gurdymonkey | And one-two-three

A number of years ago Gaius and I attended a Regency ball at Darkover Con. I did great at the set dances but quickly discovered that I had no clue how to waltz, much less follow a partner's lead.

Last night at the urging of my friend Merrin, I sucked up the nerve to attend Friday Night Waltz at the Oakland Veteran's Hall. (Yes, I know it was Saturday, but they do Friday's in the South Bay and I understand the Veteran's Hall is a new venue. Whatever.)

Despite a long, proud and distinguished career as an insecure wall flower, I survived the 2 hour beginner's class, several waltzes during the dance sets afterward and even did a little swing dancing. I got dizzy a lot, particularly when dancing with Merrin's nine year old son, Aidan. I did better with partners who could lead with authority and I was counting like mad throughout. Merrin scolded me for not finding a partner for the second Congress of Vienna set, but sitting out to watch helped me get a better handle on the choreography.

So, the question remains, dare I dig out my Regency for Gaskell's, next weekend?