Circle of Friends - A Bird’s Eye View

If you have read my blogs, you know that I value people and friendship above all else in my life and over the past few months I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting and watching a circle of friends from a bird’s eye view. I only get to see this group on Tuesday evenings, at special events and the odd Friday but to watch how they interact, support and help each other would make you wish you were part of this group or had a group like this of your own. I am sure this wonderful group has many things in common, but the one thing that I see is West Coast Swing. They meet every Tuesday at DoverCourt House in Toronto and dance the night away. They go to dances all over the area including Toronto, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Ottawa and probably a hell of a lot of places I have not heard of yet. They travel all over North America going to Swing Dance Championships and from what I see and hear, having the time of their lives. And we are not talking about 2 or 3 friends doing this; we are probably talking into the teens or more, maybe not all at once but always a core. I have not met them all as of yet but the ones I have met are all incredible people and have left a lasting impressions with me.

Their ring leader is a lady named Julie E. and you will not meet a more wonderful, caring, enthusiastic person anywhere (and she is pretty hot as well, and man can she teach – West Coast Swing that is*LOL*). To me, she is the face of West Coast Swing in Toronto and she does everything she can to get the word out about this amazing dance. She recently had a milestone birthday and decided to throw a party for herself (West Coast Swing style of course) that included workshops with the fantastic Mike Topel, as well as a talent show and dancing. You would not believe the number of people who showed up for the weekend, it was amazing, and it was not because of Mike Topel, it was the respect and love they had for Julie. She is an amazing woman who I have the utmost respect for and since I am married I will leave it at that *LOL* (oh yeah – she is amazing to dance with even though she makes me nervous as hell, cuz I don’t want to screw up *LOL*).

Now this fantastic group does not stop with her, all the people I have met are incredible. There is Laura, one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She is so supportive, laid back and has the most genuine caring smile you will ever see. She is one of my favourite people, and a favourite to dance with. Her significant other is Nick, who I do not know very well, is always extremely friendly, a great dancer and must be a really good guy – cuz, hell – Laura picked him *LOL*. Then there is Wij (the world’s greatest magician – just ask his mom *LOL*) and Shelley and I must say I love these guys to death. Wij is one of the best male West Coast Swing Dancers in Toronto, but on top of that he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is extremely friendly and helpful to everyone he meets and just a great guy to be around – and Shelley, I don’t know where to start, she is amazing. Wij – you are one lucky dude my friend. She is a very pretty petite young lady who has an incredible personality and on top of that she is also a great dancer. I just love dancing with her and we just recently decided to compete together at the Toronto Open Swing Dance Championships next week. Not sure how we will do but it will be a blast finding out. And then there is Rita, my conscience on the dance floor; "Stop moving your shoulders", "you are off the beat", "that move doesn’t work", "that was great", "I enjoyed that" *LOL*. I cannot say enough about Rita, I love her to death as well. Thank you so much for getting on my case.

There are many others in the group I have met but have not gotten to know very well, but I hope that changes over the next few months especially Shelley S (soon to be a very proud mom for the first time) Linda and Christina.
To have a group of friends like this is totally amazing; you guys are the luckiest people in the world.

Have a wonderful day