Chapter 44: 2nd Sunday Evening: Part 2: Dance the Night Away

She offered her arm to Allison; Allison hooked her own around it, then made their way to the door outside as swiftly as Kara’s shaking legs allowed her to. “Seriously” she finally managed to start as they stepped outside “you look unbelievably gorgeous in that.”

“And you look stunning yourself.” As you can also feel, that suit is having a similar effect on me.

I’m hoping we can send it before the class actually starts. At the same time we’ll inevitably need to put our phones on silent. She stopped for a moment, glancing around them. Did we pass the studio already?

It’s on the next corner. Kara pointed to the windows on the third floor of that building. See?

Oh, yeah! The sign isn’t as ... obvious as I was expecting it to be. And how are we paying for the lesson?

That was already charged to Mom’s credit card. She stopped at the intercom off to the side of the entry door. Let’s see ... okay, there’s the right button. The intercom made a small buzzing sound as she let go of the button; followed shortly by an electronic ‘click’. Mom said there should be an elevator just off the main hallway.

There it is! Allison energetically pressed the up button; a few moments later the outer doors opened without a sound. Do elevators normally have a grate like this in them?

Old fashioned ones do. They pull open really easily; watch. Kara collapsed the inner door into it’s folded form. Just like that.

Nifty! Can I do it when we get to the third floor?

Of course. Can I kiss you on our way up?

I was hoping you’d ask; this is very romantic than I was expecting it to be. Kara leaned in toward Allison, their lips meeting a second later in a soft, sensual kiss. An unexpected sound some moments later announced their arrival at the third floor. Allison started to pull away from the kiss as the outer doors opened; she ecstatically opened the inner one, then looked straight ahead of them. Well, they all found out earlier than I expected.

Kara stepped out of the elevator and straight across the hall through the studio’s large, open doors. Once we started dancing, they’d have figured it out real quick. But at least the looks are at worst one of confusion. “Hello! We’re here for the East Coast swing lessons.”

“Perfect timing” one of the older men smiled “we were about to begin some simple stretches in a few minutes. You can leave your shoes and purse over by that wall.”

“Uhm...” Allison started a little nervously “would someone be willing to take a picture of us with one of our phones first? I promised my mother a photo once we were both dressed up.”

“Bernard” a middle aged white woman in a very expensive looking dress started “I thought you said this was a classy studio. Classy studios don’t serve ‘their’ kind.”

“No Celia; Jacques’s rules state it pretty clearly – ‘all who wish to learn are welcome here’. At least, I thought it was clear” an older woman replied in a chastising tone of voice. “My advanced age has played some tricks on my mind lately, but that didn’t seem ambiguous.”

The white woman’s face flushed a bright red as her aura flared an equally intense tone of red. “Bernard, we’re leaving. And we’ll make sure the good community members know what kind of establishment this place is.”

“Cecilia, maybe we should...” the man next to her spoke softly.

“Not at all. Confused girls are one thing; but I will not associate with a cheap whore.” She stomped across the room, stopping in front of Allison. “Your kind of trash is not welcome anywhere!” she shouted, her arm suddenly beginning a back handed slap; Kara’s free arm met it, knocking it away. “How dare you lay one of your dirty fingers on ME!” The woman’s hand balled up into a first.

“I’d strongly recommend you not follow through with that punch” Kara replied in as even a voice as she could. “If you attack me, I will have you on the floor faster than you can count to five.”

“Cecilia ... you’re right. We should be going.” The man booked it to them, attempting to drag the woman away.

“Empty threat. You will be the one on the floor!” Her arm launched forward in a slow, awkward punch; Kara sighed and knocked it away again.

“This is your last chance to back down.”

“Cecilia...” Bernard tried again, increasingly more nervousness in his voice. She attempted another punch; this one aimed right at Kara’s nose. Kara sighed audibly and caught Cecilia’s wrist.

“Drop this now; or I will be forced to make sure you can’t punch me again.”

“I would like to see you try.”

“All I need to do is turn your wrist the wrong direction until something breaks. Do you really want to take that chance?” Cecilia snorted, sending out a surprise punch with her free hand. “Your call” Kara sighed again as she stepped sideways, twisting the captured wrist as she did. Cecilia howled in pain, dropping to her knees.

“I surrender!” Kara nodded her head, abruptly letting Cecilia’s wrist drop and stepping back. Cecilia tried to move the wrist, screaming in pain again. “You stupid bitch! You broke it!”

