If you watch and listen to that scene here, by the way, later you can decide.
I was thinking about another scene in a different story depicting an encounter that, on second thought, is perhaps not all that different. The female lead said, "Do you enjoy dancing?" To which the male lead responded, "I thought that was what we were doing."
At this point in the story, they were relatively new to each other, and she was looking for information as she tried to get to know him. His comment, of course, wasn't really about moving rhythmically to music, as hers was, but about the metaphor. In his mind the new couple was engaged in "The Dance" - thinking and talking (or not) as they tried to learn how the other felt and what they liked and thought. Let's call it a ginger exploration - what you do as you test the waters or assess the limits. Oh my word, how any metaphors can I mix?! Although it's not defined well, I suspect you know what I mean. How would you define dance in this metaphor?
But back to Anna. She sings:
We've just been introduced. I do not know you well,
but when the music started, something drew me to your side.
So many men and girls are in each others arms.
It made me think we might be similarly occupied.
Shall we dance? On a bright cloud of music shall we fly?
Shall we dance? Shall we then say "Goodnight and mean "Goodbye"?
Or perchance, when the last little star has left the sky,
shall we still be together with are arms around each other
Shall we dance? Shall we dance? Shall we Dance?
Rhythmic moving or metaphor? Did you watch? If you did, you know it's obviously both in this case. Lots of movement and lots being said, much without words.
Or ... maybe The Dance is just a hugely successful album by Fleetwood Mac or perhaps lyrics for The Eagles. Some dance to remember, some dance to forget.
In the story I was recalling, by the way, they continued to "dance" and became great friends but never a couple. I can just see Bogie and Bacall sharing that dialogue. It wasn't, but it sure would have been perfect casting. I have to wonder, however, if Bogie would have changed the script so they ultimately became a couple.
So ... you know how to whistle, don't you, Steve?
TGB
