I was lucky enough to be invited to perform at the opening of a monthly dance social called “Shall We Dance?”, in which dancers can get together, dance to music, and get to know each other. It was run by the lovely Sue Johnson, who had the idea of having live singers for the opening night. I thought it was a great idea, and immediately got preparing. | |
The dances we were going to sing to were the waltz, the quickstep, and the foxtrot. I decided to sing the music for the waltz, and we were given a list of songs to learn. As the dancers were going to be strutting their stuff, us singers had specific requirements about our songs, hence the list. They had to be in the correct time, for example. It was very fascinating to learn.
I listened through to all of the waltz songs, and picked out a few that I really liked. The first was “Fascination” by Nat King Cole, and the second was “Could I Have This Dance?” by Anne Murray. I learned that this was Sue's wedding song, so I really wanted to perform it.
We were also going to be singing in the interval, and Becki said it would be a good idea to perform slow, dance-type songs for that in case people wanted to get up and dance. So, for the interval, we chose “Dark Waltz;” I thought it would be very appropriate for the occasion, and “Edelweiss.”
Once the songs, had been picked out, I got to practising; I practised every day at home, and weekly with my singing teacher. I was really looking forward to this as it was something brand new to me.
As the night approached, I picked out a dress; a beautiful green halter-neck with white polka dots, which I thought would match the event, with these amazing shoes:
I listened through to all of the waltz songs, and picked out a few that I really liked. The first was “Fascination” by Nat King Cole, and the second was “Could I Have This Dance?” by Anne Murray. I learned that this was Sue's wedding song, so I really wanted to perform it.
We were also going to be singing in the interval, and Becki said it would be a good idea to perform slow, dance-type songs for that in case people wanted to get up and dance. So, for the interval, we chose “Dark Waltz;” I thought it would be very appropriate for the occasion, and “Edelweiss.”
Once the songs, had been picked out, I got to practising; I practised every day at home, and weekly with my singing teacher. I was really looking forward to this as it was something brand new to me.
As the night approached, I picked out a dress; a beautiful green halter-neck with white polka dots, which I thought would match the event, with these amazing shoes:
a lovely "We actually managed to curl my hair, and after that, my Nan, Granddad and I headed off to Swanmore Village Hall in Southampton. Once we arrived, in the lovely, big hall with tables lining the walls, and a stage with a sound system spanning the length of one wall, the dancers were already there. They were local members of the community who enjoyed dancing, and this was a way for them to meet new people. We were greeted by Sue, who took me backstage, where Becki and Aleisha were, and Sue explained what was going to happen. She would introduce the dance type, and then we would take it in turns to sing. After that, there would be a few other dances, before the interval, which we would then perform again, and that was our job for the night finished, and then we could sit back, relax, and watch the dancers do all the hard work.
It was very unfortunate that, although the doors were open, the windows were locked, which meant that it was going to get very hot. Luckily, Sue kindly provided us with some hand fans, which were a lifesaver, especially backstage. In hindsight, I am glad that I didn't wear a ballgown!
Becki performed first, just one song, a lovely "Come Away With Me," by Norah Jones," and then Aleisha came after her, singing "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall. From where I was standing backstage, I couldn't see much, but I could hear the dancers applauding after every song.
After that, it was time for the waltz, and I was introduced, and I came onstage. We got to sing into Becki's beautiful vintage microphone, and it really added to the atmosphere. Sadly, there was no time for a sound check, but I didn't mind; I had been practising my songs every day, so I hoped that it would be okay.
The dancers took their places, the music started, and as I began to sing "Fascination", they danced. It was a great feeling, and I was enjoying watching them. They were all amazing dancers with great technique.
Most of them were a little bit older, but it was great to see a few younger people there.
After I had finished, I went backstage again, while Becki and Aleisha performed their other songs, which were "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, and "Thinking Out Loid" by Ed Sheeran, respectively. I was a bit nervous about singing my second song, as it was Sue's wedding dance, so it had to be perfect. I went over it in my head, to make sure it was just right, before stepping out onto the stage once again.
The great thing is, I had barely felt any nerves all night, which made me so happy; stage fright is a terrible thing, but I am getting so much better with mine.
Soon enough, it was time for me to go back out on stage. The music started, and I launched into “Could I Have This Dance?” and the dancers began to dance once again. It was so amazing to see Sue waltzing to her wedding dance; I cannot tell you how happy that made me feel.
When I had finished, I made my way over to the tables on a high. Becki, Aleisha and I were able to watch the dancers properly now. Sue would announce the dance type, and then whoever wanted to, would get up and dance. They did several more pieces, including a tango, a rhumba, a samba, amongst others. I really enjoyed them. My favourite person was an elderly lady who had attached flashing LED lights to her ballroom dancing shoes! She was absolutely brilliant, and quite “a character” according to Becki. I'd like to be like her when I grow up. (Not that I ever will.)
One gentleman even asked us if we'd like to dance; now as I have no rhythm, I was apprehensive, but before I could say anything, Becki jumped in and offered to do it, and she was really good at it.
We sat there and chatted, and watched the dancers strut their stuff, until Sue announced that the next dance would be a Charleston. Well, I love the Charleston, so there was not much debate and all of us got up to dance the Charleston! It was my first time dancing (and singing) in heels so I was a little bit wobbly at first, but I soon got into the swing of it. It was so much fun, I couldn't stop grinning! It was over far too quickly for my liking, and we sat down again with our much-needed fans.
