Who knew when I published a post called, “No Mixer Banana Bread Circa 1986”, that I was participating in the pandemic phenomena of cooking and baking.  As a result of being sequestered at home, getting creative in the kitchen is a way to make us feel better.  So, isn’t it ironic that the things we’re doing to feel good, are probably gonna make us look bad?  Enter, social dancing and social distancing.  Because now we need ballroom dancing more than ever.

If you’re a ballroom dancer, you know it’s a great way to get into and stay in shape.  Moving to music takes you away from the daily grind.  Furthermore, listening to your favorite tunes encourages you to get out of your head and into your body.  Not to mention, dancers sleep better and their bodies recover from illness and fatigue faster than non-dancers.

Yeah, yeah, yeah…all that may be true.  But, social dancing and social distancing don’t mix.   

We can make it work. You’ve gotta rethink your definition of social dancing. Since social distancing requires us to keep 6′ apart, touch dancing isn’t happening. Does that mean we can’t dance? Of course not. We just can’t touch.

What are you suggesting?

This YouTube video shows how some people in Detroit manage distancing-dancing. To be sure, viewers are loving the way the group embraces getting up and dancing in the street. They’re not the least bit shy about it. We could all take a lesson from them.

And yet, don’t get me wrong, social dancing without holding your partner isn’t as much fun, but it’s better than not dancing at all. In the video, I see the dancers are doing a set routine, kind of like a line dance. Not only is it a sweet way to get your dance fix, but also it allows you to be part of a team. You’re not like some crazy person dancing alone in the street.

That’s all well and good, but I don’t have a posse of ballroom dancing buddies. What can I do about social dancing and social distancing?

Here’s where you get to unleash your inner-choreographer. Whether it’s only you or you and a partner, you can put together your own routines that can be danced individually. Later, when the danger has passed, you can use the choreography in your ballroom dancing.

Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to make you want to move. And, don’t worry, it can be as simple or as complicated as you want. It’ll be effective either way.

1. Pick a song for your routine.

To begin with, if you’re going to start dabbling in choreography, make sure you pick a song that you like. ALOT! This is because you’ll be hearing it over and over and over again.

2. Figure out which dances can be done to that piece of music.

Next, see which of the Ballroom, Latin, or Swing dances will work with your song. Be sure to identify the feeling and style of your song. Some ways to describe it could be: fast, slow, jazzy, bluesy, uptempo, or even romantic.

If the music sounds sort of mellow and easygoing, you probably won’t be doing any Cha Cha, Salsa, or fast Jive moves. On the other hand, something lively and upbeat would feel wrong with Rumba or Waltz steps.

3. Make a few sequences.

Now it’s time to create some combinations of steps for your choreography. Use the steps you’ve been doing in your lessons and at dance parties. By the way, feel free to mix in a few different dances. This is your routine and you need to do what makes you happy.

4. Repeat.

Finally, dance your combination all the way through and then do it again. Continue this until the song is over. And, then take a bow!

Dance Safari’s recipe for staying in shape…

• 1 new entree
• 1 sweet treat (topped with ice cream and whipped cream – optional)
• 20-30 minutes of ballroom dancing

Cooking and baking have had the power to soothe mankind for centuries. However, the good thing is ballroom dancing will keep you healthy and fit if you indulge. In any case, don’t let the lack of body contact stop you from enjoying ballroom dancing.

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