Growing up, bush dances were a highlight of the year. We would have them fairly regularly after school holiday programs. They were so much fun. I loved the dances, the fact someone was telling me what to do, the feeling of community. It was an activity where I didn’t feel left out and sitting on the sidelines, there was always someone to dance with.
I did my debutante ball, and enjoyed the dancing, although remembering the steps was a challenge, it was still a lot of fun.
Dancing fell by the wayside for a while, but when my marriage broke up, a friend invited me to ballroom dancing classes. This was so much fun, and lasted for a while, until she moved to Queensland.
There were the occasional bush dances after school holiday programs when my kids were younger, but I haven’t been dancing for a very long time.
This week, I saw a post about an old-time dance class on Thursday evening. It was only $5 and open to anyone. It didn’t matter if you didn’t have a partner. So, I decided to head along.
I didn’t know anyone, or I thought I wouldn’t know anyone. I was nervous, but thought it would be fun.
It was! It was so much fun, even though I ended up with blisters on my feet.
I was invited to dance by a man who reminded me a lot of my grandfather. I picked up the steps pretty quickly and had so much fun.
I was there just as me. I wasn’t anyone’s mum, daughter, workmate, or any of the other roles I have. I was just me.
I was invited to come along to a social dance night last night (Friday). I wasn’t sure if I’d go, but the alternative was to sit at home and watch another daggy movie. So I decided to go… stopping on the way for some band aids to protect from blisters!
For those who were at the Thursday class, they welcomed me warmly, as did those who hadn’t met me before. I was invited to dance quite a few times and picked up the steps quickly. Even though I made many mistakes, it didn’t matter. I had a great time.
I suspect there will be more old time dances in my future. It was a lot of fun, great exercise, got me out of the house, and I felt like I didn’t have to mask at all!
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