That’s what mom always said

(Posted by Ron)

We are deep in the midst of preparations to attend a wedding in New York next week.  Dixie, the bride, loves all things about the thirties and forties and has decided to have a Guys and Dolls wedding.  That really sounds like fun except that I have to dress the part and am expected to learn at least a bit about swing dancing.

I’m not having any trouble with the outfit.  Fortunately, men’s cloths do not change a lot over the years so I can wear a suit I already own.  I did have to find the rest of the outfit (shirt, tie, shoes, scarf, fedora, etc.) but even that was simple.  So, unlike Gayle, my outfit is complete and I’m ready to go.  I’m not, however,  ready to dance!

I should already know how to swing dance.  My brother and sister used to dance in our living room in the forties and fifties.  My mom always said they danced so much they wore out the living room carpet.  I talked with my brother today and he said they were doing the jitterbug but it sure looked like swing.  He didn’t remember wearing out the carpet.

When I was a teenager I would go to the dances, but didn’t dance.  Most of the dances were some version of swing but I didn’t want to look silly so I didn’t learn to dance.  I’ve regretted that a lot over the years and especially now when I feel like I’m a little old to learn.  As much as I would like to use my bum knee as an excuse I’m just going to bite the bullet, wrap it tightly, and see if it’s really possible for me to dance.  (You know – “older” dog new trick.)

Did you know there are dance lessons on You Tube?  Neither did I until this week.  Some of the instructors look like they are bored to the bone as they count out step, step, rock step over and over and over ad nauseum.  I doubt that Gayle and I will be wearing out any rugs but at least we tried to follow them.  On Saturday we will actually take a real, live lesson.  I can hardly wait but I’m sure there will be additional blogs about this subject soon.

By the way.  Does anyone know where to get the male equivalent of Spanks just for the stomach?

See you on Dancing With The Stars!

Our adventures with swing dancing, Dixie’s weddings, flappers, and New York City will be chronicled over the next 12 days.  Want to be a fly on our wall? Subscribe to our RSS feed now and you won’t miss a word!

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