It can be pretty mesmerizing being all synced up on a crowded floor, going through the same 40 steps a dozen or so times. Two-stepping introduced me to partner dancing, and the whole concept that you can direct someone else to dance with you without sitting down beforehand to map it all out. Midsummer Night Swing is a spectacular program that Lincoln Center has run for the past 10 years. And even though it gets incredibly crowded, when the weather's cooperating, there's nothing like dancing outdoors in midtown Manhattan. Even though dancing looks complicated, just a few lessons can give you enough experience to realize that no dance is too complicated for you, no matter what it looks like, or how clumsy you are.
Dancing is a great way to meet people.
Doing any style of dance really well takes years of practice and commitment. Dance floors that are too crowded can be dangerous. Spending an evening dancing with 20 or so different partners can be just as fun as an evening out dancing with one partner with whom you're spending time off the floor. And it's usually a faster way to improve your dance skills. West Coast Swing is my current favorite, but I'm eager to learn a host of others.