The Last Dance

I never realized how fast 8 weeks could go by until I started taking a dance class once a week.  In the beginning  I thought it would give me something to do outside of my normal routine each week,  but what I didn't know is how much I would fall in love with the class.   This week I danced my final waltz in the studio (well for the time being).  As I set my frame and tilted my head, the music transported me to a completely different location. I could almost picture myself in a competition gliding across the floor to the music.  I forgot how much I loved to dance.  Perfecting each of my steps to mimic what the instructor had showed us came so naturally to me.  

Sadly this last week we were short one female, leaving the men to take turns standing out during each routine.  During one of the songs I happened to look over noticing the 85 year old man standing alone along the wall.  Although many others had taken their turn waiting patiently for a female partner, a part of me ached to see him waiting alone. Although I was dancing the fox trot with another partner at the time, I began remembering the previous class when I had the opportunity to have my final dance with the elderly man.   As the instructor was teaching us techniques he held onto my hand tightly.  Most partners stand with their arms crossed or at their sides, and had it been anyone else I probably would not been happy with the continuation of physical touch, however, with the old man, it was different.  It was almost sweet the way he wanted to stay close to me as we waited to take our place on the dance floor.  I will never forget this 8 week ballroom dance class, however, more importantly, I will never forget the old man and how much he made me smile just by sharing a dance with me a few times in the studio.


I hope in a few months I can save up enough money to take a few more of the classes.  I would love to continue practicing dance, and who knows maybe one day I will actually make it to a competition, even if it is just to watch the professionals.  

Save the Last Dance

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful winter days I can remember in a long time.  68 degrees in the middle of February does seem a little odd, but I thoroughly enjoyed not wearing a jacket to work.  I have to admit, although it was beautiful outside, I was a little bitter about the whole Valentines Day nonsense by the end of the day.  

However, when I walked in my front door and saw the brown Amazon box with my name on it,  I bolted across the entry way immediately shredding open the box.  

Guess what??.....IT  had arrived!! 

 No, it wasn't a red ryder BB gun...but I did feel like the kid from a Christmas Story as I tore out the contents from inside the package.  

 

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful in your life? 

As soon as it was released to stores on Feb 1 I had to get my hands on it.  I completely forgot that the package would be coming in the mail this week and after my debbie downer day I had this was the best way to cheer myself up.

(Yes, even I thought my attitude was getting annoying by the end of the day)

  Sadly, I had little time to enjoy my surprise gift, as I was already running late for my ballroom dance class. I was a little leary about dancing on Valentines Day with single 45 year olds, however as I walked in and took my position on the floor I noticed the room was full of new faces.  

After beginning with the Waltz lesson, we quickly advanced to learning the Foxtrot and Tango.   After a few partner changes I noticed my next move was to an 85 year old man in a grey and green argyle sweater.  

My heart melted.  

I was in love.  

He took my hand, winked at me and smile.  He lead me around the room, slightly slower than my other partners, but I didn't even notice.  The smile never left his face and he kept his eyes on me the whole time.  A part of me wondered what his story was.  

Did he live a long happy life with his wife who recently passed away?  

 Was dancing a passion of his for his entire life? 

Sadly, after a few moments of dancing our instructor asked us to switch again.  He gave me one last twirl and thanked me for the dance.  However, I was the one who was thankful. After complaining all day about Valentines Day reminders, my short dance with this gentleman reminded me that every day is filled with moments of happiness, but we have to be willing to notice them and take them in.  I shouldn't get upset about the lack of romance currently in my life, but rather be thankful for everything I get to do and experience.  I will always remember my dance with the little old man.  I just hope I get paired up with him again in the upcoming weeks.