You probably have danced with a Star Trek dance partner.
Sure, they may not have worn that cool uniform, or beamed into your dance studio, but they sure do have some pretty Stark Trek-like characteristics. So, to celebrate the 50 year Anniversary of Star Trek, we decided to examine what type of dance partners each main character would be from the original series (our apologies to Wil Wheaton).
If you discover that you, or someone you know, is one of these characters - please, report them to Starfleet (a.k.a. the ArthurMurrayLive.com Fanpage).
This is the dance partner that reminds you of alignments, dance frame inconsistencies, and evaluates the slim probabilities of your open reverse turn fitting within the narrow confines of the available dance floor. Don't expect creative re-interpretations of timing, school figures, or variations to sneak past this partner.
"I don't have the power" and "I've given her all that I've got" are common phrases from this often tired dance partner. While they constantly seem to be depleted of physical resources, there is no shortage of energy when it comes to offering a pessimistic outlook.
Warp 5 Game face is always engaged with a Dance Partner like Sulu. This is the dancer that finishes their laser sharp arm styling, regardless of the environment, and treats every social dance as if it is the final round of the world championships.
On Star Trek, Uhura is a communications specialist, on the dance floor, she can follow anything. She speaks every dialect and variation of every pattern you know, and, with or without her retro earpiece, can still pick up on your dance tendencies before you've consciously decided to make your limbs try them.
Bones
While this partner can be witty, they are also brutally honest. They will diagnose dance problems, will attempt to fix them, and won't hesitate to tell you if the prognosis will require a different skilled artisan; such as brick layer, choreographer, or the occasional miracle worker.
Chekov
The DJ may have announced that the song is a Bachata, but Chekov only hears International Rumba. Mambo? Nope, let's try a Samba. East Coast Swing? He just gets frustrated that the Jive music is so slow. Yes, Chekov is the partner that will attempt to shoehorn any of his International Latin training into any dance environment, regardless of the music that is playing.
From a distance, Kirk may give you the impression that he's brazen, reckless, even slightly arrogant. Upon dancing with him you realize that while he tip-toes the line between helpful guide and self-indulgent super hero, his dancing is intentional, his execution has flair, and everything from his dance technique to his attire is part of a larger strategy.
Redshirts
Star Trek is known for its fair share of expendable crew members. Commonly referred to as "redshirts", these lower ranking officers took their share of alien laser fire, and a variety of other comical deaths, for the sake of the Enterprise. In a dance studio, the Redshirts are those dance partners that you never take the time to dance with. They are the new faces in your school that, unfortunately, disappear before they can become a regular part of the cast and crew.
We hope you have enjoyed this tribute to Star Trek. Whether you are a Kirk, Uhura, Scotty, or Spock - we want to encourage you to encourage the Redshirts in your studio. At one point, you were in the same position and there were higher ranking officers that helped you along, and minimized any potential damage from partners like Bones.
So far, you have boldly gone where you comfort zone had never gone before, but there are others that have yet to make that leap. Make it your Starfleet Mission to dance with them, and your studio will truly live long, and prosper.
Image Credit: www.StarTrek.com