Square Dances in the Port

On Sunday I attended a square dance in Portland, and it reminded me of the social goodness which exist.

It was a place you would not expect to find an old-time band. I don't want to be cliche, but it was a concrete jungle leading through spiraling exit ramps and right-hand roads to a bike shop/bar/dance floor/community center.

Upon arriving, I watched the dancers for the first move (which we had narrowly missed). Its alright though, I didn't want to jump right in into the first dance of the night. I watched them do a line dance, kind of a simplified version of the Virginia Reel. After that, I jumped in with my partner, and started spinning and wheeling and turning.

I learned so many new moves during the dance. Actually... all of them were new or variations, which was wonderful. The whole dance brought new light up within me (And saying that, trying to not sound religious.)

Its weird.

Dancing seems to let me be the happiest that I feel. Well... I should say square dancing. I have tried other dances, and I really like them. But I think social dances are the best. I really like the fact that people can simply meet together, hold hands and swing together as a group. Its a place to chat, meet, and catch up, and just enjoy yourself.

One move I really liked was called the half alamand. One person was the "anchor", and the other was spun around the square. It included holding their hands, and the "anchor" swings them from right to left and then letting go as the next person catches them and keeps swinging them. It ends with you getting your partner back and then swinging.

I also really like the fact that this group does the two hand swing, instead of the ballroom swing. I don't want to sound creepy or strange, but I'm really glad there is a community within an urban area so full of people, that are willing to touch and interact with each other without feeling creepy or strange. It is such a good sign that strangers are willing to take people in and swing them away.

And now I have been having a bliss moment for a while. It happened at the coffee shop, when I was just staring out the window, thinking of the people on the bus, and how they are all wonderful. It reminded me of people that I have met throughout my life, and how I am still keeping up with them and posting things like this blogs to share my thoughts.

I am also wrapping up with my night, listening to Welcome Night Vale, scaring myself with the creeps of the podcast. I highly recommend it.