No wonder I'm dizzy. Everything's spinning.

OK, I know I began this blog under the guise of a wandering dot, so it's reasonable for you to expect great stories of travel. The truth is I'm not doing much actual wandering these days. Sure, I've had some great adventures this year, but there's no fun for you in my rehashing those trips now. I do have several exciting trips planned in the near future, but for the moment my mind is all that can wander to Guatemala and Spain. In the meantime, I'm finding great adventure just wandering around my existing space.

Last night, I attended my first contradance in the town of Floyd, Virginia. If you Google Floyd (and you should, it's worth reading about), you'll find that the town itself has less than 500 residents. Don't let its size fool you. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this burg is a growing haven for artists, writers and musicians and culture oozes from its pores.

The Sun Music Hall's website promised a lesson for first-timers before the dance began, so my friend Sandra and I arrived in time for instruction. Prior to two days ago, I'd never even heard of contradance, and so went forth with no expectations. At 7:45, our "caller," Adina stepped to the center of the room and began our lesson. She walked us through a series of steps and threw lots of technical jargon our way such as partner, neighbor, courtesy turn, circle, allemande, cross over, right hand through, spin, and on and on and on.

After 10 minutes, it was announced that we had all the knowledge necessary to begin dancing. I was dubious. So, what is contradancing? It's nearly impossible to describe - you just have to try it. To say there's a lot of spinning is an understatement. Adina warned us about getting dizzy. Some dancers find Dramamine helpful, she announces.

WHOA! Wait just a minute. Everyone who has ever danced with me will attest that I am a hopelessly terrible dancer! I have no rhythm and I do not "follow." Shocking, I know. So, I did not just sign up for an evening of being spun all over the dance floor, did I? Not to mention having to memorize a series of intricate steps that should be performed in the right order to avoid crashing into others who are in the "line of indefinite length." Talk about things that scare me!

Our lesson concluded after a few generalities from Adina:

• Contradancing is a team sport, so don't expect to dance with the one who brung ya all night.
• Whether you're a lady or a gent, remember that the lady is always right. (I knew this, but it takes on a different meaning when you're in mid swing and can't remember where to stop!)
• Try it...you'll like it. (Famous last words...)

With that, we formed 2 lines, the Bubbatones began the live music, and away we went. I lost track of Sandra after a while as the dances take you up and down the dance floor numerous times. My dance partners were plentiful and patient. Experienced dancers take first-timers under their wing willingly at these dances. They gave gentle feedback even as I laughed at my egregious errors! One suggested making eye contact during the spins, which helped with the dizziness. One taught me that the best spin is executed by keeping one foot in place and pulling against your partner - he was right...we flew!

The more I danced, the more I amazed myself. I was getting it! I was kind of...good! As the evening progressed, my partners began adding their own flair to the dances, spinning me and tossing me where they desired and, by the end, I was dizzy again from all the spinning.

In three hours of contradancing, I never sat out a song, nor did I stop laughing. I think I danced with everyone in the hall - some really good, some first-timers like me. I participated in and caused a few train wrecks with my novice. While my body is protesting today, last night I only felt exhilarated! I am hooked on this wondrous form of English folk dancing.

The next time you find yourself in Floyd on the 2nd Saturday night of the month, drop in and have a tofu chimichanga at OddFellas and then join me at the Sun Music Hall. I'll be there...spinning!

"And if you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with, love the one you're with." Thank you Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and AM for this valuable lesson!