So, today's Times column. A little clarification, perhaps. In my defence, I would like to point the jury to a previous blog entry. You see? I can get dance. It's just about how I feel when it comes to moving and shaking, and one day I'm sure that I'll feel more relaxed about it.
But, by way of contrast, last Saturday night I had some completely munted loon cavorting around me and trying to get me to join in. While simultaneously peppering me with personal and at times just plain weird questions.
There is a sort of tyranny in the 'won't take no for an answer' dancer. I'm not sure why they feel that other people are incapable of enjoying music without squirming and punching the air. Or is it a way of transferring their self consciousness onto someone else? 'If he doesn't want to dance then he's going to be even more uncomfortable than me' sort of thing. Suffice to say I didn't join in.
Where I do take comfort is in the knowledge that every child reaches a time in their life when they find their parents' dancing profoundly embarrassing.
...as I hope Saturday's star may have felt the same of her own performance.
But, by way of contrast, last Saturday night I had some completely munted loon cavorting around me and trying to get me to join in. While simultaneously peppering me with personal and at times just plain weird questions.
There is a sort of tyranny in the 'won't take no for an answer' dancer. I'm not sure why they feel that other people are incapable of enjoying music without squirming and punching the air. Or is it a way of transferring their self consciousness onto someone else? 'If he doesn't want to dance then he's going to be even more uncomfortable than me' sort of thing. Suffice to say I didn't join in.
Where I do take comfort is in the knowledge that every child reaches a time in their life when they find their parents' dancing profoundly embarrassing.
...as I hope Saturday's star may have felt the same of her own performance.
Is it because you know how it's meant to be done? Your standards are high? If you've never been a good dancer you get used to looking stupid, so eventually give up feeling embarrassed, or just exaggerate the silliness, escaping into "irony" (I speak from experience).