Country Swing

This evening I decided to take in some live music, which is one of Lubbock's strengths on the cultural front. Some band that was supposed to be good (indeed, they were) was playing at a bar in the "Depot District", a neighbourhood of clubs and restaurants that surrounds the Buddy Holly Center, itself a tribute to the city's patron saint. I ordered a Jack and Coke because I felt it was appropriate, and settled in for a great night of people-watching.

The first thing I noticed was the very impressive array of cowboy hats. One young man in particular was in full peacock mode, with feathers jutting off the back of his hat. As he got closer I also noticed his turquoise necklace. So much finery! I was pleased to see him leave the establishment a couple of hours later with a young lady who had many tattoos and big hair. A good match.

I also made some observations about local vernacular dance. The style appeared to be Country Swing, but the kids these days use an unusual arm position, where the gentleman, instead of holding onto his partner's waist while she places her hand on his shoulder/back, seems to put the lady in what I can only describe as a near-headlock, with his arm all the way around her shoulders. I had actually observed this before at another bar in Lubbock, but I assumed that the strange arm positions had more to do with alcohol consumption than an actual dance style. Next week I'm going to a dissertation defense in the Department of Theater and Dance, so I'll ask somebody there if they can explain this element of local dance culture.