Dance Lesson

Originally uploaded by horseballerina.

And really, what other kind is there? I am completely falling in love with dancing despite the fact that I often feel goofy, clumsy or confused and occasionally all three. Because other times I feel like a hot mama. I’ve been to a few classes now and learned the basics of two different styles of salsa, casino and L.A. My timing and coordination is improving every time. And – get this – I’m dancing in heels!

For my first class I wore the cute but highly sensible shoes Mom insisted on for the wedding, mostly on account of the stairs I had to go up. I was glad I listened to her when I learned that my escort was to leave me at the bottom of the stairs and I’d have to climb them solo. The shoes are stable, safe, and extremely ill-suited for salsa dancing. They completely lack spin. I stuck to the floor instead.

After my first night I was actually brave enough to go out with a group of people to the Pontiac Tavern, this cute little place downtown that plays Latin music on Thursday nights. Everyone was SO nice. There’s a group of regulars including people from the classes, and everyone dances with everyone. It was the first time I ever danced with a guy and didn’t have to worry about whether he thought it meant I wanted to go home with him! (Besides Brothers, which was great for just that reason – they didn’t want to go home with you anyway!)

After dancing with Danilo, I realized this whole idea was a stroke of genius. Given my penchant for dark-haired boys with big chocolate eyes, I wonder why I didn’t think of it sooner. What a great way to meet just such boys, many with adorable accents, and all of whom dance well. Sheer genius.

Somewhat ironic that the seed was planted while dancing with a blond, blue-eyed Jewish boy. You really just never know.