I keep dancing on my own
And so the end is near etc. etc. That is, the end of this little dancing adventure. And what fun it’s been! I started the first choreo back in April and made a promise to myself that I would continue until I got a haircut. Ha ha. That felt to me like a good marker for the end of lockdown. My lockdown anyway. And I can confirm a haircut has indeed taken place (whoever could have predicted such a simple act becoming so precious??), it’s August and hopefully we are tentatively feeling our way out of the darkness. And aside from giving me a purpose in a purposeless world, this project has been a revelation ‘cause now I have a new way to choreograph and dance that completely bypasses the costs and stresses involved in any kind of real life performance undertaking. Which is obviously academic in August 2020 anyway. Tough times. But turns out dancing on my own really works for me…so, watch this space…
But let’s turn our attention to Robyn and Dancing on My Own. Ultimate. Sad. Banger. This was always going to be the final routine and was conceived as a collaboration with my longtime partner in crime Boogaloo Stu. We’ve worked together since forever and I often give him the bare bones of routines which he then ‘boogifies’ (i.e. makes way more entertaining) to teach as flashmobs at the many events he hosts. So choreographing this was a bit weird ‘cause it’s very different when you’ve got someone else in mind. Especially when that person has a fondness for platform shoes, knitted leotards and giant wigs. In the end I made a skeleton routine, gave it Stu who ran off with it in one direction whilst I headed off in the other to make it mine again. And thus we have two interpretations. A daft one and a dafter one. Both of which I’ll post (Boogs – where is your version??? I’m waiting. Tut tut)
Heads up: There is the sound of a doorbell about two minutes into this song. And when I was choreographing I answered my front door (two flights down) about 20 times. Each time getting more frustrated with a) everyone else in the house for ignoring the doorbell and b) the fact that there was no one at the door. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
I guess that’s it. It’s been a pleasure. Peace out. For now…
Watch on YouTube here
Disclaimer: These are not virtuoso performances. Just me, in an attic, grappling with an iPhone, creaky floorboards and a bad haircut. The sound is a bit ropey and the elements make numerous uninvited appearances! No left or right instructions – do whatever feels most natural to you…mirror me or flip it and use the same arms and legs as I do. Dancers’ choice. The routines are as simple or as complex as want them to be…and remember, repetition is key. Happy dancing!
For Chrissie and Amanda. It’s not dancing (if it’s not with you).
Previously: Gotta Get Thru This. Daniel Bedingfield
Coming soon: Only Child, A small dance project for the times we live in
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