Paris Brazilian Zouk Congress

He smelled nice, like beeswax candles.  It was conducive to deep breaths together before movements. I quickly discovered that European leads asked for connection and when I didn't give it I felt manipulated, which caused me to leave the dance feeling stressed and not so great.  I didn't enjoy the Canada Friday dance, but maybe I just never will as both I and everyone is just trying to get their sea legs back, or maybe with this knowledge I can change my attitude.  I am getting good at relaxing my partners and inspiring them to meet me in the dances I want to have...

Dancing with new partners is like dating. The first date is awkward. We are getting to know each other, stumbling a bit, tripping on each other's feet.  Then we calibrate to each other's frame and habits, then begin to add our own voices to inspire each other, then when things are going beautifully, we ride it out for another song or 2 (or 3, or 4... or 20) and end on a high note or find a natural ending with our partnership or with a DJ set.

I did Paris in a day.  With the help of a former NYC roommate currently living in Paris, I put together an itinerary that let me see a bit of the city and attend the weekly Zouk social on a boat.  Yes, there's a social on a boat on the Seine.  When in Paris...

With Anne-Claire's help, I