I've been a member of the Balboa Park Dance Club for about four months -- and has it paid dividends. It cost me twenty smackers to join for one year. Now I pay three dollars for Friday or Sunday lessons. Today's lesson were the quick-step and bolero.
Exhausted from a full day and preparing to relocate with my daughter in Los Angeles, I needed a relaxer. Instead of watching the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, my mind was set for two lessons I would brush up on the Quick-step and Bolero
From the 5 south, I got off on Tenth Avenue and after three lefts found my way to Presidents Way and the parking lot on top. I hustled inside the Bay Ballroom and paid my three dollars. The Starbucks coffee would wear-off in one hour but my body needed to be saturated with music and dance.
I chose Candy Cane to provide lessons for me. Besides, he always is a laugh and makes learning fun, The beginning class is taught in the middle of the ballroom. On its flanks intermediate and advanced lessons are taught.
"Will the men line up on this side of the room and the ladies the other...I will keep it simple tonight an teach you only two steps tonight."
Candy Cane turns with his back facing us. My eyes dart to his legs and I try to concentrate. His moves are slow, and deliberate. That is exactly what I want. There are fifteen men alongside me.
"Walk forward. One and two-and touch-and back, and now the same but going back one and two-and touch the other shoe before going back." Candy Cane labeled the moves Gloria. His next step was a half twist and again with the left leg in front. That move he called Harry.
Soon my troubles had been forgotten. In their place were a sea of gorgeous ladies in all shapes and sizes. I needed to close my eyes to focus on the steps rather than them. Not easy for me, since i have always been a ladies man. Sweat now rolled down my back. I had forgotten my woes for a few minutes. With a move back to Los Angeles and my brother in the hospital, I needed to relax before returning to the El Loco Hotel.
This week I will unhinge my legs for the Wednesday afternoon dance in Encinitas. Those dances begin at one and are over at three. The room is in back of Napa Auto just south of the street. And don't forget that Thursday's Balboa Park offers a senior dance every-other Thursday.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
The Town and County
I had a lot on my mind. Soon I would be leaving my cell at the 'Y' for a more forma dale one with my second daughter in Los Angeles. Mel was out of the hospital. his blood sugar caused his coma. The Titanic story had kicked me up a notch so I needed to vent my energy...Besides, I had a miserable date with one from Juarez, Mexico. She just couldn't stop talking. Can you imagine spending fifty dollars for dinner?
I wanted to take more two step lessons at Balboa Park's Bay Ballroom. I found it closed so I returned to Park Blvd and returned to the 163 Freeway. At the 8 Freeway I got off on Hotel Circle and promptly became lost...and that God.
I found a free parking place at the Fashion Mall, just west of Penny's. From there I walked across a bridge to the hotel. I became lost but soon found the Trellises. The hotel restaurant has a duo playing there each Friday and Saturday, unless the venue is sold to a private party.
"We begin promptly at eight o'clock and play until eleven." It was only seven twenty, so I had forty minutes to burn. I walked to the lobby and requested information about their November Jazz Festival when over one hundred jazz bands take over the grounds. I wanted to volunteer and maybe fill-in for a piano player.
"Let me get you a card sir, and you can get the information. Also, the rooms rent for $150 today but next month come way down. Our season is over." The phone number of the Town and Country is (619) 291-7131, and for reservations it is (800) 772-8527.
I sat in the lobby for a few minutes and watched a clerk try to understand one who spoke in pig's English Most of these people came from all walks of life, but without knowledge of how to act or dress. At eight o'clock I went to the musical menu.
The blond singer of three years ago was gone. Two piano players substituted or tried to. They played great piano music but there is no substitute for a blond singer. Without a singer the songs lacked soul even if in tune and roundly received.
I paid my five for the small coke, well it was more ice than coke. The few gals who came in were nothing to stare at, but I wouldn't mind bringing a mushy date with me next time. I would gladly sing to her to make up for the lack of songster.
i returned to my car and found Taylor Street that returned me back at the Old Town Commuter station. From there I took the Green back to my hotel.
I wanted to take more two step lessons at Balboa Park's Bay Ballroom. I found it closed so I returned to Park Blvd and returned to the 163 Freeway. At the 8 Freeway I got off on Hotel Circle and promptly became lost...and that God.
