Dance class etiquette 101

I love going over to the Mission. I always learn something new and it builds a confidence in me to try harder. There are some things that I was noticing about class last night, not just about movement, but about personalities, styles, and abilities in general.

(1.) The Wild Child: There is always the one person gonna out dance everyone else. Typically they are stationed in the front. They wear the video chick out fits (low-rise pants, thong showing, long hair flaring, full on make-up in some instances). Instead of focusing on definition, they are all about power. They have to hit the hardest, stomp the loudest, and spin the fastest. I dunno, some folks have various ways of self-expression, but often not sure of this one. I guess because I tend to appreciate quality over quantity, definition over explosiveness, and with the "wild child," definition gets totally lost. But as long as you appreciate the dance, keep shakin'.

(2.) The Space Hogs: These are the folks that will congeal in one quadrant of the floor. Typically the most comfortable spot. When the instructor calls to switch rows, these fools pull fast ones and just will walk in a circle or switch with a friend to their right or left, just because they want to stay in the front. Come on folks, give others a chance to take the class in and move about. Selfish folks I tell you. You try to be polite and ask folks to kind of scootch over, but they pretend like their deaf or something. I could flash, but why waste my precious time and energy? Thanks Allan for regulating.

(3.) The Intimidator: There is often one or two people that will stare at you for one reason or another, or will try to restrict your space. For example, there was one point where the instructor called out for just the ladies to move. Why was one guy still standing on the dance area? I did a spin and almost kicked him in the nuts. I should have. Serves him right for getting in my way.

(4.) The Unexpected: I LOVE these folks! RESPECT! RESPECT! RESPECT! These are the folks that appear unassuming, but will embarrass you on the dance floor with their skills. Often times, the dance world is much kinder to the pretty, the flawless, and the thin. If you are outside of those dimensions, you get treated like a red headed stepchild. On many occasions, I have seen folks that are classified outside the norm (a bit heavier than others, a bit older, etc.), but can cut a rug much better than those that try to keep them down or out of the way. I just have to give them their props whenever I see that. Keep doing your thang folks!

(5.) The Chatters: This can be a bit distracting. I don't wanna hear about who you got it on with, who you don't like, or worse, hear you talk about other folks in class and then burst into laughter, etc. If you have to be rude, save that for another time and place. Despite what you think, folks can still hear what your saying, and an ass kickin' may be waiting for you downstairs.

(6.) The Ant Pants: These are folks that can't keep still or wait their turn to do their thing. Often times, an instructor will break a class into groups (i.e. #1, #2, etc.). The instructor will call out group #1, then #2, then #3. Why do I see the same person(s) in all three groups? Often times they will double as a Space Hog too and take over the front, or totally get in someone's way. They will tend to be a Wild Child too. Everyone is there to learn, but it doesn't help when space for folks to represent is limited because some folks can't wait their turn.

(7.) The Coolios: These are folks that welcome you into the setting. A nice wave or what's up is always welcomed. Sometimes when you go to professional dance classes, they can be quite clique-ish. It helps to know that the whole group isn't like that. Thanks Coolios for extending a hand and helping in the learning experience.

(8.) The Super Buddy: It's always nice going to class with a homie, especially those that appreciate dance. You help each other out on the rough parts, and you don't laugh when they get it wrong (well, unless it's Jennykins and me, then all bets are off... she acts like Debbie Allen on Fame and has me in tears... j/k). I can't wait till my homie gets back so that we can stand in the back like dorks.

(9.) The Committed: These are folks that may be having some difficulty with movements, but regardless, they are still trying. Mucho props! Even though folks may snicker, they don't give a crap and keep working.

(10.) The Hot Boys: These are guys that can dance really, really well. Guys and movement... hmmmm :) Not just a sexay thang, but it says a lot about them. When someone has a passion about an art form, they have a focus and a drive, which I tend to appreciate.

I'll add more personalities later, but just had to get these out before I forget. Any other personalities you note?