On a quiet Monday afternoon on November 25, a hundred ladies ofgood cheer entered the portals of the Vasant Vihar Club in pre-designated attire of their respective groups: maroon, all-denim, black-and-white polka dots, and more, in happy chatter, a little nervous about their scheduled performance, yet all in high spirits, looking forward to descending on the dance floor to show their mettle.
What was the occasion that drew flowers not just from the colony, but from Safdarjung, Panchsheel, Malcha Marg, and as far as Gurgaon? It was the biannual Line Dance Event, organized by Monica Bhasin in the true tradition started by her eleven years ago in the Club.
To the tune of peppy western numbers: Ghosted, Calum’s Rise, the classic Dancing Queen, and many more, the dancers moved in unison over the dance floor, stepping in all directions, turning in tune with the beat. Every movement has a name—shuffle to your left, sailor step, back rock recover, coaster cross, step lock step… The concentration on faces was palpable, the need to get it just right. After the performances, some queued up for sumptuous snacks and cakes, and others continued swinging to the guitar and song performance of Gurpreet ‘Joe.’
What is line dance? “Technique, repertoire of step terminology, challenge to the reflexes… satisfy the urge to learn,” according to Monica’s Merry Feet Line Dance website. In Delhi, specifically in VV Club, it is much more—it’s a movement, a sisterhood coming together in friendship; the shared experience of weekly classes transcends differences in background and culture; bonds are forged in a companionship that recognizes no bars in age or aptitude.
To newbies who claim they have two left feet, I say: You will grow two new right feet; just try it.
(Harminder Rana is a resident of F-3/2, Vasant Vihar, and is one of the oldest members of the Line Dance group started by Monica at the Vasant Vihar Club in 2013.).
Interesting !