Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Social Dance


241/365
Step, together --- side step!
The class is called "Social Dance", and it is a step back in time, designed to "introduce children to the basics of social dance and etiquette." The dress code requires jackets and ties for boys, party dresses and white gloves for girls.

Fascinated by the concept, I stayed to watch. Several dozen boys and girls filed in -- some eager, some grimacing -- and took their seats around the perimeter of the room. Gents on the south side, ladies on the north. The instructor, a youngish (you know, my age) man, demonstrated proper handshakes, and introductions. The boys learned how to offer their arm to a young lady, and then the couples went through a receiving line, and learned how to take their seats. (There's rules -- who knew?!)

Before too long, the kids could do the box step with ease. The class was almost over, and I wondered what the fifth graders were thinking. Would they come back willingly next week? Just then, the soft music stopped. The instructor had one more dance to show them. Some quick directions followed, new music started, and pretty soon, they were all "Stayin' Alive". Mr Manners apparently has an inner Travolta. Should've expected as much from a guy my age....

Can't wait to see what they learn next.

5 comments:

Ruprecht said...

*snorts mightily at "my age" ... and controls self enough to comment below*

Nice catch. Rupe likes it .....

Milkayphoto said...

Oh, this warms my heart! How AWESOME that this type of class exists! These kids don't know it but they are learning a lost art. Kudos to the teacher! (Great capture as well. :-) )

Lisa said...

How sweet!! I think this should be a required class for all students.

Hopefully you joined in on the disco lesson.

Anonymous said...

Yep, all of us of a "certain age" have an inner Travolta....

Attie's Mom said...

My goodness Chris, you really do live in Hingham. Do they have these classes in Quincy too? =)
Seriously, great for the kids to do. & love that the teacher went disco on them.