Just Right

Since none of our close friends dance, Gary and I either sit by ourselves at dances or with family members. We’ve met some really really nice people, but our priority is dancing, not socializing, which I would say is generally true of most folks who come. Also, most venues we attend the dances are a couple of hours. Gary and I get in, dance, and come home exhausted. It’s a good thing.

The Indianapolis Roof is a little different. Those dances are four hours. And you sit at big round tables. It can feel…lonely. It wouldn’t if Gary and I got a small, two person table, but those are on the balcony, far away from the dance floor. When family members come it’s fabulous, but that doesn’t always happen.

We tried different tables. Some were filled with terrified people. Others were occupied with folks who helped make those people feel terrified; critical of every move and outfit that passed by them. Where, we wondered, were the fun people? The ones who dance for the pure joy of it?

We found them. We first met Jack and Bev, the couple whose wedding we attended a few weeks ago. Then Jack brought his brother. Last night they took a man celebrating his 91st birthday…still dancing I might add…and a charming woman. Other couples who sit at this table have either joined in the revelry, or they don’t return.

And we do have fun. Last night was no exception. Jack and Bev did a samba with new steps they’d been working on and we cheered. Gary and I did a west coast swing and they clapped for us. We women pick out the prettiest dresses. Lou told us all about the last time he’d been to the Roof…70 years ago!!! We laugh at Jack’s jokes. But when the music starts and someone wants to dance, we dance.

What no one at the table does? Criticize others. And that, as Goldilocks would say, makes our table just right. Ahhhhhh.