I found a free parking place at the Fashion Mall, just west of Penny's. From there I walked across a bridge to the hotel. I became lost but soon found the Trellises. The hotel restaurant has a duo playing there each Friday and Saturday, unless the venue is sold to a private party.
"We begin promptly at eight o'clock and play until eleven." It was only seven twenty, so I had forty minutes to burn. I walked to the lobby and requested information about their November Jazz Festival when over one hundred jazz bands take over the grounds. I wanted to volunteer and maybe fill-in for a piano player.
"Let me get you a card sir, and you can get the information. Also, the rooms rent for $150 today but next month come way down. Our season is over." The phone number of the Town and Country is (619) 291-7131, and for reservations it is (800) 772-8527.
I sat in the lobby for a few minutes and watched a clerk try to understand one who spoke in pig's English Most of these people came from all walks of life, but without knowledge of how to act or dress. At eight o'clock I went to the musical menu.
The blond singer of three years ago was gone. Two piano players substituted or tried to. They played great piano music but there is no substitute for a blond singer. Without a singer the songs lacked soul even if in tune and roundly received.
I paid my five for the small coke, well it was more ice than coke. The few gals who came in were nothing to stare at, but I wouldn't mind bringing a mushy date with me next time. I would gladly sing to her to make up for the lack of songster.
i returned to my car and found Taylor Street that returned me back at the Old Town Commuter station. From there I took the Green back to my hotel.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Balboa Bay Club
About four years ago, I found my Garden of Eden inside Balboa Park. I was somewhat homeless then, but the Rose and Cactus Garden made me feel at home. A volunteer Rose pruner told me where I could get free coffee and a donate to boot.
"Just walk over the Cabrillo Bridge and follow the path to the Prado. You can't miss the Senior Center. It is too your right, and you'll hear the loud chatter when you get there."
At the Senior Center, somebody told me there was dancing every other Thursday across the way across from the Hall of Champions and next to the puppet theater.
Yesterday I had my radar set to go to Balboa Park for an Hawaiian thematic dance. San Diego had been burning with another Red Flag alert. Now that the Bay Ballroom's A/C worked, I knew my lungs and legs would enjoy the dance.
But first I needed to grab breakfast at the nearby Scripp's Mercy Hospital. The hospital offers me fresh air and a nutritious meal at a fair price. I ordered the usual: sauteed spinach, lean bacon, and toast. It took me a few minutes to ride to the hospital and park inside the disabled lot. Again, the A/C and delicious breakfast, all for a bit over three dollars began my day.
After breakfast, I walked to their library to brush up on the news. I read the New York Times and part of the U.T. The Chargers began their open practices today. I did some research on their computers and then it was time to go to Balboa Park.
I drove down Fifth Street until Laurel arrived. I made a left and entered the Park. The Man's Museum was to my left. I turned right at the Prado Plaza and parked my car on President's Way's Parking lot. Across from the Bay Club sits the Hall of Champions. Inside to the right is a small coffee shop. I felt like a three dollar bowl of chili beans covered with chopped onions.
At about 12 o'clock I entered the ballroom and took advantage of its corner piano. After playing a few songs, I entered the ballroom. A couple taught the fox trot. I watched and practiced the steps in my head: to the side, one, two, three, four and skip. Lift your left leg and and do a box step.
The music began to play. I danced with two Asian dolls. God neglected to provide them with a figure but their cute faces made up for it. I danced a few with Monkey and later with Giraffe. Monkey later sat in the back with me.
Monkey was all bones. In fact there wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere, and no wonder, she was in constant motion. I have never seen anyone so nervous. Monkey told me her story just before break time.
"I've got two kids, a boy and a girl. My girl does not appreciate all that I did for here. At least her husband does. I enjoy my grandchildren...Their husband abused me during our short marriage. He used me for sex only. I kicked him out after a year or two and worked as a nurse to make ends meet. She teaches school. I am proud of that."
Just then I saw cat fish stealing grapes, biscuits and cheese from several tables. You can't leave any food around for Peggy. She is all mouth and thin legs.
"Why doesn't your daughter appreciate you?"
"I gave her dancing lessons, sent her to college and did many other things for her."
"Is it possible she did not bond with you and you thought that giving her things would cement your relationship."
