Daniel & Laura

The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame was turned into an outdoor dance venue for its 10th anniversary celebration last night as part of Macon’s First Friday.  Dianne Kent kicked off the festivities by leading us in the Electric Slide and “New York, New York.”  Paula took over to teach everyone basic steps in the rumba and merengue.  Fascinated onlookers found themselves joining in the chant of “Quick quick slow! Quick quick slow!” as we all learned the rumba basic.  At 7:45, Mark Brooker and the Soul Proprietors took the stage to keep everyone’s newly trained feet moving.

Between sets, we put on a Dance Show Extravaganza (I’m thinking of Moulin Rouge: “We’ll call it…Spectacular Spectacular!”).  Charles and Leneta led off with an amazing and energetic samba; Daniel and I danced a cha-cha; Isabel put on her castanets for a solo paso doble, then Azmi joined her for a fiery tango; and Jim and JoyDawn got everyone clapping and cheering with their swing/lindy routine.  After the performances, Daniel lined everyone up for a surprise dance contest: The Twist!  The winners got t-shirts from the Sports Hall of Fame.

The dancing and music were great, but for me the highlight of the evening was having someone ask me about taking lessons.  Dancing is an addiction that’s actually good for you, and I’m always happy to be a “pusher!”

Jorge was on hand with his video camera and Chester kept straying from the DJ booth to take pictures, so stay tuned for photos and video.