Here's an infectious video, made by friend Rick Detorie, that conveys some of the enthusiasm to be found in Southern California.
Mostly it's people dancing -- plus excursions from Malibu to Venice, to a private party and even to the Huntington Library in San Marino.
Except for wedding receptions and other big parties, dancing opportunities are rare these days. Nightclubs had dance floors when our parents and grandparents were young, but rents are high now, and so we have restaurant dining rooms packed with tables set cheek by jowl. Giving people room to dance is hard to monetize.
In Southern California, the dancing has moved outdoors. People practice their moves on concrete at regular events at parks in downtown Los Angeles or on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade.
The most popular couples' dance in the area is called the West Coast Swing, some basic steps that allow for plenty of improvisation. Classes are popular and always available.
In addition, breakdancing and other follow-on hip hop variations are popular along the beach boardwalks because, well, there is always music around.
It's one of the benefits of living in a region with a room-temperature climate.
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