Workshop and Ballroom Dancing

This afternoon, Hubbie and I attended a very informative and comprehensive two-hour workshop about buying and selling at a popular online auction site. We were also provided with a thick packet of reference materials.

The workshop leader, an agent of our state's Cooperative Extension Services, is a skilled presenter, who made the information very clear and easy to understand. This was one of the most well-attended workshops sponsored by Extension Services lately. Skyrocketing gasoline and grocery prices are no doubt spurring folks to seek avenues of supplemental income.

Other than the workshop, our day consisted of sprucing the house a bit for a visit from Hubbie's daughter, grandddaughter, and two great-grandsons tomorrow morning. Daughter said we are not to prepare lunch, because she is bringing it.

This evening we went to the church fellowship hall for the regular Friday night dance, but we were the only ones who showed up. I was afraid folks wouldn't show up tonight, since this is Memorial Day weekend. In fact, I was surprised that the dance wasn't cancelled.

A couple of ladies that we are acquainted with were there preparing snacks and playing music. They had been there since 6 p.m., because they hadn't gotten the message that ballroom dancing classes have been postponed until the fall. The regular dance is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

We stayed until 8 p.m., and had a great time visiting with the ladies, who were in no hurry to leave. Again, I asked if the church will continue the dances, since attendance has been so low lately. They said yes, that this is something the community needs, and it's just a matter of getting the message out to folks that everyone is welcome to come.

I agree that we need a place to practice the techniques we've learned in ballroom dancing classes. If we don't dance regularly, we'll forget what we've learned.

We think we'll advertise the dance as a community dance, rather than ballroom dancing...folks may be afraid to come, believing that they have to perform like "Dancing with the Stars." Also, folks have lots of distractions during the summer, like vacations, kids sports, or just being outdoors, which will probably keep attendance at the dances low until fall.

We might also try theme nights once a month. The night we had a country and western themed night, with a barbecue supper, we had great attendance. We could do that again, or have a '50s night, or a Big Band night, or a Latin night. But I think we need to wait until fall to try any of these.