Reading the short piece on “Ballroom Dancing” in the last edition of the Grey Newsletter brought back wonderful memories.
As a matriculant in 1977, when it came to matters involving ‘the opposite sex’. I was painfully shy. In an attempt to combat this inadequacy, I was persuaded by friends to sign up for these “dance lessons”, whereby I’d be forced to mingle with, and perhaps even chat to some Collegiate girls. Horror of horrors!
It was with much trepidation and anxiety that I snuck into the hall on that first day of lessons. Fortunately, I became mesmerised by the dance instructor’s footwork, as he demonstrated in slow motion the 1, 2, 3/4, of the two-step/quick step, and I think I quickly forgot about the nervous sweat pouring onto my shirt from my armpits!
I was enthralled and exhilarated by the experience, and actually looked forward to the next week. However, something cropped up and I couldn’t attend the 2nd lesson.
So it was with great excitement that I pitched at the 3rd lesson, on the day of my 17th birthday in mid-February. And when the instructor called for a volunteer to demonstrate last week’s dance moves, one of my friends (Charlie Nelson, no.1 chess player and 1st team rugby player) thrust me forward, announcing that it was my birthday. My protestations fell on deaf ears!
The remainder of that lesson was a haze, as I was sure I’d made a complete fool of myself! To this day, I cannot recall how or if I managed.
However, now, 48 years later, I can honestly say those dance lessons were one of the best things I ever did!! They not only showed me that I could in fact hold some form of a conversation with “a girl” (!!), but they also paved the way for many ‘dancing encounters’ into the future, and even these days, as I now enter old age. It’s an activity I would highly recommend for all future matriculants.
Steve Smith
Class of ’77