Hand Dancing at the Beach

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Bill

My name is Bill and I am a dancer. :)

Actually I am just learning to dance, specifically a type of dance locally known as Hand Dancing in the D. C. style (yes, D.C. as in District of Columbia). After being a non-dancer for my entire life I was “persuaded” to attend a lesson for learning to Hand Dance. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was not averse to dancing – but just preferred to sit and watch. I would slow-dance and do a “freestyle” bop-to-the-beat on occasion but, pretty much, that was about it.

So, now I am hooked; addicted you might say. But that is not a bad thing. Some would say it is a very good thing – and I am having fun – in Ocean City, MD, Fenwick Island, DE, and thereabouts.

Questions come to mind. So what is this thing called Hand Dancing? Where can I learn more about it? Can I see any dancing online? That’s what this site is about – to point readers in the direction of answers to those question. Along with Editor Terri, we’ll have help from a couple of other dancers who have gotten the “bug” and strive to improve – and dance more.

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Meet Me At The Beach 2012

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Bill

At the beginning of March hundreds of people interested in the D.C. Style of hand dancing will converge on Ocean City for three days of instruction, fun, social interaction and, of course, dancing.

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Happy Feet, Happy Face, Happy Body

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Terri

Have you ever seen anyone dancing who does not have a smile on their face?  This is the best feeling.  Freedom to move in a controlled (sometimes not so controlled) manner is a wonderful panacea for the body and mind.  It is more fun than going to an aerobics class.  I like to do my sweating on the dance floor not in the gym.  My feet and brain are learning new steps; my face is gaining new smile wrinkles and my body is smaller.  In the last year, I have lost 20 pounds without trying.  Yeah!  My body and brain are getting what they need.  Stimulation.  I actually get excited when it is a dance night and can’t wait to raid my closet for something frivolous to wear.

Isn’t it time for you to get excited about dancing?  Come on and join us…you, too, will acquire the energy it takes to have happy feet, a happy face and a happy body.  

There are two Hand Dance groups in Ocean City.  Contact either one or both.  That’s what I did.  DC Hand Dance Club and the Delmarva Hand Dance Club.  Check out their websites.

 

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DC Hand Dancing at Whispers Pub in Glen Burnie, MD

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Bill

Here is a [very] experienced couple dancing at Whispers Pub, an “entertainment” restaurant in Glen Burnie. Sandra and Stan were our “teachers” when we attended a class there on Tuesday evening. Actually Sandra was the instructor and was assisted by Stan. The class was effective and broken into two half-hour segments. The first part was for beginners and taught the “basic” six count step: Walk – Walk – Tap – Step – Tri-ple-step. The “triple step” is done in TWO counts and is [basically] the cha-cha-cha step in doing the Cha Cha.

Note that, even though there are many fancy and intricate turns and moves – the basic step is maintained by both dancers throughout the entire dance. There are a few necessary variations to accommodate the multiple spins (which take longer than a two-count) – but are quickly back on track/tempo/beat.

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