The essence of partner connection and musical dance skills will be the focus of a March 20 workshop.
Dancer Kamron Sammons will be offering an introduction to blues dancing between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Kamloops Sports Council, at 101-1550 Island Pkwy. on McArthur Island.
“Most dances focus on knowing steps and moves without emphasizing the ‘why,’” Sammons told KTW. “Once a dancer knows ‘why,’ they are moved into certain postures, weight changes and positions. The floor becomes a playground for even the most novice dancer and heaven for a skillful pair.”
During the two-hour long workshop, associated with Lindy in the Loops and the cost for which is $50, people will learn the basics of blues dancing to gain proficiency in social dancing.
“A few of us regular dancers in the community went to a swing dance retreat at a resort near Hope over winter,” Lindy in the Loops spokesperson Justin Mufford said. “We loved his [Sammons’] teaching style and his personality. He’s got lots of knowledge to share. Some of us booked a private lesson because he was so good and we stayed in touch.”
Mufford said when the members heard Sammons would be visiting Kamloops from Washington, D.C., on a skiing trip, they invited him to teach a special workshop.
“A lot of blues music is slower than swing and jazz,” Mufford said. “There’s actually a lot of crossover ... it’s a nice wind down at the end of our social nights.”
Blues dancing is a combination of contemporary and historical moves from the 1800s to mid-1900s, born from African and European roots. Blues Dance New York said it has evolved significantly in the last 15 years to include unique dynamics, aesthetics, rhythms, attitudes and step patterns that creatively express growth and creativity. It is well known for including improvisation and street dancing.
“If you’re new, don’t become intimidated,” Sammons said. “We focus on safety and fun. Everyone learns to dance. Even the most famous dancers of all time had to learn how. For those who aren’t new, but feel intimidated, remove the pressure.”
The advanced Blues dancing workshop will be offered from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 20 for $30. That workshop will cover some advanced ideas of the blues genre for those who have been to other blues lessons and social dances.
To purchase tickets for either workshop, go online to https://www.lindyintheloops.com/bluesworkshopmar20 to register.
