|
couples are filing in. I am one of several girls there without a
date and I am very self-conscious about it. I am off to the side, sitting in
a chair, with some wilted flowers in my hand. I am supposed to watch the flowers
until they are to be given to the queen of the dance. I am worrying about the
condition of the flowers—they seem to be wilting more by the second. Then
the music starts. Instead of single couples dancing together, everyone is holding
hands and dancing in four or five small circles which after a few seconds turn
into one large circle. I am watching from the sideline. Then I am asked to join.
I get up, and a place in the dance is made for me. I hesitate when I see that
I have to hold hands with one of the most popular boys in school, who usually
flinches at the sight of such an unpopular creature as I. I am afraid of being
rejected. But he takes my hand and smiles. I look down and see that my wilted
flowers have become beautiful and fresh again. The circle gets bigger . . .
around and around. (R. McE., Jerico Springs, Missouri)
I am in a dance group and we have been practicing for a long time together. But I arrive late and don't have time to get into costume and join the group. There is a huge audience. People have come from all over because they are interested in our school and want to watch us perform. When the instructor sees me, she says to hurry and get into my costume, that I can still dance. But I know that there really isn't time. So I watch from backstage through a curtain that is not fully closed. I feel like I did as a Girl Scout leader—as if I am supposed to be watching and am really thrilled that my girls are performing so beautifully. My daughters are in the dance performance. I also see that a girl who was an acrobatic dancer in my class in grade school is dancing a solo. She dances so beautifully and I am glad that she has stayed so supple and agile. The costumes are all in gorgeous colors. The auditorium is huge, filled with interested and appreciative people. When the instructor tells me to get into costume, I shake my head and whisper that it is good business (the way she has chosen to present the dances). Afterwards, she tells me that I am absolutely right. It is good business and a collection is passed around. People make very generous donations. She says there is a table of blind ladies who are especially appreciative. My instructor is pleased with these ladies because they are so modern and up-to- date, dressed in bright colors and modern wash 'n wear 135
|