12.23 Learning American Pair Dance in Sign Language (Review)

Hello, this is Nami♡ from Deaf Dance. The world has been quite busy lately, and as the kanji suggests, I feel like I'm losing my heart, so I've been causing trouble by not being able to keep up with preparations properly. But even at times like these, dance is a world of equality. I've put the world aside for now and went dancing.

Today, a total of 12 people gathered: 4 deaf people and 8 hearing people. It really makes a difference to have a social time after the session! I was back to smiling by this time, too. (Bottom right)

First, we started with a merengue warm-up. Both regulars and those who haven't been here in a while were able to do up to the third version.

After getting used to turns with walk practice and merengue, we did the foxtrot for the first time in a while.

We covered the closed position and promenade position. Everyone was pointing and asking questions like, 'Wait, I don't quite get this!' I encouraged them by saying we just have to try dancing it, and after actually trying it and getting corrections from Yoshi-sensei, everyone was able to do it, right?

The last part was swing, not Jitterbug. The point is that the left hand being lower feels different from the international style. Otherwise, it's almost the same. We also did movements that involve changing places, and since we ran out of time at the end, Yoshi-sensei said, 'I have to go, but everyone please practice on your own!' So we said 'Happy New Year' and everyone stayed behind to dance the last swing of the year.

I was allowed to count the beats, but when I tried doing it by stomping my feet, the hand movements and the foot stomps didn't match! It was quite difficult. But everyone told me that the foot stomping was easier to understand.

After it was over, we had a social gathering. The Lindt chocolates and dango were delicious!

The next sessions are on 2025.1.6 and 20. Have a great New Year. Thank you for your support and participation, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, throughout the year.