As the preparation team, we sit down to a glass of juice with some goodies. We finish all the work half an hour before the opening. The dancers are bound to arrive soon, but before that they have to brave strong winds and rain. We put up signage from the streetcar to the entrance. We brought beautiful beach flags to indicate the entrance, but the strong wind blows everything away. Even a heavy motorcycle went flat in front.
Because of the bad weather, dancers can't see the signage, according to stories. Many walk outside looking for the entrance. In tufts the dancers enter. Sometimes we see people walking by who we think could be dancers. We literally call them in.
Inside it is pleasantly warm and once out of the wet clothes, in the dance hall, the spectacle begins. DJ Saskia Laval spins a nice beat and the dancers sit in a large circle. Saskia is known for her techno music which she embraces. For us, that is a little too much and she spins mild House music.
Dido Mirck starts the dancing. And how wonderful it is that you can participate regardless of mobility. Nothing is compulsory, everything is allowed, just watching is also good. Dido has us rub our arms and legs warm and we do all kinds of seated moves. You would think this would be a breeze, but I feel my body is working hard. However, the music and rhythm make this go so much easier than without.
Then we stand - for those who can - and some of the chairs are set aside. We all have badges with our names on them. I see Kees swaying through the hall. Two gentlemen are dancing on a table at the back of the hall. It shouldn't get any crazier. A polonaise comes along and I join in, but then it quickly fans out again. On the dance floor I meet Gina from ICK. People from the residential tower above ICK also come to dance with us. The volunteers who have a moment to spare also shoot onto the dance floor. All together, we are about 50 dancers.
I take a little time-out, drink a glass of fruit juice, rub myself dry with a towel and hup there we go again. Now I can still enjoy it. When the last tones come out of the music system, I am tired and satisfied. All those happy faces, all that fine energy from moving together.
It was well worth it to organize this dance class. I think I speak for all the dancers that we are happy with all the volunteers and sponsors who made this dance class possible.
Perhaps we will see each other again on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Then we will organize a dance party at Bovenkerk . Keep an eye on the website for this.
Edwin Barentsen
Dancer with Parkinson's and promoter
