February 1, 2009
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I’ve been more places and done more fun things in the last three days than in the last three months. Somehow I forgot what a big, wide, wonderful world it was. Elizabeth called it “social phobias” when I asked why Derek never wanted to go anywhere. He said it was because of the money.
Last night I went to a benefit for a local dance teacher. My tango teacher emailed me about it. I assumed it would be the cancer patient’s students, family, and friends but it was mostly ballroom dance teachers and performers from all over Portland. I got there early to get a seat by the dance floor, and I was watching the lone couple show off.
Pretty soon a guy Derek’s age asked me to dance. I was a little apprehensive but I always say, “yes,” so as not to discourage others from asking. I was nervous because the only other couple I’d seen dance were doing the cha-cha like you’d see on TV.
The way he escorted me onto the dance floor, I knew he was a ballroom dancer. I quickly made my disclaimer, asking for mercy.
He said, “Can you swing?”
“Yes,” I said, not remembering he could mean East coast.
We were the only ones on the dance floor, and the music was pretty fast. We fumbled in the beginning, maybe because I moved in the usual manner, which was not ballroom style. I think I got in too close. Once we were in step, he arranged my left arm the way he wanted it. He began to sing along with a dreamy look on his face when he could see I knew what I was doing. He clearly liked the song and loved to dance. I noticed people were watching.
What I realized later was what a chance I took, because they all do the other kind of swing. Maybe that’s why people were watching.
The next dance was a waltz. Fortunately, one of the guys I dance with every summer at that blues festival taught me some Zydeco. Of course, it was nothing like these people do with their formal arms and zig-zagging backwards. I just about panicked. Our knees bumped and I was lost. I closed my eyes and tried to focus. He was very gracious about it and even asked me again. I now know how to ballroom dance.
Comments (3)
I’d have been intimidated with him but then you know a lot about dancing so you were in good hands! marilyn
I LOVE ballroom dancing, but I don’t care for watching it. It’s more fun to dance. I learned many moons ago and used to dance around the bookstore at night when we were closing. I’m so glad you went ahead and danced! What fun! And Derek not wanting to go anywhere? I agree with Elizabeth, it’s social phobias. Don’t let him cramp your style.