Dancing at Reston Station June 21 – Recap

The evening was perfect for dancing outside, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. Many familiar faces from NVCWDA attended the event as did a number of enthusiastic members of the general public. The Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 band played their first set from 7 p.m. until about 7:45. During their break, Linda Bloyer taught the line dance “5, 6, 7, 8” and then basic Two-step with music provided by Rich Mahan. A lot of people from the audience joined in the lessons and dancing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Lots of people danced to the songs Wagon Wheel, Beer Money, and Chicken Fried. The show wrapped up at 9 p.m. Cedar Creek country band and more dancing are scheduled for July 12.

Reston Community Center sponsors the free “Summerbration” concerts on Friday nights from June-August. The venue is on the outdoor plaza at the Wiehle-Reston East metrorail station. The organizers provide lawn chairs and blankets or you can bring your own. There’s a small grassy area adjacent to the plaza, which offers another place to sit and a spot for kids to run around. Founding Farmers (open until 10 p.m.), Sweet Leaf (open until 8 p.m.), and Starbucks (open until 8:30 p.m.) are nearby. The stage is partially under an office building. The overhang would provide some cover during rain, if the wind was fairly calm. Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to loud music. To get there, you can ride the Silver Line train, drive and park for free (with validation) in the ParkX lot, take a rideshare service, or ride your bike and park in the bike room below BLVD apartments.

The major downside of the location is the “dance” area consisting of bumpy, coarse concrete pavers. I don’t know how people can dance on such unforgiving surfaces. I usually wear dance sneakers with DanceSox on sticky floors, but I did not want to tear up my good shoes for a hopeless cause. Before the event, I tried wrapping some sneakers with duct tape in hopes the tape would reduce friction on the pavers. No luck. During the event, I first tried sneakers without tape; not so good either. Finally I dragged out my old leather-soled cowboy boots, which seemed to be the least worst choice, although my feet were not happy being crammed into the pointy toes. I also tried dancing on the grass. The friction was low enough to chance doing some spins on the grass, but the ground was uneven and I worried about twisting an ankle. I love to dance, but I don’t want to risk injuring myself either.

–Kerie Hitt