The snow was falling silently, music wafted through the air and a gentle light softly shone through the community center windows, beckoning friends from near and far. Finally, it was here, the night of our much anticipated Christmas dance. Sir Knight, Miss Serenity, the Littles and I decorated the hall in winter plaid, prepared the food and made the punch while Maid Elizabeth readied the sound system. Before any guests appeared, our family danced through the empty rooms, singing Christmas carols and anticipating a wonderful, fun-filled evening.
 |
| The Punch table (sans the punch bowl) |
Very soon, the community center was filled with children and families, young adults and teenagers, every generation joining hands together, dancing steps that had been passed down through the ages. Oh, what a joy to see faces filled with anticipation and flushed with excitement!
The dances that we do are old-fashioned - The Virginia Reel, Posties Jig, and The Grand March. We dance Whip-the Willow and Hunt the Fox, the Pattie-Cake Polka and more. These are not the awkward dances that you remember from school, these are dances that include everyone, in every age-group. Some are mixers, other you dance with your partner for the entire dance, but every one of them are fast-paced and laughter filled. No one is ever left out. We have young people that are disabled, others that are socially insecure - none are shunned and all are included! It's just plain fun!
 |
| Whip the Willow |
 |
| Getting ready for the Willow (Miss Serenity is talking to a new-found friend) |
 |
| Teaching the dance |
 |
| Master Hand Grenade bowing to his partner |
 |
| Princess Dragon Snack (the blur in blue) sacheting down the middle |
One of my favorite things is seeing multiple generation dance together - delighting in each others company. Last night, one cherished scene was seeing our tall and burly 60 year old neighbor holding the hand of his tiny 4 year old dancing partner and she looked up at him in complete adoration! Oh how I wish I would have had my camera at the ready! These are the things of memories.
 |
| Princess Dragon Snack and her partner |
 |
| They really have to duck to make it under the little kids! |
 |
| Master Calvin and his partner |
 |
| The Pattie-Cake Polka |
Sir Knight and I don't put these dances on because we need one more thing to do - we do it for our children. We want to tuck a happy childhood under their jacket, and these dances help create memories for a lifetime.
These truly are the good ole' days!
