When I was much younger, I took many (oh so many) French lessons, and though I learned a lot in class, the real learning was having to make my way as an exchange student through the streets of Quebec, France, and then Belgium; to survive I had to interact with so many people, a few minutes at a time, on a daily basis. I didn’t just learn to speak French; I learned to live in French.  Likewise, there are dance classes, and you do learn the techniques of how to dance there, but a lot of learning happens later outside of class on a social dance floor. Each song is a three minute class with a new instructor. The subject may be dance, but it might also be culture, music, or anything else two human beings might have reason to share as they move in time and space together.

One of my three minute instructors teaches me to practice what I’ve learned in my classes, not to throw it all away when the social music starts. Those techniques allow him to more easily take me through multiple turns and make every movement a lot smoother and whole lot easier for me to execute. Dancing isn’t the only thing I do this with, I can use this lesson elsewhere. Thanks for your patience and attentiveness with me, John.  Next Song

From my next three minute class I learn just how quiet and gentle a lead can be and yet still be crystal clear over the din, the commotion, and the movement around us on the dance floor. Each time we dance, I have learned a little more and he adeptly and smoothly leads me through progressively more involved movements. Through dancing with him each week, I experience the proof of my progress and it makes me grin. I always love dancing with you, Jonathan. Thank you. Next Song

I learn to look directly at my partner and really see him, to smile at him because he is always smiling at me. Because he makes me look, I see his hand ready for the next move. This also helps me remember I need to spot more often with all of my partners. Thank you, Marquiz, you make this so much fun. Next Song

I sit down to catch my breath and I watch the photographer. I need to remember to look up, to smile, and to buy more stock in Gillette. Thanks, Bob. Next Song

Syncopation? Move what how and when? Oh, I get it, now. Thanks, RT. Next Song

I had no clue that I loved Bachata until he told me I had to listen to the words. Ah, yes, there are words to these songs. The words combined with the music will almost dictate the movement if both partners are truly listening. Now it’s my favorite and I listen to all of the words, spoken and unspoken. Thank you, Karlos.  Another song…

And there is more. There are all the places from where the people come, why they are here, where they are going, what they like to do, what they dream of doing, and why they dance. It never stops… three minutes at a time. I have begun to think of my days in three minute intervals of interactions with so many people; by paying attention, by listening, I understand that everyone, without exception, has something to teach me.

It is an immense universe and I am attentively learning about it in an endless curriculum, three minutes at a time… dancing the bachata of life.  Next Song

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