Phil and I took ballroom dancing when I was pregnant with our first. It was a fun way to meet people, but became increasingly difficult with my growing belly. That was thirteen years ago. Now our baby is old enough to baby-sit, so we are free to dance again. But should we?
English Country dancing is the type shown in Jane Austen movies. It has similarities to square dancing in some of the shapes, patterns and steps. For instance, a do-si-do is called "back to back". The English Country Dance group in Kitsilano is an amazingly welcoming place. Phil called ahead and was greeted by the woman he spoke to as soon as we arrived. We were whisked away to the dance floor so we wouldn't miss the first dance.
We were each assigned a more experience partner and were immediately walking through our first dance. There was a live band including a piano, fiddle, bodhran and several others. My partner was patient and encouraging as I frequently went the wrong way or stood looking widely confused. The best advice came from the caller who said, "whatever you do, don't panic!" After each dance, we traded partners and learned more steps. I felt okay about the first three dances, but then my brain began to fail me. At one point I stood in the middle of the floor with absolutely no clue what came next, but I did not panic and the moment passed.
I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or because I've recently moved and want to keep things low key, but I find I have fewer things I actually enjoy doings. I like to be home, read, write, go for walks and have coffee with friends. I'm glad my hubby still surprises me into trying new things from time to time. I don't know if writer's can dance, but I think we, like everyone else, should try. If nothing else, it will probably make a great scene in a story one day.
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