Dancers in Need for Children in Need

I’ve gone and done it again.  I’ve gone and volunteered to do something without thinking about the consequences. Again.

These things always seem such a good idea and the time, and I do love to dance..I do love my salsa.  But dancing for complete and utter fun, and dancing for the enjoyment of others and for an ultimately serious purpose, is something else entirely.

But when word got out about Dancers in Need, all I could think was, I love dancing, I’ll do that, it’s for charity, I love dancing, I’ll do that, it’s for charity..and so I am doing that, and it is for charity, but will I be any good really?.  And, more importantly, do I want to know if I am any good……for years I have existed in this happy little salsa bubble where I was or am good enough for me, thank you very much. I don’t teach it, I don’t perform it, I simply dance it…and so the truth is of little importance.  In my head i move like Ginger Rogers. 

Like I said, in my head…

However, someone is going to tell me exactly how well (or not) I dance in a few weeks time.  And it may change my life forever…or at least the way I feel about dancing.

Sorry, I haven’t explained Dancers in Need, have I.

Well, what it is is this.  For Children in Need 2008 some of the BBC Local Radio Stations are doing their own versions of Strictly Come Dancing.  No, not just on radio, at special glitzy events where we all will all wear sparkly frocks, descend Hollywood-style staircases without falling over (please God), and impress the audience, if not with our dancing prowess, with our bravery for agreeing to do it in the first place.

You see, it does sound like a good idea, doesn’t it.  But I am a social salsa dancer and know nothing of the ballroom.  I happily screech around salsa floors wiggling and giggling in what i like to think of as my own free-spirited style (although others my describe it differently)

But now I need to be disciplined, learn new dances, sort of “perform”, smile throughout, look elegant (impossible), and not cry when the judges give their marks.

You see, it has changed my perspective already.

I usually dance as if no-one’s watching, because usually no-one is watching, but soon many people will be watching, and my safe little salsa bubble might burst…

Although I am looking forward to it, sort of, as i like a new challenge.  And my place of work has become a little bit like fame, with people practicing their steps behind the filing cabinets,  whilst the kettle’s boiling in the kitchen, and whilst walking along the corridors…and they’ve only just started.

Me? I am used to this particular kind of addictive behaviour having been a salsa addict for six years, now.   But to see it happen to one’s colleagues is faintly odd…

Meeting my dance partner this weekend to start practicing myself.   Poor man. Hope he’s got pain resistant feet!

For more info on Dancers in Need, log on to www.bbc.co.uk/essex