Did I mention Hot Toddy and I are taking ballroom dance lessons?
For one hour on Wednesday evenings, we meet in the cafeteria of a local high school. Our instructor is Mitzi. She’s a senior citizen. She’s about five foot. She’s got an eastern European accent. She wears her hair in a bun at the top of her head, and a floral wreath encircles the bun. She often wears blue eye shadow. She wears sweat shirts and running shoes. She’s in better shape than any of the couples there. When Mitzi pulls you out of the group to demonstrate something, you discover she’s strong as an ox. When she leads, she leads. I adore her.
So far she’s taught us the basics to The Fox Trot, the Rumba (in which she complimented HT on his hip action…he beamed), The Cha Cha Cha, Swing, and The Waltz.
Since the class is in a cafeteria, and there are tables, and it’s only an hour, we bring the kids and let them sit at a table and play on their iPods.
I love dancing with Todd. We have so much fun. We have a long way to go before we aren’t looking down at our feet, or missing steps, or getting it wrong, but we are laughing. He doesn’t know this, but deep in concentration while we’re dancing, he presses his lips together and tilts his head. It’s cute. He’s discovered the secret of leading, which has a lot to do with a firm signal from his right hand on the back of my ribs. And oh…how I need someone to lead something. Someone, just tell me what to do, and don’t make me think, okay? I love it.
Every now and again, I look over Todd’s shoulder at the kids, and they are watching us. Riley smiles, Seth will give me a wink. On the ride home, they are still on their iPods and they are replaying “us” dancing. They weren’t playing games, they were recording. They’ve added special effects. They speed it up, and slow it down, and make us different colors, and they giggle. And I feel good about this family. I feel good about kids watching their parents dance. And mess up. And laugh. And love.
I just love HT! Hip Action and all!
Dear Michelle,
I’m sitting here with a grin–maybe a smirk–on my face, just loving this post. I’ve been busy and so away from blogging for about ten days. Coming back and finding this photo of Ginger and Fred and then reading about you and your husband cha-cha-chaing! just delights me. What a wonderful way to grow closer as a family!
Peace.
What a great idea!! It’s a night out and is good physically and you are learning something fun. We’ll be looking for a demonstration next time you come home. I love dancing also and have started to do Zumba at home. My body definitely doesn’t move like those girls on the DVD, but I’m getting better and am able to keep up with the beat now. We’ll be anxious to hear of your progress.
Lots of love,
Mums
You have the most amazing way of writing down everyday real life – illustrating the crazy beauty of it all – I love it!!
“Someone, just tell me what to do, and don’t make me think, okay? I love it.” HOLY SHIT YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel good about this family, too.
I feel good after reading this post. I love that the kids are recording you and HT, you’ve hit it right there, they are more than just recording your dancing. And the leading thing–I get it. oh yeah I do.
What a great night out!!
Have to confess I have a vivid image of your instructor in my head and I can imagine its how my friend Anna (she’s Ukrainian) will be in about 25 years or so