Like so many baby boomers, we grew up loving to dance, just like the generation before us. Dances were a  major source of entertainment all through my teen years. Not only did we have high school dances, but there were organized dances at so many other venues. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was usually spent on the dance floor. We either went with a date or with a group of friends knowing full well there would be someone to dance with there. American Bandstand was a staple for most teens, and we emulated their precision moves. Girls and guys alike enjoyed dancing; after all, it was an easy way to meet someone and hold them close to you for the duration of a song. And who can forget rocking it out with a jive or “fast dance” as we called it?

As I grew older and married, there seemed to be fewer opportunities to dance. Oh, there was always New Year’s Eve and the occasional sports dinner/dance evening or wedding, but it wasn’t the same. By the time my own kids were in their teens, there was only an occasional school dance, and kids seemed to have little idea about dancing with a partner.Remember how dancing was even a part of our physical education program? At clubs and bars today, most young adults just do their own thing and move alone to the music. I would venture to say that many younger people have no idea how to dance with a partner. The dance floor is more like a “mosh pit”.

Even though I was quite young, I still recall the movies with the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  They moved to the music as though they were one. I use to  love to watch my parents; my dad was an amazing dancer, but so easy to follow on the dance floor. It is such an extraordinary feeling to dance with someone who moves so naturally and makes up the steps as they go along. Occasionally, I see a couple dancing together and you just know they took lessons; it looks like the entire routine has been choreographed.

I really missed dancing. I must admit that there have been times when I slow danced around the living room alone when an old favorite came on the radio or rocked with the fridge door to a fast song. However, it’s not the same.

Fortunately, a while ago, I found an outlet for my dance itch. Our favorite pub holds a Karaoke night every Saturday. The music, of course, varies with the singers, but I must say we have an unbelievable array of talent that shows up every week. No night is ever the same! Best of all, we dance! Sometimes it is with each other, but sometimes we find some guys who also like to sashay around the floor with us. And on very rare occasions, you find a guy who can really dance well. That’s the best!

And in the words of Abba, “You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing Queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen.”

Dancing keeps you young at heart, so grab every opportunity you can.

Thanks for reading,

Penny xo ♥

By the way, if you are ever in my neighborhood on a Saturday night, come and join us at the Tartan Tavern (http://tartantavern.com/). We’d love to dance with you!