Reflections of the "Not So Big Dance"

I anticipated and expected an evening of fiery dancing on crowded dance floors with warm, sweaty bodies when I decided to spring for the forty dollar Big Dance ticket. What I experienced was desolate dance floors, stiff ambience and a veil of disappointment. What the dance lacked in attendance and festivities was abundant in Pomp and Circumstance. Alas! I would not be idled with regret and looked at the situation as with my "cup half-full"

There was warm nostalgia while swing dancing to the Big Band in the tastefully done Art Deco Fountain Ballroom. As I watched the mesmerizing Argentine Tango dancers I could have been in any modern, post-colonial city in the southern hemisphere. I spent my time sparingly in the notorious Crystal Ballroom, the "hub" of Big Dance. When entering this most elegant room one gets the feeling of being at a post World War II celebration dance in the heart of Austria. The Colonade Ballroom (if one wishes to call this sparse room a ballroom), which was reserved for Salsa lacked in character and ambience. However, this did not deter the Saleros from dancing until their bodies glistened with sweat.

In all fairness, it must have been a daunting task to plan, organize and market such a colossal event. The event organizers secured a most historic venue, invited the big names in the local dance scene and provided good music.
The highlight of my evening was participating in the Jack and Jill Salsa competition. Being a neophyte, I'm equally challenged in all styles of dance but felt compelled to get under those glittering chandeliers and strut my stuff to the best beat my ears have ever heard.