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14 | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2022 | When watching a group of experienced dancers learn a new routine, most people are amazed at how quickly the troupe can learn the new dance. This ability comes from the dancers' familiarity with the individual steps, which allows them to be able to use them in any sequence. Once the dancers learn the sequence of steps, the "choreography," they practice it until they know it so well that its elements become automatic. This ability to do a choreography without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of those movements, is called muscle memory. First, dancers see one move and then another but eventually the steps merge into phrases and then into longer sequences. Brain scientists refer to this process as "chunking." What actually happens, according to neuroscientists, is that the separate movements become thoroughly mapped in the brain, creating a shorthand between thinking and doing. In this way, they become automatic. A large range of brain areas are responsible for muscle memory. These include the motor cortex, which is the part of the brain which sends signals to the muscles and is responsible for planning and executing movements; the basal ganglia, which is a structure deep in the brain associated with movement initiation; and the cerebellum, which is an area at the back of the brain which deals with adaptation. Once the movements become automatic, the dancer can concentrate on adding detail and color, bringing out the emotions and meaning of the choreography. This is the point where the dancers merge their athletic and artistic talents to produce a dance that can move an audience to laughter or tears. Our dance troupe is just beginning to learn the choreography of the first dances for our next performance. Some of us pick up the choreography faster than others, but by spring of 2024, we will have achieved muscle memory of all our dances and be ready to share them with you. Since we are just at the beginning, it is the perfect time for you to join us in one or more of our classes. You can learn the elements of dance in a fun and easy atmosphere. If you are interested in tap or jazz, please contact us at ohccdancetroupe@gmail.com. If you are interested in Hawaiian dancing, please contact Valerie Thompson at valgene2@cox.net. If you are interested in belly dancing, please contact Sharon Lair at (760) 822-2670. And to join our new ballet class, please contact Diane Hillman at drdianehillman@icloud.com. Ocean Hills Dance Troupe Ballroom Dance Our September dance will be on Fri., Sept. 9 in Abravanel Hall from 7 to 9:45 pm. We will dance to music provided by our member DJ Tai Lien. We will be setting up for tables of eight. The cost is $8/ member and $10/non-member. Checks are due by Fri., Sept. 2. Our monthly dances are on the second Friday of the month from 7 to 9:45 pm. (The times will vary for dinner dances.) The dance music is typically provided by a live band although we will be using recorded music for the next few months. The weekly dance lessons have been suspended until October. When the lessons resume, they will be held each week on Wednesdays. Beginner lessons will be at 2 pm and Intermediate lessons will be at 3 pm in Abravanel Hall. Cost will be $10 for both members and non- members. You can pay at the door by cash or check. (Reservations are not required, just come.) Singles are welcome. The Beginner lessons will feature East Coast Swing. The Intermediate lessons will feature West Coast Swing. East Coast Swing traces its roots to Lindy Hop (also called Jitterbug). It was originally danced in the 1920s and 1930s to big band music. In the 1940s it became a ballroom dance called Eastern Swing that eventually was changed to be called, East Coast Swing. It is a fun, upbeat, non-progressive dance that is characterized by its bounce, back break (rock step), and swing hip action. East Coast Swing is best suited to being danced to the 1950s rock and roll style of music. West Coast Swing also traces its roots to Lindy Hop although it evolved later than East Coast Swing in the 1940s. This was toward the end of the big band era when some dancers moved to smaller spaces and began dancing to slower blues music. West Coast Swing is smooth (no bounce) and is danced in a slot. It can be danced to a wide range of music including rhythm and blues, soul, and country western that have slower tempos that the East Coast Swing music. The Practice Parties have also been suspended until October. When they resume, they will be held on Mondays, weekly in Abravanel Hall from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Experienced OHCC dancers will review Wednesday's lessons and provide help upon request. You can practice your dancing to a variety of ballroom music. The party is FREE, just drop in. These parties are open to all residents of OHCC and guests of members. The annual membership dues for the Ballroom Dance Club are $10. With this membership you will receive regular emails describing club activities as well as discounts for dances and lessons. To join, just drop your check off at the front desk. Indicate your email address(s) on the check.

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