Dancing With the Stars

September 15th, 2006

I watched a show last night called Dancing with the Stars. It’s one of those new “reality” shows that are pretty popular on television today.

I’ve always wanted to be able to dance like those folks. I would want to ditch the four inch heals, though. I think I’d break my neck if I even tried to walk in them – much less dance in them. I’m a bare foot dancing woman.

I’ve taken dance lessons twice in my life. Once was to learn how to shag with my friend Bill. I actually did pretty well considering that was my first formal lesson. Bill was a great dance partner and, thank goodness, was willing to learn with me.

The other time I took tap lessons. A group of friends decided to take it together at a local dance studio. All the men and women in that group were fun to be with so I decided to join in. The room we took dance in was all mirrors. That was funny. There was no place to hide when you made a mistake.

I find most of the men in my life generally do not want to dance and sure wouldn’t want to take ballroom dancing. I guess my fate is set on this one.

My husband was very uncomfortable on the dance floor. There was the time we were on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee early in our marriage. We went to a bar that was famous for having celebrity country performers pop in unexpectedly to jam with whoever was on the stage. We had gone there after dinner to have a drink and take our chances we might see someone “famous.”

As we sat down the music started. There was a white haired gentleman sitting next to us alone. He and my husband started up a conversation and were immediately immersed in the discussion. I, however, was quickly engrossed in the music and began tapping my hands and moving my feet under the table and getting into the mood of the music.

Before long, a tall, lanky gentleman approached the table and asked my husband if he would mind if I danced with him for awhile. He said he could tell I was a dancer and that my husband was busy talking to his new found friend. “Sure.” He said, “She loves to dance and I’m not very good at it. Be my guest!”

We danced for several hours and had a great time…occasionally coming back to the table for something to drink and to rest a bit. I was not the best dancer on the floor that night but, my dance partner said, “You have that radiant smile and that – alone – makes you a great dancer. Just keep on smiling.” He said.

I was happy and so was my husband. You see, he was a talker and it was obvious the conversation was good with the grey headed man.

As I danced with my new found dancing partner, I discovered that he was a “Star” of sorts. He sang many of the songs we were dancing to and had a deep, sexy voice that could be heard all over the room.

I said “You should sing for a living.”

He said, “I do. I’m the bass in the country show Hee Haw. Ever heard of it?”

“That’s you!” I exclaimed. “I hardly recognized you without all the stage makeup.”

“You’re good.” I continued.

“And a pretty good dancer as well.” I said as I smiled.

As we said our goodbyes that evening, both of us had great memories of fun and friendship to take with us. I had my fill of “dancing with a star”, and my husband had met a new friend who was well known for playing pool and making exceptionally beautiful pool tables. Minnesota Fats was his name.

I still smile when I see old reruns of Hee Haw. There is that bass singer performing his heart out.

My wish for you today: That you take the opportunity to dance in life. Whether it is to dance on a floor or dance in your heart. Just dance. And don’t forget the smile!

~Joellen

This entry was posted on Friday, September 15th, 2006 at 9:42:pm and is filed under Entertainment, Life & Events, Relationships - Marriage, Teens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.