Then it was time for the interval, so us girls headed up to the stage once again. Aleisha started with a performance of “In The Arms of an Angel," by Sarah McLachlan which she performed wonderfully, and then it was my turn, and my first song was “Dark Waltz.” Nobody danced during the interval, but I didn't mind; they must have been too tired! They seemed to like the song, and when I had finished, they applauded loudly, and then Becki stepped up and sang a beautiful version of “Moon River.”
Then it was my turn again, and I sang “Edelweiss;” the crowd seemed to like this one a lot more, and the applause was a lot louder for this song. You never can tell what will be an audience's favourite piece.
After me, Becki closed the interval with “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” and then we returned to the table, where there were cakes, yum! Just what a girl needs after singing.
While we were chatting and eating, the dancers were up and off again. I don't know where they find the energy, especially in heels!
As the saying goes, all good things must come to and end, and all too soon, the social was over.
We mingled for a while, and took a few photos before heading home, where Mum greeted me with a lovely cup of tea. Perfect!
We have put some photos in the gallery, so feel free to check them out.
All in all, I had a wonderful night, and the addition of live music was very much appreciated, and I hope to be back there soon.
Until next time
Lauren xx
It was very unfortunate that, although the doors were open, the windows were locked, which meant that it was going to get very hot. Luckily, Sue kindly provided us with some hand fans, which were a lifesaver, especially backstage. In hindsight, I am glad that I didn't wear a ballgown!
Becki performed first, just one song, a lovely "Come Away With Me," by Norah Jones," and then Aleisha came after her, singing "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall. From where I was standing backstage, I couldn't see much, but I could hear the dancers applauding after every song.
After that, it was time for the waltz, and I was introduced, and I came onstage. We got to sing into Becki's beautiful vintage microphone, and it really added to the atmosphere. Sadly, there was no time for a sound check, but I didn't mind; I had been practising my songs every day, so I hoped that it would be okay.
The dancers took their places, the music started, and as I began to sing "Fascination", they danced. It was a great feeling, and I was enjoying watching them. They were all amazing dancers with great technique.
Most of them were a little bit older, but it was great to see a few younger people there.
After I had finished, I went backstage again, while Becki and Aleisha performed their other songs, which were "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, and "Thinking Out Loid" by Ed Sheeran, respectively. I was a bit nervous about singing my second song, as it was Sue's wedding dance, so it had to be perfect. I went over it in my head, to make sure it was just right, before stepping out onto the stage once again.
The great thing is, I had barely felt any nerves all night, which made me so happy; stage fright is a terrible thing, but I am getting so much better with mine.
Soon enough, it was time for me to go back out on stage. The music started, and I launched into “Could I Have This Dance?” and the dancers began to dance once again. It was so amazing to see Sue waltzing to her wedding dance; I cannot tell you how happy that made me feel.
When I had finished, I made my way over to the tables on a high. Becki, Aleisha and I were able to watch the dancers properly now. Sue would announce the dance type, and then whoever wanted to, would get up and dance. They did several more pieces, including a tango, a rhumba, a samba, amongst others. I really enjoyed them. My favourite person was an elderly lady who had attached flashing LED lights to her ballroom dancing shoes! She was absolutely brilliant, and quite “a character” according to Becki. I'd like to be like her when I grow up. (Not that I ever will.)
One gentleman even asked us if we'd like to dance; now as I have no rhythm, I was apprehensive, but before I could say anything, Becki jumped in and offered to do it, and she was really good at it.
We sat there and chatted, and watched the dancers strut their stuff, until Sue announced that the next dance would be a Charleston. Well, I love the Charleston, so there was not much debate and all of us got up to dance the Charleston! It was my first time dancing (and singing) in heels so I was a little bit wobbly at first, but I soon got into the swing of it. It was so much fun, I couldn't stop grinning! It was over far too quickly for my liking, and we sat down again with our much-needed fans.
Then it was time for the interval, so us girls headed up to the stage once again. Aleisha started with a performance of “In The Arms of an Angel," by Sarah McLachlan which she performed wonderfully, and then it was my turn, and my first song was “Dark Waltz.” Nobody danced during the interval, but I didn't mind; they must have been too tired! They seemed to like the song, and when I had finished, they applauded loudly, and then Becki stepped up and sang a beautiful version of “Moon River.”
Then it was my turn again, and I sang “Edelweiss;” the crowd seemed to like this one a lot more, and the applause was a lot louder for this song. You never can tell what will be an audience's favourite piece.
After me, Becki closed the interval with “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” and then we returned to the table, where there were cakes, yum! Just what a girl needs after singing.
While we were chatting and eating, the dancers were up and off again. I don't know where they find the energy, especially in heels!
As the saying goes, all good things must come to and end, and all too soon, the social was over.
We mingled for a while, and took a few photos before heading home, where Mum greeted me with a lovely cup of tea. Perfect!
We have put some photos in the gallery, so feel free to check them out.
All in all, I had a wonderful night, and the addition of live music was very much appreciated, and I hope to be back there soon.
Until next time
Lauren xx