Not to bore you, I danced a few more with Giraffe and Monkey until my eyes began to shut. I hightailed it back to my barbecued Y.M.C. A. and napped. I will save my energy for Sunday as there is a dance between 3 and 5 at Convoy Street. It is five dollars at the door. Janice provides dance lessons for thirty minutes.
The nice thing about Janice is she goes with the flow. I am a comedian and she not only allows me to joke, but makes a better one. Of course I joke since to forget the mistake I will be about to make and hide my fears about the taking the lesson with me. I still get turned on at soon-to-be 75 years of age, so a joke now and then removes intimacy from my mind. Janice is a tall slim dark haired dame Not be to look at, if I may
say.
Today I did not end up with a gal and thanks God. It was too hot to walk to the Prado for a Shirley Temple and some of those delicious Corn Shrimp with a humus spread. .
"Just walk over the Cabrillo Bridge and follow the path to the Prado. You can't miss the Senior Center. It is too your right, and you'll hear the loud chatter when you get there."
At the Senior Center, somebody told me there was dancing every other Thursday across the way across from the Hall of Champions and next to the puppet theater.
Yesterday I had my radar set to go to Balboa Park for an Hawaiian thematic dance. San Diego had been burning with another Red Flag alert. Now that the Bay Ballroom's A/C worked, I knew my lungs and legs would enjoy the dance.
But first I needed to grab breakfast at the nearby Scripp's Mercy Hospital. The hospital offers me fresh air and a nutritious meal at a fair price. I ordered the usual: sauteed spinach, lean bacon, and toast. It took me a few minutes to ride to the hospital and park inside the disabled lot. Again, the A/C and delicious breakfast, all for a bit over three dollars began my day.
After breakfast, I walked to their library to brush up on the news. I read the New York Times and part of the U.T. The Chargers began their open practices today. I did some research on their computers and then it was time to go to Balboa Park.
I drove down Fifth Street until Laurel arrived. I made a left and entered the Park. The Man's Museum was to my left. I turned right at the Prado Plaza and parked my car on President's Way's Parking lot. Across from the Bay Club sits the Hall of Champions. Inside to the right is a small coffee shop. I felt like a three dollar bowl of chili beans covered with chopped onions.
At about 12 o'clock I entered the ballroom and took advantage of its corner piano. After playing a few songs, I entered the ballroom. A couple taught the fox trot. I watched and practiced the steps in my head: to the side, one, two, three, four and skip. Lift your left leg and and do a box step.
The music began to play. I danced with two Asian dolls. God neglected to provide them with a figure but their cute faces made up for it. I danced a few with Monkey and later with Giraffe. Monkey later sat in the back with me.
Monkey was all bones. In fact there wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere, and no wonder, she was in constant motion. I have never seen anyone so nervous. Monkey told me her story just before break time.
"I've got two kids, a boy and a girl. My girl does not appreciate all that I did for here. At least her husband does. I enjoy my grandchildren...Their husband abused me during our short marriage. He used me for sex only. I kicked him out after a year or two and worked as a nurse to make ends meet. She teaches school. I am proud of that."
Just then I saw cat fish stealing grapes, biscuits and cheese from several tables. You can't leave any food around for Peggy. She is all mouth and thin legs.
"Why doesn't your daughter appreciate you?"
"I gave her dancing lessons, sent her to college and did many other things for her."
"Is it possible she did not bond with you and you thought that giving her things would cement your relationship."
Not to bore you, I danced a few more with Giraffe and Monkey until my eyes began to shut. I hightailed it back to my barbecued Y.M.C. A. and napped. I will save my energy for Sunday as there is a dance between 3 and 5 at Convoy Street. It is five dollars at the door. Janice provides dance lessons for thirty minutes.
The nice thing about Janice is she goes with the flow. I am a comedian and she not only allows me to joke, but makes a better one. Of course I joke since to forget the mistake I will be about to make and hide my fears about the taking the lesson with me. I still get turned on at soon-to-be 75 years of age, so a joke now and then removes intimacy from my mind. Janice is a tall slim dark haired dame Not be to look at, if I may
say.
Today I did not end up with a gal and thanks God. It was too hot to walk to the Prado for a Shirley Temple and some of those delicious Corn Shrimp with a humus spread. .
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