Friday: Bench dancing class

[musicalee]

Characters: Dunleavy and Fortitude students
Format: Whatever you want
This log is: open class post
Location: Fortitude's sports hall
Summary: Rakuen's mayor, Dunleavy, on Dolorosa's invitation has come to teach bench dancing
Warnings: None

[Beginning] The gym floor had been covered in mats, Dunleavy only had one pair of proper bench dancing benches that she had ordered back before she had become mayor. But she had taught this class when she had been a regular teacher and found that normal sport benches worked just fine.

With her were two towns people, two teenagers, brother and sister. Who she had employed to help her for the day. Though she would be teaching them to work the bars as well as dance she needed to demonstrate.

When the class was gathered she motioned for them to sit on the benches, leaving her two benches free. "Welcome to Bench Dancing class," she began with a small smile, "I understand that this is a sport that is rare or none existent in many worlds, but in my own it is very popular. Has anyone heard of it before?"

She gave a brief history of bench dancing, explaining how it was used in Shield training to teach them how to pay attention to the world around them. She didn't explain what a Shield was, she would answer the question if it were asked but she didn't wish to give too much unnecessary information.

"Bench dancing can be done to music but for beginners only drum beats are used." Of course that was beginner Shields, who couldn't cope with music that early in their training. She had a CD player with basic drum rhythms, something that hadn't existed in her world for a long time, but was easier than finding someone to play the drums.

"The rules of Bench Dancing are simple, one foot must remain on a bench at any one time, neither foot should touch the floor. If you get caught in the bars or step off the bench you have lost." She gave a quick demonstration. The two siblings rolled the bars in a steady rhythm, about thirty centimeters above the benches. Dunleavy danced fluidly, slower than usual to demonstrate.

[middle] She lined them up on the benches, two benches parallel to each other one foot on each, a decent amount of space between each student. "For now we will dance without the bars, practice just moving to the music, try not to fall off, follow the drum beat."

She walked around correcting posture and giving tips, unfortunately they had a disadvantage that they were beginning so old. In her world children began to dance at an early age when they had no fear. Still they seemed to do well.

"Does anyone wish to try it for real?" Only those that volunteered since it was a first lesson, and she wouldn't pair them up yet, even though Bench dancing was primarily a competitive sport. But for those who had got the hang of it, they could try with the bars.

[end] "If anyone is interested in further instruction please let me know, I am happy to give private lessons or if there is a lot if interest I shall begin a club outside school hours." Dunleavy dismissed the students and began to put the hall back together. Happy enough to answer questions if there were any.

Comments

[knightime]

That was easier to do than said for him. Music was an integral part of his lifestyle. It was easy for him to get lost in the beat. To forget that he was surrounded by other people and just move to the music. It was a little awkward at first. He hadn't done this before. But it was definitely something he'd like to do again.

Or so he'll think later since he's more absorbed in getting lost in the music right about now.

[musicalee]

No you're not meant to get lost in it Dave, she watched him carefully frowning. He was still able to dance so that was a good thing. But he seemed susceptible to music, he wasn't going crazy or anything so that was good. She would have to keep an eye on him though.

[knightime]

There was a small smile on his face. He probably didn't even realize it. After all, this was all him. He could keep to this for hours if he wanted too maybe, not that he would. But his poker face had a tendency to drop when he wasn't paying attention. Luckily, his shades were still on his face, so only the smile could be seen.

[musicalee]

Dunleavy watched him, she didn't know him so didn't know how rare that smile was, but he definitely looked less serious than when he fought. She changed the track to a quicker one, to see how well he did with a quicker tempo.

[knightime]

There was slight falter at first, becoming aware of his surroundings again. It took him a little bit as he had to switch from the first beat to the second one and find the rhythm, but it didn't take long for him to properly acclimate himself to the new track.

[musicalee]

Dunleavy was impressed and a little relieved that he hadn't lost himself too much in the music. She let him dance for the whole track and then switched it off. "It seems you are a natural."

[knightime]

He got back down easily enough. It took him a moment or two to make sure his PDA hadn't fallen out before typing a reply.

music and dancing is basically a norm in my life
was taught how to make music
pretty damn good music too
dancing just came with the package because who doesnt like dancing?

[musicalee]

Well that dispelled the theory that he was a unrealised Shield, she was mostly relieved. "I know a few people who don't like dancing, mostly those that can't do it. Bench dancing that is."

Real dancing, well any memories of real dancing were through a haze of heavy music influence and what she could remember she would rather forget.

[knightime]

its kind of weird
i mean im not used to it definitely
but it isnt so bad
it was fun

Not that it's showing in his face anymore. He's back to his poker face. But he did have fun. Anything involving music tends to be fun for him. Except karaoke. Fuck karaoke.

[musicalee]

"I am glad it's fun, as I said to Jade I may set up a club in the city for rest days if you wished to come and join us and learn more."

She smiled again, even if he wasn't smiling back.

[knightime]

ill keep it in mind
nothing like more clubs
clubs are cool
everyone should be in one

Why is he rambling to you? This is dumb.

[musicalee]

"I guess they are, I hope to see you there then."