents in the living room.
My favorites dances would be any that I learned from my parents including the waltz, polka, and my more recent favorite, ”the swing”. I have songs that when played, I can’t sit and listen.
According to wikipedia there are several types of ballroom dance including:
International Style includes:
International Latin includes:
- Cha Cha - Samba - Rumba - Paso Doble - Jive
American Style
- American Smooth
- Waltz - Tango - Foxtrot - Viennese Waltz
- American Rhythm
- Cha Cha - Rumba - East Coast Swing - Bolero - Mambo
My fiance, francis will dance with me at weddings, etc. I am not sure that he love to dance, but I know that he can and he will, which is nice.
Ah, Eileen, if I think of you dancing, I can’t but help but think of all the times I spent with you and Maigread’s families dancing at those Irish festivals and fundraisers. The Siege of Ennis will always live on in my memory (and me without a drop of Irish blood!).
Thanks. We have had so much fun through the years.