My Take
DiVoran Lites
When people began to tell me about their line dance classes and what good exercise they were and how much fun it was, and when I discovered that there is a line dance class at my church five minutes away, I decided to give it a try.
That’s where I was yesterday between 10 and 11:00 AM. I wanted to see if I had the stamina and brain-power to learn the steps. It was supposed to be a beginner’s class
Even though I’m older now, I have never lost my love of dancing. I still get carried away in my own kitchen. My friend Patricia says she does the same. Unlike his wife, Michael, I know it was right for King David to express his joy before the Lord in dance.
At first the teacher who is also a senior (according to AARP standards) tried to show me every step and make sure I got it before we moved on. She even raised her voice at me once (and she was wearing a mike.) That’s when I turned to jelly inside and thought I’d better scoot away while I could. But somehow I got the courage to ignore my fear and soldier on.
Soon I was on my own keep up or not. We did about half a dozen songs and each of them had some or one new (to me) step.
One of the dancers suggested I get in the middle of the small group of ten. That way I could see somebody’s feet no matter which way we turned. In a way it was a good idea, in a way, it wasn’t. I’m like a kid when it comes to distraction. One woman had the most colorful and beautiful athletic shoes I had ever seen. Another had sandals that laced up her ankle, but she didn’t know the steps as well. A gentleman in front of me wore black cowboy boots. I probably should have been watching his feet all along.
Every once in while the teacher says, “How are we doing.” I realize she is speaking to me and I shoot back, “Good!” If I can’t quite turn at the right time, if I’m going east when everyone else faces west, if I have to make up my own steps, well, I’ve decided to enjoy myself. I’m loving the catchy songs and I feel a genuine smile blooming. I think maybe I have received help and courage from a higher power.
After 1 hour and six different dances I hear again, “How are we doing?”
“I am completely flummoxed and tired, but I’m having a good time,” I answer. Many voices assured me that this wasn’t a beginner’s class as I had thought. That made me feel a bit better. Now, I want to go back, but I don’t want to mess up the class. I left with a half- promise, “I’ll be back.” I should have added the old Western saying, “Good Lord willin’ and the crick don’t rise.”
Old Things R New 