“No. Ten more seconds and yes, it really would be broken. That’s a sprain at worst.”

“Jacques! She assaulted me and broke my wrist! I am going sue you for this!”

“There are plenty of witnesses that you struck first Celia, and that you were given ample opportunities to step away unharmed. If your wrist got broken in the process of your own stupidity, that’s your fault.”

Another older woman stepped forward. “I’m an EMT; I can tell for sure how injured it is, and bandage it up appropriately as long as you have a decent first aid kit.” Jacques nodded his head; the woman knelt down in front of Cecilia and manipulated the wrist for a few moments. “Light sprain, no broken bones. A week or two with compression bandages and ice and it’ll be good as new again.” Jacques handed Allison the first aid kit; Allison passed it to the woman, who quickly wrapped the wrist firmly. “I dare say dancing will be out of the question tonight. Take her home Bernard, and try to make sure she doesn’t get into any more trouble.”

Bernard nodded his head, put their shoes on, and very quickly led her out of the doors. I’m sorry Ally ... I may have just ruined our date.

No, that woman did. And even if we have to leave too, we can just go straight to part two.

Thank you. “We’ll leave too.”

“Nonsense!” Jacques exclaimed, resting a hand on her shoulder. “If she gets it into her mind to bring the police in on this, all we need to do is show them the security footage.” He turned to Allison. “You’d asked for a photograph?” She nodded her head. “Let me see your phone, and we’ll have that taken care of right quick.” Allison fished her phone out of her purse and handed it to him. “Just take your previous position and smile” as soon as they’d readjusted, the camera flashed with an audible click “perhaps one more?”

“Same pose?” Kara asked.

“Something ... romantic. Perhaps” he replied, a sparkle in his eyes “put one arm behind her back, and the other around her side” he began to whisper to her “and lower her upper body toward the floor. Stop when her back is at roughly a ninety degree angle from her waist. Her legs should come off the floor naturally, and she should instinctively grab you around your waist. Feel free to kiss if you wish to. Ms?”

Follow my lead Ally. “Kara Foster.” Jacques nodded his head and stepped back.

Okay. Kara started to follow Jacques’s instructions, hearing a familiar soft ‘beep’; Allison’s arms began to wrap around her as her feet lifted off the ground. Whoa!

I have a very good grip on you, don’t worry.

Another ‘click’ announced the next photo. I’m not. Now, if only your lips were closer to mine... Kara grinned and leaned forward, their lips connecting once more in the most sensual kiss she could deliver. Allison grinned, leaning up into the kiss some more as two more ‘clicks’ went off in rapid succession. I love it when we’re on the same page. That said, I think I need to stand up now.

Kara broke the kiss. Okay. Nice and slow, okay?

If only we could have asked for video of that.

Kara heard another soft ‘beep’ as Allison’s feet touched the ground again. I’m pretty sure Jacques did that too. And I’m not talking about the security camera. She turned to Jacques. “I didn’t know our phones could take photos and video at the same time.”

“I meant no offense by it; it was simply too good an opportunity for a moving image. You are free to delete it if you wish.”

“No way!” Allison smiled “I want to see what that looked like.” So we can do that again and again ... with you being the one that’s dipped next time.

I like the way you think.

“In that case” he handed Allison back her phone “enjoy!”

Allison pulled Kara next to her again and played the video. Ooh ... yes, we will be doing this again.

A ‘ding’ a few moments later told Kara that the message was sent. She put both phones in silent mode and left them in Allison’s purse, then took off her shoes. “Where do you want us?”

“Standing next to each other wherever you can find space. Try to leave three feet between you and the next couple.” Kara nodded her head and took the place Cecilia and Bernard had been a little while earlier.

You’re right Ally she started, looking into the mirrors next to them this does look really snazzy on me. I really like the added touch of the vest.

That wasn’t originally part of it, was it?

No. I’ll explain more later though.

“Welcome, everyone; to beginners East Coast Swing. Michelle` and I will lead you first in some simple stretches to ready your muscles for the fun that is to come. Men, you may want to remove your suit jackets if you have them for this part. You will find hooks on the walls behind you.”

Just the men?

I’m sure he means me too Ally. Kara quickly took off her jacket and hung it up on the nearby hook. Will you be okay to stretch in that dress though?

