A writer is a professional spinner of lies. His job: to lay out the truth on a bed of magnificent lies so it is visible… »
Footnotes
The woman who taunted Gaddafi
On the day when Gaddafi was threatening to “take the war to Europe”, I happened to be flipping through a Playboy publication. Sadly, this one didn’t have any engaging photographs. What it had, though, was impressions of Gaddafi by someone who provoked — no, taunted — him in flesh, and came away… »
Wrong, wrong, wrong!
The strange thing about the dancing world is that it is the only world I know where the customer is always wrong … Don’t do this, don’t do that, you’ve to do this, you’ve have to do that… the customer is always wrong. Donnie Burns on the business of teaching… »
Message from Mars 3
A negative inflection will make a disproportionately stronger impact on the receiver than the verbal content. So the dancer who feeds back “You are rushing me” – which, on its own, is not bad – is likely to do more damage if s/he delivers that in the wrong tone of voice. The last part of… »
Message from Mars 2
Productive communication produces a supportive climate where meaningful and problem-orientated exchanges can take place, and sets the stage for more of the same. Ditto, negative communication. It encourages a defensive climate, leading to more of counterproductive communication and conflict. Tips for the athlete? Five actionable points stand… »
Message from Mars
One of the burning regrets in my life is that I do not speak fluent Venusian. The nuances of the language have eluded me despite my best efforts, and I am slowly beginning to accept that I will never fully comprehend it. I have also realised the average Venusian has little knowledge of the language… »
Bust to bust
If you are female, dancer, and in the midst of a frustrating partner-hunt, you will want to read this. Men, we don’t need to bother. We will be just fine — as we have always been…. »
Of ballroom and Blackpool
The ballroom in Blackpool Tower is breathtaking. Especially the first time you walk on to it. I guess it is a combination of factors: the sheer expansiveness of the floor set in durbar hall-like surroundings, leading up to a glorious… »
Four hands, one brain
Ballroom jive is good fun. That is, if you are naturally bouncy and good at remembering routines with umpteen, quick ‘changes of… »
Oh boy!
Here’s an interesting question: why is it okay for two women to dance together but not for two men? I have noticed it at ballroom and salsa. A woman dancing with another raises no eyebrow. But two men dancing? That is cause for great… »
A splash of salsa
Inside, more black ties and evening gowns scattered around a well-lit dance floor, where a sizeable crowd is swaying to live hip-hop. After dinner. “Do you feel a bit shabby?” asks… »