Basic Blues Workshop by David Chen

3 July 2009

Shall We Dance Studio

Article by Jane Kong

Photography by Lim Sue Ying

When I first heard of this workshop, I thought it would be something like jazz dance. But after the workshop, I realized that it was very relaxing and does not require much complicated moves.

There were 11 people in the studio including the instructor, David Chen. He gave the participants a short briefing on the Basic Blues movements and the variations before he started the workshop.

He taught us the basic hip twist and how to relax our body parts for about 20 minutes.  Then, he asked us to find a partner and began showing us new movements.

“It’s all about shifting your upper body first then moving your lower hip,” said David. He also said that blues requires the dancer to relax the body and to follow the flow of our movements. It was softer and slower compare to other types of dance.

Guys will have to lead the girls with their arms while the girls lean over the guys’ shoulders and follow their moves. It consisted of easy and simple steps where anyone could learn quickly in just one lesson.

Although the movements were easy and simple, the hardest part was the coordination between the partners in order to create a smooth flow of movements. The main priority is to make sure that your partner feels safe and calm although the guys may add in some surprise by lowering the girls’ back and then pulling them up again.

I felt that the Basic Blues style was very relaxing and it is suitable for those who just like simplicity and soft music while enjoying the quiet conversations with their partner.