This material has a bit more stretch to it than it seems to. I’ll be fine. Kara smiled as Jacques began leading them through a familiar set of stretches. These are just like the ones for Kempo.

Close enough, anyway. I can’t imagine stretching varies all that much from discipline to discipline. She stood up again as soon as he called the last one finished.

“Swing is a style with very strict roles for its dancers. In each pair, the leader always leads; the follower always follows their signals. Historically, men were always the leader, and women always the follower. For most of you, the tradition is easy to follow. For you two” he looked right at them “Kara would be the likely leader. That said; we are a studio with modern sensibilities ... each pair is free to choose who will lead, and who will follow.”

Simply because I’m wearing the suit.

Yes, but unlike everyone else here, we’re going to buck tradition. Hopefully we get a chance to do that little move you did.

“Leaders, face the mirrors in front of me; followers stand facing them. Be sure you are within arm’s reach of each other.” Kara watched several of the others gasp in surprise as Allison lined up with the men and Kara with the women. Jacques simply laughed. “I figured you two would follow your own tune. Now, leaders; watch me. There are three basic types of foot movement in swing; the rock, triple, and single step.

The rock step is simple; starting from a neutral position with your feet parallel to each other, bring your left foot behind your right, then step with your right one, not moving forward. A triple step moves the first leg to the side, brings the other one back to it, and then back to the side again. For a single, just do the first step to the side.

These combine on a six count like this” he did a rock step into two triples; the first starting with the left leg, and the second with the right. “It may help to think of it like this: the rock step counts one and two; each triple takes another two counts. Try that combination a few times, counting out loud as you go.”

Allison shifted her left foot behind her right “one” then stepped with the right “two”. “Three and four, five and six.” That’s not terribly hard.

Wait until you need to do it to the music.

Well, let’s wait and see what your part is.

Michelle` smiled at the other line. “Ladies, you are basically doing the same types of steps, but using the opposite feet. So you’ll rock back on your right, then step with the left; your first triple is right, left, right and your second is left, right, left.”

A little strange perhaps, but not too bad. Kara did several repetitions, then stopped when both Jacques and Michelle` held up their hands.

“Good. Next we need to talk about where your hands and arms go. Leaders, place your right hand on your follower’s shoulder; your left hand holds theirs, with your thumb on top of it like this” he demonstrated with Michelle`. “Those hands are held about waist height. Followers, your left hand rests on their right shoulder. Try it with us.”

Allison stepped forward slightly, placing her right hand on Kara’s shoulder, and taking her other hand. I was sort of expecting one of my hands would go on you side, not like this.

You just want an excuse to ‘accidentally’ touch one of my breasts.

Allison ‘laughed’. I resemble that remark!

Kara ‘laughed’ back. Yes you do. To be fair though, I’d probably want the same thing if our roles were reversed. Allison grinned, nodding her head. It looks like we’re going to try moving while we do this.

Yeah that seems right.

“I’ll start the music in a few minutes. But before that, try the footwork you just learned while holding your partner. Remember; the timing is one and two, three and four, five and six. I’ll count you down.” Jacques paused for a moment, nodding to Michelle`. “On three ... one, two, three.”

Kara watched Allison begin to move her left foot and quickly moved her right; doing her best to follow the rhythm Allison was attempting to establish. On the first repetition, Allison’s timing slowed slightly; by the third they were a full step behind Jacques and Michelle`. Ally, can we try something a different way of doing this?

We’re off the beat, aren’t we?

We would be if we had music going. Can we try counting out the steps like the others are doing?

Sure. Allison began counting along with Jacques, then started moving again when they reached ‘one’. Oh yeah, this is much better. But I wouldn’t want to keep this up once the music actually starts. Not for long, anyway.

I don’t remember if we had a lot of opportunities to test if you had an innate sense of rhythm when we were younger. But if you do, then it won’t take long to get the hang of the music.

I hope so.

“Okay, I’m going to get the music started. Leaders, take a few moments once it starts to synchronize to it before you start moving.”

The big pair of speakers crackled to life; a few moments later a horn began to play. Another joined in a few seconds later. Kara grinned as the drums filled out the sound a few seconds after that. Okay, I’m having some difficulty with this.

Give me a sec ... there. That’s one.

And two ... three and four ... got it! Kara tried to follow Allison’s movements, but found herself getting distracted by the horns. Try feeling what I’m doing instead of watching. You know, the way you and Manny were teaching me during Kempo.

