Nonsense lyrics
The latest album by “The Killers” offers a MADDENING assortment of nonsense lyrics. Chief among them being the line “Are we human? Or are we dancers?”
You don’t have to be in first grade to understand that being human and being a dancer are not mutually exclusive states of being. On the contrary, being a human is rather a PREREQUISITE for being a dancer. I’ve seen some dogs in tutus, and the occasional chimp pirouetting, but really – dancing is a predominantly human activity.
Perhaps The Killers should consult first graders in future lyric writing endeavors. Sense might be had, after all.
That being said, I do love dancing. It DOES prove to be invigorating to the body, mind and soul.
I wish I had appropriate photos to go along with this post. However, I only know of about 5 photos in existence of me actually dancing, and none of them even remotely depict the graceful awe-inspiring sight that is me, on the dance floor. So just employ your imagination where necessary.
My dancing career is somewhat laughable. But I will outline it here for posterity none the less.
Age 5(ish): enrolled in a gymnastics class. I don’t remember it lasting long, but I still remember one or two things I learned. Also, my brother TJ was with me, and he was better at some stuff, like the crab crawl.
Age 7: went to private(ish) ballet lessons taught by a friend. Totally loved it, but I was so incredibly self-conscious. (kicks 7 year old self in the behind.) lasted just long enough to learn the 5 positions, and one or two other moves.
Age 14: learned the waltz at a friend’s birthday party.
Age 15: enjoyed ska and “skanking.” We’ll leave it at that.
Age 17: discovered dance lessons on tape at the local library. Spent one afternoon at bff Jenny’s house with her and TJ learning basic Irish Step Dancing. Retained 2% of it.
Age 18: swing dancing. I found a video at the library that got me hooked, and between myself, TJ and Jenny, we felt like we actually mastered a step or two. Then we decided to take it public and went to some dances in Orlando. Two words can describe that experience – “total humiliation.” Nothing like thinking you know how to dance, and then realizing you know NOTHING.
We took some actual swing dance lessons, and gradually improved to a point of not-as-humiliating-as-before.
Age 20: met Shannon. He had in the past five or so years been involved in the Orlando swing dancing scene. Naturally, the common interest drew us together.
Age 21: attended Christian music festival up north, discovered unknown talent for hip hop moves to random “Christianized hip hop.” I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’m all about transparency, OK? People do strange things at live concerts.
Age 22: while engaged to Shannon, took honest to goodness real swing dancing lessons and finally felt less like a dork on a dance stage.
Since then, I’ve danced socially a few times and I have been very pleased to find that once certain steps have been mastered, most dances are easy to pick up. Salsa, Foxtrot, etc. And I have thoroughly enjoyed the majority of my experiences to date.
I enjoy dancing. Both watching and participating. I think I would like to take dance classes on a more formal level, at some point. Hopefully soon. I’m not sure what form, but I kinda don’t think it matters. I know enough now to know that I really love dancing, and while I’ll never be a pro I can at least have proficiency at something I thoroughly enjoy.