Monday, April 8, 2013

Spain series (4)-- dancing with feelings: Salsa


When it comes to dancing, I keep two principles: 1) I don't like being led so I only learn solo dancing. 2) I thought that without hard practicing or preparations, one should not dance in front of strangers. All these principles vanished in Spain when I learnt the true meaning of dancing--- dancing from the heart or dancing with feelings. 

When I was in Valencia Spain, I was lucky enough to meet people who liked salsa dancing. I was invited to join the free dancing lessons held in one of the universities. It was taught by students for students. There, they taught everyone techniques and skills about salsa dancing. I did enjoy myself so much that even with my hurt foot(I hurt my left foot when looking for a shared apartment), I kept on practicing with my dancing partner. Little did I know that this free dancing lesson gave my hurt foot so much burden that it took me at least 3 months to recover. Yes, I was very tough when it comes to dancing, I basically wanted to conquered physical limits like any other athletics do. Silly I know. I gave up going to the class after the first lesson because my foot called for that.




That was the first encounter of Salsa. I never thought that I would be given a second chance and that my perceptions towards dancing changed completely. It was at the birthday party of my friend and her brother that I learnt the true meaning of dancing. My friend's brother was an avid salsa dancer and after the first dance with his girlfriend, i was invited for the second dance. I was not prepared but somehow I was confident that I could manage. So, I put my heart into the music and heard the rhymes and my feet started moving naturally. Maybe because my leading partner was good enough to know how to lead the dance, I just picked up everything easily and got the hint as when to turn and which direction to go for. It was magical and I never thought that dancing with someone can be wonderful too. As long as the partner respects women, you wont feel uneasy having physical contact(well, they respect you enough not to have contact with your other body parts except hands and NO sliding of hands here and there on your waist). 




Then during a mini road trip I had another chance of dancing with my friend's brother and his friend. I managed well with both of them. They even asked me if I had learnt salsa before I said no. Yes, it's strange that I could dance like I had taken tons of lessons before but No I only had one free lesson and that's it. I guess it's because they could lead so well that I could follow well.




The cup here by Royal Grafton and design of pink and raised jeweled dots reminds me that dancing is a pure expression of passion one has and that dancing is not mechanism. One should only follow one's own heart or feelings instead of going through harsh practicing. It's not the perfection of dance that make things work, it's the joy you have when you are dancing that makes it enjoyable. 




It's such a liberation when one learnt that dancing with a partner does no harm as he respects his partner and as long as men are good enough to lead, let them lead. (I dont like being led but if they have the ability then let it be)





It's such a wonderful experience to forget about techniques and mechanical practicing. Be in the moment is the most important elements of dancing. 



Note: After 3 months of suffering with the foot, and after putting on chinese medicine my family sent me and two consultations in local hospitals , I finally came across one clinic that saved me, and after 3 times treatments, my foot was fully recovered and guess what, all treatments were free of charge. That's why I had a deep feeling that I had done something really good in previous life in Spain and people were returning my kindness during this one-year trip.

Have a nice week!

I am joining tea cup Tuesday with Terri & Martha .


14 comments:

  1. Hi Felicity,
    I loved to read about another of your Spanish experiences together with your considerations about dancing and enjoying it!
    As to the cup, it was a great choice that reminds us of Spain and typical dresses with that vivid colour, gilded lace and small dots.
    Again, a very elegant English tea cup, this time by Royal Grafton!
    Thanks for the lovely post.
    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maria,
      I am more impressed with your lovely oriental tea cups.
      Thanks for the nice comment.

      Felicity

      Delete
  2. Hi Felicity,
    you must really be a lucky (Felcity) girl because you create such wonderful tea posts. I love the combination of Spanish dance and the tea cups. I checked you last post which I missed. Each is so nice. I love the Royal Albert cup with Fallas pattern. The bracelet looks so precious, I would have bought it, too. And the other cups are also beautiful. Todays cup is just the right for a vivacious dance like Salsa. It reminds me to the beautiful colorful Spanish skirts. Thank you for this lovely post and for your visit with the kind comment.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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    Replies
    1. Dear Johanna,
      Thanks for your visit.
      Well, I was a lucky girl but now I really NEED some luck as my life is going a bit crazy right now.
      I came across some very challenging events lately and still on the downside of the wheel of fortune.

      I need God's and Angels blessings.

      I just admire your decoration skills.

      Felicity

      Delete
  3. Love the Royal Grafton teacup. It has a *salsa* color! :D :D Happy Tea Day!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Snap,
      You have great intuition it seems. I do need your smiley to make my day.

      Thanks for the positive energy.

      Felicity

      Delete
  4. Hello Felicity,
    I am sorry to hear about your foot troubles, but happy to hear you have it sorted out now. Yay!
    I am so inspired by your passion for learning dance. It is easy to hear how much a part of you it is. No wonder you did it so well after only one lesson. Dancing is a part of you.
    Your cup is stunning, and does remind one of movement and drama! Perfect!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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    Replies
    1. Hi Terri,
      Thanks for your visit.
      Yes the foot trouble has long gone. I felt grateful that there were people who could help without asking anything in return.

      Now I am going through the similar stage like I went through 2 years ago in my life.

      I hope I can overcome the challenges life throws at me.

      Felicity

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  5. I've had a week of salsa lessons two summers ago. It was very uncomfortable at first to be lead as I'm not used to it. But I finally enjoyed the experience and it's a good memory. Your cup is lovely, as usual.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Magali,
      Thanks for your visit.
      I did not like being led because I dont want to blame anyone if the dance is not working well.
      But then a good dancer can really take the lead.

      Felicity

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  6. Hi Felicity, gosh your dancing experience reminds me of my years and years of figure skating and injuries. Good thing we always have tea to look forward to after. :) I hope you have a lovely week.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Veronica,
      Thanks for your visit.
      My foot trouble has long gone, but something else comes up to me as a challenge.
      I hope things will turn out fine for me in the end.

      Felicity

      Delete
  7. HI FELICITY: I read your comment. I want you to know that I will be praying for you. Remember God is faithful, even when we are not. Love your dancing story today. Had a little computer problem so I am running late. Blessings, Martha

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  8. Had a min. to visit, I too am a solo dancer, I always said I had music running through my veins :):).I'm glad you had those lovely experiences with dancing,it makes you feel for real, you described it perfectly. I think your really good in this life too...
    The tea cup is very lovely beautiful color. Thanks for sharing a little peak into your life it was special. Hope you have a great weekend. Things will be fine sweety...

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