Okay, I’ll try. Kara closed her eyes and focused for a few moments, grinning as Allison’s movements became obvious. Oh yeah, this is way easier. And feels ... much closer too, in a way.

Yeah, it does. Kind of like it does when we’re making love. Enough so...

I was already quite aware of that, my muse. She heard soft gasps from the woman next to her. And the couple next to us are too.

I was fully aware of the husband, but not the wife. I am curious how much they’re managing to show through the dress.

Does it have a built in bra?

Yup.

She opened her eyes, smiling inside as the other sight stuck around. She glanced down for a few moments. Not thick enough of one. Half an inch maybe?

The music suddenly stopped. “Leaders, turn to me for a few moments. It’s time to learn how to spin your partner. There are essentially two different types of spins; inside and outside. We’ll start with the outside, or underarm turn as it’s sometimes called.

It starts following the one-two of the rock step; you announce that it’s about to happen by raising your left arm high enough that your partner can go underneath it and holding that hand like this” he changed his grip slightly “so that their hand can pivot in yours. Then with the other hand, you gently push at their side on three. Your own footwork doesn’t change though.”

Michelle` looked at the ladies. “Ladies, once you feel your arm being raised, that’s your cue to start to turn; pivoting out from you right hand until you’re facing him again. When the turn is complete, your lower arms should be level with each other; each triple step completes roughly half the turn.”

“It should look something like this” Jacques began, as the pair began moving again. “Then to bring your partner back in, signal them to spin back by raising your arm again. Once they’ve completed the spin, your right hand will naturally settle back on their side. If you don’t intend to spin them again, return your hand hold to it’s original position. It will look something like this.” Kara watched carefully as Michelle` spun back into the closed position they’d started in.

It looks kind of like a yo-yo, doesn’t it?

You’re right darling.

“Ladies, the spin back is simple; just reverse the direction you spun out.”

“As for the inside turn, or ‘the cuddle’ as you’ll sometimes hear it referred to; that starts mostly the same way. The key difference is that you hold your partner’s left hand like so” he stood, their arms extended “and with your right hand, pull her toward you as you raise your right arm. When done, you’ll be standing next to each other.”

They demonstrated the spin; Michelle` ending up a little in front of him, her arms crossed over each other. “You may be tempted to end right next to him. But that can make the other things you can do from this position more difficult.”

“Namely, that you can return to simple steps, dancing side by side until you’re ready to return to one of the positions facing each other. Both of your foot work remains the same in this; your partner will still start on the opposite foot that you do. And the like the outside spin, you return back to a neutral position by reversing the motion taken by your arm. Like this.” They watched the two repeat the turn several times. “Try both a few times without the music.”

Kara grinned at Allison. “Well, here’s your chance” she teased.

“Only since you’re insisting” Allison teased back.

“Oh to be young again” they heard as the couple next to them switched places with the elderly couple next to them. “Isn’t that right dear?”

The older man grunted, nodding his head as all four of them started moving again. “As you say.”

“Oh, don’t let him lead you to believe otherwise. He enjoyed my playfulness just as much as I enjoyed it back then ... still does.”

Allison grinned, then started to earlier basic steps. Do you care which one we try first?

You’re the leader.

Kara watched her grin grow wider as she seemed to glance away for a moment. Okay, I’ve made my decision

Kara waited a few moments for the next rock step, nodding her head as Allison’s right hand slid down to her side and her left pulled up high. As Allison’s left foot began to move, Kara felt a gentle push; she started the turn a second later three and four, five and six. Allison pulled her back, spinning her to the inside after dancing around each other a few times. Sneaky. And I wasn’t aware that we were supposed to move circularly yet.

Jacques didn’t say not to. Another outside spin brought her close enough to see Jacques’s growing smile. See? We’re fine. Now come back.

That’s also entirely up to you my muse. I’m glad we did this instead of just going to a restaurant.

Me too.

Kara settled in as the music kicked back on, the fully closed position signaling the next turn to be a cuddle. Several more spins happened normally; until Allison signaled another outside turn. A sly smirk on Allison’s face was the only warning Kara got as the spin started properly; Allison’s right hand riding higher than expected on the return. Sneaky Kara thought as that hand brushed across her breasts.

Yes, but...

Multiple layers, my muse. You’ll need to try harder than that if you really want to get something out of me. And that will get the attention of the others.

