Swing dance coverage in the Post Magazine

It’s wonderful to see swing dance getting a feature article in the Washington Post Magazine. The fact is that there’s an enormous dance scene, a world in itself, here in DC and it’s one that really does merit that kind of attention. I want to discuss the article here and then go on with a little bit of reflection on dance that’s long overdue…

The article itself discusses both swing in general as well as the relationship that one dancer has had with swing and a dance partner of his. Steve Terry suffered a series of facial disfigurements at a young age that has made it challenging to find social outlets. Over time he found acceptance in the swing world–which is (at its best) more concerned with dance connection than one’s background or physical appearance. Specifically, reporter April Witt outlines a dance team known as the Eight Week Wonders and Steve Terry’s friendship & partnership with someone on that team.

While I’m casually familiar with the people in the article, the more important thing is it’s a reminder of just how powerful and exciting partner dance can be. Like many people, I started dancing as another social outlet and for a way to meet people (girls). But in the end it became a community and a passion. Perhaps not surprisingly the majority of my friends are either dancers or people who used to dance.

I know of so many people who struggle to find exciting things to do…or who find it difficult to feel a part of a community. I hope some of them will open their mind to dance. While I can’t say that everyone’s wonderful or that at times it doesn’t feel like high school with the many social groups and gossip…it’s still a good place to escape from the realities of work and the fast-paced techno-crazy 21st century. I’ve been dancing almost seven years now, and I still have a good time.

Sometimes I go dancing for the dance; there are people with whom I have a connection like that described in the article. Other times it’s just to be around friends. But as various hobbies come and go, dance is definitely here to stay for me.

I don’t have too much to offer with regard to her article, but I’m just excited to see swing getting its well-deserved attention. So get out and dance!