Dancing at the Senior Center

I stopped at a nearby senior citizens center to print some copies. Dance class day, it turns out, so I stood in the doorway and watched my friends Roger and Carol practice the tango. The instructor is in her eighties and has been teaching every type of dance for many years. She came up to me and asked if I'd like to dance. Hmmm, why not! Haven't danced in years. I love dancing. So, I said YES.

I was introduced to Dr. T, a retired doctor (what kind, I wonder) in his 90s. The last time I danced -- the last many times I danced -- a slow dance meant HIS arms wrapped around my waist and MY hands behind his neck. Slow and up close. Dr. T was of the old school and held his left arm straight out to the side and curved his right arm ready to place his hand behind my waist. There were several inches between our bodies. I remembered that kind of dancing and stepped straight into his arms.

So nice to have someone who knew how to lead. I'm 5'8" tall and Dr. T is taller, probably around 6'. He was dressed in a suit - including a white shirt and tie - with just a hint of aftershave. This was my first time doing the tango. I wasn't bad. Dr. T. was better. We shared three dances which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also welcome the human touch.

As the our last dance ended, Dr. T complimented me on holding my right arm stiff so he could easily lead. I thanked him and thought to myself, He's right, that's the way it should be and that's the way I remember dancing long, long ago. I may go back for more.

(photo by Hello.Marissa at Flickr.com)