That... Allison began during another spin, right hand again resting high is sort of the point. If I can’t get a reaction out of you...

Well, most of them simply aren’t paying attention to us.

A very soft gasp suddenly escaped her mouth as Allison’s hand dropped lower than expected this time, brushing past the spot on her lower back. You were saying?

That ... was a low blow my muse. One I will need to get back at you for.

I look forward to it! But for the rest of this class, I’m in control. Kara visibly pouted. It could have been you; then I would have been your helpless ‘victim’ this entire time.

A sly grin flashed on Jacques’s face for a brief moment as Kara spun past him. You’re right. Oh well, there’s always next time.

The music came to an abrupt stop. Time already for the next part of the lesson I hope.

“Attention please everyone” Jacques began “there is one more thing to teach all of you tonight. It’s finally time to learn how to dip your partner.” Everyone else abruptly stopped and looked at Jacques. “I hoped that would grab your attention. Before Michelle` and I show you, two things. First, dips tend to show up toward the end of a song or other suitably dramatic moments; mostly because recovering your tempo from one can be a little difficult.

Second, all of you appear to be committed couples, so accidental touches of certain parts of your partner are, strictly speaking, okay so long as both of you consent. But if you are planning to dance in public places; know that most of those might look negatively on such things if they suspect said touches are not actually ‘accidental’.”

“So I wasn’t seeing things!” The woman originally next to them remarked. “Perhaps...”

“Oh no, please ... do not misunderstand me. This is not one of those places. So long as you are not disruptive to the lesson, we will not try to police what you do during your practice. That friendly warning given, it is actually time to learn the dip. There are many ways to transition into one, but perhaps the most interesting, reasonably simple one flows from a turn you have already learned.

To set up the dip, first begin a cuddle spin. Once you are next to your partner, rather than spin them back to a neutral position, you will do two single steps; the first with your left foot, the second with your right as you spin your partner further out from you. At this point, you will only be connected by your right hand. These are not full steps, mind; these are more like a simple walk to the side.”

“Ladies, you are also taking those two walking steps; like usual you are using the opposite feet he is. Make sure your weight is on the right foot once you’re done.”

“Leaders, watch my feet as we show you the first part of this.” Jacques spun Michelle` out to the side, his stance broader than Kara was expecting. “It is critical that you have a good, strong base for what comes next. With your right arm, signal her to spin back to you, but leave your arm out at a roughly ninety degree angle from your body. This is the arm you are going to use to keep her from falling; mid dip, your hand should have settled on her left shoulder for maximum support. And most importantly, be careful to not drop your partner too quickly; use your best judgment on what they are most comfortable with.”

“Ladies, when you complete your spin back, be sure that any weight is on your right foot this time. More importantly, as he lowers you down, let yourself be eased into it somewhat; if you are too forceful, it may override his stability. And then, it will be you on the floor” Michelle` paused “hopefully with no more than a bruised ego.”

“We will show you a few times, and then it will be your turn to try it. Go light on the dip at first until you know how far down you both feel comfortable going.” They watched them do the move first in slow motion; then reset and do it again full speed. “We will be going around as you practice to offer advice if need be.”

Allison’s grin returned again. “I was waiting for this!” Do you trust me darling?

Completely. Still, low and slow the first time, okay?

Of course. They returned to the double handed grip, then moved into the cuddle. Allison gave Kara a light bump with her hips as she spun outward, her legs making a triangle with the floor as her second step landed. With a light tug, she pulled Kara back in, catching her and slowly lifting her left leg off the ground. Good darling?

Lower next time, and faster. That feels sort of like the suspension a little.

I know, right? Let’s reset and try again.

As they got back into the cuddle, Kara watched Jacques approach them out of the corner of her eye. She twirled out, then back in; reaching the point where her back was almost parallel with the floor a few seconds later. Marvelous. Once more?

With a little more?

Yes please. Kara watched him gesture Michelle` over as she stood back up; a few moments later she was back on her way down toward the floor in Allison’s arms. She tried to keep the grin from her own face as Allison also leaned in toward her; leaving a brief, soft kiss before bringing her back up. That’s it?

For now. Can’t blow all of the drama on the practice, can we?

No, I suppose not. The movement of Michelle` and Jacques’s mouths out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. I think we’ve been entirely too quiet for what we’ve done so far Ally.